Jay Nixon: Latest News

Jay Nixon's Statement on Missouri's Skyrocketing Unemployment Rate

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A new report released Friday showed that after 7,700 Missourians lost their jobs last month, the state’s unemployment rate has skyrocketed to 6.4 percent -- the highest mark in at least a decade. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, there are more Missourians out of work now (192,892) than at any point in time since 1984.

Attorney General Jay Nixon issued the following statement today:

“Clearly, Missouri’s economy is quickly moving in the wrong direction. Another 7,700 of our friends and neighbors lost their jobs last month, and folks who still have jobs have seen their wages stagnate. Meanwhile, gas prices continue to skyrocket, health care is virtually unaffordable, and the same amount of food costs a whole lot more. Many families across our state simply don’t know how they’ll pay next month’s bills. Needless to say, Missouri families are ready for change.

“I believe we must turn Missouri’s economy around by investing our state’s biggest asset -- its hardworking people. That means making sure that middle-class Missourians have an opportunity to get a four-year degree and graduate debt free. We must invest in job-training programs to make sure that our workers have the skills needed to compete in a 21st-Century economy. We need to embrace, not fear, science and technology to create the jobs of the future. By helping small businesses expand, we’ll put people back to work and reinvigorate Main Streets across Missouri. And we must hold the line on taxes -- and provide additional relief to Missourians who need it most.

“The reckless economic policies coming out of Washington these past few years have created record deficits and caused thousands of American jobs to go overseas. The last thing we need is a Governor who will bring those failed economic policies from Washington back here to Missouri. It’s time for a change.”

Background facts:

Congressman Hulshof has voted with President George W. Bush nearly 90 percent of the time on “economic affairs and trade” issues. [Congressional Quarterly Vote Studies, 2001-07]

Congressman Hulshof recently claimed that “putting [Missouri’s] business climate on sound footing was probably [Gov. Matt Blunt’s] biggest accomplishment,” and the Congressman said, “There are a lot of positives to find over the last three and a half years.” [KY3, Republican Gubernatorial Debate, 7/23/2008]

Jay Nixon Discusses Skyrocketing Health Care Costs with St. Louis-Area Family, Small-Business Owners

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Nixon's Plan Would Use Technology and Market Forces to Drive Down Costs for Missouri Families and Businesses

BRENTWOOD, Mo. -- Attorney General Jay Nixon today met with a Saint Louis-area family and several small-business owners to discuss the skyrocketing costs of health care these past few years. Attorney General Nixon highlighted his plan to use market forces and technology to drive down the cost of coverage for families and businesses.

"For many Missouri families and small businesses, health care is simply unaffordable," Attorney General Nixon said. "Following the 2005 health care cuts, Missouri families and businesses saw their premiums and co-pays skyrocket. When thousands of folks have their insurance slashed overnight, the HMOs and insurance companies don't feel the pain -- they just shift the costs to everyone else who still has health coverage. By restoring coverage to those Missourians, and by using market forces and technology, we can help drive down the cost of insurance for our families and small businesses. During these tough economic times, Missouri families cannot afford to keep paying the price for our state's broken health care system."

Following the 2005 health care cuts, Missourians who have health insurance have been forced to pay for the 750,000 Missourians who don't have insurance. In fact, those Missourians with insurance are forced to pay twice for the uninsured -- once through their own skyrocketing premiums, and then again through their tax dollars, which pay for uninsured Missourians to get their health care at emergency rooms.

In Missouri, the average health care premium for a working family receiving employer-sponsored health care coverage increased by nearly $2,000 from 2004 to 2006 -- from $9,212 per year in 2004 to $11,171 per year in 2006. Meanwhile, Missouri taxpayers paid $500 million last year in uncompensated care dollars to reimburse hospitals to care for the uninsured. [Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Kansas City Star, 7-23-08]

Several weeks ago, Attorney General Nixon announced his plan to fix Missouri's broken health care system. To help drive down the costs for Missouri families, Nixon proposed the following:

Using technology and market forces to increase competition among providers to drive down costs for consumers. Jay Nixon has proposed creating the Show-Me Health Care Consumer Web Page to allow consumers to compare prices and plans, increase awareness of available community-based resources and drive down costs of health care by driving up competition. There is currently no central hub where Missourians can go to compare prices of health care plans, benefits and billing methods. Nixon will work with the Department of Health and Senior Services, health insurance providers and health care providers to create an online one-stop-shop for consumer information on their options for affordable health care.
Restoring coverage for Missourians who had it slashed in 2005 will substantially decrease the number of uninsured, which will allow the state to gradually spend less in uncompensated care dollars to Missouri hospitals.
Families who can't afford coverage for their children, but are 300% above Federal Poverty Level, will have an opportunity to buy into the State Children's Health Insurance Program at an affordable rate. (Families under 300% FPL already qualify for S-CHIP). The buy-in option would allow thousands of Missouri families to obtain coverage for their children at no additional cost to the state and Missouri taxpayers. The S-CHIP buy-in option has been successful in other states.

For more details on Nixon's health care plan, click here: http://www.jaynixon.com/hcpolicypaper.pdf

Today, Attorney General Nixon met with Amy and Charles Winning and their two children, Haley (8) and Connor (4), at the family's home in Brentwood. Last year, the Winning family had to spend more than $5,000 out-of-pocket on health care, in addition to their monthly premiums. The family lives off of about $23,000 a year Charles brings home from his full-time job and the limited money he can earn on the side by repairing computers.

"The past few years have been hard on our family," Amy Winning said. "Keeping our family insured is vital, but health care puts a tremendous burden on our budget. Costs for everything are going up, and it's increasingly difficult to make ends meet. So often, we have to make the choice between whether to see a doctor or put food on the table. That's a terrible decision to face."

Also joining in the discussion were the owners of two local small businesses, one of whom is struggling to continue to provide coverage for her employees and one who can't afford to do so. Mo Costello, the owner of Mokabes Coffee Shop in South City, said that in recent years, premiums for her employees have increased as much as 32 percent in a single year.

"I want to continue providing health insurance for my employees, but it's really difficult," Costello said. "The economy is hurting, which makes business tough, but health care costs continue to go up so quickly. What are we supposed to do?"

Phyllis Markus has owned The Cloths Tree, a woman's retail shop, for the past 36 years. Although she would very much like to provide health insurance for her five employees, she said it would be tough to stay in business if she did.

Nixon says votes show people want change

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

by Virginia Young
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jay Nixon said Wednesday that Tuesday’s election results showed that ''both Democrats and Republicans were hungry for change.''

Nixon, the attorney general, based his statement on the more than 175,000 votes that Treasurer Sarah Steelman drew in her GOP primary contest against Rep. Kenny Hulshof. Though Steelman lost, she prevailed in 53 counties. Nixon said those vote were cast ''against the Washington establishment, against the status quo.''

Nixon made his comments in a conference call with reporters the day after he officially became the Democratic nominee. Hulshof, meanwhile, was making a â€¨campaign swing into the heart of Nixon’s turf -- his native Jefferson County. He was slated to speak about his jobs plan this afternoon at the Koller-Craft plant in Fenton.

On Tuesday night, Hulshof criticized Nixon for proposing to reinstate Medicaid benefits to 100,000 adults who lost coverage in budget cuts of 2005. Hulshof said that step would restore ''a broken and bankrupt system.''

In response, Nixon said his plan makes health care a top priority, takes advantage of federal funding and expands coverage for children.

''I don’t consider it going backward to cover kids with health care,'' Nixon said Hulshof called Tuesday on Nixon to make the race about ideas, rather than about ''a president whose career is over and a governor who isn’t on the ballot,'' referring to President George Bush and Gov. Matt Blunt.

But Nixon said the Blunt and Bush policies Hulshof has embraced ''have not worked for the state. I mean, by golly, we’ve got premiums rising and too many people uninsured.''

Nixon showed that he will take a page from Steelman’s playbook and portray Hulshof as a Washington insider. He said Hulshof ''has never come close to dealing with a balanced budget in Washington DC.''

Hulshof has said his record shows he reaches across party lines and can bring a ''fresh perspective and a new attitude'' to Jefferson City. In his victory speech to supporters, he said there were ''too many challenges to settle for the old politics.''

Link to article

Attorney General Jay Nixon Wins Democratic Nomination for Governor

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Kansas City, Mo. – Tonight, Attorney General Jay Nixon won the Democratic nomination for Missouri Governor and kicked off his general election campaign. Below are excerpts of Attorney General Nixon's remarks, as prepared for delivery at the Uptown Theater:

"Tonight, we celebrate. Not because our victory was unexpected. But because tonight, we turn a page. Tonight, Missouri families are one step closer to getting the change they need. The change they deserve. Tonight, we stand for change.

"Our state is at a crossroads. We can either continue moving backwards with the same failed policies, or we can chart a new course – and begin moving forward again.

"We can't afford four more years of the same economic policies. We can't afford four more years of skyrocketing health care costs and soaring college tuition. We can't afford four more years of losing good-paying jobs to other states and other countries. We can't afford four more years where science and research take a backseat to ideology. We can't afford four more years where special interests have special access – and regular folks get squeezed.

"Right now, families simply can't afford health coverage. And you know what – many of them can't afford gas or food either. Bills are stacking up on kitchen tables across the state. Our Main Streets are hurting. Shops are shutting down. Small businesses aren't expanding. Everyone is worried about what the future will bring for themselves and their children.

"We live in an amazing state – full of diversity and potential. And it's up to us to make sure our best days are ahead of us.

"Solving these problems won't be easy. But it will only happen if we offer serious ideas about how to achieve fundamental change. Unfortunately, my opponents spent more time these past few months finding ways to attack one another than finding ways to solve problems. The challenges we face here in Missouri are too big for this kind of Washington-style fighting.

"We cannot afford to stay the same course. We must deliver the change Missouri families need. Together, we'll do just that. Thank you for being here. Thank you for all of your hard work."

Attorney General Jay Nixon Announces Plan to Fix Missouri's Broken Health Care System

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- Attorney General Jay Nixon today announced his plan to fix Missouri’s broken health care system by restoring the 2005 health care cuts, expanding access to children, and using technology and market forces to make health insurance more affordable for Missouri families. Attorney General Nixon announced steps he would take to make Missouri’s new health care system more efficient and effective, while focusing on prevention and individual responsibility.

