Nixon Makes No Predictions on Unemployment, End of Recession

Gov. Jay Nixon made no predictions about when Missouri's unemployment rate would drop and said it was "very, very difficult" to determine when the state would climb out of a recession.

Nixon also made the case that Missouri has been able to manage the recession better than other states and pointed to less harmful budget cuts.

*WATCH FULL CLIPS ABOVE*

On Unemployment: "We have managed to keep Missouri's unemployment rate under the national average . . .As far as when we're going to be out of it, it's very, very difficult to tell."

On Another Stimulus: "I think by being conservative and bleeding that money out over a period of time on the stabilization . . . we've been able to manage those cuts."

On Federal Healthcare legislation: "I think we're a very long way to the finish line on healthcare reform . . ." Adds that he hopes any bill won't push unfunded mandates onto the states. Seems to like U.S. Senate version better.

PLUS: $266M For Sewer & Water Projects

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

Another Shot At Palin in Springfield

The Ky3 Political Notebook has learned that Sarah Palin will do a book signing at Borders in Springfield before she speaks at College of the Ozarks on December 2nd.

Palin is scheduled to speak on "patriotism, citizenship and civic engagement" at College of the Ozarks on Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. in the Keeter Gymnasium. But tickets are already gone for that event.

A source says that Palin will hold a signing for her new book "Going Rogue" at Borders in Springfield on South Glenstone earlier in the day.

The time of Palin's signing is still TBD.

DEVELOPING . . .

Nixon Pools $266 M For Water & Sewage Projects

"Thousands of jobs"

Gov. Jay Nixon committed $266 million dollars of federal and state money to water and sewer projects Monday, which he pledged would create or save thousands of construction jobs across the state.

Nixon is dedicating $146 million dollars in federal stimulus money and adding it to $120 million dollars in state funds.

Springfield is getting nearly $16.3 million dollars -- but a city spokeswoman said that money wasn't knew to council. The city had applied for the money several months ago and state officials indicated Springfield had "among the highest scores," according to city spokeswoman Louise Whall.

Nixon said it's hard to tell exactly how many jobs would be created or saved by the package, but added that it will make sure workers will "have a place to work in the fall."

"The workers that are working here, instead of going home when this job ends and waiting for the next job, there's going to be a job for them," Nixon said at the site of a waste water pipeline project, unrelated to this funding stream.

*WATCH Q & A CLIPS ABOVE*

COVERAGE ON KY3 NEWS @ 6 & 10

McCaskill: Stupak Amendment Shouldn't Kill Bill

Sen. Claire McCaskill doesn't believe a House amendment in the healthcare bill that restricts a woman's right to access or pay for abortion will bring down the legislation in the U.S. Senate.

"I am not sure that this is going to be enough to kill the bill," McCaskill said on MSNBC's Morning Joe Monday. "And frankly, once again, this is another example of having to govern with moderates. We can't just turn our back on the fact that the reason we are in majority, is because states like Indiana, and Arkansas, and Louisiana, and Missouri, and North Carolina, and Virginia sent Democrats to the Senate."

"Obviously, I have been a pro-choice candidate for my entire political career, and obviously there is controversy always surrounding this issue. But we are talking about whether or not people that get public money can buy an insurance policy that has a coverage for abortion. And that is not the majority of America. The majority of America is not going to be getting subsidies from the government....," McCaskill went on.

The provision, introduced by Michigan Democrat Bart Stupak is highly controversial with liberal lawmakers and many females. There are also reports that some Senate Democrats will introduce similar language in the Senate legislation.

The Huffington Post notes that Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), for one, has insisted she and 40 additional colleagues will oppose any final bill that includes the Stupak amendment.

Huckabee in Springfield Monday

Former Arkansas Governor and Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee will be in Springfield Monday to do a signing for his new book.

Huckabee will be at the Barnes & Noble bookstore on South Glenstone at 4:30 p.m.

He's touting his new book, "A Simple Christmas."

An e-mail to supporters of his political action committee says, "If you can, please send an e-mail out to your contacts telling them where I will be and ask them to stop by on November 9th at 4:30 p.m."
***
Huckabee hosts his own political talk show on the Fox News Channel. He's widely seen a top contender to run for the GOP presidential nomination in 2012. In September, he won the Family Research Council's straw poll by a more than a 2-to-1 margin. He recently topped a Rasmussen survey of potential 2012 GOP hopefuls, besting both Mitt Romney and Sarah Palin.

Week 43: Nixon's Grade

NIXON'S WEEK 43 GRADE: B

Governor Nixon's second legislative session is expected to be focused like a laser on boosting the state's economic climate. And last week, at the Springfield Career Center, he heard directly from the unemployed who are asking the question that's beginning to bedevil leaders everywhere: Where are the jobs? The Nixon administration signaled it will be putting forth a legislative package designed to help existing companies. But there's already questions swirling about whether the state can afford it. General revenue is down around 11 percent compared to last year. And KMOX reported the state's debt for jobless claims could top $3 billion dollars over the next four years. Meanwhile, The Joplin Globe noted that Medicaid rolls have grown by 20,000 over the last year. And federal healthcare legislation could further complicate the state's budget picture, if Medicaid eligibility is expanded. But amid all the red, there was a slice of good news for the Governor. Half of Greene County residents believe the state is heading in the right direction, according to a new poll released by Missouri State University. "This I think, can give the Governor some assurance that his work is at least being respected by the people," said MSU polling director Brian Calfano. "I think the Nixon administration has done a decent job of saying we need to have these cuts so we don't end up in the kind of deficit situation that you see states like, California, New Jersey and Illinois facing," he added.

