NRCC Robocalling Skelton

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) launched end-of-the-year robocalls Tuesday targeting 4th District Democrat Ike Skelton.

"Somehow, Ike Skelton still hasn’t gotten the message that Americans have had enough of his party’s agenda of higher taxes, more government takeovers and fewer jobs," said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain.


The script of the call notes Missouri's 9.5 percent unemployment rate and Skelton's vote for the economic stimulus package.

FULL SCRIPT BELOW:
"Hello, I’m calling on behalf of the NRCC with an end of year action alert about Congressman Ike Skelton. Ike Skelton has been in congress for over 33 years and has lost touch with what Missouri workers are going through. Unemployment in Missouri is 9.5% but Ike Skelton spent 2009 helping liberal Speaker Nancy Pelosi push a massive $787 billion pork-laden spending bill he called a ‘stimulus’ but that has not helped the Missouri economy. To make matters worse Skelton voted for the liberal cap-and-trade bill that will increase energy costs for Missouri families at the worst time. Call Ike Skelton at 573-635-3499 and tell him your New Year’s resolution is to watch his votes in 2010 to make sure he is voting for Missouri workers, not the liberal agenda of the Democrat party leaders in Washington. Paid for by the National Republican Congressional Committee and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. 202-479-7000."

Sen. Bill Stouffer and Vicky Hartzler appear to be the two top Republicans vying to challenge Skelton.

Cooking Up A Prediction For Blunt?

The Cook Political Report's Charlie Cook predicts that Republicans will pick up between four and six U.S. Senate seats in 2010 -- strongly suggesting without explicitly saying that Roy Blunt will prevail over likely Democratic opponent Robin Carnahan.

@RoyBlunt touted the news in a TWEET Tuesday afternoon.

"I suspect a Republican gain of between four and six seats between four and six seats, predicated on Democrats being unlikely to beat any Republican open-seat Senate candidate or being able to unseat any Republican Senate incumbent. Democrats will have to be more concerned with defending their own seats.," wrote Cook in his Dec. 18th update.

THE CAVEAT: "Obviously much can and much will happen between now and November 2nd, 2010 and our estimates will undoubtedly change dozens of times over the next year," Cook concludes.

His colleague Jennifer Duffy is more conservative in her Republican upswing, estimating

the Senate could run from a wash, with neither party gaining a net seat on the other, up to a three seat gain for Republicans.

The difference between Duffy & Cook's analysis? Cook places greater weight on national dynamics while Duffy focuses on local developments within states.

The latest Rasmussen Reports poll gave Carnahan a statistically insignificant 2 percentage point edge, 46%-44%, over the Ozarks Congressman.

"You're Responsible For A Lot of Things"

NIXON'S E.COLI-GATE LESSON

No single story damaged Gov. Jay Nixon's administration more in its first year than the revelations that officials withheld test results from the public that showed high levels of E.Coli at Lake of the Ozarks near the start of the summer tourist season.

In an interview with Ky3 News, Nixon brushed aside concerns that what's now known as "E.Coli-gate" undermined his administration in any way, but said the ordeal taught him a valuable lesson about the size of the state government he heads.

"From my perspective, it's a big government. Teaches you frankly, that you're responsible for a lot of things going out there," Nixon said, when asked whether he had regrets about how the situation was handled.

*WATCH E.COLI EXCHANGE ABOVE*

ALSO: Seemingly answering his critics who have called for more firings, Nixon said he hoped "we can take the energy for this to clean up the water."

"I hope that that same level of energy is used to clean up the Lake of the Ozarks, to clean up Bull Shoals, to clean up the waters of the state of Missouri," he added.

Missouri Gives Its Pols End of Year Polling Boost

DECEMBER BUMP
Missourians gave their leaders early Christmas presents this weekend, delivering a batch of bolstered approval numbers to their stockings, according to the latest SurveyUSA polling.

