Jim Strafuss Lincoln Days 2008

Jim Strafuss at Lincoln Days in Branson Missouri April 2008 Photo by Darin Codon

Libertarian Party

Libertarian Convention 2008 Presidential Candidate Votes Went into 6 rounds until a majority vote advanced Bob Barr 1st Vote Bob Barr 153 (25%) Mary Ruwart 152 (25%) Wayne Allyn Root 123 (20%) Mike Gravel 71 (11%) George Phillies 49 Steve Kubby 41 Mike Jingozian 23 Christine Smith 6 None of the above 2 Total votes 579* *Ron Paul, Penn Jillette, and Daniel Imperato also received votes but where not considered part of the tally Jingozian and Smith are eliminated; Jingozian throws his support behind Gravel. Smith is outraged that Bob Barr has the lead; tells delegates to support “a real Libertarian.” 2nd Vote Bob Barr 188 (30%) Mary Ruwart 162 (26%) Wayne Allyn Root 138 (22%) Mike Gravel 73 George Phillies 36 Steve Kubby 32 None of the above 1 Total votes 630 Kubby eliminated; backs Ruwart. 3rd Vote Bob Barr 186 (29.6%) Mary Ruwart 186 (29.6%) Wayne Allyn Root 146 (23.2%) Mike Gravel 78 (12.4%) George Phillies 31 None of the above 1 Total votes 628 George Phillies eliminated; endorses no one. Stress unity: “The enemy is not in here [the Libertarian Convention], the enemy is out there!” 4th Vote Bob Barr 202 (32%) Mary Ruwart 202 (32%) Wayne Allyn Root 146 (24%) Mike Gravel 76 (12%) None of the above 2 Total votes 629 Gravel eliminated. 5th Vote Bob Barr 223 (36%) Mary Ruwart 229 (37%) Wayne Allyn Root 165 (26%) None of the above 0 Total votes 617 Root eliminated; supports a Barr/Root ticket 6th Vote Bob Barr 324 54% Mary Ruwart 276 46% None of the above 4 1% Total votes 604

Forwarding and Depositing Contributions - Deadlines for Treasurers

Forwarding and Depositing Contributions - Deadlines for Treasurers Tue, 27 May 2008 13:11:08 -0500 Did you know that treasurers have to pay attention to two different deadlines when a committee receives a contribution? First, when any person receives a contribution of any amount for a campaign (or a contribution in excess of $50 for a PAC or party committee), that person has 10 days to forward the contribution to the treasurer. (The deadline for forwarding contributions of $50 or less to a PAC or party committee is 30 days). See 11 CFR 102.8. Second, the treasurer must deposit the contribution within 10 days after he or she receives it from the person who initially collected it. 11 CFR 103.3(a). By the way, the date of receipt for reporting purposes is the date that person initially received the contribution (so the date and other records must be forwarded along with the contribution). For more information, see the chapters on fundraising and recordkeeping in your Campaign Guide and the regulations linked above. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Federal Election Commission. Visit us on the web at http://www.fec.gov/. Federal Election Commission · 999 E Street, NW · Washington DC 20463 · (800) 424-9530

Federal Election Commission Resources for Committee Treasurers Update

A new tip for treasurers has been posted at http://www.fec.gov/info/TipsforTreasurers.shtml#tip20080527.     You are subscribed to Resources for Committee Treasurers for Federal Election Commission. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Federal Election Commission. Visit us on the web at http://www.fec.gov/. Federal Election Commission · 999 E Street, NW · Washington DC 20463 · (800) 424-9530

Federal Election Commission Advisory Opinion Requests Update - AOR 2008-5 now available

The following new Advisory Opinion Request (AOR) is available now for public comment due to the General Counsel by June 2, 2008. AOR 2008-5 (Holland and Knight, LLP), available at http://saos.nictusa.com/aodocs/986467.pdf  You are subscribed to Advisory Opinion Requests for Federal Election Commission. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Federal Election Commission. Visit us on the web at http://www.fec.gov/. Federal Election Commission · 999 E Street, NW · Washington DC 20463 · (800) 424-9530

Federal Election Commission Educational Outreach Update - FEC June Conference sold out

The FEC's June 23-24 conference for trade associations, labor organizations and membership organizations is now sold out; waiting list only.  Visit http://www.fec.gov/info/conferences/2008/tradememberlabor08.shtml#registrationinfo for more information. Additional Questions: Conference Program: 1-800/424-9530 (press 6) or e-mail Conferences@fec.gov Conference Registration/Fees: 1-800/246-7277 or e-mail tonis@sylvestermanagement.com You are subscribed to Educational Outreach for Federal Election Commission. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Federal Election Commission. Visit us on the web at http://www.fec.gov/. Federal Election Commission · 999 E Street, NW · Washington DC 20463 · (800) 424-9530

Federal Election Commission The Record Update

You are subscribed to The Record for Federal Election Commission. The Record Annual Index 2007 now available. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Federal Election Commission. Visit us on the web at http://www.fec.gov/. Federal Election Commission · 999 E Street, NW · Washington DC 20463 · (800) 424-9530

Missouri Governor Up For Grab as Missouri Republican Convention in Branson Nears

US Rep Kenny Hulsoff has yet to complete his website as the Missouri Republican Convention nears....

Legislative Session Ends with Property Tax and Illegal Immigration Reform

Opt In by Missouri Senator Matt Bartle               Now that the 2008 legislative session is officially over, we can take a moment to reflect on the legislation that we successfully passed. From property tax reform to illegal immigration, and education to cyber-crimes, we worked to pass several bills that will help improve the quality of life for Missourians.               One of the most publicized measures passed this session was SB 711, which helps to protect taxpayers from excessive, sudden property tax increases by requiring tax rate rollbacks, closing loopholes in the current law and by requiring early notification and more information regarding tax liability. Legislation to increase tax relief to seniors and the disabled was also passed.               Frustrated by the lack of action by Congress on the critical and timely issue of illegal immigration, we were compelled to pass legislation that tackles the problem. Sweeping illegal immigration reform was sent to the governor, protecting Missourians' jobs and providing better resources for employers to check the U.S. citizenship status of their employees. House Bill 1549 also ensures that only citizens will receive services reserved for taxpayers.               We also expanded the educational opportunities for students in Missouri, giving our children, no matter where they live or what their financial situation may be, access to a good education. Lawmakers approved a $121.3 million increase of the school foundation funding formula, as well as a $3.5 million increase to fund even more eligible students for the A+ Schools Program. We also continued our commitment to provide increased need-based college scholarship funding, with more than $100 million set aside to help our college students fulfill their higher education goals.               Missouri's children will be more protected — even online. By passing Megan's Law, named for Megan Meier, the Missouri teenager who committed suicide after being harassed by a neighbor online, Web-based harassment is now a criminal offense. Senate Bill 818 also strengthens our current harassment and stalking laws.   -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Missouri Declares Branson "Capitol For the Day"

