Volume 18, Edition 4   •  August 31, 2007

Getting Out the Vote for Tom Dempsey

Hard-working Republicans in St. Charles County and across the state are reminded that this is the last weekend to campaign for Tom Dempsey in his race for a Missouri Senate seat. Dempsey has been visiting with Missourians across the district for weeks on end, and we need our voters to stand up and be counted on Tuesday, September 4, by going to the polls. Dempsey’s election will mean that commonsense, conservative values will continue to be represented in the Missouri Senate. Since his announcement, Dempsey has focused on continued efforts to ensure every St. Charles County student receives a high quality public education, citizens have access to affordable health care, and state policies assist businesses in creating family-supporting jobs. IMPORTANT NOTE: Volunteer walkers are needed to go door-door beginning today and ending on Election Day. For more information, contact West Mckee at 314-397-1855.

Governor Calls for Tougher Immigration Measures

Governor Blunt this week outlined tough new initiatives to enforce the laws against illegal immigration. The governor highlighted a tragic murder in Newark where an illegal immigrant, who was previously arrested for child rape and released on bail, was among those charged in the murder of three promising young college students. Identifying the murderer as an illegal immigrant when he was originally arrested might have prevented the murders. To prevent a similar tragedy in Missouri, Blunt directed all law enforcement units in the Department of Public Safety (Water Patrol, Highway Patrol and Capitol Police) to:

  • Prepare for special training and deputization that allows state law enforcement officials to enforce federal immigration law as authorized through section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
  • Encourage and assist local law enforcement to apply for 287(g) status and to otherwise offer state assistance, resources and support including making available Live Scan for local law enforcement agencies that will use it. To date, the state has invested more than $2 million of homeland security money in Live Scan, which allows fingerprints to be scanned in the field.
  • Verify the immigration status of every individual presented for incarceration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement computer background status check and to complete full background checks on any accompanying adults. Anyone identified as illegal will be detained to prevent them from committing any crimes.

A strong advocate for protecting Missouri from illegal activity, the governor recently sent a letter to the Missouri Housing Development Commission outlining principles for the commission to consider regarding illegal immigration that include possible sanctions of up to a lifetime ban of contractors and developers who knowingly employ illegal immigrants in violation of federal law. Earlier this year the governor ousted a state contractor who hired illegal workers and ordered state agencies to enact a no tolerance policy through tough new contract protections. This week he outlined tough new initiatives to ensure state-supported building projects are not employing illegal workers.

Governor Pleased with Education Funding Ruling

Gov. Matt Blunt’s commitment to education is well documented, including the more than $500 million in new funding for Missouri public schools since 2005. This week, despite the efforts of Democrat groups, a circuit court judge ruled that Missouri properly funds our schools. In response to the decision, the governor said: "This decision is a victory for Missouri students and consistent with my commitment to increase funding for education every year I serve as governor. The school funding formula was one of the most important pieces of legislation I have signed. It is easier to understand, provides increased funding to our schools without a tax increase and most importantly, focuses on what is most important – the needs of our students. The new formula has helped me deliver more than a half a billion dollar increase to Missouri classrooms without a tax increase. The lawsuit was designed to mandate a billion dollar tax increase on Missouri families. I also appreciate that the Circuit Court acknowledged in their decision that Missouri is one of six states with the strongest constitutional commitment to education. This is why through strong, responsible policies we have increased funding for education every year I have served as governor where in the past money was withheld from education. We are hopeful that the Missouri Supreme Court will likewise see the state’s tremendous commitment to education." Not surprisingly, the case is expected to be appealed.