President Obama, Gov. Jay Nixon and Sen. Kit Bond all saw their approval ratings inch up over the past month. Sen. Claire McCaskill's approval number stayed stable at 48 percent.

December Approval Ratings:
Sen. Kit Bond 49% Approve
Gov. Jay Nixon 49% Approve
Sen. Claire McCaskill 48% Approve
President Obama 45% Approve

600 adults surveyed Dec. 11-13th/MOE 4.1%
***
But overall 2009 was a tough year for all four politicians.

Since January, Bond has lost 6 points and McCaskill has lost four points. Nixon and Obama saw more dramatic drops in their first year. The governor has lost 14 points since January and the president has experienced a 20 point decline.

Week 49: Nixon's Grade

NIXON'S WEEK 49 GRADE: B +

Governor Nixon was buoyant and upbeat during his year-end round of interviews with television stations from around the state on Thursday. Despite some acknowledged setbacks, he seemed satisfied with the position of his administration twelve months in, yet energized about his sophomore year legislative agenda. He scored a easy win by getting a property tax break through the Housing Commission and while lawmakers aren't saying much about last week's duel economic proposals, the Governor won mostly positive media out of the community college and high-tech job announcements. He even played sports commentator by suggesting Mizzou should consider conference hopping to the Big Ten. And while he indicated to me he's not a big fan of the SurveyUSA or Rasmussen Reports polling methods, both groups offered the Governor better news with bolstered numbers this week. Even a few GOPers at a holiday party last week, begrudging and privately acknowledged they are satisfied with Nixon thusfar. "He comes out of that old conservative Democratic Jefferson County tradition, and so far, he's mostly governed in that way," said one Republican. Despite all that, there are concerns among some Democrats about Nixon's campaign promises, who he surrounds himself with and the overall vision for his term. (More on that later). But for now, while those worries are considerable, they're mostly quiet and private.

Nixon Reads Frank Luntz

Governor Jay Nixon said he finds GOP consultant and pollster Frank Luntz useful and recently attempted to get through one of the conservative commentator's books.

"I find him to be very interesting and very insightful," Nixon said of Luntz, as part of a wide-ranging year end interview with Ky3 News last week. Though the Governor added that Luntz can be "oddly repetitive."

First Lady Georganne Nixon said the couple have "big piles of books" at their bedside.

"We're very eclectic in our reading," said the Governor. "She dramatically underestimates how much she reads," he added, referring to Georganne's literary habits.

To find out what else the First Couple is reading . . .

***CLICK ABOVE***

Nixon VID: Most Difficult Decision & Biggest Disappointment

Governor Jay Nixon beat back any suggestion he broke a campaign promise by cutting Medicaid reimbursements to doctors this fall, a year after campaigning on reversing the healthcare cuts his predecessor made.

In an interview in the Governor's Mansion Thursday, Nixon said the biggest disappointment of his first year was failing to push through his deal with the Missouri Hospital Association, which would have expanded healthcare coverage to an estimated 35,000 uninsured.

But he was clear about who was to blame for that shortcoming.

"Literally as we sit here at the holiday season, 35-thousand working poor in Missouri don't have healthcare," Nixon said. "Even though the Missouri Senate and the Governor overwhelmingly supported that for zero pennies cost to the state," he added.

***WATCH EXCHANGE ABOVE***

ALSO: STAYS NEUTRAL ON SENATE HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION

BUT SAYS: "The bottom line is we look to receive significant benefits from the federal government by the time this legislature gets back and gets its teeth into the budget, we should have an answer from Washington, D.C."

The Governor also said cutting the state workforce by almost 2-thousand was the most difficult decision of his first twelve months.

"Cutting the state workforce by almost 2,000. It's challenging. You know these people, you know their families," Nixon said.

"When Out of CBO There Arose Such A Clatter"

Sen. Kit Bond has put together another offbeat video with a play on "Twas The Night Before Christmas".