Nixon announced his plan at press conferences in St. Louis, Columbia and Kansas City. He was joined by health care policy experts, health care workers and regular Missourians who had their coverage slashed by Gov. Matt Blunt in 2005.

“When Gov. Blunt slashed health care from 400,000 Missourians in 2005, he created a health care crisis that has only gotten worse. Missourians lost coverage over night, families who still had insurance saw their premiums skyrocket, and our state turned away over $1.5 billion in federal health care funds,” said Attorney General Nixon. “We must fix our broken health care system, and that starts by restoring coverage to every Missourian who had it slashed in 2005, expanding access for kids and helping families manage the costs. We’ve been moving backwards for too many years. It’s time to move forward, change the system and help Missouri families get the quality health care they need and deserve. ”

Attorney General Nixon’s health care plan would:

Restore health care coverage and benefits to the 400,000 Missourians who had it slashed in 2005. He would draw down hundreds of millions of dollars a year in federal matching funds.

Expand access to Missouri children by: restoring coverage to children who had it slashed in 2005; reaching out to families with children currently eligible for Medicaid/SCHIP but not enrolled; and allowing families over 300 percent of the federal poverty level the opportunity to purchase affordable coverage for their children through SCHIP.

Use technology and market forces to drive down the cost of health care for Missouri families. This includes establishing the Show-Me Health Consumer Web page, a one-stop-shop for Missourians to compare prices of health care plans, benefits and billing methods.

Create a more effective and efficient health care system by conducting strict performance reviews of the current health care system and establishing a Blue Ribbon Commission to modernize health care delivery and management.

Focus on prevention and individual responsibility by: ensuring access to pre-natal care; improving immunization rates for young children; reducing childhood obesity; promoting tobacco prevention; and increasing access to dental and vision services.

Attorney General Nixon’s plan is designed to fix a health care system that was devastated when Gov. Matt Blunt slashed health coverage and benefits from 400,000 Missourians in 2005. As a result of those cuts, the Blunt administration turned away over $1.5 billion in federal health care funds, and now, more than 750,000 Missourians, including more than 125,000 children, have no health insurance at all. As the number of uninsured Missourians increases, families who do have insurance pay for it with higher premiums and co-pays. From 2004 to 2006, many Missouri families saw their premiums increase by nearly $2,000.

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Nixon Campaign Raises $1.75 Million in Second Quarter of 2008; Reports $3.75 Million in Bank

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Attorney General Jay Nixon’s campaign for Governor today announced that after raising $1.75 million in the second fundraising quarter of 2008, it now has $3.75 million on hand for the governor’s race.

The strong fundraising quarter sends a clear message: Missourians are ready for change.

"Missourians are contributing to our campaign in record numbers because they know Jay Nixon has the experience it will take to bring about the change we need," said Oren Shur, Nixon's campaign spokesman. "As Missouri families look at the candidates in this race, they see that Jay Nixon is the only candidate offering new, fresh ideas to move our state forward. Meanwhile, our opponents want to stay the course with the same failed policies of Matt Blunt and George W. Bush. With gas at $4 a gallon, jobs leaving the state and health care premiums skyrocketing, Missouri families simply can’t afford more of the same. It’s time for a change."

In total, the campaign has received nearly 20,000 individual contributions, the majority of which were small-dollar donations of $100 or less. Most of those contributions were generated by more than 120 grassroots fundraisers that regular Missourians have hosted across the state or through the campaign Web site, www.jaynixon.com.

Yesterday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch published the results of the first newspaper-sponsored poll conducted since Gov. Blunt dropped out of the race. According to the poll, Jay Nixon holds a strong lead over both Republican opponents (Nixon 53% - Hulshof 35%; Nixon 53% - Steelman 34%) The summary page of the filing report is available here. The full report will be posted on the Missouri Ethics Commission Web site later today.

Jay Nixon's Statement on Anheuser-Busch Sale and the State of Missouri's Economy

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Attorney General Jay Nixon released the following statement today:

“Anheuser-Busch is more than the nation’s largest beer producer, and it’s more than a major employer. It’s a source of pride for our region and part of the fabric of our community. I was disheartened to learn that the sale was final, putting thousands of Missouri jobs at risk.

“The Anheuser-Busch sale is the latest in a series of economic blows that our state has endured in the past few weeks. This past weekend, we learned that Bombardier has decided not to build its new plant in Missouri after all. Two weeks ago, Chrysler announced plans to close its Fenton plant and downsize another local plant, which will leave another 2,400 hardworking Missourians out of work. Our state has lost more than 15,000 jobs since October, and our unemployment rate is now among the nation’s highest. Our economy is clearly moving backwards, and Missouri families are struggling to make ends meet. Gas and grocery prices are skyrocketing, health care is unaffordable, and Missourians are worried about their jobs leaving the state.

“To turn this economy around, I believe we need to invest in Missouri’s greatest asset -- its hardworking men and women. That means investing in job re-training programs, rebuilding our Main Streets and making college more affordable for middle-class families. We need to hold the line on taxes -- and give additional tax relief to the Missourians who need it most. I firmly believe our best days are ahead of us, and that together we will move this economy forward and give Missouri families the change they need.”

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St. Louis Post-Dispatch poll: Jay Nixon has a "commanding lead"

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Tony Messenger and Virginia Young, Saint Louis Post-Dispatch
July 14, 2008

JEFFERSON CITY — In the race for governor, one name stands out to Missouri voters: Jay Nixon.

The four-term Democratic attorney general has a commanding lead over either of the Republicans vying to oppose him in November, according to a new poll.

No clear favorite has emerged for the Republican nomination for governor. Rep. Kenny Hulshof has a slight edge over Treasurer Sarah Steelman, the poll found, but she leads in pivotal southwestern Missouri, home to a loyal GOP voting bloc.

In another hot race, the survey gave state Rep. Jeff Harris of Columbia the lead in the four-way Democratic primary for attorney general. But nearly a fourth of voters remain undecided in that contest.

The primary is Aug. 5.

Research 2000 conducted the poll of 800 likely Missouri voters last week for the Post-Dispatch and KMOV-TV (Channel 4). The poll's margin of error is 3.5 percentage points for each individual number.

For questions relating to Democrats' or Republicans' primaries, the subgroup polled was smaller, so the margin of error is higher — 4.5 percentage points for each number.

The poll indicates that state voters are most concerned about health care, education and the economy — three issues that favor Democrats, said pollster Del Ali, head of Research 2000.

A large majority of those polled — 64 percent — favored providing health care for all Americans, even if it means raising taxes. Nixon, who has sharply criticized the state's 2005 Medicaid cuts, stands to be the chief beneficiary of such sentiment.

"The climate's right for him," Ali said. "It's absolutely his to lose."

Nixon was favored by 53 percent of those polled when matched against Steelman, who tallied 34 percent. In a race against Hulshof, Nixon led 52 percent to 35 percent.

Though Nixon hasn't begun running television ads, he has strong name ID thanks to a high profile on consumer issues during 16 years as attorney general.

"I like his no-call bill," said poll respondent Lawrence Mullen, 43, of St. Louis. "That was a great idea. He seems to care about the people. I see him in the news a lot."

Democrat James Stewart, 47, of St. Louis, said: "It just seems like he's got our best interests at heart, as far as the working man goes."

Nixon fared well among independents, taking 56 percent of them against Hulshof and 58 percent of them against Steelman.

"That's the key," Ali said. "Elections are really won with the independents."

He said the race will tighten after Republicans choose their nominee.

Hulshof and Steelman got a late start because Gov. Matt Blunt unexpectedly dropped out in January. Nixon got a breather from negative ads while the GOP regrouped.

That may help explain why Nixon's positive rating has climbed 7 points since January, when the most recent Research 2000 poll was conducted. In this month's poll, 56 percent of the respondents had a favorable opinion of Nixon.

Voters are less sure what they think of Hulshof and Steelman, with more than 20 percent of them having no opinion on the two Republican candidates.

Among Republican voters who were polled, 32 percent say they would vote for Hulshof if the primary were held today while 24 percent line up in the Steelman column. However, 27 percent of those Republicans are undecided.

And in the GOP-rich southwest Missouri area, Steelman has a double-digit lead, though the small size of the poll's regional sample means that result is less reliable than other numbers.

What's clear is that Steelman's name recognition — she already won a statewide election for treasurer — is helping her.

"She's been around longer. Been on TV more. I like her," said Randy Sixkiller, a 47-year-old janitor from the Christian County town of Selmore. Sixkiller, a Republican, offers the sort of insight into his vote that confounds political consultants.

"To be honest about it, I just don't like his last name," he said of Hulshof.

George Connor, head of the political science department at Missouri State University, said it's natural for Steelman to have a lead at this point in southwest Missouri, but he's not sure she can "pull this thing off statewide."

"Her ads came out first here," Connor said. "She came out swinging. It makes sense that she's concentrating her efforts down here."

Hulshof's strength lies in his congressional district, which takes in part of St. Charles County and a swath of central and northeastern Missouri.

Jeff Ausmus, a 45-year-old radio producer from Columbia, said Hulshof has "great values, He's a true conservative. I think he'd make a great governor."

Part of the uphill battle either Republican might face in the general election is how poorly voters view the current Republican governor.

Since June 2006, the Research 2000 polling has shown more than 50 percent of voters have an unfavorable opinion of Blunt.

Both Republican candidates, especially Hulshof, support many of Blunt's initiatives. In the latest poll, 54 percent of voters registered an unfavorable opinion of Blunt, down 2 percentage points from January.

While those numbers might not bode well in the general election, Hulshof and Steelman are focusing on issues that matter to Republican voters who will decide the primary.

In the poll, Republicans ranked taxes/spending and homeland security/illegal immigration as their two most important issues. Hulshof and Steelman supported Blunt's recent legislation that cracked down on illegal immigration, and both have vowed not to support a tax increase.

Democrats and independents, meanwhile, said their priorities were health care, education funding and the economy.

St. Louis resident Judy Antonsen, a 62-year-old independent voter, summed up the mood of many when it comes to the nation's economic condition.

"The country seems to be going to hell in a hand-basket," Antonsen said. "I've been trying to sell my house since last December. I didn't even get any nibbles."