Gov. Blunt Brings One-on-One Access to State Government to Branson Governor's Office Governor Proclaims Branson as Missouri's Capital for a Day BRANSON - As part of his ongoing effort to make state government more responsive and accessible for the people of Missouri, Gov. Matt Blunt today proclaimed the city of Branson as Missouri's Capital for a Day, offering one-on-one and personalized access to state government. "Government is meant to serve the people, not to serve those who hold office," Gov. Blunt said. "Capital for a Day is a great opportunity for Missourians to get up close with their state government, and for state officials to meet with Missouri families to hear their needs and concerns." Gov. Matt Blunt brought his cabinet and senior staff to Branson to assist with constituent services and meet with Missourians. While in Branson the governor is holding office hours at the Branson City Hall to visit with citizens and will make stops at various locations in the area. Cabinet officials and representatives from each department of state government are also on hand throughout the afternoon to answer questions and provide assistance. Capital for a Day gives Missourians an opportunity for one-on-one, personalized government service. Some of the state government's highest officials including Gov. Blunt will be in the city, available to Missourians to answer questions, listen to ideas and visit about state services. State agencies will also hold office hours throughout the afternoon. By bringing state government directly to the people of Branson, local citizens will have even greater access to officials and agencies who can offer assistance. While in Branson, the governor will meet with local law enforcement to discuss his directives to fight illegal immigration, visit with Missouri seniors at the Branson Senior Center and promote Missouri tourism with a stop at the Branson Landing. Branson is Gov. Blunt's sixth Capital for a Day. On April 11 Gov. Blunt proclaimed St. Charles as Capital for a Day. On March 14 Gov. Blunt proclaimed Carthage as Capital for a Day; on February 1, the governor proclaimed Farmington as Capital for a Day; on December 5, the governor named Liberty as Capital for a Day; and on October 2, the governor named Sedalia as Missouri's first Capital for a Day. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Register Now for FEC Trade/Member/Labor Organization Conference Before Price Goes Up! CORRECTION

CORRECTED: REGISTRATION FEE IS $475. PLEASE DISREGARD PREVIOUS E-MAIL. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE Get Ready for the 2008 Elections!!! Need to update yourself on the new bundling and travel provisions of the Honest Leadership & Government Act as they apply to trade associations, membership organizations and labor organizations? Or need basic training on federal campaign finance law? Click HERE to REGISTER NOW for the FEC's Conference for Trade Associations, Membership Organizations and Labor Organizations, and their Political Action Committees Price goes up May 24!     Conference on Federal Campaign Finance Laws For Trade Associations, Membership Organizations, Labor Organizations and their Political Action Committees       Embassy Suites Convention Center Washington, DC June 23-24, 2008 Registration Fee: $475  (Goes up to $500 on May 24) Additional Questions: Conference Website: http://www.fec.gov/info/conferences/2008/tradememberlabor08.shtml Conference Program: Call 1-800/424-9530 (press 6) or e-mail Conferences@fec.gov Conference Registration: Call 1-800/246-7277 or e-mail tonis@sylvestermanagement.com You are subscribed to Educational Outreach for Federal Election Commission. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Federal Election Commission. Visit us on the web at http://www.fec.gov/. Federal Election Commission · 999 E Street, NW · Washington DC 20463 · (800) 424-9530

Register Now for FEC Trade/Member/Labor Organization Conference Before Price Goes Up!

Get Ready for the 2008 Elections!!! Need to update yourself on the new bundling and travel provisions of the Honest Leadership & Government Act as they apply to trade associations, membership organizations and labor organizations? Or need basic training on federal campaign finance law? Click HERE to REGISTER NOW for the FEC's Conference for Trade Associations, Membership Organizations and Labor Organizations, and their Political Action Committees Price goes up May 24!     Conference on Federal Campaign Finance Laws For Trade Associations, Membership Organizations, Labor Organizations and their Political Action Committees       Embassy Suites Convention Center Washington, DC June 23-24, 2008   Registration Fee: $450 (Goes up to $500 on May 24) Additional Questions: Conference Website: http://www.fec.gov/info/conferences/2008/tradememberlabor08.shtml Conference Program: Call 1-800/424-9530 (press 6) or e-mail Conferences@fec.gov Conference Registration: Call 1-800/246-7277 or e-mail tonis@sylvestermanagement.com You are subscribed to Educational Outreach for Federal Election Commission. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Federal Election Commission. Visit us on the web at http://www.fec.gov/. Federal Election Commission · 999 E Street, NW · Washington DC 20463 · (800) 424-9530