Economic Package, Bridge Bill Sent to Governor

The Legislature has completed a special legislative session by sending Governor Blunt two bills designed to improve the quality of life for all Missourians. The Senate gave final approval to a bridge improvement bill that will authorize the repair or replacement more than 800 Missouri bridges, and an economic development package that will expand the governor’s successful Quality Jobs Act. During the special session called by the governor, the House last week overwhelmingly approved the bills. Both measures are expected to be signed into law by Governor Blunt in the near future. The bridge bill will allow contractors to access the bonds needed for road construction projects while the economic development bill expands the highly successful Quality Jobs Act by increasing its capacity from $12 million to $40 million. The package would also increase the Enhanced Enterprise Zone capacity from $7 million to $14 million and create a state match for the federal New Markets tax credit which brings investment to economically distressed areas. “Missourians have responded to the pro-jobs, pro-growth initiatives we have enacted by adding nearly 85,000 jobs to our economy since January 2005,” the governor said.

Ten Communities to Get DREAM Economic Boost

Governor Blunt announced this week that ten Missouri communities will participate in the 2007 Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri (DREAM) initiative that helps communities more efficiently and effectively engage in downtown redevelopment and revitalization efforts. Aurora, Caruthersville, Chillicothe, Clinton, Kirksville, Maryville, Mexico, Poplar Bluff, Sikeston and Trenton are the second round of communities inducted in the governor’s DREAM initiative. Selected DREAM communities become active members of the initiative for three years and gain prioritized access to state supported programs through ongoing cooperation among several unique agencies and funding sources. Programs include technical and financial assistance for infrastructure improvements, historic preservation, affordable housing, community services, business development and job creation. “Missouri relies on its local economies and the investment of Missourians who are interested in preserving a sense of place and cultural heritage in the hearts of their communities," Governor Blunt said. "I congratulate this year’s DREAM communities and look forward to working with them to provide these new resources to enhance their downtowns and neighborhoods." Last year, Cape Girardeau, Excelsior Springs, Hannibal, Hermann, Kennett, Neosho, St. Joseph, Sedalia, Washington, and West Plains were the first communities to receive the honor of being a Missouri DREAM community. Together, they have received more than $30 million in state grants to rebuild, revitalize, and rejuvenate their downtowns. Applications were evaluated by representatives from the three DREAM partners: the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the Missouri Development Finance Board and the Missouri Housing Development Commission. The evaluation process included confirming applications were complete and attention was given to community capacity, vision, opportunity for private investment, broad community support and a comprehensive approach.

Exports En Route to Another Record

Missouri’s ability to sell its goods in the global economy continues to grow under the leadership of Governor Blunt and our Republican leaders. The World Institute for Economic Research reports that Missouri exports were up by 14 percent when compared to the same period in record-breaking 2006. Through the end of June, exports by Missouri companies totaled a whopping $9.6 billion, compared to $6 billion for the second quarter of 2006. This is particularly good news for Missouri businesses in light of Missouri setting a record for exports in 2006 with $12.8 billion in total global sales. The second quarter figures put the state on track to top that mark this year. Twelve Missouri product categories each topped $100 million in export sales through the second quarter of 2007,including transportation equipment ($2.6 billion), chemicals ($1.1 billion), machinery ($573 million), food and kindred products ($339 million), electrical equipment ($328 million), agricultural products ($268 million), computer and electronic products ($239 million), fabricated metal products ($216 million), minerals and ores ($187 million), primary metal manufacturing ($152 million), waste and scrap ($131 million), and plastics and rubber products ($117 million). “This report confirms that Missouri businesses are succeeding in the global economy,” the governor said. “It is a tribute to Missouri’s workers and families that we have set new export records every year since 2005. I am pleased that our pro-jobs, pro-growth initiatives are helping our innovative employers and entrepreneurs create jobs and new opportunities. Missourians have responded to our pro-jobs, pro-growth initiatives by creating nearly 85,000 jobs since January 2005. Establishing business relationships with international partners is critical to attracting good, family supporting jobs to Missouri.”