While gubernatorial candidates are wooing independent voters, the debate in the attorney general's race has centered on who is the best Democrat.

Harris, former minority leader of the state House, has attacked state Sen. Chris Koster's Democratic credentials. Koster, of Raymore, was a Republican until last year.

The attacks may be helping Harris. Of the Democrats polled, 33 percent sided with Harris, giving him a 10-point lead that is just outside the poll's margin of error.

Koster came in second with 23 percent, followed by state Rep. Margaret Donnelly of Richmond Heights with 20 percent and political unknown Molly Williams of Kansas City with 1 percent.

But with nearly a fourth of voters undecided, the race is still up in the air, said pollster Ali. The final three weeks of the campaign hold the key to the battle's outcome.

"I'm probably going to Google people, pay attention on the news or call my younger sister, who's a journalist," said undecided voter Melanie Adams, 26, a law student in St. Louis.

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Attorney General Jay Nixon's Statement on Elimination of Campaign Contribution Limits

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – After Gov. Blunt signed a law to eliminate campaign contribution limits, Attorney General Jay Nixon released the following statement:

"This is a sad day for everyone who believes that regular Missourians, not wealthy special interests, should have the most powerful voice in electing our leaders. As Governor, I would have vetoed this bill the moment it hit my desk and protected the integrity of our campaign finance system. By signing this bill, Gov. Blunt has cleared the way for big corporations and wealthy interests to give millions to candidates. It's a clear step in the wrong direction. Needless to say, Missourians are ready for change."

Attorney General Nixon has long been a proponent of strict contribution limits. In 1999, he successfully argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in favor of contribution limits [Nixon v. Shrink Missouri Government PAC, No. 98-963, 10/5/1999].

The people of Missouri also support contribution limits -- having voted overwhelmingly in favor of a ballot initiative mandating strict limits in 1994.

Post-Dispatch: Nixon is "The Great Uniter"

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Author: Virginia Young

Over the past two decades, Attorney General Jay Nixon has alienated some fellow Democrats.

Intense and competitive, he hasn't been known for chit-chat and backslapping. To him, the way to make a point has been to start a fight.

He ignited criticism, for example, when he pushed to end the St. Louis school desegregation case, bemoaned court delays in executing condemned killers and accused a powerful former House speaker of illegally using his office to help a casino.

But all of that is in the past. Now, Nixon is the Great Uniter.

As he travels the state in his campaign for governor, he has traded tough law enforcement talk for kitchen table issues such as making college affordable. He has mended fences with black leaders, reached out to women's groups and improved his eye contact with audiences.

"He's proven himself," said Senate Minority Leader Maida Coleman, D-St. Louis. "Blacks are going to come out in huge numbers for Jay Nixon this year because we understand we've got to get the control back.

Nixon said his new conciliatory style reflects the different office he's seeking: He wants to move from chief regulator to chief executive officer.

"Attorney general is a position of contention," he said in an interview in his campaign office above a capital pizza parlor. "Governor is a position of consensus.

Nixon has had plenty of time to hone his message. On the campaign trail, he carries a briefing book that counts down the days to the Nov. 4 election. When he started running in 2005, it said 1,010 days.

Back then, Nixon was running against Republican Gov. Matt Blunt, decrying Blunt's cuts in health care for the poor. Their rivalry intensified when Nixon tried to derail Blunt's use of a student loan agency's assets to fund campus construction projects.

The political landscape shifted in January, when Blunt suddenly dropped out of the governor's race. But Nixon contends that what's at stake hasn't changed. The Republican candidates, Kenny Hulshof and Sarah Steelman, differ on some issues but embrace many of Blunt's policies. Nixon says either one stands for "four more years of Matt Blunt.

Though he's out of the race, Blunt remains Nixon's chief critic. Frequent news releases from the governor blast Nixon for his ties to a nonprofit health care foundation and for favoring "the old, broken Medicaid system."

The GOP also has attacked Nixon's former use of a state car for campaign purposes and his family's sewage plant problems.

For now, however, Nixon has a huge advantage: He has his party's nomination sewed up, facing only political unknown Daniel Carroll of Shelbina, Mo. So while Steelman and Hulshof blast each other, Nixon quietly has been building his campaign organization and treasury. He had $2.7 million in the bank as of April 15.

Nixon also has built-in name recognition from 16 years as attorney general, a post that lets him champion family-friendly issues such as expanding the no-call list, shutting down home-repair scams and pulling sex offenders' profiles from the social networking site, MySpace.

More importantly, he has run statewide six times, winning a record four terms as attorney general and losing two races for U.S. Senate.

"If he just looks at his mistakes in the past, he's smart enough to know what he has to do to win," said Rep. Sam Komo, D-House Springs.

To wrest the governor's office from Republicans, Nixon must rally Democrats' traditional urban strongholds while cutting into GOP support in suburban and rural Missourri.

His appeal to the center was evident on a recent campaign swing from a fundraiser in his native Jefferson County to a stop at the American Legion in Park Hills to a reception at a posh Cape Girardeau home to a Democratic rally in Dexter.

At each stop, he deplored the rising prices of milk, eggs and gasoline. He blamed the rising prices on "the George Bush-Matt Blunt economic policies of trickle-down" economics. His words picked up speed, as if on a roller coaster. He told crowds that Missouri is at a crossroads.

Saying it is time to invest in human capital, Nixon touted health care for children, property tax relief for elderly couples and a path to free college tuition for those who start at junior colleges, perform community service and keep their grades up.

His "Missouri Promise" plan would expand the state's A-Plus program to beef up scholarships for students in families making $80,000 and less.

Karen Freeman, who operates a commercial and residential cleaning business in Cape Girardeau, liked what she heard. "He's very down-to-earth, and he's rural," she said.

The keystone of Nixon's campaign has been health care. He says that by cutting Medicaid eligibility, the state forfeited a billion dollars in federal funds, "the largest public policy mistake I've seen.

Even so, Nixon hasn't released his own health care plan or said how he would come up with the state's share of the funding to restore the Medicaid cuts. He promises a detailed blueprint soon.

He also hasn't staked out a position on how to pay for state roads when an expected funding crunch hits in 2010. Nixon said he'd work to pin down the needs and form a consensus.

But he rules out a tax increase.

"There aren't any taxes on the table for me," he told reporters at a Missouri Press Association debate. "We've got to put more money in peoples' pockets, not less money in peoples' pockets."

He pledged to meet individually with all 197 state legislators. He said his six years as a state senator taught him respect for the legislative process.

Democrats say Nixon has done a good job of unifying the party. He reached out to African-Americans with a proposal to regulate the payday loan business. He reassured abortion-rights supporters by promising to reinstate family planning funds.

Nixon favors abortion rights. However, his job has been to defend state laws, including anti-abortion laws. "He's had to defend what I consider some pretty horrible stuff in women's health," said Sen. Joan Bray, D-University City.

"He has been in long and serious conversations over time to try to bridge that gap, and he has succeeded in doing that."

Nixon's former top deputy, attorney Chuck Hatfield, said the old Nixon would stake out a position and "throw it out there, devil's advocate style. Immediately the room was hostile, because he has set out these hard-line positions. I don't see him doing that at all lately."

His new tone has even won over some Republican business donors, who are splitting their money between the GOP and Nixon, said Chuck Caisley, a utility executive in Kansas City.

"He's firing on all cylinders, raising good money, getting business to hedge their bets," said Caisley, a former Republican House staffer and campaign strategist.

Not that Nixon has turned into a softie. When he urged delay last month of a California court ruling allowing same-sex marriages, some Democrats were disappointed, calling the move unnecessary and hurtful to gays and lesbians in the party.

Nixon said he was just making clear Missouri's policy against same-sex marriages. As for his style, he promises he'll always be a hard-charger.

"If you're not pushing, things won't get done," Nixon said. "I don't come to the office in the morning thinking my role is as a caretaker."

Link to article

Missouri State Fraternal Order of Police Endorse Jay Nixon for Governor

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The Missouri State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police today announced its endorsement of Jay Nixon for Governor. At events in Columbia and Springfield, State FOP President Kevin W. Ahlbrand said the police officers endorsed Attorney General Nixon over his Republican opponents because of Nixon’s long record of fighting crime, protecting consumers and supporting the law enforcement community.

"When it comes to fighting crime and protecting our communities, Jay Nixon is the toughest Attorney General in Missouri history," said FOP President Ahlbrand, who is a Sergeant with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. "Whether it’s cracking down on drugs, prosecuting violent criminals or advocating for victims’ rights, Jay Nixon has worked tirelessly to keep Missouri families safe and support our law enforcement officers. We believe Jay Nixon has the experience needed to move our state forward, and we look forward to working with him closely in the years to come. Missouri families who are concerned about keeping their communities safe have a clear choice for Governor and its Jay Nixon."

In 2004, the group backed Matt Blunt for Governor. The State FOP represents more than 5,000 law enforcement officers across Missouri.

"Our local police officers are true heroes, putting their lives on the line every day to keep our families safe," Attorney General Nixon said. "I have tremendous respect for our law enforcement officers, and I’m proud to stand with them in their important work. As Attorney General, I’ve teamed with our police officers to get drugs off our streets, prosecute violent criminals and defend victims’ rights. And as Governor, I look forward to continuing my partnership with the law enforcement community to make sure they have the resources needed to fight crime in every corner of the state."

Since taking office in 1993, Attorney General Nixon has successfully obtained more than 250 murder or manslaughter convictions, including nearly 100 sentences of life without parole. He has also overseen 59 executions during his time as Attorney General, more than every other Attorney General in Missouri’s history combined. [Analysis of AGO Annual Reports, 1993-2008] Under Nixon’s leadership, the Attorney General’s Office has assisted with more than 2,700 special prosecutions in counties across Missouri. In these cases, attorneys from the AGO assist local prosecutors in complicated trials or are appointed as special prosecutors when conflicts of interest arise. These efforts have saved counties millions of dollars. [Sunshine Request of Internal AGO Records, 1993-2008]

In May, Attorney General Nixon also received the endorsement of the St. Louis Police Officers Association, which also endorsed Blunt in 2004.

