4000. One is one too many.

Multi-National Corps – Iraq

Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RELEASE No. 20080324-02

March 24, 2008

MND-B Soldiers attacked by IED

Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Four Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers were killed at approximately 10 p.m. March 23 after terrorists attacked them with an improvised-explosive device in southern Baghdad while conducting a mounted vehicular patrol. One additional Soldier was injured from this attack. The Soldier’s names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin and release by the Department of Defense.

30

29,314 wounded. 308 Coalition dead (from other countries).

Afghanistan. 488. 296 Coalition dead (from other countries).

This…

…I went to attend a screening of the creationist propaganda movie, Expelled, a few minutes ago. Well, I tried … but I was Expelled! It was kind of weird – I was standing in line, hadn’t even gotten to the point where I had to sign in and show ID, and a policeman pulled me out of line and told me I could not go in. I asked why, of course, and he said that a producer of the film had specifically instructed him that I was not to be allowed to attend….

…reminded me of this…

Bumper sticker on the Plaza in Kansas City, July 2007

…and this…

SECOND REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 1315

94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

…Section A. Chapter 173, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 173.057, to read as follows:

173.057. 1. The provisions of this section shall be known and cited as the “Emily Brooker Higher Education Sunshine Act”. As used in this section, “intellectual diversity” is defined as the diversity of ideas that provides the foundation of a learning environment that exposes students to a variety of political, ideological, religious, and other perspectives, when such perspectives relate to the subject matter being taught or issues being discussed. As used in this section, “free exchange of ideas” includes intellectual pluralism and students’ right to learn in an environment that exposes them to an abundance of new knowledge, different perspectives, competing ideas, and alternative claims of truth….

[emphasis added]

This is retarded nonsense.

What students need to develop is the skill to think critically. And that means that not all opposing, competing or controversial views are equal.

Most stupidity has been debunked a long time ago. True, our work as educators is never done. We just shouldn’t have to watch the General Assembly add to the work load.

What did Missouri NEA have to say about HB 1315?:

Missouri NEA strongly opposes this additional layer of bureaucracy and unneeded intrusion on local control of our public higher education institutions.  The Association also opposes this rigid mandate to promote “intellectual diversity” and undermine the cardinal value of academe: the pursuit of truth.  This proposal is akin to state mandates for “intelligent design” in science instruction, where the proposals mandate presentation of “diverse” views on all subjects, even those where the pursuit of truth has led to the practical certainty of answers to particular academic questions.

These mandates do not serve an academic purpose; rather, they serve a political agenda to promote controversy at all costs and the politicization of educational programs.  A mandate to promote “intellectual diversity” undermines the effort to hire the most qualified applicants for faculty positions, since it creates the expectation that hiring committees will pry into the personal lives and ideological viewpoints of applicants and give those factors weight in the hiring process.  This undermines an institution’s pursuit of excellence and, instead, promotes controversy and politics in the hiring process.

[emphasis added]

Who was responsible for this abomination?

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES CUNNINGHAM (86) (Sponsor), SCHARNHORST, JONES (89), COX, NIEVES, STEVENSON, DAVIS, DUSENBERG, SCHAD, NOLTE AND McGHEE (Co-sponsors)

…Rep. Cunningham received her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with an emphasis in economics and marketing from Florida State University…

Maybe she should ask for her money back.

…A 1966 graduate of Northwest High School in St. Louis, Rep. Scharnhorst attended Jefferson College from 1966-1967 and Meramac Community College from 1989 to 1990…

…Rep. Jones is a graduate of St. Louis University High School. He received his B.A. with a double major in English and Russian Studies from Fordham University and his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law…

…Stanley graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Central Missouri State University-Warrensburg in 1971 and a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Columbia Law School in 1976…

Rep. Brian D. Nieves…A 1983 graduate of Pacific HIgh School in Franklin County…also serves as a substitute high school teacher…

…Rep. Stevenson received an associate in applied science degree in aviation technology from Tarrant County Junior College in 1989 and graduated cum laude with a bachelor of applied arts and sciences from the University of North Texas in 1995. In addition to earning his juris doctor from Georgetown University Law Center 1999…

…A 1978 graduate of Needham High School in Needham, Mass., Rep. Davis majored in Church Music at Nyack College in Nyack, N.Y…

…Rep. Dusenberg graduated from Warrenton High School in 1964. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Missouri-Kansas City and a master’s in the administration of criminal justice from Central Missouri State University…

…A 1972 graduate of Morgan Co. R-II High School in Versailles, Mo, Rep. Schad attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and Central Missouri State University…

…A 1973 graduate of Oak Park High School in Kansas City, Missouri, Rep. Nolte received an Associate of Arts degree from Maple Woods Community College in 1975…

…Rep. McGhee graduated Van Horn High School in 1966….