Missouri Republicans & Skelton Lament House Healthcare Vote

"This is history"
Democratic Congressman Ike Skelton joined Missouri Republicans in opposition to a massive healthcare overhaul that narrowly cleared the U.S. House late Saturday.

Excerpts of each statement in order of reception:

7th District Congressional candidate Jack Goodman: "Very disappointing" "This legislation is loaded with job-killing taxes, mandates that create over 100 new bureaucracies, slashes Medicare funding and will further strain state budgets around the country. This is not fixing the problem, but legislating new problems in search of a solution."

4th District Congressman Ike Skelton: "Not the right balance" "I am concerned about the impact the legislation could have on rural hospitals and doctors. The proposed reductions to Medicare reimbursement could further squeeze the budgets of rural health care providers. One solution might be for Congress to ensure that rural Missourians understand how any new legislation will affect them and their families."

7th District Congressman Roy Blunt: "Budget-busting" "It's families and patients who will suffer most under this government takeover of health care. This bill costs more than $1 trillion, increases premium costs, puts a bureaucrat between you and your doctor, and pays for most of it with Medicare cuts and job-killing tax hikes."

7th District Congressional candidate Billy Long: "Playing politics" "If you ask career politicians to come up with a solution to health care you shouldn't be surprised when their solution is simply more government, more taxes and more bureaucracy. This bill is at best bad policy and at worst unconstitutional. I would have voted against it."

4th District Congressional candidate Bill Stouffer: "People have had enough" "This bill is the wrong answer to the wrong question. Instead of growing government, we should have focused on common sense solutions like medical malpractice reform, Association Health Plans and getting rid of the state lines to create real competition."

7th District Congressional candidate Gary Nodler: "Dangerous bill" "The bill passed last night in the House by Pelosi and the liberal Democrats is a step towards single payer, government run health care. If passed by the Senate, the bill will mortgage our childrens' financial future via exploding deficits and ruin Americans' health care."

7th District Congressional candidate Michael Wardell: "Ridiculous . . . egregious" "Our current health care system is certainly not perfect, but it is far better than this socialist-inspired prescription. If this bill becomes law, it will be the greatest government debacle ever visited upon the American people, who in retribution will once again consign the Democratic Party to the minority in Congress."

7th District Power Rankings

This is the seventh installment of The Notebook's monthly survey of the 7th Congressional District field and each candidate's chances of winning the GOP nomination in 2010.
***
The higher the candidate's ranking, the more likely he/she is positioned to win the nomination at this point and time -- and be put on the path to replace Roy Blunt in the U.S. House.

For last month's rankings, click HERE.

1. Billy Long -- (Up 1) For the first time in five months, The Notebook has a new candidate atop the Power Rankings. Auctioneer Billy Long returns to the number one ranking for the first time since the list debuted back on April 30th. Long has been a tour de force at raising cash, building up just under a 3-to-1 cash-on-hand advantage over his next closest opponent. He's mixing an outsider, non-politician image with GOP insider money. And he's raising eyebrows from Washington, D.C. to Jefferson City. Long has charm, money, no voting record and the ability to run a populist campaign in a year that people are yearning for an outsider. Long doesn't want to lead the rankings. It's easier, after all, to thrive at the outsider. But being on top also guarantees a bulls eye on his back. Long's biggest strength might also be his biggest vulnerability: to shoot straight from the hip. But if he maintains a large resource advantage, he'll be able to answer any attack that comes his way. With a wink, nod and funny one-liner. The Billy Long way.

2. Gary Nodler -- (Up 1) Nodler returns to the second slot for the first time since August. His 3rd quarter fundraising failed below expectations and he's expected to relinquish his Senate Appropriations chairmanship soon, possibly even before Thanksgiving. But Nodler's pick-up of Roy Blunt's former chief of staff Gregg Hartley gave him some positive news to cap off the month. Hartley's D.C. connections will inevitably help Nodler raise cash in the beltway. But his blessing raises a larger question about where Blunt's allegiance lies in the 7th. "Hartley doesn't do anything without talking to Roy first," said one 7th District politico. Is Hartley's support a sign that Team Blunt is switching their allegiance to Nodler? Is Nodler now seen as the establishment's best chance at stopping Long? Now Nodler needs to show he can keep pace with Long's fundraising to earn that slot in the championship bout.

3. Jack Goodman -- (Down 2) Goodman falls to his lowest ranking since the Power Rankings began back in April. Some of his drop is self-inflicted, but part of it is a vicious whisper campaign that generated bad buzz for a candidate already reeling from a bad fundraising quarter. His burn rate is much too high, much too soon, so campaign consultant David Barklage has/will be taken off the list of expenses. Now Goodman has to figure out how not only to keep pace financially, but to boost his Mojo and convince skeptics he still and will be in the game. It's too early to write off Goodman, who was the leader of the Power Rankings for the last five straight months. He has the strongest grassroots team in place and still exerts loyalty in those outlying counties of Taney, Lawrence and Barry. No one around has a bad word to say about Jack. But the sentences involving him are now ending with, "Is he tough enough? Can he fight back?"