Jay Nixon Outlines Ideas to Make Government More Efficient, Effective and Fiscally Responsible

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Attorney General Proposes Widespread Performance Reviews and New Technology to Save Taxpayers Money

ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- In a speech today before the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA), Attorney General Jay Nixon announced his ideas to make government more efficient and fiscally responsible during these difficult economic times. Among other reforms, the Attorney General proposed widespread performance reviews and the use of new technology to save the taxpayers money.

“During these difficult economic times, Missouri families are tightening their belts to make ends meet. I believe state government must do the same,” Attorney General Nixon said. “The people of Missouri deserve a government that is efficient and fiscally responsible. By conducting thorough performance reviews of every government office and every program, we will determine exactly what works and where we can save the taxpayers’ money. With gas prices skyrocketing and health care costs out of control, we simply cannot afford waste and inefficiency in any area of state government.”

As Attorney General, Nixon has run the most fiscally responsible office in government. Last year, the Attorney General’s Office generated or returned more than $20.00 to the taxpayers for every dollar the office was appropriated by the legislature. In total, Nixon has saved the taxpayers more than $2.0 billion by fining criminals and cracking down on corporations that take advantage of Missouri consumers. [Attorney General Annual Reports, 1993 – 2007; Analysis of AGO Annual Reports 2001 – 2007]

By managing the office in a fiscally responsible manner, Attorney General Nixon not only balanced the office budget every year, he ensured that office always finished the year considerably under budget -- saving the state millions of additional dollars. [Sunshine Request of internal AGO budget numbers]

At today’s RCGA lunch, Attorney General Nixon outlined the following principles to ensure that state government operates in a more effective, efficient and fiscally responsible manner:

Government Performance Reviews: Jay Nixon will establish a Performance Review Commission composed of private sector executives, elected officials, and senior-level state employees who will be charged with reviewing state operations and develop recommendations for improvement. This Commission will review every state agency to evaluate how to improve performance and reduce cost to the taxpayer. The Commission will also be specifically tasked with recommending ineffective programs for elimination. For example, West Virginia identified nearly $320 million in savings after conducting a statewide performance review in 2006. One priority for the Commission will be evaluating and consolidating Missouri’s health care bureaucracy. Currently, more than 60 state agencies, boards or commissions are involved with the development of health care policy or the delivery and management of health care services in the state.

Effective Government Contracting: Jay Nixon will work to ensure that through the procurement process, state and local governments have increased access to bulk purchasing programs. He believes that the state can do more to encourage local governments to join the state in bidding on contracts -- increasing the size of the purchase and bringing down the costs. Jay will work to ensure that small businesses and minority and women owned businesses are ensured appropriate participation.

Using Technology to Save Time and Money: In his efforts to improve efficiency in the Attorney General’s Office, Jay Nixon has used the tools of technology to slash costs and better serve the people of Missouri. For example, by putting consumer complaint forms online, Attorney General Nixon made it possible for consumers who have been wronged by fraud or abuse to report their problems more efficiently. Consumers can also sign up for the No-Call list online and call into the immigration hotline. As Governor, Nixon will aggressively find ways to integrate technology in Government that would allow taxpayers to be served by the state in a more efficient manner. He believes that Missouri needs a comprehensive e-government strategy that takes a top to bottom to look at how the state currently provides information and services to Missouri citizens through the web, identifies where we are lacking and then finds ways to make improvements. He will instruct each of his agency and department heads to submit recommendations on which services can be moved online in order to serve Missourians in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.

Congressman Hulshof and Treasurer Steelman Promise Four More Years of Matt Blunt's Failed Policies

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Jay Nixon Offers New Ideas to Bring About the Change Missouri Families Need

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. – At today’s Press Association candidate forum, Congressman Kenny Hulshof and Treasurer Sarah Steelman embraced Gov. Matt Blunt and his failed policies on the issues most important to Missouri families. Meanwhile, Attorney General Jay Nixon put forward new, fresh ideas to bring about the change Missouri families need during these difficult economic times.

“Congressman Hulshof and Treasurer Steelman have made it clear that by electing either one, Missourians would get four more years of Matt Blunt’s failed policies,” said Oren Shur, Nixon’s campaign spokesman. “After three years of Blunt, gas prices are skyrocketing, health care is unaffordable, and folks are worried about losing their jobs. Missouri families can’t afford four more years of the same failed policies; they’re ready for change. While our opponents are embracing Matt Blunt and attacking each other, Jay Nixon is offering new ideas to help families make ends meet during these tough economic times.”

Speaking to newspaper reporters and editors from across the state, Attorney General Nixon voiced his strong opposition to Blunt’s health care cuts, which created a health care crisis in the state. As Governor, Nixon would restore coverage to every Missourian who had it slashed by Blunt and then expand access to more children. He outlined the Missouri Promise, his plan to create a pathway for middle-class families to get a college degree from a state college or university -- debt free. And he discussed turning Missouri’s economy around by investing in hardworking people -- human capital -- rather than just wealthy corporations.

On the subject of health care, a central issue to voters, both Republican candidates embraced Matt Blunt’s decision to slash health care and benefits for 400,000 Missourians, resulting in higher premiums for those who are fortunate enough to have health care. Now, there are over 750,000 Missourians without health insurance, including 127,000 children.

Steelman at today’s forum: “I think those cuts had to be made.”

Hulshof at today’s forum: Defended Matt Blunt’s health care cuts, saying “Financially difficult choices had to be made.”

Congressman Hulshof also praised Matt Blunt’s “Lewis & Clark Discovery Initiative”, which raided $350 Million from MOHELA – the organization dedicated to providing low-interest loans for students. Now MOHELA is going broke, tuition is skyrocketing, and middle-class Missouri families are getting squeezed out of a college education.

Jay Nixon Tours Small Businesses in Hannibal

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Contact: Oren Shur
(314) 993-8686, (314) 974-8448 (cell)
orenshur@jaynixon.com

Jay Nixon Tours Small Businesses in Hannibal

Attorney General Nixon Hears Directly from Local Small-Business Owners During These Tough Economic Times

HANNIBAL, Mo. -- Attorney General Jay Nixon brought his Missouri Main Street Tour to Hannibal today, where he met with local small-business owners to discuss the tough economic climate facing our state and nation. During the tour, Nixon visited four locally owned businesses along Main and Broadway streets in downtown Hannibal.

''For the past four years, our state's economy has been moving backwards, and our small businesses have been feeling the squeeze,'' Attorney General Nixon said. ''Growing up in a small town, I learned that Main Street is the heart of the community, and local businesses are the backbone of the economy. I'm visiting with small-business owners here in Hannibal across Missouri to hear directly from them about their challenges, needs and hopes for the future. We've got to turn our economy around, and it starts with investing in Main Streets across Missouri.''

A native of De Soto, Mo., a small town of roughly 6,000 residents, Jay Nixon understands the devastating impact that a slow economy can have on everyday folks.

Today in downtown Hannibal, Attorney General Nixon toured Ole Planters Restaurant, the Native American Trading Company, Crescent Jewelry and the Java Jive.

With Missouri's unemployment among the nation's highest and wage growth among the nation's lowest, our state's economy has moved steadily backwards in recent months and years. Although the primary purpose of the Missouri Main Street tour is to listen to the concerns of regular Missourians, Attorney General Nixon recently has put forward several key initiatives to help the most vulnerable Missourians during these tough economic times.

Several months ago, Attorney General Nixon outlined his plan to provide property tax relief to more than 65,000 Missouri seniors and families struggling to keep their homes. Specifically, he proposed eliminating an unfair marriage penalty and expanding the Missouri Property Tax Credit Program (also known as the Circuit Breaker.)
Read more on Nixon's property tax relief proposal:
http://www.jaynixon.com/news/press_releases?id=0074

Attorney General Nixon has repeatedly called on the Missouri legislature to pass legislation to reform the payday loan industry, which currently takes advantage of thousands of low-income Missourians a year. Missouri has some of the most lenient payday loan laws in the nation, which allow lenders to charge Missouri families up to 1,950 percent APR (with an average charge of 422 percent). Nixon has proposed capping the APR at 36 percent and outlawing the harmful practice of renewing loans -- a practice prohibited by every bordering state. Renewable payday loans punish families unable to make payments by charging them astronomical interest rates to extend the period by which they can repay the loan.
Read more about the Attorney General's payday loan reform proposal:
http://www.jaynixon.com/news/press_releases?id=0051

Additional Background Information About Missouri's Downward Economy:

Missouri's Unemployment Rate Increased To 5.2 Percent -- Higher Than The National Average. In April, Missouri's unemployment rate was 5.2 percent, which was an increase from the previous year. The national unemployment rate for April was 5 percent.
[Analysis of Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics]

Missouri Ranked 20th In Foreclosures. Missouri had the 20th highest foreclosure rate in April, according to RealtyTrac's April foreclosure activity report. This represents a 34.05 percent increase since April 2007.
[Press Release, RealtyTrac, 5/14/2008; http://www.realtytrac.com/ContentManagement/pressrelease.aspx?ChannelID=9&ItemID=4586&accnt=64847]

If Missouri Had Grown At The National Average, 40,320 More Missourians Would Have Jobs Today. If Missouri had grown at the average growth rate of the rest of the country between January 2005 and March 2008, during this time period, 40,320 more Missourians would have jobs today.
[Analysis of Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Data Release]

Missouri Has Lost More Than 22,700 Manufacturing Jobs Since 2005. According to recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Missouri has lost 22,700 manufacturing jobs since the Republican administration took office in January 2005.
[Analysis of Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Data Release, 4/18/2008]

Republican Administration's Health Care Cuts Have Cost Missouri Jobs. According to an editorial in the Kansas City Star, ''The proposals won't restore the 2005 Medicaid cuts affecting 400,000 people that cost the state $700 million over two years in federal matching funds. Loss of federal money cost the state at least $1.4 billion in economic activity, including 20,000 new health-care jobs, one economist says.''
[Kansas City Star, 5/13/2007]

Missouri Ranked Behind All But One Bordering State In Annual Wage Growth. In 2007, Missourians' paychecks grew more slowly than all but one bordering state, as Missouri ranked 32nd in annual average pay growth.
[CFED, 1/04/2008]

Missouri's ''New Economy'' Has Been On A Steep Decline. In 2002, Missouri ranked 28 out of the 50 states in the New Economy Index. In 2007, Missouri's rankings had slipped from 28 to 35. The New Economy Index used multiple indicators to rate how states are structured according to the tenets of the New Economy. This represents one of the steepest declines in the nation. Meanwhile other Midwest states are making progress. Illinois, for example, has improved its rankings from 19 in 2002 to 16 in 2007.
[Information Technology and Innovation Foundation: New Economy Index, 2007; http://www.itif.org/files/2007_State_New_Economy_Index.pdf ]

# # #

Jay Nixon visits America's Hometown

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Source: KHQA
Author: Rajah maples

HANNIBAL, MO. -- Missouri Attorney General and democratic gubernatorial candidate Jay Nixon brought his Main Street Tour to Hannibal Tuesday afternoon.

