JEFFERSON CITY - In the wake of scandals that include secret and unethical campaign contributions from Ameren, illegal use of state vehicles, and the slew of Democrat officials facing jail time, there has been little comment coming out of Silent Jay Nixon’s campaign.

And in a January 11, 1999, story by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Nixon explains why he refuses to face Missourians’ questions: “When you refuse to take a position, you’re not punished," Nixon said. "It’s only when you take a position that you’re punished.” "The reward is not to talk," he continued, "and to repeat the pollster-tested phrases."

“It is incredibly sad that Jay Nixon refuses to talk publicly about issues with Missourians because of his fear that his policies and statements might actually be challenged by the public and media. Jay Nixon is like the Wizard of Oz, hiding behind a phony façade shielded only by a thin curtain,” said Paul Sloca, communications director for the Missouri Republican Party. “Jay Nixon is shirking his duty as a public official by refusing to face the people of Missouri who elected him. That is certainly not the type of leader Missourians expect or deserve.”

Nixon’s adoption of a bunker candidacy that precludes him from having to explain his positions and statements to the public and the media was recently exposed by The Associated Press, which reported that Nixon has made a paltry 11 public appearances this year compared to 350 public appearances by Gov. Matt Blunt, who takes his accountability and responsibility to Missourians seriously. Interestingly, First Lady Melanie Blunt has participated in more public events than Nixon has to date this year.