4. Darrell Moore -- (Stable) The Greene County prosecutor is now being talked about a more of a spoiler than a viable contender to with the 7th. His name identification is still tops in Greene County. So who does that hurt most? We know Moore's presence is good for Nodler. But who does he siphon more votes away from? Goodman or Long. A smart politico outside the 7th says Moore hurts Long the most, because he takes right out of Billy's base of Greene County. It's too early to begin talking deals, but Moore could play kingmaker in a tight dicey race. And remember, no smart kingmaker cuts a deal without getting something in return.

5. Jeff Wisdom -- (Stable) The Notebook caught up with Wisdom at Tuesday night's anti-pension sales tax gathering downtown. After doing some radio with Vincent David Jericho, Wisdom worked the tables, quietly introducing himself to mostly college students, sipping on lattes. Did election night 2009 prove that the tea party movement isn't as potent and organized in southwest Missouri as suggested? If so, that's a setback for Wisdom's populist campaign.

6. Michael Wardell -- (----) The Nixa business owner and former Marine is articulate and thoughtful. And at his announcement, in one sitting, he unveiled more specifics than any of his rivals. Wardell said he got in the race because he was sick of hearing the red meat and empty rhetoric. He's furiously sending out releases in an attempt to break through the fray. But his promise to visit the district's twenty-some counties over the next few weeks (even though there's only 10) shows he has some outreach and catching up to do.

7. Mike Moon -- (Down 1) We haven't heard much out of Moon since he entered the race. But he does have a cool website that pops up a moon over the Capitol. And on his Facebook page, he's sitting on the trunk of an elephant. But if he held an official announcement kick-off, we could at least get him on Ky3 for 30 seconds.

Sunday Morning Skelton

Congressman Ike Skelton will appear on CBS' Face the Nation Sunday.

Other guests on FACE include: Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Republican political consultant Ed Rollins.

Get the entire Sunday Morning Show line-up HERE.

***

Meanwhile: On Saturday -- 4th District GOP candidate Vicky Hartzler will appear at a "We The People" rally at the Livestock Pavillion next to the Mills Center in Lebanon, Mo. It runs from 2-7 p.m.

Speakers at the Saturday rally include Hartzler, U.S. Senate candidate Chuck Purgason, Rep. Darrell Pollock and others. Topics include cap & trade, healthcare, the economy and the 2nd amendment.

Hartlzer is running for the GOP nomination to take on Skelton next November.

Wardell Rips Nodler For Comments on Lobbyists

7th District Republican Congressional candidate Michael Wardell called Sen. Gary Nodler's comments about the influence of lobbyists on campaigns "astounding" and said it exemplifies "so many of our problems."

On Thursday, while explaining his endorsement from Washington, D.C. lobbyist Gregg Hartley, Nodler told The Notebook that lobbyists ties to candidates and campaign contributors are a normal part of the political system.

"You're not going to find any significant contributor base that isn't tied to a lobbyist base. Any candidate who's raised any substantial money, has accepted money from lobbyists, people who have been lobbyists, paid lobbyists or employed lobbyists," Nodler said. You can read his entire remarks HERE.

Wardell called that remark "astounding." "Based on what he said, one would think 'lobbying up' is a qualification for holding congressional office," Wardell said Friday.

"Nodler implies lobbyists go with the territory, that their support is an indication of your strength as a candidate or office-holder; nothing could be further from the truth. What you need to get elected and get things done in Washington, DC is the support of the people you represent," Wardell continued.

"The grip lobbyists have on Congress is the source of so many of our problems. At worst, Senator Nodler is representing the wrong people at the expense of his constituents. At best, he has a political tin ear.

Wardell did not make any specific pledges about who he would not take money from. He only said he would put his constituents against "special interests." Nodler said he wasn't being critical of how people went about raising money, but just pointed out that most campaigns have some type of ties to lobbyists.

Wardell and Nodler are two of seven announced Republican candidates running to replace Congressman Roy Blunt in the 7th Congressional District.

Missouri Pols Play Unemployment Blame Game

Missouri Republicans hopped all over the new unemployment rate Friday, which hit double-digits for the first time in 26 years.

GOPers said the 10.2 percent jobless number proved that the Obama administration's massive economic stimulus package failed to accomplish its intended goals, eight months after its passage.

"While President Obama told us that the failed stimulus would keep unemployment below 8 percent, more than 10 percent of Americans are unemployed," Congressman Roy Blunt said in a statement.

The country lost 190,000 jobs in October, continuing a downward trend that began last spring.

The Obama administration noted that employment in temporary jobs increased by 33,700. Christina Romer, chair of the president's Council of Economic Advisors, said that number represented a sign of hope amid "painful evidence of continued labor market weakness."

"The motor vehicle industry also posted employment gains. These are hopeful signs that the unprecedented policy actions are working to stabilize the economy and put us on a path toward recovery," said Romer. Read her full statement HERE.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) attempted to tie Missouri's Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate to the climb in unemployment.