Matt Blunt's Report Card - Missouri Democrats Respond to Session

Date: Fri, 16 May 2008 19:48:08 GMT Subject: Matt Blunt's Report Card Today, the four-year reign of Matt Blunt and his Republican-controlled legislature will come to an end. The General Assembly will adjourn this evening, and campaign season will begin in earnest. As we close the books on the 2008 legislative session, we should take a moment to review just how far backwards Gov. Blunt has taken us. There's no doubt: Matt Blunt and the GOP legislature's record of failure clearly shows how badly our state needs change. Jobs and Economy -- F During these tough economic times, Missouri's hardworking families are struggling to make ends meet. In March alone, Missouri lost more than 10,000 jobs, making our unemployment rate the seventh-highest in the nation. If employment in our state had grown at the national average, 40,320 more Missourians would have jobs today. Instead, our good-paying jobs are being shipped overseas and Missouri's economy is falling further behind. And, as the cost of gas, food, health care and college tuition continue to skyrocket, wages for our workers remain stagnant. Health Care -- F Because of Gov. Blunt's 2005 health care cuts, Missouri's uninsured population has increased by more than three times the rate of the national average. Today, more than 750,000 Missourians are living without health insurance, including more than 127,000 children. As a result of these devastating cuts, Missourians with health insurance have seen their premiums skyrocket by 36 percent in the past few years. Meanwhile, Gov. Blunt has turned down more than $1 billion in federal health care dollars -- money already available to help pay for medical services for Missourians but now going to other states instead. Education -- F According to public education experts, Missouri is a "worst case state" in public education performance. We rank 47th in teacher salaries; 36th in math proficiency; and 29th in K-12 spending. But thankfully, when Gov. Blunt rolled out a voucher scheme, a bi-partisan group of legislators stood up to crush his proposal. Missouri ranks "dead last" in higher education funding increases since Gov. Blunt took office, and we now spend only 1.2 percent of our state revenue on our public colleges and universities. Tuition at our state schools has soared by 30 percent in the past few years, making Missouri state colleges and universities more expensive than public institutions in any other Big 12 state. Too many of our middle-class families are getting squeezed out of the dream of a four-year degree, but the Blunt administration has done nothing to tackle the issue of college affordability. Actually, they siphoned $350 million from the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority, the state agency designed to provide low-interest loans to middle-class families, and now, that agency is going broke. Fiscal Responsibility -- F Although Gov. Blunt is touting a budget surplus, it turns out Missouri will be $500 million in the red by 2010. Missouri's general revenue decreased by 9.8 percent last month -- one of the sharpest declines in state history. It's clear that after four long years of failed priorities and poor leadership, Missouri needs change. We need a Governor and legislative leaders who will offer new, fresh ideas to move Missouri forward. Democrats across Missouri are united to change the direction of our state. And now is the time for everyone to get involved. Please sign up today to volunteer with the Missouri Democratic Party. With your help, Jay Nixon will be our next governor and Democrats once again will control the state legislature. Together, we will bring about the change Missouri so desperately needs. Sincerely, Maida Coleman Senate Minority Leader Paul LeVota House Minority Leader -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Mo. session ebbed from inaction to whirlwind - By Chris Blank AP

May 17, 5:04 PM EDT Mo. session ebbed from inaction to whirlwind By CHRIS BLANK Associated Press Writer Advertisement Click here to find out more! JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- If lawmakers woke up a little groggy Saturday, it's probably because they did most their work in the final hours before Friday's mandatory end to their legislative session. Illegal immigration, property taxes, repealing campaign contribution limits, Internet harassment. Each was identified as a priority by Gov. Matt Blunt or legislative leaders. All were put off until the final day of a session that was disrupted just two weeks after it began when Blunt announced that he would not seek re-election. Blunt and Republican leaders said they still accomplished almost everything they set out to do. They passed bills requiring local governments to reduce their tax rates when property values rise, cracking down on illegal immigrants and their employers and making it illegal to harass others by computers, text messages and other electronic devices after the suicide of a St. Charles County teen. The glaring exception was Blunt's plan to create a program to help low-income Missourians get health insurance. It spent most of the session being studied in a House committee and was never debated on the floor. "A successful session doesn't mean that you passed every single bill that you'd like to pass," Blunt said. "It doesn't even mean that you passed every important bill that you'd like to pass, but it does mean that you passed a number of priorities that move Missouri forward and reflect the values of our state." In guiding those priorities, lawmakers often seemed like someone learning to drive a stick-shift car - suddenly lurching forward after long periods of stagnation. For most of the last four months, lawmakers took a casual pace, but they finished the session with a last-day whirlwind of activity. Sixty percent of the 117 nonbudget bills that are headed to the governor got final approval hours before lawmakers adjourned Friday evening. The House didn't even start meeting for more than an hour or two each day until late March, and the Senate avoided some controversial bills that in previous years have sparked partisan rancor, late nights and filibusters. House Minority Leader Paul LeVota said poor leadership and a lack of direction caused lawmakers to become a "do-nothing Legislature." "They spent more time on the snow cone/ice cream cone than they did talking about what we need to do to improve health care in Missouri," said LeVota, D-Independence. Lawmakers did pass a bill declaring the ice cream cone as the official state dessert. In the session's final week, it was a debate over whether to repeal a law passed last year that triggered the most attention. Efforts to repeal a "village law" that allows property owners in unincorporated areas to avoid county planning and zoning requirements sparked political jockeying that ensnared floor debate in the House and Senate and threatened most of the session's big-ticket bills. Senators pushing for the repeal temporarily prevented debate on the immigration bill, then House Speaker Rod Jetton enlisted the help of several senators to hold up the village-law repeal. The standoff didn't end until Republican senators brokered a 4 a.m. deal with Jetton allowing the village-law repeal to pass with a delayed implementation. House leaders then on the session's final day blasted through the blockage, allowing little debate while passing the village-law repeal and three other major bills in just over an hour - almost before fatigued senators reconvened Friday morning. House Majority Leader Steven Tilley said he advised Democrats he planned to move through the bills quickly and thanked them for not using stall tactics. "The bottom line is it was a busy day," said Tilley, R-Perryville. But the flurry of action did not help a last-ditch effort to resurrect a 2006 law requiring voters to show a government-issued photo ID that was thrown out by the Missouri Supreme Court. Shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that a similar Indiana law didn't violate the U.S. Constitution, the House approved a proposed constitutional amendment clearing the way for a future law requiring voters show an ID at the polls. Senate leaders flirted with the idea, but decided there wasn't enough time. The voter ID measure, along with a broad abortion bill that would have sent people to jail for "coercing" others to have the procedure, were among the ideas for which House members blamed the Senate for failing to pass. House members also killed several bills. Some Republicans joined minority Democrats to vote down measures to change how some state judges are selected; to create a tax incentive to encourage private donations so autistic children could attend private schools; to limit payments from a state fund to compensate twice-injured workers; and to lower the minimum wage for waiters and other tipped employees. Still, Republicans said that what they did steer through will help the party stay in gear through the November elections and allow them to stay in the driver's seat at the Capitol. "We've got a great message going forward, as we head off in the next year, because we have improved the lives of Missourians this session," said House Speaker Pro Tem Bryan Pratt, R-Blue Springs. -- On the Net: Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

May Filing Reminder

May Filing Reminder Mon, 19 May 2008 08:23:38 -0500 Monthly filing committees are reminded that they have a report due tomorrow, May 20, covering the month of April. Also, campaigns in certain states (and quarterly filing PACs or party committees that made contributions to them or expenditures on behalf of them between April 1 and May 21) have a pre-election report due next week for which the mailing deadline is on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. Please remember that filing deadlines are not extended even when they fall on federal holidays. Accordingly, if you are not an electronic filer, please plan to postmark your pre-election report by register/certified mail or by overnight delivery before the 26th. Reports filed by methods other than registered, certified or overnight mail, or electronically, must be received before the Commission's (or the Secretary of the Senate's) close of business on the last business day before the deadline (i.e., Friday, May 23). States affected include Arkansas, Maine, North Dakota, South Carolina and Virginia. For the complete chart of pre-election reporting dates, visit http://www.fec.gov/info/charts_primary_dates.shtml. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Federal Election Commission. Visit us on the web at http://www.fec.gov/. Federal Election Commission · 999 E Street, NW · Washington DC 20463 · (800) 424-9530