Nixon Tanks Another Supreme Court Case

This Missouri Supreme Court’s decision to let the Missouri Ethics Commission decide on whether campaign contributions collected under a previous law should be returned elicited this response from Jared Craighead, executive director of the Missouri Republican Party: “The Missouri Supreme Court’s pained decision to turn this case over to the Missouri Ethics Commission rests solely on Jay Nixon’s shoulders because of his blatant attempt to aid himself politically. Nixon refused to appeal the lower court’s decision on the constitutionality of the blackout period to the Supreme Court, and when the case reached the Missouri Supreme Court, Nixon conspired with opposing counsel to tank the case. Then, just today, Nixon issued a presumptuous and arrogant statement claiming to know exactly how the Missouri Ethics Commission would rule. We believe that candidates and contributors should not be punished for obeying the law, and we sincerely hope that the Missouri Ethics Commission will take the people, and not politics, into consideration when deciding the fairest way to apply the law the people’s representatives enacted. Unfortunately we have an attorney general defending our laws who cares more about higher office than doing his job.” To read the Supreme Court opinion, go to:
http://www.courts.mo.gov.

Nixon’s Fraud Forces MEC Withdrawal

A day after his fraudulent representation of the Missouri Ethics Commission before the state Supreme Court was exposed by the group’s executive director, a guilty Jay Nixon says he will no longer represent the MEC as it considers the future of campaign finance reform. In a stunning revelation to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on August 27, MEC Executive Director Bob Connor said the commission never approved Nixon’s politically self-serving brief supporting the return of campaign contribution limits: “Connor said that the commission ‘never voted’ on a legal brief, submitted on behalf of the commission last month by Nixon's staff, that asked the court to order candidates to return overlimit contributions.” Connor’s decision to blow the whistle on Nixon’s fraud resulted August 28 in a letter from Nixon to Connor, documented first by the Columbia Daily Tribune, in which Nixon states: “Because the Attorney General will be a candidate for office in 2008, the Attorney General's Office will not advise the Commission on enforcement." Nixon misrepresented himself before the Missouri Supreme Court because he had the most to gain, yet now he wants to bow out because he claims to have a conflict? If Nixon had a conflict, he should have NEVER falsely represented the Missouri Ethics Commission in the first place. Nixon has engaged in an act of treachery against the people of Missouri that defiles the office of attorney general and shows that he is unfit to hold his current office, or any other state office.

Nixon Fails Missouri’s Unborn

In a supreme act of arrogance, pro-abortion candidate Jay Nixon continues to claim he is defending pro-life legislation despite being fired by a state agency for his self-admitted conflict of interest and efforts to tank the defense of the law. Last week Nixon was fired by the Department of Health and Senior Services in light of his statement to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 1999 about his decision not to defend pro-life legislation because: “‘I’m pro-choice, I have a conflict’ of interest.” After he was fired, Nixon filed a brief agreeing with abortion provider Planned Parenthood's assertion that the department should not be represented by independent, outside attorneys. A judge ruled this week in favor of Planned Parenthood and Nixon by halting the enactment of the pro-life law, due to go into effect August 28, until at least September 10. Jay Nixon was fired because he admitted that he cannot fairly defend Missouri’s unborn, and yet he continues to arrogantly try to sabotage the state’s case to appease his supporters and contributors among left-wing abortionists. Based on the judge’s decision, Nixon and Planned Parenthood are getting their way. Nixon should immediately recuse himself from this case so that the pro-life majority in Missouri can be adequately defended in court. Anything less would be a confirmation of Nixon’s willingness to put politics ahead of his duty as the state’s attorney general.

Nixon’s Position on Illegal Immigration: He Supports It

While Governor Blunt and Republican leaders are cracking down on illegal immigrants in Missouri, Jay Nixon remains eerily silent about a political survey in which he unequivocally supported providing state sponsored benefits to illegal immigrants. According to a 1998 Project Vote Smart survey completed by Nixon, he clearly supported the following immigration issue included in the survey: “Prohibit states from passing laws that deny human services (medical care, education) to illegal immigrants or their children.” A copy of the Vote Smart Survey is available at http://www.mogop.org/media/votesmart.pdf. Then, in an April interview with Springfield television station KY-3, Nixon was asked about the survey, to which he responded: “I honestly don’t remember what was on that. I mean I have to look at that. I just don’t remember doing it.” Four months later, Nixon has never explained his response, which is in stark contrast to Governor Blunt’s aggressive initiatives to combat illegal immigration in Missouri that are receiving national attention. It is extremely troubling that in his 14 years as the self-described chief law enforcement officer of the state, Nixon’s only public statement on immigration is that he fully supports providing state-sponsored benefits to illegal immigrants.