Nixon met with local, small-business owners to discuss the tough economy.

He also listened to some of the problems plaguing small business owners.

Nixon began his tour here at Ole Planters Restaurant and had planned stops at the Native American Trading Company, Crescent Jewelry and Java Jive.

Nixon said, "We have to make sure Main Streets like this are not allowed to die."

Nixon faces either Congressman Kenny Hulshof or state Treasurer Sarah Steelman in the November election for Missouri governor.

The latter two are campaigning for the GOP nomination.

Link to article

Opponents Reaffirm Support for Blunt's Health Care Cuts

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- At the Republican State Convention on Saturday, Congressman Hulshof strongly reaffirmed his support for Gov. Blunt's massive 2005 health care cuts, and even used it to generate applause and cheers from the crowd. Treasurer Steelman has also made it clear in recent weeks that she supports Blunt's health care cuts.

In response to Congressman Hulshof and Treasurer Steelman's comments in support of the health care cuts, Attorney General Jay Nixon released the following statement:

"When Matt Blunt slashed health care from hundreds of thousands of Missourians, he created a health care crisis in our state. Now, more than 750,000 Missourians don't have health insurance, and premiums are skyrocketing for Missourians fortunate enough to still have coverage. In the process, Gov. Blunt has turned away more than $1 billion in federal health care dollars -- tax dollars that Missourians already send to Washington but that never come back to Missouri. Our health care system is broken, but instead of offering solutions to fix it, my opponents have embraced Matt Blunt's massive cuts.

"Over the course of this campaign, my opponents and I will disagree on a variety of issues. But Gov. Blunt's health care cuts and the future of our state's health care system may present the clearest contrast.

"While my opponents support Gov. Blunt's health care cuts, I strongly oppose them. While my opponents want to continue with Gov. Blunt's failed health care policies, I believe we need new, fresh ideas on health care. While my opponents seem perfectly content that 125,000 kids in our state don't have health coverage, I believe we need to make sure these kids receive the health care they need. And while my opponents have no objection to recklessly allowing more than a $1 billion in federal health care dollars to go to other states, I know we need that money right here in Missouri.

"As Governor, it will be my priority to make sure every single Missourian who had their health care slashed has the coverage they need again. We simply cannot stay the course with the same failed health care policies."

On Sunday, the Post-Dispatch reported that "Hulshof and Gov. Matt Blunt, who is not seeking re-election, led the attacks by blasting Nixon's campaign pledge to restore the Medicaid cuts approved by Blunt and the Legislature in 2005." [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 6/1/2008]

Several weeks ago, the Cook Political Report reported that: "Steelman has said that she supports the Governor's Medicaid cuts." [Cook Political Report, 3/4/2008]

The 2005 cuts have left hundreds of thousands of Missouri families without health care they need and caused premiums to skyrocket for those fortunate enough to still have health insurance. More than 70,000 Missouri children who had health care through Medicaid or S-CHIP the day Gov. Blunt took office do not have it today.

For more facts on the impacts of Gov. Blunt's health care cuts, click here: http://www.jaynixon.com/issues/crisis/BluntCutsFactSheet.pdf

St. Louis Police Officers Association Endorses Jay Nixon for Governor

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Police Officers Association (Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 68) today announced its endorsement of Attorney General Jay Nixon for Governor, citing Nixon's tough-on-crime record.

Sgt. Gary Wiegert, president of the SLPOA Executive Board, said the Association has endorsed Attorney General Nixon because of his strong record of fighting crime, protecting consumers and cleaning up government corruption. Although the SLPOA often has endorsed Republican candidates in past elections, including the 2004 gubernatorial race and the 2000 and 2006 U.S. Senate races, Sgt. Wiegert said Nixon was the Association's clear choice for governor in 2008.

"For 16 years, Jay Nixon has been a no-nonsense Attorney General. He has always been tough on crime and strong in his support of local law enforcement, so it's our honor to support him as our candidate for Governor," Sgt. Wiegert said. "We know Jay will work tirelessly as Governor to protect Missouri's families, and he'll continue to be an advocate for our officers. Jay will provide the smart ideas and strong leadership needed to keep Missouri safe and move us forward."

Nixon said it was a special honor to receive the SLPOA endorsement.

"I believe our police officers are local heroes. They put their lives on the line everyday to protect our communities, and they deserve a Governor who will stand with them," Attorney General Nixon said. "As Attorney General, I've teamed with law enforcement officers in St. Louis and across the state to take violent criminals off the streets. As Governor, I will continue to work with the law enforcement community to make our communities safer and move our state forward. I am truly honored to have the support of the St. Louis police officers."

The SLPOA represents 1,152 active and 1,142 retired members. The organization's members serve an estimated 343,000 citizens.

Attorney General Nixon has a long record of cracking down on crime in Missouri. Since taking office in 1993, Nixon's office has obtained at least 194 murder or homicide convictions and has assisted with at least 5,445 special prosecutions across Missouri, saving counties millions of dollars.

As Attorney General, Nixon also has been a national leader in protecting consumers and combating health care fraud. Nixon's Consumer Protection Division has saved or generated more than $84.4 million for consumers since 2001 by enforcing Missouri's consumer protection laws, and his "No Call List" is now regarded as a model nationwide. In addition, Nixon's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, which has recovered more than $79 million since 2001, is ranked first in the region and second nationally in the amount recovered when compared to the amount of federal grant dollars received.

Prior to his election as Attorney General, Nixon served for six years as a State Senator, voting to strengthen laws against the sexual abuse of children and to allow battered spouse syndrome to be used as a defense in criminal cases. As one Missouri newspaper noted, for his work on these vital issues, Nixon "is recognized nationally as a leader in criminal law and victims' rights issues." [Washington Missourian, 10/24/04]

Attorney General Jay Nixon's Statement on MOHELA's Elimination of Student Benefit Programs

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Last Friday afternoon, with little warning and no public input, members of the MOHELA Board abandoned its mission of putting Missouri students first and voted to eliminate several critical student benefit programs. As a result, Missouri students now will be forced to pay as much as 3% higher rates on their student loans.

Specifically, the agency voted to eliminate the Public Service Reward Program and Rate Relief Program, which provide benefits to thousands of future Missouri teachers, police officers and nurses. The elimination of these benefit programs has left MOHELA virtually indistinguishable from for-profit loan agencies such as Sallie Mae and NelNet.

In response, Attorney General Jay Nixon released the following statement:

"During these difficult economic times, too many middle-class families are getting squeezed out of a college education. Unfortunately, these Missouri families were delivered yet another crushing blow last week, and now students will be forced to pay higher monthly loan payments. With tuition skyrocketing at our colleges and universities, this was a major step in the wrong direction.

"When Gov. Blunt raided MOHELA’s assets, the one thing he assured us was that it would cause no harm to Missouri students. It was obvious -- at least to those of us who fought the MOHELA raid from the beginning -- that Missouri students would end up paying the price. And now they are.

"I believe a college education is a key to achieving the American Dream, and I am more committed than ever to creating a pathway to a four-year degree for every Missourian who is willing to work hard and play by the rules. We must put the dream of a college degree within reach for every Missouri family."

According to a St. Louis Post-Dispatch article, Gov. Blunt "vowed that students would have as good or better a loan program as they have now" after the MOHELA raid took place. "I would not move forward unless I were absolutely sure this would be the case," Blunt said at the time. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 1/27/06].

At the Friday afternoon meeting, the MOHELA Board voted to end programs that provide reduced interest rates to Missouri students who plan to enter public service and who agree to make automatic monthly payments from their checking or savings accounts.

Additional information on the eliminated student benefits programs is available here:

Public Service Reward Program: https://www.mohela.com/borrower/manageAccount/psrp.aspx

MOHELA Rate Relief: https://www.mohela.com/common/raterelief/default.aspx

Below is a column by former MOHELA Board member John Greer that ran in the St. Louis Post Dispatch last month. It outlines his repeated attempts to warn the Blunt administration about the likely consequences of the sell-off:

They can't say they weren't warned

By John Greer, former MOHELA Board Member
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
04/10/2008
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/editorialcommentary/story/8700D486E9ED033D86257426007E4C99?OpenDocument

In the adult world, where big mistakes have real consequences, there is little joy in being able to say, "I told you so." But when it comes to the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority, I and many others warned Gov. Matt Blunt and the Legislature against raiding the authority's assets during these times of growing economic uncertainty. Our warnings went unheeded.

Late last month, the other shoe finally dropped when the MOHELA board of directors announced it would not be able to pay the state the full quarterly payment called for in the governor's plan. After years of profitable expansion, MOHELA suddenly found itself $2.3 million short of the scheduled $5 million payment.

Notwithstanding claims of its management to the contrary, MOHELA's sudden collapse to the brink of insolvency is the direct result of the governor's raid on its assets.

At a January 2007 hearing of the state Senate's education committee, I watched a parade of witnesses testify to the eagerness of colleges and universities to spend the assets MOHELA painstakingly had amassed over the years. MOHELA executives then assured the committee that the authority would have no trouble paying the $350 million specified in the governor's Lewis and Clark plan.

Finally, I tried to bring at least some measure of reality to the proceedings -- based on my more than 30 years as a banker and more than 13 years as a member of MOHELA's board. I told the committee that stripping $350 million out of MOHELA would put the institution immediately into the red. I said that MOHELA would lose millions of dollars the very first year after the plan was approved -- and every year after that. I believed that the plan would divert assets from MOHELA's core mission of enhancing access to higher education for all eligible Missouri students and, worse, that it would threaten MOHELA's very existence.