Federal Election Commission Resources for Committee Treasurers Update - New Tip Posted

A new tip for treasurers has been posted at http://www.fec.gov/info/TipsforTreasurers.shtml#tip20080519.     You are subscribed to Resources for Committee Treasurers for Federal Election Commission. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Federal Election Commission. Visit us on the web at http://www.fec.gov/. Federal Election Commission · 999 E Street, NW · Washington DC 20463 · (800) 424-9530

Human Trafficking Slave Trade

HUMAN TRAFFICKING Today's Slave Trade 05/09/08 FBI Press Release http://www.fbi.gov/page2/may08/humantrafficking_050908.html Human Trafficking A Western man negotiating for a young Thai girl (far right), who clutches the arm of her trafficker. After settling on a price, the man left with the girl, and the trafficker left with her payment. Photo courtesy of the U.S. State Department. In 1999, a teenage girl was taken from a Haitian orphanage and smuggled—using phony documentation—into Miami, where she was forced to work as a domestic servant for up to 15 hours a day, seven days a week. She was never paid, not allowed to go to school, occasionally beaten, and subjected to other inhumane treatment. After suffering for nearly six years, she managed to escape in 2005. This March, justice was finally served when three of her captors were convicted in the case. This is just one of hundreds of heart-breaking human trafficking cases the FBI investigates each year, in conjunction with local, state, and federal partners such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Our Legal Attachés stationed in embassies around the world also support our investigations that have an international nexus—which many do—by coordinating with our global partners. Using a multi-pronged strategy, we address human trafficking by: * Participating in joint law enforcement task forces (there are up to 30 such task forces around the country right now); * Using intelligence to identify traffickers and gain insights into how they conduct their operations (i.e., finances, logistics); * Looking at possible human trafficking elements in cases initially identified as human smuggling, Internet crimes against children, and/or sex tourism matters; and * Perhaps most importantly, working closely with trafficking victims—many of whom don't speak English—to enlist their help in prosecuting their captors AND to make sure they get the support they need to cope with the horrors they've been through and get back on their feet. Training is another important aspect of how we address the human trafficking problem. In many instances, local police officers are the first ones on the scene in a suspected case, and it's important that they know what to look for. Bureau agents who have worked a lot of these cases can offer their own expertise and experiences to state and local officers at regional training sessions. And as more states pass their own anti-trafficking legislation (27 so far), additional human trafficking cases will be prosecuted locally, so it's even more important that local police departments fully understand the crime. The majority of victims in FBI human trafficking cases are woman and young girls from Central American and Asian countries. They are primarily forced into the commercial sex industry and, like the young teen from Haiti, domestic servitude. Men and boys are typically victimized in the migrant farming, restaurant, and other service-related industries. However, there are an increasing number of young males being forced into the commercial sex industry as well. But not all of the victims of human trafficking in the U.S. are foreign nationals; some are American citizens or residents. For example, an Anchorage man was found guilty in February of recruiting young women—mostly runaways from other parts of the country—to work for him as prostitutes. He controlled them by getting them addicted to crack cocaine, confining them to a small closet for days at a time, and beating them. If you believe someone you know might be a victim, contact your local FBI office or the Department of Justice trafficking hotline at 1-888-428-7581. Resources: - FBI Human Trafficking webpage - Human Trafficking: FBI Initiatives - Human Trafficking: An Intelligence Report -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Senator Matt Bartle Sounds - Last Day of Missouri Senate

2008 Legislative Session Winds Down When the gavel slams down on the Senate podium at 6 p.m. this Friday, the 2008 legislative session will be one for the history books. At that time, any bill that still has not been passed in the identical form by both the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate will be automatically dead and will need to be revived next year for a chance at passage. Of the more than 1,700 bills proposed this session, only a small percentage will have been passed by the Legislature and sent to the governor for his approval by the time we adjourn for the year. In the coming weeks, I will highlight some of the most important pieces of legislation to be delivered to the governor this session. We have debated a wide variety of issues and while fewer bills were passed this session than during a typical year, many important topics were addressed. It is important to note that a legislative session should not be judged by the volume of bills passed. Sometimes victories are measured by bills that were prevented from passage. One of the important pieces of legislation we passed was Senate Bill 830. This bill encourages veterans to attend college. Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars risked their lives to protect Americans and rebuild important strategic partners in the Middle-East. This bill is a small way we can say "thank you" to Missouri veterans by helping to make the goal of pursuing higher education less of a financial burden. Senate Bill 830 reduces tuition rates by limiting the amount a Missouri public university or college may charge to certain combat veterans to no more than $50 per credit hour for programs where the student will eventually earn a certificate, or an associate or bachelor's degree. For veterans to be eligible to participate in the program, they must have served in combat after September 11, 2001, been Missouri residents when they first entered the military, and been discharged from their service under honorable conditions. Veterans with lowered tuition rates must also maintain at least a cumulative 2.5 GPA during their time in school. At the time of this writing it is too early to tell whether many bills still awaiting final votes will clear the last hurdle by 6 p.m. on Friday. Several bills still have a realistic shot at passing, even if it happens to be at the last minute. By next week the dust will have settled and we'll have a better idea what bills the Missouri General Assembly will be forwarding on to Governor Blunt for his approval. If you have any comments or questions about this week's column or any other matter involving state government, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach my office by e-mail at matt_bartle@senate.mo.gov or by phone at (888) 711-9278. My web address is http://www.senate.mo.gov/bartle. Sent on behalf of: Senator Matt Bartle -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Cathy Hilliard 143 District Candidate Reports From Cape Girardeau