"Robin Carnahan was among those Democrats who said that she would have voted in favor of the failed stimulus debacle," said NRSC press secretary Amber Wilkerson Marchand.

In an interview with The Notebook back in March, Carnahan did not specifically commit support to the $787 billion dollar stimulus package, but said "we've got to do something."

On the specific legislation, Carnahan said, "I didn't read the 18-hundred page bill and wasn't asked to vote on that. There's no reason for me to kind of talk about something I didn't have any input on. (You can watch the full clips from that interview HERE.)

Meanwhile, Missouri Democrats tried to reach back to the Bush administration to pin blame for the country's continuing economic problems. Missouri Democratic Party executive director Brian Zuzenak said that Blunt's 93 percent voting record with President Bush makes him responsible for one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression.

In the 7th Congressional District, Sen. Jack Goodman said the 10.2% unemployment rate "is another sure sign that the Pelosi-Obama stimulus has failed."

Goodman, who voted against a large state spending bill that included stimulus money, has tried to carve himself out as the most fiscally conservative Republican in the race to replace Roy Blunt.

"Stimulus bills, bailouts, and government takeovers have done little more than increase the national deficit by trillions of dollars that future generations of Americans will struggle to pay off," Goodman said.

Potts Arrested In Lieberman's Office

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT

Springfield political activist and Progressive Party U.S. Senate candidate Midge Potts was arrested for refusing to leave Sen. Joe Lieberman's office during a sit-in.

Potts was one of nine arrested that were protesting Lieberman's ties to the health insurance industry.

In a release, Potts said she was taking part in a demonstration organized by Mobilization for Health Care for All," a nonviolent campaign to end private health insurance abuse."

"A US Senator should not be taking campaign donations from corporations over which he or she has legislative/regulatory authority," said Potts. "Senator Lieberman's willingness to prioritize profits over people makes me sick, so I felt moved to demonstrate to him that the American people demand Universal not-for-profit heath care for all, now!"

*WATCH VIDEO HERE*
Potts can be seen around :53 in

Potts has been arrested in Washington, D.C. before and was the first transgendered candidate to run for Congress, when she ran for the Republican nomination for the 7th District in 2006.

Blunt: H1N1 Vaccines Should Go To Moms & Kids First

Congressman Roy Blunt seized on media reports that Goldman Sachs received H1N1 vaccines before some hospitals and blamed the Obama administration for its failure to "manage distribution of this vaccine."

"While many Missourians are still at risk, Wall Street bankers are at the head of the line for H1N1 vaccine," Blunt said. “The federal government continues to demonstrate that it cannot manage distribution of this vaccine. This Administration is sending some Wall Street companies as many vaccines as hospitals are receiving, and Missouri families are not getting their fair share," he added.

"The Obama Administration should send Wall Street’s doses to Missouri, where expectant mothers, children and others vulnerable to the H1N1 virus are not guaranteed access to the vaccine. Moms and kids first," Blunt continued.
***

ALSO: The conservative, free-market group, American Future Fund, is running a TV ad linking problems with the H1N1 vaccine to plans for government run health insurance.

WATCH THE AD HERE

"President Obama called this pandemic a ‘national emergency,’ but the federal government continues to fail at one of its most basic responsibilities," Blunt said.

MO. DEMOCRATIC PARTY RESPONDS:
"Congressman Blunt is using a public safety issue to run from his 12 year Washington insider record of supporting corporate special interests on Wall Street," said Brian Zuzenak, Executive Director of the Missouri Democratic Party.

"Just this year, Blunt voted for a $1 million earmark for potato research in Idaho, Oregon and Washington that could have paid for 50,000 flu vaccines – enough to inoculate the entire city of Joplin, MO," added Zuzenak.

Kinder: At Least 1 Missourian Injured In Shootings

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder said at least one Missourian has been injured in the shootings at Fort Hood, Texas Thursday.

"Today, our nation mourns for those who have lost their lives in this senseless act of violence. At this hour, we know at least one Missourian, Keara Bono, 21, of Independence, was injured in the shootings," Kinder said in a statement.

"I offer my thoughts and prayers to Keara and her family, and to families of those who are dead and wounded," he said.

***

The U.S. Army says at least 12 people have been killed and 31 wounded on the central Texas Army post. The shooter, Army Major Malik Nadal Hasan was killed. Reports say he was a mental health professional who recently received a poor review. Two other suspects have been apprehended.They also are U-S soldiers.

PLUS: Families in the Ozarks endure tense moments waiting to hear from soldiers stationed at Ft. Hood. For Ky3 News @ 10 coverage, click HERE.

Hartley Sends E-mail to GOPers Touting Nodler, Dinging Long

"You can't be partly pregnant . . ."

Gregg Hartley, who endorsed Sen. Gary Nodler for Congress Tuesday night, has sent an e-mail to 7th District Republicans, urging them to sign on to the campaign.

In the note, Congressman Roy Blunt's former longtime chief of staff also suggests a potential weakness of auctioneer Billy Long's campaign.

"The pundits would tell you Billy Long is in the lead and he sure has had some momentum," Hartley wrote in the e-mail forwarded to The Notebook.