No one listened.

I also warned that it was essential for MOHELA to marshal its assets to be prepared to react quickly to whatever changes occurred in federal law regarding student loans -- changes being considered by Congress at that very moment. The governor's plan, I said, would leave MOHELA without financial liquidity when it would need it most.

No one listened.

I was not alone in predicting that MOHELA might not survive the raid on its assets. Former state senator Wayne Goode and former MOHELA board member Allan Purdy, two visionaries who had helped create MOHELA, were similarly concerned. So was Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon. Most ominously of all, Liscarnan Solutions, MOHELA's well-compensated financial analysis consulting firm, suddenly abandoned its support for the governor's plan and declared that MOHELA might not be able to make the payments that would be required of it.

Again, no one listened.

Now MOHELA hovers perilously close to failure. With 24 quarterly payments spelled out in the governor's plan, MOHELA could not even make the second one before having to cry "uncle." MOHELA already has lost more than $12 million this year, after years of $20 million to $25 million of annual growth. And following years of high-risk debt management practices, MOHELA is forced to try to refinance more than $1 billion of debt in today's very difficult market.

The bottom line is there is a very real risk that MOHELA may not survive until the fall, and it may never resume its payments to the state. If it does survive, MOHELA will be a mere shadow of the vibrant, growing company it was in late 2005 when the governor first set his sights on its $5.7 billion in assets. Perhaps the best anyone can hope for now is a smaller MOHELA, one that will be able to function but that will provide less financial help to fewer students.

I was not the only MOHELA board member to speak out against the plan when it first surfaced in January 2006, but I was the only one whose term lasted long enough to see it put in place. By the time the governor replaced me on the MOHELA board in the fall of 2007, he already had replaced the other voices of dissent and had engineered the replacement of the MOHELA executive director who had expressed doubts about the plan.

When MOHELA's executives try to blame its financial crisis on the recent upheavals in the credit markets, please remember that the authority already was well in the red before the roof fell in on the credit market in February.

Yes, the credit crisis and the changes in student loan laws enacted by Congress have made the situation worse. But these were precisely the kinds of risks about which we warned the governor and the Legislature. Stripping MOHELA of all its available cash has limited its ability to maneuver through such difficulties. Skyrocketing legal fees and insurance costs associated with the governor's plan have added to MOHELA's burdens.

Before buying the spin of Blunt administration apologists, ask yourself this: Would MOHELA -- and the students and parents it was created to serve -- be better off or worse off today if the $235 million it gave the state just last fall still were available to help qualified Missouri students afford the cost of higher education?

John Greer is a retired banker from Marshfield, Mo. He served on the MOHELA board from 1993 to 2007.

Attorney General Jay Nixon's Statement on Passage of Republican Bill to Eliminate Contribution Limits

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Following the passage of the Republican bill to eliminate campaign contribution limits, Attorney General Jay Nixon released the following statement:

"By removing contribution limits, Republican legislators have taken Missouri backwards to a system that allows big corporations and wealthy special interest groups to give millions to candidates," Attorney General Nixon said. "Elections should be competitions of ideas to move our state forward, not competitions for the wealthiest donors. I have consistently fought for strict campaign contribution limits because I believe that regular Missourians, not wealthy special interests, should have the most powerful voice in electing our leaders. As Governor, I would veto this bill the moment it hit my desk. It's a clear step in the wrong direction."

Attorney General Nixon has long supported strict contribution limits. In 1999, he successfully argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in favor of contribution limits [Nixon v. Shrink Missouri Government PAC, No. 98-963, 10/5/1999].

The people of Missouri also support contribution limits -- having voted overwhelmingly in favor of a ballot initiative mandating strict limits in 1994.

Jay Nixon's Statement in Opposition to Photo ID Bill

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

"The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy. Over the years, millions of Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice to earn and defend voting rights. As elected leaders, we should work to increase voting and participation in the democratic process, not create new unnecessary roadblocks. With just five days left in the legislative session, it's unfortunate that Republican leaders are focused on making it harder for Missourians to vote instead of making it easier for middle-class families to afford health care or higher education. Then again, after four years of moving our state backwards, perhaps we shouldn't be surprised by our opponents' misplaced priorities."

Jay Nixon Announces Plan to Make College More Affordable for Middle-Class Missouri Families

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The Missouri Promise will make the dream of a college education a reality for thousands of middle-class families

ST. LOUIS -- Attorney General Jay Nixon today announced the Missouri Promise, a new plan to provide a pathway for middle-class Missourians to earn a four-year degree from a state college or university -- tuition free. Nixon announced his plan on the campuses of the University of Missouri at Saint Louis, Columbia and Kansas City.

"With tuition skyrocketing at colleges and universities across the state, too many middle-class families in Missouri are getting squeezed by the cost a college education," Attorney General Nixon said. "While other states have been making college more affordable and accessible, Missouri has moved backwards. The Missouri Promise will create a pathway to a four-year degree for those families struggling to afford college tuition during these difficult economic times. We must make the dream of a college education a reality for all Missouri families."

Building on the state's existing A+ Schools Program, the Missouri Promise creates a pathway to a four-year degree for Missouri students who satisfy specific academic, community service and financial need requirements. After completing a two-year associate's degree at a Missouri community college or technical school under the A+ Program, students who meet the criteria would be eligible to access the Missouri Promise scholarship to cover cost of tuition at a Missouri state college or university.

To implement the Missouri Promise, Nixon will:
(1) Expand the existing A+ Program, which is currently available to only half the state's high school students, so that all Missouri high school students who meet the performance requirements have an opportunity attend community college or technical school tuition free.
(2) Offer all high school seniors who plan to access an A+ scholarship the opportunity to sign the Missouri Promise, a contract between the student and the State of Missouri that will allow the student to earn a four-year degree after completing his or her two-year degree at a community college or technical school. In exchange for earning good grades at the community college (3.0 GPA), completing 50 hours of community service per year of participation and avoiding disciplinary action, the student then will receive a Missouri Promise scholarship to complete his or her four-year degree at a state college or university.

The Missouri Promise is intended to target middle-class Missouri families who are struggling to afford the cost of tuition. In order to be eligible for a Missouri Promise scholarship, the student's Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) must be below $12,000 annually. Under Nixon's plan, the EFC will be based on the same formula used for federal aid when students file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) form. For example, a family of four with one child in college could have an annual income of roughly $80,000 and qualify for the Missouri Promise.
For details on the eligibility chart, see: http://www.finaid.org/calculators/scripts/quickefcchart.cgi

To qualify for a Missouri Promise scholarship, the student must apply for and take advantage of all federal and state financial aid already available, as well as applicable scholarships offered by the colleges and universities.

Based on estimates provided by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the expansion of A+ and the implementation of the Missouri Promise will cost approximately $61 million.

Joining Nixon today was State Rep. Clint Zweifel, D-St. Louis County, who has sponsored a similar bill in the Missouri House of Representatives (HB 1693).

"No child in Missouri should be barred from a four-year degree because of the constantly increasing cost of higher education," Rep. Zweifel said. "I'm glad to stand with Jay and let Missouri's students know that if they're willing to commit to good grades and good citizenship, we're willing to commit to helping them earn their college degree. The Missouri Promise will change the lives of thousands of Missouri students and move our entire state in the right direction."

Former State Sen. Jim Mathewson, D-Sedalia, the author of the original A+ Schools legislation, praised Nixon's proposal as an extension of the work he began years ago.

"When we created the A+ Program, our goal was to help Missouri's young people get the education and skills they need to lead productive, fruitful lives," Sen. Mathewson said. "The Missouri Promise takes that original idea a step further by creating a pathway to a four-year degree for anyone who's willing to devote time and effort to their studies and community service. This is a wonderful program, and I am proud to stand with Jay and will do everything I can to support his plan."

Higher education leaders also pointed to Nixon's plan as a giant step forward for higher education accessibility and affordability in the state.

"The Missouri Promise would turn the dream of a college education into reality for families across Missouri," said Dr. Charles McClain, former Commissioner of Higher Education, former president of Truman State University and the first president of Jefferson College, the original two-year community college in Missouri. "As college tuition continues to skyrocket, this program would give every family in Missouri an accessible and affordable option. As an educator, I'm extremely excited about this plan and the positive impact it will have on students in our state."

University faculty have endorsed Nixon's plan as well, citing the tremendous debt that increasingly burdens recent college graduates.

"As a professor, it's disheartening to watch my students celebrate their graduations and immediately face thousands of dollars in debt," said Dr. Terry Jones, professor of political science at the University of Missouri -- St. Louis. "This program will allow our students to start their careers and not worry about paying off student loans for years -- if not decades. I fully support this plan because I know what a difference it will make for students and families in our state."

Click here to download the Missouri Promise Policy Proposal (pdf).

Click here to download the Missouri Promise Quick Facts Sheet (pdf).

Nixon's chances in election good, says party

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

by Chad Livengood

Southwest Missouri Democrats feel confident their party will win back control of the governor's mansion in November.

Attorney General Jay Nixon has all but wrapped up his party's nomination for governor -- a post he has been actively pursuing for most of Republican Matt Blunt's four-year tenure in Jefferson City.

After 15 years as attorney general, Nixon is practically a household name and arguably better known to most Missourians than the two Republican candidates -- U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof and state Treasurer Sarah Steelman -- who got in the race in late January after Blunt decided to not seek re-election.

At Saturday's Jackson Day event, Democratic Party leaders and activists expressed optimism that Nixon could win in traditionally Republican strongholds in southwest Missouri.

"People are fed up with the current administration, both state and nationally," said Sandra Vaught, co-chair of the annual Jackson Day event. "I think it's going to be a sweep."

But some suggested Nixon did not necessarily need to win big here to beat Steelman or Hulshof, a congressman from Columbia.

"He doesn't have to win here," said former state Rep. Craig Hosmer, treasurer of Nixon's campaign and the Greene County party chairman. "If he wins in Greene County and southwest Missouri, it will be a big blowout."
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Hosmer and others said moderate and independent voters dissatisfied with the Bush-led Republican Party and controversial budget decisions Blunt has made will help Nixon win.

"There's going to be a huge push for change," Hosmer predicted. "I think that's really the message."