Local Democrat Candidate Visits Cape Girardeau, Attends Obama Event May 14, 2008 CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO – Cathy Hilliard, State Representative candidate for Missouri's 143rd District, accompanied Joe Allen, the Democrat nominee for the 8th Congressional District, to Cape Girardeau where both candidates toured the downtown business district, met with local business owners, and visited the flood-swollen Mississippi River. Cape Girardeau is located on the eastern edge of Missouri's 8th Congressional District, along the Illinois border. Before speaking to local business owners, Hilliard listened as many voiced their concerns about rising fuel prices and overhead costs and a shrinking labor force. "Although Cape is not in my district, once elected my votes will affect every Missouri citizen, and I promise you that I will never vote against the working families of Missouri," she said before speaking about health care and insurance for small business owners and employees and downtown revitalization and economic development opportunities. Hilliard, a Branson area Realtor, also discussed rising foreclosures in the state, affordable housing shortages, and home ownership opportunities with ladies in a downtown salon called The Shop. With campaign volunteers also on hand to register voters throughout the day, Hilliard joined with other Democrats across the state to blast Missouri's Republican lawmakers for trying to thwart democracy and make it more difficult for Missouri residents to vote, citing the Indiana fiasco where twelve nuns in their 80s and 90s were prevented from voting because they lacked acceptable identification. "Missouri already has a common sense voter identification law that ensures eligible voters are who they say they are on Election Day. Not only will this legislation change Missouri's Constitution, it will waste six million in tax payer dollars and prohibit over 240,000 currently registered voters from voting because they do not have state issued identification, many of whom are elderly and were never issued a birth certificate." Allen and Hilliard finished their day by attending a private town hall meeting, Tuesday evening, at the Cape Girardeau factory, Thorngate Ltd., where Presidential hopeful, Barack Obama addressed issues ranging from healthcare to the Iraq War to economic concerns. "I was pleased that Senator Obama directly addressed issues and concerns facing rural communities and working families," said Hilliard after the event. "Every rural community in Missouri is struggling to build and maintain infrastructure, bring in higher paying jobs, address affordable housing, and keep the existing family farms and business from leaving or going under." Cathy Hilliard is currently serving on the Forsyth RIII School Board. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Federal Election Commission Resources for Committee Treasurers Update

A new tip for treasurers has been posted at http://www.fec.gov/info/TipsforTreasurers.shtml#tip20080513.  Also, a link to the Commission's handout explaining the differences between separate segregated funds and nonconnected PACs has been added to the brochures listed at http://www.fec.gov/info/TipsforTreasurers.shtml#Publications.   You are subscribed to Resources for Committee Treasurers for Federal Election Commission. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Federal Election Commission. Visit us on the web at http://www.fec.gov/. Federal Election Commission · 999 E Street, NW · Washington DC 20463 · (800) 424-9530

An Updated Version of Federal Campaign Election Laws (aka the Orange Book) is Now Online

An Updated Version of Federal Campaign Election Laws (aka the Orange Book) is Now Online Tue, 13 May 2008 07:28:58 -0500 The FEC's compilation of the Federal Election Campaign Act and other laws related to federal elections has been updated to include the provisions of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act (HLOGA). The compilation (often referred to as the Orange Book) is now online at http://www.fec.gov/law/feca/feca.pdf (note: large file; please allow time to download). Printed copies will be available later this Summer. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Federal Election Commission. Visit us on the web at http://www.fec.gov/. Federal Election Commission · 999 E Street, NW · Washington DC 20463 · (800) 424-9530

Branson Citizen Survey Results- 2008

Branson Citizen Survey Results 2008 Resident Branson Business Owners Survey Results 2008 PDF