"He is playing the outsider role but his campaign structure sends a different signal," Hartley goes on.

Hartley, who used to live in Missouri but now works as a lobbyist with Cassidy & Associates in Washington, D.C. said he did not intend to get involved in the 7th District primary, but that this campaign is personal to him.

"This is an important campaign. The candidate who wins the primary wins the seat. Congressmen Gene Taylor, Mel Hancock and Roy Blunt have built the seventh into one powerful seat. It is more than just one of 435. There are expectations of the one who holds the seat to live up its history. In Missouri, the 7th is the fulcrum which has leveraged tremendous growth statewide in GOP power. It is the traditional cradle of conservative Republic belief in Missouri and votes," Hartley wrote.

"I think it really matters who follows Roy," he added.

Nodler said he met with Hartley this past weekend and said he appreciates his support and welcomes it. Hartley said that while he and Nodler have not always been on the same team in the past, the Joplin Senator is best prepared to fill Blunt's shoes.

"I have known him for 30 years. Gary and I have not always agreed on campaigns or issues, and we won’t in the future. But he will do a strong job as the Congressman for the Seventh. I am going to support his efforts and endorse his campaign. Not as lobbyist or a vested interested here in DC, but as a Missourian, a former chief of staff to the Congressman from Southwest Missouri and as someone who cares deeply about the difference he can make in the Republican House Conference. I hope you will consider doing the same," Hartley wrote.

Hartley won't have a formal role with Nodler's campaign, but is expected to provide advice.

NODLER ON LOBBYIST TIES

"No one in the nation's capitol -- outside Congressman Blunt -- knows the district better than Gregg Hartley," Nodler said.

"Gregg is very close to Congressman Blunt. He managed many of his campaigns, so he understands the district and the demands of the office. He's a lobbyist in Washington D.C. and knows a lot of folks both inside and outside of government," Nodler said.

Asked whether he was worried about the perception of receiving an endorsement from a Washington, D.C. based lobbyist, Nodler said every major candidate in the 7th District race has some ties to lobbyists.

"You're not going to find any significant contributor base that isn't tied to a lobbyist base. Any candidate who's raised any substantial money, has accepted money from lobbyists, people who have been lobbyists, paid lobbyists or employed lobbyists," Nodler said.

When suggested that Sen. Jack Goodman's campaign donations have been smaller, Nodler replied, "For a time, he had a relationship with David Barklage. He's a registered lobbyist." Barklage is running Sen. Goodman's campaign.

"You can't be partly pregnant. I know some people would like to be hypocritical about it. I'm not criticizing it. I'm just saying people throw allegations out there without looking in the mirror."

Poll: 50% Greene County Residents Believe Missouri Heading in Right Direction

A new Missouri State University poll shows Greene County residents are a bit more optimistic about their financial futures than you might think.

And a plurality believe the state is heading in the right direction.

WATCH THE KY3 NEWS @ 10 REPORT HERE

QUESTION: Do you think that a year from now, you and your family will be better off financially than you are now, worse off, or about the same as you are now?

BETTER OFF 38%
WORSE OFF 10%
ABOUT THE SAME 47%

QUESTION: Do you think things in Missouri are generally heading in the right direction or wrong direction?

RIGHT DIRECTION 50%
WRONG DIRECTION 32%
NOT SURE 17%

Both polls based on 591 responses from Greene County residents between Sept. 26th and Oct. 11th. The margin of error is 4%.

PLUS: MSU POLLING DIRECTOR CALFANO ON WHAT RIGHT DIRECTION NUMBER MEANS FOR GOV. NIXON:



"I also think it might be a welcome sense of relief for Governor Nixon."

*WATCH CLIPS ABOVE*

MORE from the polls:

Future Economic Thoughts:
38% Democrats believe they'll be better off; 44% of Republicans
60% 18-34 year olds believe they'll be better off; Just 21% of those 55 & Older

State of Missouri Right Direction/Wrong Direction:
REPUBLICANS: 50% Right Direction, 34% Wrong Direction
DEMOCRATS 60% Right Direction, 27% Wrong Direction
MALES 47% Right Direction, 36% Wrong Direction
FEMALES 53% Right Direction, 29% Wrong Direction

McCaskill Misses Unemployment Vote, But Supports Extension

Sen. Claire McCaskill was one of just two Senators not present to vote on extending unemployment benefits.

But her office said she still supported the measure and would've voted for it if she could've made the vote.

The Senate voted almost unanimously to extend unemployment benefits for at least 14 weeks and expand a tax credit for homebuyers. The final vote was 98 to 0 with Democratic Sens. Robert Byrd of West Virginia and McCaskill not voting.

***

McCaskill communications director Adrianne Marsh said the junior Senator, like Republican Sen. Kit Bond, was not enthusiastic about extending the homebuyer tax credit program, which was included in the legislation.

"She doesn't believe we can afford it. It didn't ultimately go to strictly first time home buyers," said Marsh, reached late Wednesday.

Marsh pointed out that McCaskill was happy to see the homebuyer tax credit program extended for military families because some could not take advantage of the program while deployed overseas.