In his lyrics, Sen. Bond, accompanied by his dog, Tiger, and spokeswoman Shana Marchio's dog, Pooley takes aim at Senate Democrats -- including eight by name.

Talking Points Memo has The VID.

An excerpt:

"Now Schumer, now Sanders, now Durbin and HarkinOn Landrieu, on Nelson, on Bayh and LincolnTo the well of the Senate, to the top of the wallVote away! Vote Away! Vote Away all!
As spending before the wild deficits flyRoll over all obstacles, mount to the skySo up to the house-top, the debt it flewWith a sleigh full of goodies, cap-and-trade too!"

Kinder Opposes Property Tax Subsidy

Republican Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder was the lone "no" vote on a Missouri Housing Development Commission proposal that would use state dollars to pay the property taxes of income-eligible homebuyers next year.

The vote on the $35 million dollar plan was 7 to 1.

The MHDC approved using $15 million dollars from the federal stimulus package and $20 million from a reserve fund to spurt home buying and construction. Officials estimate that 9,000 households could qualify for a $1,250 subsidy to go towards their property taxes next year.

Supporters, including Gov. Jay Nixon and Treasurer Clint Zweifel are touting it as a tax cut. But critics call it a unnecessary subsidy.

"This program will help thousands of Missouri families realize the dream of home ownership by relieving their property tax burden for one year and encourage fiscally sound, resource-saving practices. By offering this tax relief, working Missourians will be able to pump more money into our economy, and I applaud the MHDC for taking this important step today," said Nixon in a statement.

GREEN HOME INCENTIVE: Also part of the plan is a $500 stipend for those who purchase an energy-efficient home or items to make the home more energy efficient.

The total tax relief for any one family would be capped at $1,750.

Missouri Dems Say Blunt Flyer Violates Ethics Laws

VIDEO BELOW: HOSMER'S PRESSER

ISSUE PIECE OR CAMPAIGN FLYER?

The Missouri Democratic Party is filing ethics complaints against Congressman Roy Blunt for sending a flyer to his constituents that defends himself against attacks for opposing cap and trade energy legislation.

Party chair Craig Hosmer said Friday that the four page mailer, (pictured above), paid for by Blunt's Congressional office, is a misuse of taxpayer dollars. Hosmer said the flyer violated House Franking Commission rules, which approves mailings sent by members of Congress.

"It's clear that this mailer is a direct response to a political ad that Congressman Blunt has repeatedly talked about in his Senate campaign," said Hosmer at a news conference. "Quite frankly, this mailer raises serious questions about what Congressman Blunt is doing in his Washington, D.C. Congressional office." **WATCH Q&A with Hosmer BELOW**

The mailer is clearly designed to combat a League of Conservation Voters television ad that attacked Blunt for campaign contributions from oil and other energy interests.

"Don't Be Fooled -- I Don't Work For The Interests Of Bil Oil Or The Energy Industry," blares Blunt's flyer.

Blunt deputy chief of staff Burson Snyder pointed out that the Franking Commission already approved Blunt's flyer and provided The Notebook with a Dec. 10th letter signed by Jack Dail of the commission's staff.

"When you follow the rules, you don't have to worry about these kinds of false political charges. Nancy Pelosi's employees on the Franking Commission approved this mailer, and it is unfortunate that the Democrats do not want Missourians to know the truth about this job-killing cap and tax bill. Unfortunately we cannot communicate with Southwest Missourians for free, but Congressman Blunt believes it's important to make sure the people he works for know where he stands on the issues, like his opposition to the national energy tax.," Snyder said in a statement.

Hosmer called on Blunt to reimburse taxpayers for the expense of the mailer.

"This is a campaign expense and it should be paid for by his campaign and not Missouri voters," Hosmer said.

A few hours after the Democratic Party's complaint, the Missouri Republican Party announced a similar complaint against Democrat Robin Carnahan.

GOP Executive Director Lloyd Smith said Carnahan "abused taxpayer dollars by airing self-promotional radio advertisements" in Wyoming and Mississippi.