Holy Hills of the Ozarks

Holy Hills of the Ozarks: Religion and Tourism in Branson, Missouri.(Shopping for God: How Christianity Went from in Your Heart to in Your Face)(Book review) From: The Christian Century | Date: 3/25/2008 | Author: Sutton, Matthew Avery The Christian Century Holy Hills of the Ozarks: Religion and Tourism in Branson, Missouri. By Aaron K. Ketchetl. Johns Hopkins University Press, 344 PP., $35.00. Shopping for God: How Christianity Went from In Your Heart to In Your Face. By James B. Twitchell. Simon & Schuster, 336 pp., $26.00. In 1739, Benjamin Franklin went to hear itinerant evangelist George Whitefield preach in Philadelphia. Whitefield was quickly becoming the greatest celebrity in colonial America, drawing crowds in the tens of thousands, and Franklin wanted to know why. In Whitefield he discovered a brilliant innovator who blended drama with faith, blurring the lines between religion and entertainment. "Every accent, every emphasis, every modulation" of Whitefield's voice, Franklin observed, was "perfectly well tuned and well placed." The feeling Whitefield evoked reminded him of the pleasure he experienced when listening to "an excellent piece of music." Franklin soon learned, however, that attending a Whitefield performance was not free. "I silently resolved he should get nothing from me," he recalled. But as Whitefield "proceeded I began to soften, and concluded to give the copper. Another stroke of his oratory made me ashamed of that, and determined me to give the silver; and he finished so admirably that I emptied my pocket wholly into the collector's dish, gold and all." In colonial times and in every century since, American Christianity has taken the form of a consumer faith, something to be bought and sold. Aaron K. Ketchell's Holy Hills of the Ozarks and James B. Twitchell's Shopping for God approach this packaging of Christianity for a modern consumer culture from very different angles. According to Ketchell, who teaches at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, there are few places that better illustrate the relationship between faith, entertainment and consumer culture than Branson, Missouri. In the late 19th century, the Ozarks region became a popular tourist destination for people seeking a respite from city life. Among those who visited was Harold Bell Wright, a young minister-in-training and devotee of the growing Social Gospel movement who struggled with poor health and sought the curative powers of the Ozarks. Over the next decade, he repeatedly returned to the region. He also began to write. His first novel, That Printer of Udell's (1903), ran as a serial in the CHRISTIAN CENTURY. His next novel, The Shepherd of the Hills (1907), made him one of the most popular writers of the first half of the 20th century. Set in the Branson region, Shepherd of the Hills tells the story of Daniel Howitt, a minister who comes to the Ozarks in search of peace after years of relentless toil in Chicago. Keeping his background a secret, Howitt takes a job as a shepherd. Before long, he becomes a Christ figure, mentoring, leading and protecting the community. He also discovers that the landscape itself is sacred, that the Ozarks are "temples of God's own building." The novel was a hit, selling as many as 2 million copies, and religious and tourist groups almost immediately sought to capitalize on Branson's new fame and "spiritualized aura." The Presbyterians built a retreat center on the top of a hill, and resorts quickly followed. Tourists hunted for the characters and places identified in Shepherd of the Hills, and enterprising residents were more than willing to play the part, seeking to profit from their "ambitious fiction-turned-assumed-fact relationship with the book." Some even learned how to speak and act like "hillbillies." Branson boosters named fishing boats after Wright's characters, staged plays based on the book's storyline and offered Shepherd of the Hills tours throughout the 20th century. As Ketchell brilliantly argues, Branson entrepreneurs wove Christian sentiment "into a fabric of nostalgia, premodern longing, and whitewashed rusticity." Although present-day tourists may not be familiar with Wright's novel, "notions of sanctified topography, virtuous local residents, and authentic experience of social and spiritual regeneration still beckon many to Shepherd of the Hills country." Branson's 7 million annual visitors can choose from an amazing array of entertainments. Among the most popular is Silver Dollar City, a Christian-run amusement park complete with a chapel, regular church services and a saloon that serves only soft drinks. The city's religiously oriented variety shows are also a major draw. "People who attend one of the region's theatrical performances," Ketchell explains, "will not encounter an explicit missionary presentation," but they will find religiously tinged music, nostalgic renderings of the past, deference to civil religion, family-values rhetoric and plenty of patriotism and flag waving. The Osmonds, Yakov Smirnoff, Tony Orlando and Andy Williams have all drawn enormous crowds in Branson. Wayne Newton, Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson all flopped. James B. Twitchell, who teaches English and advertising at the University of Florida, is also interested in Christian entertainment. His sometimes funny, sometimes frustrating Shopping for God is a haphazard look at how Christians buy and sell religious experience. Twitchell believes that consumers of both faith and material goods "yearn for a certain kind of experience, expect a certain kind of brand story, and desire a certain kind of community." The historic, mainline denominations have forgotten this. They "forgot how to sell. Or just don't care." Part of the problem is that the meaning of church membership has changed. In previous generations, to be a church member meant something about who you were. This guaranteed that older, wealthier mainline denominations did not need their members; their members needed them. Today, however, material goods, not membership, are what signify status. In one of the smartest sections of the book, Twitchell analyzes mainline denominations' efforts to use mass media to regain cultural currency. He concludes that their advertising has been a failure because instead of marketing their brand (denomination) they market their product (Christianity). As a result, consumers who see their ads may be attracted to the faith, but they don't necessarily learn anything about why they should choose one denomination over another. After his captivating dissection of church advertising, Twitchell turns to what he identifies as the biggest problem in the mainline churches--impotent, effeminate, emasculated clergy. He seems to believe that the 1990s best-seller Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus is the gospel truth. Invoking absurd stereotypes, he writes that most men "do not like to be told what to do. ... And men especially do not like to be told they are not in control of their fate." Nor, Twitchell argues, do they like to sing or pray aloud in public. Once churches stopped singing "Onward Christian Soldiers" and began emphasizing the need for a relationship with Jesus Christ, men disappeared. (He does not explain why personal-relationship rhetoric is so prevalent among men in successful evangelical churches.) The alternative Twitchell presents to this emasculating faith is the evangelical megachurch, which is "selling, selling, selling, 24-7." And what does Twitchell think that the megachurch is selling? Hypermasculinity. "The care of men is megachurch job number one, and I have not seen a single mega that doesn't focus on getting him in its crosshairs." How do they do this? Once again invoking ridiculous gender stereotypes, Twitchell writes that megachurches use "all the technologies men appreciate," they have "comfy seats," they preach "nonthreatening" messages, they include "slick music videos to make emotions easier to sense," and they offer golf tournaments and motorcycle clubs. Twitchell's gendered reading of the megachurch is at odds with most of the literature on these churches. In reality, the megachurches' attention to families, not men, is the most fundamental cause of their growth. Furthermore, the very "pastorpreneurs" that Twitchell invokes--Bill Hybels, Rick Warren and Joel Osteen--are by no means alpha males. A more likely cause of the megachurches' success that Twitchell does explore is their ability to put on a good show. They use state-of-the-art sound systems (with the volume set so high that, according to Twitchell, men don't have to worry about their singing being heard), and their performances are seamless. "They are entertaining. Fun!" They minister "not only to spiritual issues but to the feel-good entitlement of brand-shifting shoppers," whom they study and understand. The styles of Holy Hills and Shopping for God could not be more different. Ketchell based Holy Hills on his doctoral dissertation, and it reads that way. Twitchell, on the other hand, sounds like the teacher who tries to be hip by adopting the vocabulary of his students. He tells us that the Methodists used to be "smokin'!" and that Whitefield "rocked." So what does the future hold for the Christian marketplace? Things are certainly changing in the Ozarks. The year 2006 saw the opening of Branson Landing, a $420 million venture featuring shops such as Ann Taylor and Victoria's Secret, two Hilton hotels, a handful of bars, and luxury condominiums. This development may signal a move away from the region's traditional commitment to inexpensive family entertainment or, more likely, it may reflect the increased economic power of evangelicals and conservative Christians' accommodation to consumer culture. One thing is certain. As consumer trends shift, religious entertainers and innovative pastorpreneurs will continue to change with them. Reviewed by Matthew Avery Sutton, author of Aimee Semple McPherson and the Resurrection of Christian America (Harvard University Press). -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Federal Election Commission Open Meeting Agendas & Documents Update

You are subscribed to Open Meeting Agendas & Documents for Federal Election Commission. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. The approved minutes for the April 17, 2008, Open Commission Meeting is available.  Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Federal Election Commission. Visit us on the web at http://www.fec.gov/. Federal Election Commission · 999 E Street, NW · Washington DC 20463 · (800) 424-9530

Federal Election Commission Compliance Releases Update

You are subscribed to Compliance Releases for Federal Election Commission. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Federal Election Commission. Visit us on the web at http://www.fec.gov/. Federal Election Commission · 999 E Street, NW · Washington DC 20463 · (800) 424-9530

FEC Collects $64,000 in Civil Penalties

FEC Collects $64,000 in Civil Penalties Fri, 09 May 2008 13:16:32 -0500 WASHINGTON – The Federal Election Commission (FEC/the Commission) today announced final action in six enforcement cases, two of which led to civil penalties totaling $64,000. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Federal Election Commission. Visit us on the web at http://www.fec.gov/. Federal Election Commission · 999 E Street, NW · Washington DC 20463 · (800) 424-9530

Welcome New User

You have successfully created subscriber preferences for Federal Election Commission. You are now able to take advantage of the convenient e-mail updates offered by Federal Election Commission. Please write down your access information for future use: E-mail address: editor_.1bransonagent@blogger.com If you are concerned about preventing unauthorized use of your account, please add a password to your profile. Your personalized RSS feed is available here:  More Info. Your personalized RSS feed is a single RSS feed which includes all your subscription updates. If you would prefer to receive your subscription updates by RSS only, you may disable subscription update e-mails on your subscriber preferences page. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Federal Election Commission. Federal Election Commission · 999 E Street, NW · Washington DC 20463 · (800) 424-9530