Skelton Meets With Labor Secretary

Congressman Ike Skelton recently met with U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis to discuss the unemployment rate in the 4th Congressional District.

"We talked about a number of matters during the meeting. But, I was particularly eager to share my concerns about the high unemployment rate in the Fourth District and to discuss how we can boost jobs and job training in rural Missouri. It is vital that we prepare our workforce to compete and succeed in the 21st century global economy," said Skelton in a statement.

"While last week’s report indicating 12,000 jobs were saved or created by the Recovery Act in the Fourth District is welcome news, more work remains. I am hopeful that the Secretary will take seriously my concerns and will share them with her colleagues in the Administration," he added, without getting into specifics.
***

MEANWHILE: The U.S. Senate voted to give the unemployed up to 20 weeks of additional unemployment benefits and expand the home buyers tax credit program.

Sen. Kit Bond's communications maestro notes that Sen. Kit Bond supports extending unemployment benefits but objected to the homebuyer tax credit extension.

"I object to including an expansion of the homebuyer tax credit program in the bill, which comes at a high cost to taxpayers, has been ripe with fraud and abuse, and runs the risk of recreating another housing crisis," Bond said.

Schlafly's Eagle Forum Endorses Hartzler in the 4th

The national conservative group, Eagle Forum, is endorsing Vicky Hartlzer's 4th District Congressional campaign.

HARTZLER: IT'S DAVID VS. GOLIATH

"We proudly and enthusiastically support Vicky Hartzler as a champion of free enterprise and Missouri values. She is a rising star who can do so much to fix what is broken in Washington," said Phyllis Schlafly.

"When it mattered the most, Vicky Hartzler stood up to protect marriage from activist state and federal judges, and Missouri values won the day. She is the only candidate for this position with a proven record of protecting families from job-destroying tax increases. She is a devoted parent and wife, a strong partner in her family’s farm and business, an experienced classroom teacher, and a great supporter of their church and community. Eagle Forum is honored to be on the Hartzler team for nomination in August and election in November," added Schlafly.

***

Hartzler said she was grateful for the Eagle Forum's support in a race where "I sometimes feel like David going against Goliath."

"Phyllis Schlafly’s courage and success in standing up for what’s right for our great nation have always been a great inspiration to me," she said. "I welcome Eagle Forum’s help in putting our state and nation back on the right track."

Hartlzer is battling Sen. Bill Stouffer and various other candidates for the 4th District GOP nomination for the right to take on Democratic Congressman Ike Skelton.

Nodler: Goodman Voted Against Jobs on EaglePicher

EXPLAINS EAGLEPICHER FUNDING & HITS GOODMAN

"That line is Goodman propaganda . . ."

Joplin State Senator Gary Nodler said there was never a specific appropriation for EaglePicher this past legislative session and accused his 7th District opponent Sen. Jack Goodman of opposing job creation when he voted against the bill containing funds for the company.

"There was no appropriation for EaglePicher. There's nothing in the bill that specified that. There was a $50 million dollar allocation to the Department of Economic Development. And to date, no one has gotten it," Nodler said, in response to a story published by The Notebook Tuesday night.

"That line is the Goodman propaganda line, a Goodman campaign theme. But it's untrue," Nodler added.

On Tuesday night, former Roy Blunt chief of staff Gregg Hartley endorsed Nodler for Congress. The Notebook reported that Hartley, a lobbyist, has represented EaglePicher and that Nodler helped land $25 million dollars for the company during this past legislative session.

But Nodler, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the language in the specific legislation of House Bill 22 did not single out EaglePicher, and that it was state officials in the Department of Economic Development who recommended the money be loaned to two high-tech battery plants, one of them being EaglePicher.

The actual wording in the bill, never mentions EaglePicher, but is clearly targeted for "for not more than two new manufacturing company locations or existing manufacturing company expansions that use existing battery technologies."

Nodler said he never had a conversation with Hartley or any EaglePicher employee about the $25 million dollar appropriation. He said the first he knew Hartley had a relationship with Eagle Picher was this past weekend when the two met for dinner. "I don't monitor Cassidy's reporting or clients. I didn't know he had a relationship with EaglePicher until the other night," Nodler said.

Between 2007 and 2008, campaign finance documents show that EaglePicher donated $1,200 to Nodler.

During the interview Wednesday, Nodler said he doubted EaglePicher could even qualify for the money if it was released.

"Last time I checked Eagle Picher has not met the job creation target necessary to qualify for the loan," Nodler said.

But in his May 11th Capitol report, Nodler touted the $25 million dollar appropriation for "an exciting project" that could create hundreds of new jobs.

"EaglePicher Inc., a battery manufacturer, has a research and development facility in Joplin and is expected to receive a $25 million loan, which will essentially become a grant when the company meets certain commitments such as creating at least 500 jobs in the area and spending $150 million on the project. This expansion is an opportunity to expand high-tech jobs and strengthen the economy in our area," Nodler wrote.

Gov. Jay Nixon's administration said the money has not been released because EaglePicher has not yet met all the qualifiers to attain the forgivable loan.
Several capitol reporters have compared the EaglePicher funding to the federal earmarking process, where oversight and transparency is often lacking. On Wednesday, Nodler defended his vote for the legislation and stressed the $25 million dollars was a just a loan. "It was not a grant. It was not a gift. It was not corporate welfare. The state would recover the full amount," Nodler said.