But earlier this year, Carnahan's office noted that the money used for those public service ads come from fines paid by those convicted of securities fraud and that no tax dollars are used.

More on this story on Ky3 News @ 5, 6 & 10.

Nixon Goal: Keep Unemployment Below National Average

Governor Jay Nixon said a chief of his goal of his administration over the next year is to keep Missouri's unemployment rate below the national average and work towards five or six percent unemployment by the end of his first term.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Nixon made the comments during an in-depth interview with Ky3 News interview Thursday in the Governor's Mansion, seated next to the First Lady.

Missouri's unemployment rate was 8 percent when Nixon took office. It is 9.5. percent now. The national rate sits at 10 percent.

*WATCH EXCHANGE ABOVE*

Asked if he can have a direct impact on the unemployment rate in Missouri, the Governor replied, "You have a direct impact on making a difference where you can."

ON UNEMPLOYMENT 1 YEAR FROM NOW: "I'd like to see us consistently, constantly stay below the national average."

ON THE JOB PICTURE LONG-TERM: "We certainly would like to get that down into what most economists say is the number in the five to six range . . . I think a lot will depend on how and when inflation comes late in the term.

Not Goodbye, Just See Ya From The East Side

During my year in graduate school for journalism in Chicago, the print and television sections were like the Jets and the Sharks.

The newspaper students were a bit brainier but more reclusive. My TV colleagues were charismatic and aggressive but, as a whole, not as well read or attentive to detail.

On Fridays after class, the printies finished their drinks at the bar at a reasonable hour and went home at a responsible time. The broadcast folks stayed longer into the night to debate politics and contemplate big dreams, and strolled into classes late the next morning.

The print folks always seemed prepared for in-class debates about media ethics, but the broadcast students often scored stronger points with their confident yet succinct arguments.

TV folks called newspaper reporters "print dinosaurs"; The printies derided us as "Ron Burgundy wanna-bees."

Each side had some fair points to make.

The rivalry was healthy and the competition was fun, but above all, I took away the importance of both mediums in a rapid 24-hour news cycle. As a professor told me once, no one remembers reading about September 11th or an election night. But you probably shouldn't watch TV if you're looking for an in-depth piece on stem cell research or the intricacies of campaign finance reform.

For the past five years at Ky3, I've tried to tap all mediums -- print, video, audio -- to bring informative, fast-breaking, thought-provoking political news to the Ozarks and beyond. So many people have been so generous with their time, knowledge and most importantly their "scoops" about Missouri politics.

In a few weeks, I'll take everything the Show-Me state "showed me" to a new job as a national politics reporter at POLITICO in Washington, D.C.

This decision was not as easy as it might sound. Leaving TV for a print/online media job did leave me with questions. "How will I survive without the little old ladies at the check-out counter at Wal-Mart not recognizing me?"

Yes, TV serves as an ego boost. I'd be less than candid, shall we say "political", to claim otherwise. (Yes, I'll probably always be a TV guy in my heart, but hopefully one who can hold his own writing once in awhile;)

But a shot at covering national politics is an offer I couldn't refuse.

There are so many people I need to thank, but most of them I can't name here, because they gave me treasure troves of information, tips and guidance "off the record" each day or over drinks at night. (Remember I am a TV guy at heart) You know who you are.

And to (some of) the critics, thanks for keeping tabs and keeping me honest. There will be more occasions to do so.

To be clear, I'll still be covering Missouri politics, just at a different venue, and in addition to other 2010 hotspots. But you can bet our 2010 U.S. Senate race and top U.S. House contests will get my fair share of attention in my new assignment.

I'll finish my tenure at Ky3 on December 29th.

As for my beloved KY3 Political Notebook, details are still hazy for its future. (I hope they become clearer in the weeks ahead.)

But I'll be reporting and blogging through the end of the year, so if you're out there and got something -- call me with a going away scoop!

