Southwest Missouri News Jan. 28 2008

Via Southwest Missouri News Southwest Missouri News Southeast Sweepstakes Emerson I've talked at length about possible candidates in potential primaries for the Ninth Congressional District. But as others have noted, there could be another congressional vacancy in southeastern Missouri that could lead to another sizable skirmish. The vast Eighth Congressional District encompasses cities such as Cape Girardeau, Rolla and Farmington. There could be a fairly interesting race to watch if Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, runs for governor. No announcement have been made from her camp, although there is a Draft Emerson Web site up. If Jo Ann Emerson runs for governor and leaves her seat vacant, here are few people on the Republican side of the fence who could make hypothetical - the key word there is hypothetical - jumps into the race: - Lloyd Smith, Emerson's chief of staff: Congressional staffers might not have the visibility of elected officials, but there is a bit of precedent of them taking over for their bosses. For example, Rep. Phil Hare, D-Illinois — a former aide to Rep. Lane Evans, D-Illinois — won election when Evans left the seat for health reasons. U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Illinois, also won election after serving as a staffer in the previous lawmaker's office. Smith — who managed Sen. Jim Talent's re-election bid in 2006 — could have the contacts and wherewithal to be a strong contender for the seat. - House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill: Jetton is considering running for governor. But he has told other media outlets that he would forgo a run if someone such as U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Columbia, got into the race. While the conventional wisdom stated that Jetton was headed toward a transition into political consulting, an open congressional seat might provide another reason to get back into the electoral fold. Jetton has the fundraising ability and the organizational contacts to be a contender. - Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder: Kinder has been fairly emphatic about his plans to run for governor today. Judging by his words, I would doubt he would run for this seat. But as a statewide official with significant roots in the district, he has to be on the list of names. - State Treasurer Sarah Steelman: Steelman, a resident of Rolla, is in a fairly similar position as Kinder. She is seriously considering running for governor and probably would forgo Congress. - Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau: Kinder's successor in the Missouri Senate is a former House Majority Leader from one of the population points in the district. Jetton and Crowell are political allies, so it's doubtful that both would run for this seat. If Crowell decides to run for Congress, his state Senate would be vacated. - Sen. Kevin Engler, R-Farmington: My instincts say that Engler probably wouldn't run here, as it would provide a seriously good chance for the Democrats to pick up his state Senate seat (though probably not with Rep. Brad Robinson, D-Bonne Terre, who was charged with a felony yesterday for a New Year's Eve hit and run accident). But as a state senator in the district, he has to at least be on the list of possible GOP candidates. - Sen. Chuck Purgason, R-Caulfield: Purgason — known both for his bolo ties and his criticism of ethanol mandates — also resides in the U.S. Eighth District. - Sen. Robert Mayer, R-Dexter: Mayer represents the Bootheel area of the Eighth District in the Missouri Senate. But like Engler, he might forgo a race because his state senate seat could become vulnerable if it becomes open. - Cape Girardeau County Prosecutor Morley Swingle: Swingle, who has served as prosecutor in the Cape Girardeau County for nearly two decades, could There are a few interesting names on the Democratic side of the fence, the first being: - Secretary of State Robin Carnahan: As noted on Wednesday, the Washington Post wrote in a blog post that the first-term statewide official was being thrown about as a Democratic candidate for governor. Nobody has confirmed that post, but that doesn't necessarily mean that Carnahan is completely out of the electoral loop. Carnahan — the daughter of former Gov. Mel Carnahan and Sen. Jean Carnahan, D-Missouri — did exceptionally well in the rural areas of the state when she ran for Secretary of State in 2004. Her fundraising reports this year have been impressive, showing that she could garner the funds to run for a federal office. There are no requirements for a congressional candidate to live in the district where they're running. Carnahan — who I believe resides in St. Louis — grew up in Rolla and manages a farm there. But there are other considerations: would Carnahan give up on a re-election bid to run for a congressional seat that leans Republican? Would she rather wait to run for U.S. Senate in 2010? Those are probably the biggest reasons for her to forgo a shot at this seat. I would guess that a Carnahan candidacy for Congress is doubtful. But Carnahan would be a formidable Democratic candidate if Emerson steps aside. - Former