He also took aim at his rival Goodman for voting against the legislation. "One Senator from our district did vote against 400 to 600 jobs. He was the one opposed to job creation in Southwest Missouri," Nodler said, referring to Goodman. "There's absolutely no justification for opposing it."

In a statement provided to The Notebook, Goodman said he stood by his vote against the spending bill that tapped into federal stimulus dollars. "It had tens of millions in pork barrel spending that we cannot afford with the current state shortfall and federal deficit. I will consistently fight to stop such bills in Congress," said Goodman.

"I believe lower taxes create jobs, not greater government spending. That is why I opposed President Obama’s so-called stimulus bill and will oppose any additional stimulus packages," Goodman added.

Nodler and Goodman are battling five other Republicans for the 7th District Congressional GOP nomination.

More Polling

Missouri State University's political science department releases numbers on Greene County voters perception of the economy and if they believe Missouri is heading in the right or wrong direction.

DEVELOPING . . .

FOR Ky3 News @ 10

Decision 2009: Lessons Learned

AFTER THE PARTY
A level-headed attempt to make sense of what Nov. 3rd really means

1. MAYOR O'NEAL MOJO -- Jim O'Neal was able to accomplish what his predecessor could not -- convincing enough Springfield city voters to approve a sales tax hike during a difficult economic period. O'Neal, along with other top city officials, worked every civic group tirelessly over the past several months. And as a result he not only won, he achieved what could be viewed as a mandate for the future. Supporters swung 3,043 votes their way in a 9-month period. That's the power of persuasion. City skeptics beware, there's a new Sheriff in town.

2. SPRINGFIELD AIN'T AS CONSERVATIVE AS YOU MIGHT THINK -- For years Republicans have worried about the trend. They no longer can pile up the big margins in Springfield like they used to inside city limits. It's not that the demographics changed that much since February when the tax failed. But it shows that voters here are less tied to staunch ideology when a convincing case is made. A 10-point tax hike win is something to be said for amid a backlash against bailouts and the sustained effects of a recession. WATCH KY3 NEWS @ 10 COVERAGE HERE.

3. TEABAG MOVEMENT OVERBLOWN -- After all the hub bub about a revolution brewing in District 23 in New York, the Democrat prevailed. Sure, it was messy and complicated. But a loss surely can't be viewed as a start of a movement. All the top GOPers got involved, threw their marker down. Sarah Palin was a hero. The D.C./New York establishment was mocked for picking the wrong candidate. This isn't to say, their forces won't emerge in another state in 2010. But Doug Hoffman turned out to be a loser.

4. A WARNING SHOT -- GOP Governor wins in Virginia and New Jersey can not and should not be understated. New Jersey, in particular, is a huge win for Republicans. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's close race for another term was also notable. There's an anti-incumbency, anti-big money wave out there. But neither Chris Christie nor Bob McDonnell ran as part of the tea party movement. They were Republicans who fit their state, ran mostly positive campaigns and seized the moment. Virginia traditionally goes to the party opposite of the White House and Corzine had trouble long before there was even a teabag movement. Still, the Republican wins are a warning shot for overconfident Obama-ites who may be a little more skeptical about all that "change they can believe in."

5. IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT OBAMA -- The results on Tuesday are neither a repudiation or an endorsement of the president. Missouri Republicans would have you think that Obama couldn't win re-election tomorrow: "Obama’s coattails have all but disappeared, and tonight’s election results should put Democrats on notice. Supporting the liberal Obama-Pelosi agenda is dangerous, even in states that voted overwhelmingly for Democrats just one year ago," said Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder in a statement. "Today Americans overwhelmingly rejected President Obama and Speaker Pelosi’s radical agenda," said 7th District candidate Billy Long. "Tonight's election results show that Americans are fed up with the extreme liberal agenda of Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama," said 4th District candidate Bill Stouffer. But voters told exit pollsters that Obama did not factor much into their voting. Put up your best national Republican against Obama in the Garden State tomorrow, and does the GOP think it would achieve a mirror result? Nonsense. It's a lesson that the conservative movement is alive and kicking but that individual races are sometimes more about binary choices than overarching national themes.

6. KRIS BAREFIELD = KING PUNDIT -- In our Decision 2009 pundit challenge, Kris Barefield picked the police and fire pension tax result within .2%. Barefield said the pension tax would pass 54.3% to 45.7%. The final result: 54.5% YES, 45.4% NO. Barefield was closest of all our participants and gets mega props from The Notebook. He's King pudit, at least for a day. If we think of a reasonable, responsible prize, we'll let ya know.

Hartley Endorses Nodler for Congress

HARTLEY ALSO REPRESENTS JOPLIN BUSINESS

Congressman Roy Blunt's former chief of staff Gregg Hartley endorsed State Sen. Gary Nodler for Congress via Twitter late Tuesday night.

The backing from the politically connected Hartley comes at a time when some Republicans were privately speculating about the long-term future of Nodler's campaign. To some it's an unusual move from a Washington, D.C. lobbyist who has maintained a relatively low-profile in Missouri politics and not lived in the district for years.