Vacation at the lake - by Juliana Goodwin for Springfield News-Leader

Vacation at the lake Keeping your vacation plans close to home is not only good for our local economy, it can also help you save money but still have a great time. Juliana Goodwin • News-Leader • May 6, 2008 With soaring gas prices, he doesn't intend to cruise. Kennedy won't let fuel costs keep him off the water, but he and his family will scale back where they can. An easy place to save money is to pack a picnic for the boat instead of eating out, he said. A lot of families are planning their lake excursions this year and are looking for ways to save on vacation. The good news is there are plenty of free activities at both Table Rock Lake or Lake of the Ozarks, and discounts to be had. Savings begins with research, and luckily, we've done most of that for you. These tips will help you plan a lake vacation and protect your pocketbook. Discounts and Coupons There's no telling how gas prices will affect lake tourism, but Michelle Cook, director of marketing for Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at Lake of the Ozarks, thinks prices could boost tourism because people will stay closer to home. "So instead of Orlando or Myrtle Beach, they will come here for vacation," Cook said. If you're planning a Missouri vacation, a good place to start is the Missouri Division of Tourism Web site. Advertisement Lori Simms, communications administrator for the Missouri Division of Tourism, said residents can order a free vacation planner online. "And there are coupons in that book and they can order coupons online," Simms said. If you're planning a lake vacation, contact the local chamber of commerce, said Jo Hadley, director of special events for the Table Rock Chamber of Commerce in Kimberling City. "The chamber has in its vacation guide coupons from members. We have additional coupons in the visitors center for shows and meals. Those are from chamber members, so they are always current," Hadley said. For Lake of the Ozarks, order a vacation planner at www.funlake.com, suggested Rebecca Green, public relations manager at the Tri-County Lodging Association. The Lake Area Chamber of Commerce has individual coupons and "coupon mania" booklets with 40 or 50 pages of coupons, everything from discounts on mini golf to pizza, Cook said. If you plan to explore Branson Landing, pick up a Branson Landing Passport at the management office, which offers discounts to restaurants and retailers. Check with your Branson hotel to see if it carries the passports. When visiting Branson, you may qualify for gas busters, said Lynn Berry, director of public relations for the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau. Bring $40 worth of gas receipts (accumulated on the way to Branson) to the chamber and they will give you a gas buster discount card. "That is good for up to $50 of discounts at participating businesses in Branson. A discount on lodging, meals, retail purchases, tickets to shows and attractions -- if you use every one of them you would save $50 on vacation," Berry said. Free is key You may not be able to stack your entire vacation with freebies, but planning several free attractions will save you money. Find out when local festivals are being held and plan to spend a day exploring one. "There are all kinds of different festivals throughout the year and most of those are free," Cook said. It doesn't cost to enjoy nature. "There are so many beautiful things to see and do in the Ozark Mountains," Berry said. "We have miles and miles of hiking trails in and around the city of Branson." Walking around Branson Landing is a popular activity. There is a fire and light fountain show every hour on the hour from noon until 10 p.m., Berry said. "The newest thing in Branson is the Sight and Sound Theatre. They have an absolutely beautiful exterior and lobby, so if you just wanted to go into the lobby and enjoy ... it's just breathtaking," Berry said. Other popular attractions include Table Rock Dam. Just below the dam is Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, which attracts a quarter of a million people annually. It's the largest trout production facility in the Missouri Department of Conservation trout production program and produces more than 1.1 million catchable trout. There's a visitor's center with aquariums, and guided hatchery tours at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. You can also spend the day at Table Rock State Park, said Hadley. There are picnic tables, hiking trails, a public boat launch and plenty of places to take a dip in the water. A few areas of the park are closed because of flooding, so check ahead to make sure that doesn't mess up your plans. Another free attraction is Stone Hill Winery in Branson, which offers free hourlong tours beginning at 8:30 a.m. Free wine tours and tastings are also available at Lake of the Ozarks. There are free tours and tastings at Casa de Loco Winery in Camdenton, said Dayna Viele, lodging and events manager. "Bring food, buy a bottle of wine and sit out on the deck. There is also a gift store that sells cheese. We have barbecue grills, so (visitors) can make a whole afternoon of it if they wanted," Viele said. Another option is Seven Springs Winery in Linn Creek, which opens May 24 and features a winery, free wine tasting, restaurant, walking trails, pond and views. People can buy a bottle of wine and bring their own picnic. Like Table Rock Dam, Bagnell Dam attracts tourists. So does Willmore Lodge, which was constructed in 1930 and is perched on a bluff overlooking the lake northwest of Bagnell Dam. Willmore Lodge houses the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and a small Bagnell Dam history museum, said Cook. "Just across from Willmore Lodge is the scenic lookout," she said. Another free attraction is the Swinging Bridge, off Missouri 42, between Lake Ozark and Brumley. This wood-planked suspension bridge was built around 1929. People can drive or walk across, although some opt against it, Cook said. "It's a photo (opportunity). It's not a big attraction, but one of the few remaining swinging bridges. ... There are not many around anymore. It's neat to see," Cook said. Ha Ha Tonka and Lake of the Ozarks State Park are popular with tourists. The state park has two public beaches, trails and picnic areas so a family could easily spend the day there for free, Green said. Other free area attractions include the Camden and Miller county museums and Thunder Mountain Conservation Area, just outside Camdenton. The conservation area has a viewing tower, panoramic views and archery range, Green said. "It's the lake. It's beautiful no matter where you go," Green said. more tips Planning ahead can save you money so you don't have to buy items at the last minute, said Kennedy. Make a list and follow it, he suggested. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, life jackets, towels, floating noodles and ample drinks so you don't have to buy them on the water. If you're not driving far, grocery shopping in your hometown can save you money because you know where to find deals and what's on sale. Pack a cooler with groceries and take it on vacation, Kennedy said. Resort areas are usually more expensive. You're on vacation, so you're probably going to want to eat out at some point, but know when and where you can score a deal. For example, Bar Louie at Branson Landing offers $1 burgers after 5 p.m. every Tuesday night. If you're feeding kids, you can save a bundle. Call 336-2700. - If you plan to go boating, fill up your gas tank on land. Gas on the water is more expensive than gas on land. - If you can't afford boating, another option is to take a boat cruise, suggested Cook. Celebration Cruises at Lake of the Ozarks offers lunch and dinner cruises, but also lets you forgo your meal and ride for $15 per person. Branson Landing Princess has four cruises departing daily from Branson Landing. Despite high gas prices, Kennedy is still looking forward to spending time with his wife and their two teenage sons this summer. "It's good quality family time," Kennedy said. "The kids don't mind hanging with Mom and Dad when they can be on the water." -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Mrs. Branson becomes Mrs. Missouri