While addressing a packed Jackson Day dinner at the Clarion Inn, Nixon said he tapped Hosmer as his campaign treasurer "to send a clear signal that we're going to compete in every part of the state."

"We're feeling the fruition of that original strategy," Nixon said in an interview Saturday.

Nixon portrays himself as the change agent any time he gets the chance. Even though Nixon is no longer running against Blunt, he still sounds like it.

Whether it's Blunt's 2005 Medicaid cuts that threw 100,000 people off publicly funded health care or his decision to sell off $350 million in Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority assets, Nixon continues to lambaste Blunt's record on the stump.

Nixon said he continues to rail against Blunt because Steelman and Hulshof have condoned the governor's decisions.

"Both of the Republicans have embraced his record," Nixon said.

Nick Beatty is a Democrat running for term-limited Rep. B.J. Marsh's open seat in the state House's 136th District. Beatty said Nixon's message about the ill-conceived Blunt agenda is starting to resonate with voters to whom he has talked.

"They're starting to see the connection between a healthy citizenry and a healthy economy," said Beatty, a political science professor at Missouri State University.

Beatty said Nixon could win votes in Republican strongholds by getting "face time with the people" and presenting solutions rather than criticisms.

"That's what's going to make the difference," said Beatty, who will face Republican Eric Burlison in November.

In Nixon's past four statewide campaigns, he has easily won the urban areas of St. Louis and Kansas City.

Voting records show Nixon has been able to win over independents and some Republicans, faring better than most Democrats in Greene County.

In 2004, Nixon got 1.59 million votes -- more than any other statewide candidate. In Greene County, 63,446 people voted for Nixon -- 16,819 more votes than John Kerry received in his failed presidential bid.

Nixon far exceeded Al Gore's vote total in 2000, bringing in 54,018 votes to the then-sitting vice president's 41,091. George W. Bush won more than 59,178 Greene County votes in that contest.

"He's always done well here," said David Trippe, a member of the Greene County Democratic Central Committee. "It's not all about St. Louis and Kansas City."

Trippe, who is running for Greene County assessor, said Nixon does well with moderate Republicans who say, "He's done a pretty good job as attorney general."

John Temporiti, chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party, said the political tides of southwest Missouri are turning. That was evidenced in 2006 when Claire McCaskill won a U.S. Senate seat after she saw a 3 percent increase in Greene County voters from her failed 2004 gubernatorial bid against Blunt, Temporiti said.

"We're defining our moment," Temporiti told the party faithful during Saturday's banquet. "The best has yet to come."

Source: Springfield News-Leader

Attorney General Jay Nixon, Kansas City Leaders Call for Major Reform of Payday Loan Industry

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Attorney General Jay Nixon, Kansas City Leaders Call for Major Reform of Payday Loan Industry

During these difficult economic times, payday loan industry takes advantage of Missouri's most vulnerable families
KANSAS CITY, MO – As more Missourians are having trouble making ends meet during these difficult economic times, Attorney General Jay Nixon today called on the Missouri General Assembly to protect our most vulnerable families by cracking down on predatory payday lending practices. Joined by Kansas City-area elected officials and faith leaders at a downtown church, Attorney General Nixon called for major reform of the payday loan industry by: implementing stricter caps payday loan interest rates, eliminating the practice of renewing loans and providing tools for the Attorney General to punish lenders who violate the law.

State Rep. John Burnett (D-Kansas City), who joined Nixon today, has sponsored legislation to achieve those reforms, but the leadership in the Missouri General Assembly has not allowed that bill to come to a vote, or even to receive a hearing in committee. Nixon called for the legislature to bring the bill up for a vote before session adjourns in several weeks.

"The payday lending industry is making millions in profits each year by taking advantage of Missouri families who are struggling to pay the bills and make ends meet," Attorney General Jay Nixon said. "As the economy continues to move backwards, it's likely that even more Missourians will turn to payday loans to help them put food on the table and pay bills. These vulnerable families should not be slammed with unfair interest rates and a never-ending cycle of debt. I strongly encourage the Missouri legislature to take up Rep. Burnett's bill and stand up for Missouri families during these difficult economic times."

Missouri has some of the most lenient payday loan laws in the nation. Because of Missouri's lax laws, some loan recipients could end up being charged as much as 1,950 percent APR (with an average of 422 percent). According to the most recent report by the Missouri Division of Finance, nearly 3 million payday loans were issued in 2006, and the number of new loan licenses given to lenders has increased by 59 percent since 2003. The result of these lenient laws: Missourian families paid $317 million in fees and interest in 2005, second in actual dollars only to the state of California.

"It's inexcusable for the state to stand by while the payday loan industry holds working families hostage," Rep. Burnett said. "Missourians are facing rising prices, home foreclosures and an economic crisis, and all payday lenders see is more profit. We've put forward a bill that would crack down on these unfair practices, and I look forward to the day when the Republican majority will give it the hearing it deserves."

Attorney General Nixon, the legislators and faith leaders all pledged their strong support to Rep. Burnett's bill, which would cap payday loan interest rates at 36 percent and eliminate the harmful practice of renewing loans – a practice prohibited by every bordering state. Renewable payday loans punish families unable to make payments by charging them astronomical interest rates to extend the period by which they can repay the loan.

"I'm proud to stand with Attorney General Nixon and these community leaders to speak out against this unjust industry," said the Rev. John Modest Miles, pastor of the Morning Star Baptist Church. "Payday lenders prey on the weakest and poorest among us. By working together, I hope we can save generations of Missourians from lifetimes of debt and poverty."

In April, voters in Kansas City approved an ordinance to require payday loan establishments to pay a $1,000 annual fee beginning in 2009 to reimburse the city for regulation of the businesses. Voters approved an additional ordinance to place new zoning restrictions on payday loan establishments.

"Last year, municipal leaders worked together and made incredible progress here in Kansas City with our payday loan ordinance," said Kansas City Councilwoman Jan Marcason, who sponsored the payday loan ordinances that were recently approved by the voters. "The same progress could happen at the state level if folks would put people over politics and protect Missouri families from payday lenders. As our economy continues to falter, we need our state leaders to act now."
"Reforming the payday loan industry is a critical step toward empowering individuals and helping communities grow," said Gwendolyn Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City. "Until we help people break the vicious cycle of debt, they can't control their own futures. Left unchecked, payday loans will continue to trap hardworking Missourians and crush their dream of a better life."

The coalition of leaders also supports a provision in the bill that provides the Attorney General Office the tools and authority to punish payday lenders who violate the law. Specifically, the Attorney General's Office would be granted jurisdiction to issue cease and desist orders against violators. The Attorney General also would be granted authority to sue for injunctions, restitutions, rescission of loan contracts and civil penalties. Under current law, the Missouri Division of Finance regulates payday lenders, and the Office of the Attorney General only can take action when cases are referred by that division.

"Families forced to turn to payday loans to put food on the table probably don't have extra money to hire an attorney," Attorney General Nixon said. "The legislature needs to pass this bill and give the Office of the Attorney General the authority to punish payday lenders who take advantage of vulnerable Missourians and violate the law."

Attorney General Nixon, the legislators and faith leaders made their announcement at a press conference in front of a payday loan center on Independence Avenue in Kansas City. In attendance at today's press conference were: State Representatives Craig Bland, Mike Brown, John Burnett and Leonard Hughes; Jackson County Legislator Theresa Garza-Ruiz; Kansas City Councilwomen Cindy Baker-Circo, Melba Curls and Jan Marcason; the Reverends John "Modest" Miles of Morning Star Baptist Church and Nelson "Fuzzy" Thompson of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; Ms. Gwendolyn Grant, president and CEO, the Urban League of Greater Kansas City; Lee's Summit City Councilman Allan Gray; and Velda Cook, secretary of Freedom Inc.

Jay Nixon's Campaign Raises Nearly $1.5 Million; Most Successful Election Year 1st Quarter

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Attorney General Jay Nixon's campaign for Governor today announced that it raised nearly $1.5 million in the first fundraising quarter of 2008, significantly more than any candidate for Governor has ever raised in the first quarter of an election year in Missouri. After taking in more than 16,500 individual contributions, the campaign also reported more than $2.7 million on hand.

The strong fundraising quarter sends a clear message: Missourians are ready for change.

"During these difficult economic times, Missourians want a Governor who will move our state in a new direction," said Oren Shur, spokesman for Nixon's campaign. "Missourians know Jay Nixon has the fresh ideas needed to move our state forward again, while the Republican candidates have embraced the same failed policies that have held us back these past few years. That's why thousands of folks are making contributions and getting involved in Jay's campaign to bring about the change our state needs."

After another intense grassroots effort, the campaign is proud to report a total of 10,790 contributions of $100 or less. The majority of those contributions were generated by more than 85 grassroots fundraisers that regular Missourians have hosted across the state or through the campaign Web site, www.jaynixon.com.

The summary page of the filing report is attached.

Some additional facts about the Nixon campaign's fundraising efforts:

• The Nixon campaign raised significantly more last quarter than any candidate for Governor has ever raised in the first quarter of an election year in Missouri. (For purposes of comparison, in the first quarter of 2004: Matt Blunt raised $1.02 million, Bob Holden raised $726,000 and Claire McCaskill raised $604,000.)

• The majority of total contributions (10,790, or 65%) received by the campaign have been for $100 or less.

• The Nixon campaign has raised more than $300,000 through the campaign Web site.

• The campaign significantly expanded its donor base during the first quarter of 2008, adding more than 1,800 new donors. More than half of the total contributors in the first quarter were first-time contributors to the campaign.

Nixon Takes Lead in Fundraising

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

By Steve Kraske

With incumbent Gov. Matt Blunt not seeking re-election, Democrat Jay Nixon has emerged as the new fundraising leader in the race for Missouri governor.

After months of dominance by Blunt, Nixon reported raising $1.5 million during the year's first three months to easily outdistance his two chief Republican rivals, state Treasurer Sarah Steelman and 9th District U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof.

Nixon's take raised his cash-on-hand total to $2.7 million.

Steelman and Hulshof entered the race only after Blunt's unexpected withdrawal on Jan. 22. Neither had a full quarter to raise money.

First-quarter fundraising reports were due Monday for state and federal candidates.