Secretary of State Bekki Cook: Cook, who resides in Cape Girardeau, actually was out of politics for an election cycle until she decided to run for Lt. Governor. She lost in a squeaker to Kinder. Former statewide officials - who have experience raising money and traveling big distances to win election - always have to be considered when a congressional seat is vacated. - Sen. Frank Barnitz, D-Lake Spring: Barnitz could make a run for Congress without jeopardizing his seat in the Missouri Senate. He is arguably the most conservative Democrat in the General Assembly's upper chamber, as he has voted for issues such as conceal and carry and the governor's MOHELA plan. One drawback though is the fact that he resides in an area of the district that has a relatively low population. - Reps. Terry Swinger, D-Crauthersville, Tom Todd, D-Campbell, Steve Hodges, D-East Prairie: These state lawmakers could perhaps run for Congress, but would have to forgo a chance at a re-election to their state House seats. Todd and Hodges' seats could be vulnerable to a strong Republican challenge. But again, they live in the district, so they're on the list of possibilities. I'm sure I'm missing some people here. Feel free to comment to suggest more people who could run if Emerson runs. 1/25/2008 Dirty Olde Towne at Club 57 We went to Club 57 last night to hear Dirty Olde Towne. Even though they have been around town this was the first time we had seen them perform. If you are not familiar with Dirty Olde Towne, they are a five piece celtic band. They perform both traditional and contemporary celtic music. The only members we recognized were Will Matherly (SDC) doing vocals and Michael Haygood playing fiddle. These two are always good and the rest of the band is just as good. Their version of "Whiskey in the Jar" was as good as we have ever heard. Michael Haygood did a rockin' version of "Danny Boy" that was really unique. They did other standards such as "Wasn't that a Party" and "Barnyards of Delgaty" along with some original material and some more modern numbers. The band is very entertaining. As we understand it, they will be at Club 57 for the rest of the winter (until Sting Ray Anthony returns) on Thursday nights from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. The Jam Doctors will be performing in the same time slot on Friday and Saturday nights. If you enjoy this type of music you need to see Dirty Olde Town. 1/25/2008 The Logic of Political Journalism Gotta watch those pesky politicians 'cuz you just know they're out to pull the wool over the people's eyes. What other reason do they have to run for office? We need a watch dog. Let's call him the "press." Here's one of the things you gotta watch out for: Politicians who use their own money to run for office. Such nefarious characters are trying to buy an election. Never mind the money they raise from others and use to buy the things necessary to win. That money is clean because it signals an endorsement. That raised money is used to buy the same things as personal money is beside the point. Here's an example of this silliness from last night's Republican debate: MR. RUSSERT: Another quick question. People observing this race in Florida have been somewhat amazed by the number of television ads you've been running. Can you tell the voters of Florida and Republicans across the country, how much of your own money have you spent on this race so far? MR. ROMNEY: In Florida? We'll report that on the -- on the 31st of January as required by law, and probably not a minute earlier. You'll just have to wait, Tim. MR. RUSSERT: But why not tell the voters of Florida and across the country how much of your own wealth you're spending so they can make a judgment and factor that into their -- their own decision? Question: Why would a voter factor such a thing into a voting decision? Why would a person concerned with political issues, which actually affect his life, give a damn about personal money? Well, I can think of one thing that challenges the journalistic logic: Perhaps a voter might think better of a candidate willing to spend his own money. But one gets the clear impression from Russert's entire performance last night that that's now quite where the Sunday morning sage wants to go with this. Read the transcript. Study the questions. It's difficult to imagine how such bad questions (i.e. promote contention and fail to elicit information) can be tolerated by candidates and the voting public. Tag: journalism Tag: rhetoric Tag: politics 1/25/2008 $1.8M recently pledged to MSU Foundation Several local business owners are among recent contributors to the Missouri State University Foundation, which has received nearly $1.8 million in the last several weeks. 1/25/2008 Bogus Claims in Boca Republican contenders fling falsehoods in Florida. 