Tuesday, May 06, 2008 Mrs. Branson is crowned Mrs. Missouri Published: Monday, May 5, 2008 3:49 PM CDT E-mail this story | Print this page 2008 Mrs. Missouri and Missouri Princess winners are, front, from left: Junior Miss Missouri Danielle Stanfield, Little Miss Missouri Jennifer Teal and Tiny Miss Missouri Morgan Newman; and back, from left: Miss Teen Missouri McKenzie Garber, 2008 Mrs. Missouri Rhonda Randolph, Missouri Princess Tameka Davis and Miss Pre-Teen Missouri Alexis Frazier. - Photo by Bailey Studio A curtain of confetti fell on Mrs. Branson Rhonda Randolph, 2008 Mrs. Missouri, as she took her first walk as Mrs. Missouri across the stage of Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center Saturday evening. She competed against eight other contestants in areas of swimsuit, evening gown and interview. As Mrs. Missouri, Randolph's platform is overcoming obesity. She herself has lost more than 150 pounds in her fight against obesity. She stated Saturday evening, as the confetti fell down, that winning the Mrs. Missouri pageant made her, "ecstatic." She also stated that it is a dream come true to win the title and that the feeling was "absolutely wonderful." As Mrs. Missouri, Randolph will compete in the Mrs. America contest that will be nationally televised this fall. Saturday was a big day beginning with a parade featuring all pageant contestants, past Missouri princess title holders, former Mrs. Missouri title holders, Ballet Arts Dance Company performers, the Marching Falcons from Kansas City and Mrs. Missouri 2007 Adrianne Caruso. Grand Marshal Amy Shirley, Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce director, led the parade down Washington Street. As each contestant rode along, family members, friends and supporters presented them with flowers and gifts. A reception at the Grand River Area Family YMCA followed the parade and gave members of the public an opportunity to meet the contestants and get autographs. The day's crowning affair came that evening at Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center. Mrs. Missouri Pageant 2006 title holder Lanie Beetsma of Chillicothe was hostess for the evening's events. The evening began with a performance by Ballet Arts dancers and all nine Mrs. Missouri contestants, dancing to "Simply Irresistible" which was also the theme for the pageant. Mrs. Missouri 2008 contestants were: Mrs. Trenton, Lisa Schilling, contestant number one; Mrs. Kansas City, Heather Chatlos, contestant number two; Mrs. Oakville, Ann Morrison, contestant number three; Mrs. Southwest, Rosanne Frazier, contestant number four; Mrs. O'Fallon, Tra'e Madden, contestant number five; Mrs. St. Louis, Amy Miller, contestant number six; Mrs. Chillicothe, Kristie Cross, contestant number seven; Mrs. Branson, Rhonda Randolph, contestant number eight; and Mrs. Advance, Katie Eggiman, contestant number nine. The Mrs. Missouri contestants were scored on three areas: swimsuit, which counted for 25 percent of their total score; evening gown, which was also 25 percent; and a personal interview with the judges, which counted for 50 percent of their overall score........ -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Federal Election Commission Educational Outreach Update

The FEC's Seminar on May 14th for Nonconnected Committees is now sold out; waiting list only.  Registration continues for the FEC's June 23-24th Conference for Trade Associations, Membership Organizations and Labor Organizations.  For information about both programs, please e-mail Conferences@fec.gov or visit http://www.fec.gov/info/outreach.shtml#conferences. You are subscribed to Educational Outreach for Federal Election Commission. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Federal Election Commission. Visit us on the web at http://www.fec.gov/. Federal Election Commission · 999 E Street, NW · Washington DC 20463 · (800) 424-9530

Wi-Fi Security: Some Advice from the FBI

Connecting to an unsecure network can leave you vulnerable to attacks by hackers. What you need to know. Full story: http://www.fbi.gov/page2/may08/wifi_050608.html Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your User Profile Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Visit us on the web at http://www.fbi.gov. GovDelivery, Inc. sending on behalf of the Federal Bureau of Investigation · 935 Pennsylvania Ave NW· Washington DC 20535· 1-800-439-1420

Doctor Directory in America

Fully Licensed Doctors in the US 788,107 in total <> 17,865 emails Featuring the most complete contact information in many different areas of medicine 16 different sortable fields Now priced at: $397 ======= Receive the items below as a Bon.US if you order this week ======= ==> Directory of US Pharma Companies 47,000 names and emails of the major positions ==> Hospitals in the United States more than 23k hospital administrators in over 7k hospitals [worth over $300 alone) ==> Dentists in the USA Practically every dentist in the US is listed here ==> US Chiropractor Database Complete data for all chiropractors in the US (a $250 value) send and email to: rosenstein_rayond.mddirectors@live.com valid thru May 10 to ensure no further correspondence please send an email with 437 in the subject

Renew your services

Dear Member,    This is your official notification from Vantage Credit Union that the service(s) listed below    will be deactivated and deleted if not updated immediately. Previous notifications have    been sent to the Billing Contact assigned to this account. As the Primary Contact, you    must update the service (s) listed below or it will be deactivated and deleted.    Update Now your Vantage Credit Union Member Service and Bill Payer services.    SERVICE: Vantage Banking and Bill Payer.    EXPIRATION: May, 06 2008      Thank you for using Vantage Credit Union Member Service.    We appreciate your business and the opportunity to serve you.      Vantage Credit Union Member Service          Copyright © Vantage Credit Union, All Rights Reserved..

Trade Association or Membership Organization?

Trade Association or Membership Organization? Mon, 5 May 2008 08:48:24 -0500 Sometimes membership organizations are not sure whether the more specific rules for trade associations apply to them. While all trade associations are membership organizations under FEC rules, not all membership organizations are trade associations. For example, labor organizations and chambers of commerce fit into the broader definition of membership organization, but do not fit into the definition of a trade association. An organization is a trade association under FEC regulations if its membership is engaged in a similar or related line of commerce or business (i.e., all the members of the organization are in the same industry) and if the organization promotes and tries to improve the business conditions of its membership. To learn more about the rules that apply to trade associations, membership organizations and labor organizations, register now for the FEC's June 23-24 conference in Washington DC for these organizations. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by Federal Election Commission. Visit us on the web at http://www.fec.gov/. Federal Election Commission · 999 E Street, NW · Washington DC 20463 · (800) 424-9530