Nixon's first-quarter fundraising more than doubled his take in the October-to-December period, when he raised $733,997. But that was before Blunt's surprise announcement.

Nixon called his first-quarter take the biggest election-year haul in state history.

In the closely watched race for attorney general, Democrat Chris Koster, the state senator from Harrisonville, easily eclipsed his two rivals by posting a first-quarter total of $610,385. Koster said he had more than $1 million in the bank, and a spokeswoman said Koster already had bought $225,000 of TV time.

The two other Democrats, Jeff Harris and Margaret Donnelly, raised nearly identical amounts of about $162,000.

Harris, a state lawmaker from Columbia, said he had $460,000 in the bank. Donnelly, a state lawmaker from St. Louis, said she had $631,441 in the bank, a total that includes a $200,000 personal loan.

The lone Republican in the race, Senate President Pro Tem Michael Gibbons, reported taking in $158,247 in the first quarter and said he had $440,321 on hand.

Among other key races:

•In Missouri's 6th District race for Congress, incumbent Republican Sam Graves raised $410,077 during the quarter and reported $1.1 million on hand.

Democrat Kay Barnes reported raising $402,068 during the quarter, giving her $954,363 on hand.

•In the U.S. Senate race in Kansas, two-term incumbent Republican Pat Roberts said he raised $522,024 in the year's first quarter and had about $3 million on hand.

Democrat Jim Slattery raised $288,000 in the 12 days he had to raise money in the quarter after he filed paperwork on March 19.

•In Kansas' 3rd District race for Congress, Democratic incumbent Dennis Moore said he raised $185,209 during the quarter and had $889,585 in the bank.

His leading Republican rival, Nick Jordan, reported $166,172 raised during the quarter and $307,599 cash on hand.

•In Kansas' 2nd District race for Congress, Republican Lynn Jenkins, the state treasurer, reported raising $108,200 in the first quarter, giving her $486,000 on hand.

Fellow Republican Jim Ryun, the former congressman from the district who lost the seat in 2006, said he raised $247,000, giving him $461,000 on hand.

Democratic incumbent Nancy Boyda said she raised $220,000 during the quarter with $812,000 cash on hand.

Source: Kansas City Star

Dem. Nixon outraises GOP rivals in Mo. governor's race

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

By DAVID A. LIEB

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Democrat Jay Nixon raised more money than either of his likely Republican gubernatorial opponents in the past quarter, though Republicans Kenny Hulshof and SarahSteelman each took in hundreds of thousands of dollars after their late entry into the race.

Campaign finance figures released Tuesday show Nixon, the current attorney general, raised nearly $1.5 million for his gubernatorial bid from January through March. Nixon's campaign claimed that is more than any candidate for Missouri governor has ever raised in the first quarter of an election year.

After expenses, Nixon had $2.7 million on hand as of the end of March.

Hulshof's gubernatorial campaign said the congressman raised $906,683 since announcing his candidacy for governor Jan. 29 _ one week after Republican Gov. Matt Blunt stunned Missouri's political establishment by declaring that he will not seek re-election. A Hulshof spokesman said his gubernatorial campaign had $732,224 on hand, after expenses, at the end of March.

Hulshof also made good on an earlier pledge to donate most of the money remaining in his congressional campaign fund to the Missouri Republican Party, rather than using it for his gubernatorial bid. He transferred $200,000 from his congressional account to the state party in February and March, according to a report filed this week with the Federal Election Commission.

Steelman said she raised $658,753 from contributors during the past quarter and loaned her gubernatorial campaign $500,000. She's the only of the three leading governor's candidates to have put her own money into the race. Steelman had planned to seek re-election as treasurer but switched course after Blunt's announcement and transferred the money she already had raised for the treasurer's race to her gubernatorial campaign.

After expenses, Steelman's campaign said, she had more than $1.4 million on hand as of the end of March.

All three candidates issued statements claiming they had strong fundraising quarters that show widespread support for their candidacies.

Political scientist Dave Robertson said the fundraising figures show all three top candidates should have sufficient money to get their messages out to voters through various kinds of advertisements.

''Nixon continues to sail along at a quite strong pace for the general election in the fall and should be in pretty good position to compete with anybody the Republicans decide to throw at him, at least in terms of money,'' said Robertson, of the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Although Steelman had twice as much money in the bank as Hulshof for the August primary election, that's due largely to her personal loan and the fact that she began the governor's race with almost $300,000 she had raised for her treasurer's campaign.

If Hulshof's strong two months of fundraising continues, ''I would expect Hulshof to wind up with a significant surplus over Steelman'' in campaign money, Robertson said.

The challenge for either Hulshof or Steelman is ''if they spend all this money in the primary, they're going to have to raise money hand over fist between August and November to catch up to Nixon,'' who faces no strong challenge in the Democratic primary, Robertson said. ''But I think they have a shot at doing that.''

Hulshof has a chance of getting back some of the money he gave to the state Republican Party from his congressional campaign committee. That's because the state party can contribute to various local political party committees, each of which can donate up to $13,500 cash to a candidate, plus $13,500 in in-kind contributions, in both the primary and general elections.

A Hulshof spokesman said he gave the money to the party to help others.

''Kenny wants to make sure that the Republican ticket in Missouri succeeds this year, and this is one of the best ways to help make that happen,'' campaign spokesman Scott Baker said.

Hulshof's federal report also shows that he returned $15,345 in contributions to his congressional campaign.

Source: Associated Press

Nixon leads in campaign cash in race for Missouri governor

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

by Jo Mannies

Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon, a Democrat running for governor, raised money at a frenzied pace this winter to amass a huge financial edge over his two chief Republican rivals.

As a result, Nixon has erased his old status as the contest's underfunded underdog.

In campaign filings due Tuesday, Nixon reported $2.7 million in the bank, with almost $1.5 million collected since Jan. 1.

That breaks down to a daily average donation of about $15,000, by far Nixon's strongest money-raising effort since he kicked off his campaign more than two years ago.

Nixon's bank account is now larger than the combined totals of the two leading Republicans: state Treasurer Sarah Steelman and U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof.

Thanks to a hefty family loan, Steelman — a renegade at odds with many GOP leaders — reported $1.4 million in the bank. That's almost twice the on-hand tally of Hulshof, even though he has the backing of most of the state party's establishment.

The size of candidates' cash-on-hand figures are their most important campaign numbers in Tuesday's reports, since the money will be needed for expensive television advertising and other campaign costs this summer and fall.

That's particularly true for Steelman and Hulshof, who will do battle in the Aug. 5 primary.

Neither Steelman nor Hulshof entered the race until after Gov. Matt Blunt made his surprise announcement Jan. 22 that he wasn't seeking re-election.

At the time, Blunt held a massive bank account advantage over Nixon.

Steelman said her personal loans to her campaign, totalling $570,000 so far, signal her commitment to her bid for governor. The other money she raised included about $300,000 collected when she was still running for re-election as treasurer.

About $120,000 of Steelman's total was raised in April. Hulshof's report, like most others, didn't include anything after March 31.

Hulshof's campaign said his lower tally was misleading and noted that he had chosen not to shift over money from his congressional campaign account. As a result, federal filings show that Hulshof has donated $200,000 to the state Republican Party — which is expected to spend some of that money on Hulshof's behalf.

Nixon, meanwhile, has no well-known Democratic primary rival. He is expected to hold on to most of his money until this fall, when he'll face the Republican nominee.

In other heated statewide contests:

— State Sen. Chris Koster, D-Harrisonville, reported far more in the bank than his two Democratic rivals for state attorney general: state Reps. Margaret Donnelly of Richmond Heights and Jeff Harris of Columbia, Mo.

About two-thirds of Koster's contributions since Jan. 1 came from various political committees, who can donate more than individuals.

— Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, a Republican running for re-election after dropping out of the governor's race in February, collected more than twice as much in the last three months as his chief Democratic rival, state Rep. Sam Page of Creve Coeur. As a result, Kinder has a much larger bank account.

— In the contest for state treasurer, state Sen. Brad Lager, R-Maryville, has raised more than the combined tallies of the three best-known Democrats: Arnold Mayor Mark Powell, state Rep. Clint Zweifel of Florissant and Andria Simckes of St. Louis County.

Source: St. Louis Post Dispatch

Jay Nixon Announces Plan to Make More Missouri Prisoners Cover the Cost of Their Own Incarceration

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

"Missourians should not have to pay room and board for prisoners with the means to pay themselves."

JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- At the Missouri Association of Counties' Legislative Summit today, Attorney General Jay Nixon announced a plan that will force more Missouri prisoners who have sufficient assets to pay the cost of their own incarceration. As Governor, Nixon will expand the Missouri Incarceration Reimbursement Act (MIRA), which currently allows the Attorney General's Office to recover assets from prisoners in state facilities, so that the office can also recover assets from prisoners in county jails.

Since taking office in 1993, Attorney General Nixon has saved the taxpayers more than $5.7 million by forcing prisoners with sufficient assets to pay for their own incarceration through MIRA action. Under the plan Nixon announced today, all of the MIRA funds recovered by the state (from prisoners in both state and county facilities) will be put into a pool and sent directly to the counties to reimburse them for the cost of holding prisoners at county jails.

"Missourians should not have to pay the room and board for prisoners with the means to pay themselves," Attorney General Nixon said. "We've already saved Missouri taxpayers more than $5 million by making criminals in our state facilities cover the cost of their incarceration, but we must expand these efforts to county jails as well. Particularly during these difficult economic times, regular law-abiding folks shouldn't have to foot the bill for prisoners who have sufficient assets. We have an opportunity here to save the taxpayers' money and hold criminals accountable for their actions."

In Missouri, many criminals begin serving time in county facilities before moving on to state facilities. MIRA currently allows the Attorney General to recover assets from a criminal to reimburse the state for that time spent in state facilities, but the statute does not allow the state to recover money from criminals for the time served in county facilities. Although the state currently provides a small reimbursement to the counties under the existing system, it covers only a portion of the cost and the remaining expenses associated with holding prisoners places a considerable strain on local governments.

Under Nixon's plan, all funds recovered through MIRA action will go to reimburse the counties. The counties will receive these MIRA funds on top of the reimbursement funds that the state already allocates to the counties.