Documents Don’t Lie but Jay Nixon Does

In spite of the existence of a public document in which Jay Nixon said he supports providing state sponsored benefits to illegal immigrants, Nixon is now actually trying to deny that support. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch late this week cited the 1998 Project Vote Smart survey completed by Nixon and then reported that Nixon “denies it.” Nixon filled out a document in which he clearly supports illegal immigration and providing taxpayer funded services to people who are in the country illegally, so his claim denying what is in black and white is ludicrous. Nixon’s willingness to say anything to be elected governor, no matter how ridiculous, is astonishing.

Barnes Backed by Radical Pro-Abortion Group Emily’s List

Kay Barnes joined a select group of pro-abortion Democrat women candidates this week when the ultra-liberal abortion rights group Emily’s List gave her their endorsement. Barnes is now officially aligned with like-minded candidates such as Hillary Clinton, Barbara Boxer, and Nancy Pelosi. The important news for voters of the 6th Congressional District is that the endorsement means that Barnes is not only pro-abortion, but pro-abortion at all costs. Barnes, the former Mayor of Kansas City, also regularly tells audiences she is bi-partisan, but unfortunately her policies reflect an extreme left-wing agenda that has been rejected by a majority of Missourians. Kay Barnes’ pro-abortion positions are just another sad example of how out of touch she is with the values of 6th Congressional District residents. Barnes’ previously announced support for amnesty for illegal aliens and universal health care along with her pro-abortion sympathies reflect a big city liberalism that is far from Missouri’s common-sense, conservative values.

Lexington Newspaper Falls into Liberal Media Trap

While some of the most biased reporting can be found in the larger media outlets in Missouri, there are signs that the anti-Republican cancer has moved to other parts of the state. The Lexington News’ editor Mike Stearns recently referred to Democrat Rep. Joe Aull as Sen. Aull, which comes as a great surprise to Republican Sen. Bill Stouffer and Lafayette County Republicans. To add insult to injury, Stearns tried to explain away why he failed to write about Aull’s involvement in getting fellow Democrat Jeff Smith on board the Isle of Capri Casino in Boonville. The situation with Stearns became even more disturbing after Republicans in Lafayette County were blown off when they raised concerns about the inaccuracies and failure to report on Aull’s activities at the casino. It is sad that such heavy-handed bias has jumped from liberal media bastions like the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Kansas City Star and Columbia Daily Tribune to the likes of the Lexington News, but it also is encouraging to see Republicans standing up to that media bias and demanding fair and balanced reporting. We encourage other Republicans across the state to do the same.

Jay, Sometimes the Truth Hurts

Pro-abortion advocate Jay Nixon has a conflict trying to defend a pro-life law, so it comes as no surprise that the desperate Democrat is dispatching his minions to defend his conflict. The Jefferson City News-Tribune recently ran the headline “Nixon ‘can't be trusted’ to defend abortion law” with a picture of Nixon above an Associated Press story detailing the conflict. Nixon wasn’t too pleased and expressed his dissatisfaction with a letter from his official spokesman Scott Holste who whined: “The News Tribune improperly editorialized on the front page of its Aug. 23 edition by repeating a partisan and inaccurate statement from an appointee of Gov. Matt Blunt above a photo of Attorney General Jay Nixon. The headline on the related story also showed a bias that belonged on the editorial page.” The truth apparently hurts, and Nixon is feeling the heat, even from the liberal media. To read the AP article and headline as they appeared in the News-Tribune, go to http://www.newstribune.com.

