JEFFERSON CITY—Gov. Jay Nixon’s rough legislative session was underscored earlier this week when dozens of House Democrats abandoned Nixon’s position and joined with Republicans in passing legislation to fund Missouri projects.  It was a rare instance of Nixon stating an opinion on an issue, but his statements were utterly disregarded by the members of his own party.

“This is incredibly embarrassing for Nixon,” said Lloyd Smith, Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party.  “Despite his widely-reported opposition to the bill, 33 members of his own party ignored him and joined with Republicans to fund Missouri projects by a wide, bipartisan margin.  Just five months into his term, Nixon should be able to demonstrate much more influence over Democrats in the General Assembly than he has shown.”

Nixon has made a point to avoid commenting on many bills, and in fact, his opposition to the spending proposal was not made public until Lt. Governor Kinder revealed that Nixon was privately influencing House Democrats before the initial failure of the bill.  His position sparked outrage among many St. Louis-area Democrats, who were upset that Nixon opposed a bill that included funding for St. Louis Metro.

“’No Comment’ Nixon can boast of very few accomplishments this session, mostly because he has refused to take a position or expend political capital on keeping his campaign promises,” said Smith.  “In fact, he has been humiliated on the few proposals on which he has expressed an opinion.”

Perhaps ‘No Comment’ Nixon’s lack of influence stems from his refusal to take a position on major issues or even on some bills that are heading to his desk:

• On St. Louis Metro funding (May 5): “Nixon declined comment Tuesday night saying, ‘I’m trying to make things happen, and not be a commentator.’” St. Louis Beacon, May 5, 2009
• On St. Louis Metro funding (April 30): “ Jay Nixon is taking heat from some St. Louis-area Democrats for what they call his ‘silence’ on funding for Metro.”KWMU, April 30, 2009
• On motorcycle helmets: “A spokesman for Gov. Jay Nixon wouldn’t comment on the governor’s position on the current bill.” St. Louis Post Dispatch, May 1, 2009
• On the $1 billion tax cut: A Nixon spokesman said, “There’s no use getting too worried about it, because it’s likely change within an hour or two.” [no statement of support or opposition] Columbia Missourian, April 24, 2009
• On the St. Louis transportation crisis: “Nixon has had almost nothing public to say about massive cuts by Metro, the region’s public transit system — a desperate situation that arguably should hold a governor’s interest as much as warm puppies.” St. Louis Post-Dispatch editorial, April 10, 2009
• On CWIP: “Even if Gov. Jay Nixon does sign the bill — a big if, given the lukewarm if somewhat cryptic statements coming out of his office so far — the issue will be far from settled.” St. Louis Beacon, April 5, 2009
• On a possible hearing over the MIAC report: “When asked, a Nixon spokesman offered no comment on the issue, but said the governor supports Keathley’s changes in distributing MIAC reports.” Springfield News-Leader, March 26, 2009
• On obtaining “stimulus” money: “Nixon has not taken a position on whether to hire a federal lobbyist or implement any of the council’s recommendations, which focus on quickly applying for federal stimulus money, spokesman Jack Cardetti said.” Springfield News-Leader, March 9, 2009
• On “stimulus” spending regulations: “Mr. Nixon has the duty to address the issue.  But he has stood mute, allowing Mr. Slay to be publicly criticized by other Democrats for not being a team player.” St. Louis Post-Dispatch editorial, March 9, 2009