Nixon Dedicates $12M to Produce Jobs Through Community Colleges

Governor Jay Nixon brought his push for new jobs to Springfield Tuesday, announcing a $12 million dollar pot of money available for community college training programs.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

The idea is targeting job sectors with a growing need -- and the state's 12 community colleges will compete for the funds. The Governor said applications will be judged on who can create or expand programs that will get people to work the fastest. The program targets such fields at veterinary and pharmacy technicians, nursing aides and other skilled crafts.

*WATCH CLIPS ABOVE*

"This is not about building a bureaucracy. This is about building people," Nixon said.

WOULD NOT set the program's job goal yet -- saying "we should have a pretty solid matrix" come mid-February when applications are due.

Skelton "Greatly Troubled" By Problems with Combat Gear

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton has written top Pentagon leaders that he's "greatly troubled" by stories from soldiers in war zones about improper training and the lack of suitable combat gear.

The Associated Press writes: "Soldiers are being issued a rucksack made of plastic that is not comfortable or effective in combat situations, Skelton and Ortiz found during a recent trip to Germany and Italy where they met with members of the 503rd Infantry Regiment and the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team."

ALSO: "Skelton and Ortiz said many of the soldiers they talked to are using their own money to buy better packs from commercial suppliers."

AND: The lawmakers said they were told troops are being taken straight from boot camp and being sent to Afghanistan and Iraq without extensive training at stateside bases. "Is this a common practice now"? Skelton asks. "And will the upcoming surge into Afghanistan exacerbate this situation?"

***

MEANWHILE: Despite wishful thinking from Missouri Republicans, Skelton's spokesperson tells the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) the Democratic incumbent will seek another term.

PLUS: 4th District GOP candidate Vicky Hartzler sends a release criticizing Skelton's staff for "stonewalling" questions about about the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

"Now, gay rights champion Barney Frank of Massachusetts has said that next year’s defense authorizations bill, which Mr. Skelton will handle, will repeal ‘don’t ask/don’t tell.’ Our brave troops do not support this. When Barney Frank announced the deal, I challenged Mr. Skelton to tell us the facts. He stonewalled. Now, his taxpayer-financed staff refuses to answer media questions about Barney Frank’s statement on a bill that Ike Skelton will handle in the House," said Hartzler in a statement.

Layman Running for OTC Board

Political fundraiser and Sarah Steelman ally Jeff Layman is taking the plunge into local politics himself, with a bid for a slot on the Ozarks Technical Community College Board of Trustees.

The OTC Board consists of six members elected from the district at large. Members are elected for terms of six years, with two members being elected in each even-numbered year.

See the current members HERE.

The terms of vice president Jackie McKinsey and Dolores Brooks are up. Tuesday was the first day of filing for the April election. It's unclear if both will seek re-election. The top two vote getters win seats on the board.

"It's amazing how OTC has impacted so many people’s lives in the Ozarks," said Layman in a statement Tuesday. "It is also very exciting to see how far OTC has come in recent years. I really feel the possibilities are unlimited for the college, along with its faculty, students and graduates. It would be an honor for me to be a part of such a respected and established institution," he added.

Layman is a senior vice president and wealth advisor at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in Springfield Missouri. He's also a Republican fundraiser and is aiding the 7th District Congressional campaign of auctioneer Billy Long.

Zweifel Will Webcast Housing Meeting

State Treasurer Cliff Zweifel announced Tuesday that the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) will webcast its meeting live for the first time in the board's history this Friday.

Zweifel, who chairs the MHDC, said the move has been made to increase transparency and accountability. The first webcast will serve as a test.

The meeting’s webcast will be a test for the agency as it looks for the best way to provide the service at all future meetings.

"I asked MHDC staff to look into how we could make webcasting work, and this is our first test as we learn how we can provide this service at all meetings. This is a step in the right direction of continuing to make government more transparent and continuing to build the public trust," Zweifel said.

The webcast will be available at www.mhdc.com/webcast and begin at 9 a.m.