"I endorse Gary Nodler and will actively work with folks in SW Missouri to ensure his election; I urge others to join this important campaign," Hartley wrote on his Twitter page. "I believe the best candidate in primary has the experience as a former congressional aide, business advocate & current legislative leader," he wrote.

Hartley is the vice chairman and chief operating officer of Cassidy & Associates, a high-powered lobbyist group in Washington that currently employs former Gov. Matt Blunt and former Democratic operative Roy Temple. Hartley was Roy Blunt's closest advisor in Congress for 18 years.

In his posts, Hartley suggested that Nodler, the Senate Appropriations Chair, would be the best Republican able to preserve the "unique influence of the 7th."

But Hartley also has his own influence and interests to protect. Hartley's Cassidy & Associates has represented Eagle-Picher Technologies in Joplin between 2004 and 2009. Federal lobbyist disclosure reports show that Eagle-Picher has paid Cassidy between $70,000 and $120,000 a quarter for work during that time period.

During this past legislative session, Nodler landed $25 million dollars for the company. He disputed that the money was an "earmark," but critics labeled it "corporate welfare."

Notably, Sen. Jack Goodman, a rival of Nodler's in the 7th District primary, voted against the $25 million dollar provision for Eagle-Picher.

According to Hartley's Twitter page, he was visiting Southwest Missouri to meet with clients to discuss "batteries, education and manufacturing." He also said he met with Sen. Nodler during his trip.

Decision 2009: In A Jersey State of Mind

Springfield voters trek to the polls to vote on a five-year 3/4 cent sales tax hike designed to shore up a $200 million dollar hole in the city's police and fire pension fund.

STILL UNDECIDED?

WATCH both sides stump on our Ozarks Today Pension panel
WATCH the last-minute door-to-door campaign
CHECK OUT the only public poll conducted

Weather: 7AM 44 degrees, NOON 56 degrees
SUNNY

*PLAYING PUNDIT*
IT'S TOO CLOSE TO CALL . . . SO WHY NOT TRY
Area political junkies predict the police/fire pension tax outcome:
(Listed in the order received via FACEBOOK & Twitter)

Stephen Eisele: 53% YES, 47% NO
Matt Lyons: 51% YES, 49% NO
Crista Hogan: 53% YES, 47% NO
Grant Morris: 57% YES, 43% NO
Tom Martz: 53% NO, 47% YES
Brian Despain 54.5% NO, 45.5% YES
@PunkOnDeck 56% NO, 44% YES
Kristen Sanocki 52% NO, 48% YES
Josh Martin 54% NO, 46% YES
Branson Mayor Presley 52% YES, 48% NO
Kathy Bumgarner 58% NO, 42% YES
Matthew Block 52% YES, 48% NO
Jake Medley 65% YES, 35% NO
Kris Barefield 54.3% YES, 45.7% NO
@Springburg 52% NO, 48% YES
@Drewfy2Shoes 52% YES, 48% NO
@RatBite 52% YES, 48% NO
Cameron Sullivan 54% YES, 46% NO
Elijah Haahr 52% YES, 48% NO
Jeff Wisdom 51% NO, 49% YES

LuCastieMan 52.7% NO, 47.3% YES

Notebook Pundit Rolling Average: 50.6% YES, 49.4% NO
You can weigh in VIA TWITTER or FACEBOOK
***
PLUS: Other key issues --

Springfield public schools request a no tax hike bond issue
Christian County wants a property tax hike to pay for new libraries
Sparta asks residents to pay for a new high school

AND . . . WHY MY HEART IS IN NEW JERSEY

THE RACE OF THE NIGHT
Christie v. Corzine

Pollster.com Final Average: Chris Christie (R) 42%, Jon Corzine (D) 42%

Full coverage all day online @ The Notebook . . . an on-air on KY3 . . .

THE PLACE TO BE FOR POLITICS

Bond One of Only Two Opposing Procedural Vote On Unemployment Benefits

McCaskill Abstains
Sen. Kit Bond was one of just two Senators voting against an amendment that could pave the way for the federal government to extend unemployment benefits.

The vote to invoke cloture was 85-2. That is well above the 60 needed to limit amendments and move the legislation toward a final vote, which is likely later this week. It provides up to 14 additional weeks of unemployment benefits.

HERE's the vote breakdown.

BUT: The Associated Press notes the vote also effectively blocked Republicans from trying to terminate at year's end the financial rescue plan known as the Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP. The GOP is arguing that Democrats are using unspent TARP money as a slush fund to pay for programs unrelated to financial stabilization. Republicans also cried fowl about a move to cut off debate and not allow votes on amendments.

The legislation also includes an extension of the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit, that is set to expire. On Monday, Bond's office said the senior Senator was wary of extending that benefit because of widespread fraud, cited by the Inspector General.

"According to the Brookings Institution, the vast majority of home-buyers who used the credit would have bought a home without it and at best, the credit simply brought forward home sales that would have occurred in the future. The Brookings Institution estimates that only 15 percent or 350,000 sales were directly attributable to the tax credit," said Bond in his floor speech. "For the vast majority of cases, the home-buyer tax credit amounted to a free gift since it did not affect their decision to purchase a home," he added.