1/25/2008 Reed Pleads Hardship to MoEthics Aldermanic President Lewis Reed was in Jefferson City yesterday asking the Missouri Ethics Commission to let him keep his over-the-limit campaign contributions. From the Kansas City Star's Prime Buzz blog: Reed was elected president of the board in an election last April, but campaign finance reports show he continued to receive over-the-limit contributions after the election. Records show Reed received several contributions over $1,500, including a $10,000 donation from City Centre LLC in St, Louis and three $5,000 donations from other groups. In total, Reed accepted more than $27,000 in over-the-limit contributions. His campaign's latest finance report shows just over $9,000 on hand... Reed, who was accompanied by an attorney at the hearing today, declined to comment, and only reluctantly gave his name to a Star reporter. A law removing limits on contributions went into effect Jan. 1 of last year, but was overturned by the Supreme Court in July. The Ethics Commission is holding hearings to allow candidates who believe returning the excessive funds would be a hardship to argue for keeping the money. According to the Star, Republican State Senator Tom Dempsey also appeared before the Ethics Commission yesterday. Keep up with St. Louis politics at www.pubdef.net 1/25/2008 Draft Jo Ann Emerson: The Blog Time was, people wanting a candidate to get into a race would start a website to generate buzz among constituents.  These days, its easier, cheaper, and more effective to start a blog. From an e-mail I got yesterday (which sadly gives me a whole slew of addresses in the cc: section, a no-no for anyone making contact), it seems a person going by the nom de plume, Nixon Slayer, wants Jo Ann Emerson, the 5-time winner of the 8th Missouri Congressional District and moderate Republican from Cape Girardeau, to jump into the Republican race for the Missouri Governor. I don't know much about Jo Ann other than what I read in the papers, but I like the idea of a blog being used to draft her for a run. Draft JoAnn Blog. 1/25/2008 Former State Rep Jack Jackson Running for Lieutenant Governor Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder's decision to run for Governor following Governor Matt Blunt's surprise announcement that he will not seek re-election means the Republicans will be looking for candidates to run for Lieutenant Governor.  Enter former State Representative Jack Jackson (R-Wildwood). Jackson, a military veteran, says some of the most important duties of the Lieutenant Governor's office are also some of his most passionate interests.  Jackson says he is a leader on veterans' issues, a lead advocate for senior citizens, and is working for Missourians as a guide to help them find state services to make their family lives better. He says he is the most qualified in the state to take on these and all the responsibilities of Lieutenant Governor. Jackson says he received a phone call from Kinder several hours after Blunt's announcement. He says Kinder outlined his plans to run for Governor and suggested Jackson might run for Lieutenant Governor. Jackson says after consulting with his wife and other people he decided to toss his hat into the ring.  Jackson ran unsuccessfully for Auditor in 2006, losing the GOP nomination in a five member race. 1/25/2008 Gov. Blunt Lauds D.A.R.E. Officers' Commitment to Keep Missouri Children Drug Free 1/25/2008 So Much For Unity (AP) Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, a Democrat, is considering a run for governor. Carnahan planned to seek re-election but a spokesman says she began thinking about a gubernatorial bid after Gov. Matt Blunt, a Republican, announced he would not run for a second term. Attorney General Jay Nixon is so far the only Democrat to declare his candidacy for governor. The filing period for candidates for state offices opens in Feb. 26 and runs for a month. Campaign spokesman Tony Wyche says Carnahan received several calls urging her to run for governor. Wyche says she is taking time to think about it. 1/25/2008 More on Edwards Here are the Edwards details: Springfield, Missouri — On Monday, January 28th, 2008, Senator John Edwards will travel to Springfield, Missouri to meet with voters and discuss his plans to make sure our government works for working families and the middle class, not just special interests. From guaranteeing universal health care to creating good jobs and enacting trade deals that help workers, not just big multinational corporations, Edwards will take on entrenched interests and fight for working and middle class families. "Powerful entrenched interests are standing in the way of the change our country desperately needs," said Edwards. "We need to stand up for the middle class and American jobs before it's too late. Saving the middle class is going to be an epic battle, and that's a fight I was born for. I know that if we stand together, we can take back our country. We can build the One America we all believe in." Edwards personally understands the struggles facing Missouri's families. He was born to a working class family and raised in small, rural mill towns across the South. Edwards has spent his life taking on powerful interests on behalf of families like the ones he grew up with. Edwards' message is resonating with voters in red states and blue states, in big cities and small towns. A recent CNN poll showed Edwards was the only Democrat to beat all four leading Republicans nationally, and state by state polls show even more conclusively that Edwards is the most electable democrat