MissouriPulse.com Post of the Week

Nixon Hoodwinks Media, Public In Campaign Finance Brouhaha

In July and early August, respected Missouri media outlets (see list below) reported that Attorney General Jay Nixon crafted a request from the Missouri Ethics Commission (MEC) to the state Supreme Court that lobbied for a retroactive ruling in the ongoing dispute over campaign donation limits. Unfortunately, nobody in the media bothered to inquire as to the MEC’s position on Nixon’s request until yesterday when it was disclosed by the Post-Dispatch that the MEC “never voted” on Nixon’s July request.

Nixon’s month of deception came to an end yesterday when he attempted to claim the MEC should abide by his unapproved position and require a retroactive donation return, which has been his goal all along. Thus far, Nixon has intentionally dropped the case, unflinchingly colluded with his courtroom opponent/long-time political guru Charles Hatfield, and now it has been discovered that he deceived the media into believing he spoke for the MEC when he did not.

From the beginning, Nixon’s blatantly transparent goal has been to force a retroactive return of donations to even the playing field with Governor Matt Blunt, who holds a substantial fundraising edge in the gubernatorial race. Regardless of the outcome, Nixon’s cutthroat actions reveal yet again that he will stop at nothing to achieve his political ends even if it means burning any remnant of ethics, decency and respect for the office he occupies.

Media coverage that validated Nixon’s unapproved July request from the MEC:

Post-Dispatch:

  • 7/26/2007, “Court To Rule On Donation Refund From Candidates”

Columbia Daily Tribune:

  • 7/25/2007, “Nixon: Make Trout Ruling Retroactive” (from Politics Blog)
  • 7/26/2007, “Nixon Wants Court To Order Donor Refunds”

Associated Press:

  • 7/26/2007, “Attorney General Says Candidates Should Have To Return Money”
  • 8/1/2007, “Missouri GOP Argues Against Returning Excess Contributions”

Kansas City Star:

  • 7/26/2007, “Excess Campaign Donations Should Be Returned, AG’s Office Says”
  • 8/1/2007. “Let Candidates Keep Donations, Missouri GOP Says”

 

The Cornerstone - Missouri Republicans Making a Difference

While the media is doing all it can to attack the governor, it seems the people of Missouri aren’t buying it, and your hard work across the state is part of the reason for that. Since the governor took office, we’ve seen record funding for education, job creation, better health care and tougher immigration policies, and that is being reflected in a new Rasmussen poll. It is becoming increasingly clear that despite the media bias, the public is coming to understand that Jay Nixon supports higher taxes and liberal positions, including state funding for abortions. So, while Election Day is still months away, the Rasmussen poll illustrates the need to continue working hard on behalf of the governor and all Republicans in the days, weeks and months ahead. If you want to be part of that effort, please contact MRP’s Grassroots Director Mika Schrimpf at 573-636-3146 or drop a note to her at mika@mogop.org.

Thoughts and Prayers

The Missouri Republican Party encourages Republicans across the state to keep these individuals in your thoughts and prayers:

The family of Ricky Bell of Caruthersville who are dealing with his death in a helicopter crash in Iraq.

Paul Busiek, husband of Mavis Busiek. Paul’s health concerns continue.

Harold Hamann, father of 15th District State Committeewoman Peggy Adams, who was recently hospitalized.

Mike Keathley, Commissioner of Administration, who has cancer.

Teresa Kelley, Pettis County Committeewoman, who was seriously injured in an automobile accident.

Rosemary Kochner, 13th District State Committeewoman, who has continued health concerns.

State Rep. Scott Lipke, 157th House District, whose unborn daughter has been diagnosed with a heart condition.

Mary Mallien, 14th District State Committeewoman, who has continued health concerns.

Dawn Sprick, daughter of 21st District State Committeeman Gary Harris, who has cancer.

Marlene Strodtman, wife of Lafayette County Presiding Commissioner Jim Strodtman, who had knee replacement surgery this week.

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