in key battleground states -- and even win in states like Missouri and Oklahoma that have gone "red" in recent presidential elections. Edwards enjoys strong grassroots support in Missouri, including the support more than 34,000 union members across the state. Edwards has also won the support of dozens of Democratic elected officials and party leaders from every region of the state including former Missouri Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell, Missouri State Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Frank Barnitz, Missouri House Democratic Whip Connie Johnson, and Missouri State Senator Wes Shoemyer. Edwards was also recently endorsed by former Missouri House Speaker Jim Kreider. The details of Edwards' Missouri event are included below. The event is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP please visit the John Edwards for President web site at: www.johnedwards.com/springfield. 1/25/2008 John Edwards coming to Springfield Political sources say that John Edwards will make an appearance in Springfield at the Teamsters Hall this coming Monday, January 28 at 5:30pm. Come out and hear the story about the Mill and see good hair. View Larger Map =============================== The 2 Dollar Bill Yearly subscriptions include a lifetime supply of Sniderman's hair wax. When the dippity just won't do, Sniderman's hair wax is the man's answer to sensible style. Sniderman's hair wax. Smell's great, too. Ask for it by name. 1/25/2008 If Steelman Jumps, Lampe Could Run Statewide SOURCE: LAMPE BEING URGED TO RUN FOR TREASURER If Republican State Treasurer Sarah Steelman jumps in the race for Governor, Springfield Rep. Sara Lampe could become a Democratic candidate for Treasurer, according to Democratic sources. "She'd be a natural fit for the race. And she's already got people coming up to her, calling her, urging her to consider it," said a Democratic source who asked for anonymity. But Lampe would only make the jump, if Steelman does, said the source. "This only works if Steelman gets in, and that's still unclear," noted this Democrat. It's no secret that Lampe has statewide aspirations at some point in the future. But no one close to her believed the opportunity would come this soon. "You have to take the chances when you get them," the source said. 1/25/2008 State Treasurer Sarah Steelman's Weekly Office Performance Report. 1/25/2008 Carnahan mulling bid for governor Carnahan Nixon For the time being, it might not be safe to call Attorney General Jay Nixon the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor anymore. That's because Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is considering a bid to run for governor. The daughter of former Gov. Mel Carnahan and former U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan received a number of calls about running and will take some time to mull things over. "I think this will be something she'll decide in the fairly near future," said Tony Wyche, a Carnahan spokesman. "She hasn't really begun the process of thinking about it. She's" got to "sit down with her family and really think it through." One thing not on her radar, Wyche said, is running for Congress. Although Carnahan resides in St. Louis, she manages a farm in Rolla. Candidates can run for congressional seats even if they live somewhere else. "It's nothing I've talked her about," Wyche said, regarding a run for Congress in the case that Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, runs for governor. "I don't think that would be the case." The Washington Post concocted a blog post this week bringing up Carnahan's name as a possible candidate for governor. She nearly ran against Nixon when Blunt was still planning for re-election, but decided against it. Although Nixon's been running unopposed for essentially the last three years, Carnahan brings some significant strengths to the table. She is prolific fundraiser, bringing in $258,434.50 during the last fundraising quarter. To put that in perspective, that's roughly $100,000 less than what U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Columbia, has on hand for his federal re-election bid. Carnahan also did well in rural areas of the state when she ran for Secretary of State in 2004. Doing well in those parts of the state could be critical for Democratic chances at winning statewide offices in the future. Oren Shur, a spokesman for the Nixon campaign, said Carnahan will have to make a decision for herself. "We recognize her right to make her own decision," Shur said. "Missourians know we need a change from the policies that have moved our state backwards these past three years, and they know Jay Nixon has experience and passion needed to bring about that change." ADDENDUM: Here's the AP version: JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Secretary of State Robin Carnahan's campaign confirmed Friday that she is considering a run for governor, the first Democrat to look anew at the race since Republican Gov. Matt Blunt declared he will not seek re-election. Carnahan had planned on running again for secretary of state. But a campaign spokesman said Blunt's surprising decision has led her to ponder a gubernatorial bid instead. "She's received several calls from people urging her to think about it," said Carnahan spokesman Tony Wyche. "The political landscape in the state has gone through a major upheaval, so she's just going to take a little bit of time here and think about it." Attorney General Jay Nixon is so far the only Democrat to declare his candidacy for governor. Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder is the only person to enter the governor's race after Blunt announced his exit on Tuesday. But at least a half dozen other Republicans also are considering it. Nixon had been campaigning against Blunt for several years before having to suddenly adjust his efforts. But he has vowed to press on with essentially the same message. 1/25/2008 MRTL endorses Huck Missouri Right to Life endorsed former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee for president today. From a press release: MRL's Board of Directors and Political Action Committee (PAC), after reviewing the candidate's positions and level of support nationwide and in Missouri, chose to endorse Governor Huckabee over his primary rivals due to his unsurpassed and steadfast support of Pro-Life principles during more than 10 years of public service. Among Governor Huckabee's achievements as Lt. Governor and Governor in Arkansas are the following: - Passage of the Arkansas Unborn Child Amendment - Partial Birth Abortion Ban - Parental Notification law - Informed Consent (abortion) law - Unborn Child Pain Awareness law - Safe Harbor law - Unborn Victims of Violence law The national chapter of RTL endorsed former Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tennessee. But he dropped out of the race, prompting the group to choose another candidate. 1/25/2008 Steelman's in, Carnahan's considering 1/27/2008 Steelman Will Run For Governor State Treasurer Sarah Steelman will announce that she will run for governor tomorrow morning in Springfield. The announcement will occur at 10:30 a.m. at her brother's home in Springfield. This comes three days after she said she would run for a second term as treasurer. Read more here. 1/25/2008 Steelman running for governor Here's the scoop: State Treasurer Sarah Steelman will announce her intention to run for Governor of the State of Missouri on Saturday, January 26th at the home of Tom and Leigh Ann Hearne in Springfield, MO. After earnest consideration, Treasurer Steelman believes that she can best serve the people of Missouri through the office of Governor. There she will continue to lead our state by investing in the talents of Missouri's hardworking people. Who: State Treasurer Sarah Steelman What: "Power to the People" Gubernatorial Announcement When: 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 26, 2008 Where: Home of Tom and Leigh Ann Hearne 3320 South Woodstock Springfield, MO 65809 1/25/2008 Missouri Right to Life endorses Huckabee Missouri Right to Life endorsed Mike Huckabee for president today. The news release is printed below: Missouri Right to Life (MRL), the state's largest grassroots organization focused on Pro-Life issues, today announces its endorsement of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee for U.S. President. MRL's Board of Directors and Political Action Committee (PAC), after reviewing the candidate's positions and level of support nationwide and in Missouri, chose to endorse Governor Huckabee over his primary rivals due to his unsurpassed and steadfast support of Pro-Life principles during more than 10 years of public service. Among Governor Huckabee's achievements as Lt. Governor and Governor in Arkansas are the following: - Passage of the Arkansas Unborn Child Amendment - Partial Birth Abortion Ban - Parental Notification law - Informed Consent (abortion) law - Unborn Child Pain Awareness law - Safe Harbor law - Unborn Victims of Violence law In addition, Governor Huckabee was the second governor in the country to sign into law a true ban on Human Cloning, outlawing the creation and destruction of living human embryos for research. A similar ban has been a major priority for MRL despite fierce opposition. Governor Huckabee states that he also is opposed to embryonic stem cell research. Governor Huckabee has publicly committed to doing more than just nominating judges opposed to Roe vs. Wade: "What I accomplished as Governor proves that there is a lot more that a pro-life President can do than wait for a Supreme Court vacancy, and I will do everything I can to promote a pro-life agenda and pass pro-life legislation. If I am saddled with a Democrat Congress, I'll veto any pro-abortion legislation they pass. I will staff all relevant positions with pro-life appointees. I will use the Bully Pulpit to change hearts and minds, to move this country from a culture of death to a culture of life. I have no desire to throw women in jail, I just want to stop throwing babies in the garbage." Both nationwide and state polling data confirm that Governor Huckabee has solid opportunities to win Republican delegates. MRL encourages pro-life citizens, regardless of their political affiliation, to explore Governor Huckabee's candidacy. 1/25/2008 -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com