They all get an ‘F’. Maybe they should all ask for their money back…

Another form of March madness is about to conclude at Tuesday at 5pm. That being the filing for offices.

When we last met on this topic the overall field included 59 unchallenged Democrats and 45 unchallenged Republicans. Currently those numbers are 57 unchallenged Democrats and 37 unchallenged Republicans. For reference, that’s 57 of 71 and 37 of 92.

So which Republican seats just got opposition this time around?

That, and more is under the fold.

[And a welcome to people reading this through the link posted on MyDD. But I will disagree with Clarkent since I’m not entirely sure if we can call this “record numbers”. We’re just clubbing Republicans overall in the number of candidates.]

Rick Oswald of Langdon filed in HD4 on Tuesday afternoon to face incumbent state Rep. Mike Thomson of Maryville in a rematch of 2006. Back in 2006, Thomson won the open seat by a 64/36 margin.

David Hurst of Lake St. Louis filed on Wednesday afternoon to run in HD13. This election wil  fill the seat opened by Bob Onder’s Congressional candidacy. Back in 2006, Onder was unopposed for election to the open seat. So, that’s an improvement over 2006.

Bill Whitmore of O’Fallon filed on Monday afternoon to face HD19 Rep. Cynthia Davis of O’Fallon. Davis won 58/42 over Mike Morris in 2006.

Tom Niffen of Liberty filed on Wednesday morning to face St. Rep. Tim Flook in HD34. Flook defeated Niffen by a 59/41 margin in 2006. Flook has held this seat since 2005.

Mike O’Donnell of Blue Springs filed on Thursday afternoon to take on Bryan Pratt in HD55. Pratt won 62/38 over Patrick Pierce in 2006.

Chris Ruggles of Lee’s Summit filed on Friday to face HD56 incumbent Brian Yates. Yates was unopposed in 2006.

Phil Bognar of Fenton filed on Tuesday to face freshman Rep. Dwight Scharnhorst in HD93. Scharnhorst defeated Jane Bogetto for this seat in 2006.

Linda Marie Crane of Greenfield filed on Thursday to face Ed Emery in HD126.

Also, this week, two more Democrats recieved opponents. Mike Austin of Ethel filed for the chance to face Tom Shively in HD8. Shively narrowly defeated Kathy Chinn to win the seat in 2006. As well, Nick Haul filed in HD100 to fave Sue Schoemehl.

For the sake of comparison, there were 36 uncontested Republicans with three filing days left (3/24/06, 3/27/06, 3/28/06). And there were 38 uncontested Republicans left going into yesterday morning. So a slight move backwards overall.

But at this time in 2006, there were 53 uncontested Democrats of the 66 seats up that year.

After three more days of filing in 2006, the totals were 41 uncontested Democrats and 18 uncontested Republicans. So in the span of three days in 2006, 18 Republican-held and 12 Democrat-held seats were filled.

So, let’s take a look at the uncontested Republican seats.

In St. Louis County, only Allen Icet of Wildwood (HD84), the 88th House District (currently held by the termed-out Neal St. Onge) and Jim Avery of Crestwood are uncontested. Timothy Jones was unopposed in 2006 and he will be opposed by former St. Rep/frequent candidate George Weber. (Yep, Weber was a state rep from 1965 to 1967).

Icet and St. Onge were unopposed in 2006. Two candidates filed in the last 2 days for a shot at facing Avery.

In the general St. Louis area, there are two other open Republican seats.

HD12 (Funderburk) and HD14 (Smith) are both open at this moment. Funderburk won 58/42 over Sandra Lesh to fill the seat opened by Sherman Parker’s badly thought-out primary challenge of Todd Akin. Smith won 60/40 over Douglas Broste.

HD13 and HD109 were both uncontested in 2008 and contested now. But they’re also both open now.

Now in West-Central Missouri, we get into a longer list.

Loehner (Koeltztown, HD112), Bruns (Jeff City, HD113), Deeken (Jeff City, HD114), Schad (Versailles, HD115), Self (Cole Camp, HD116), Jones (California, HD117), Wilson (Flemington, HD119), Pollock (Lebanon, HD146), and Day (Dixon, HD148) don’t have opponents so far. Only Self and Wilson were unopposed by Dems in 2006 (of the people listed).

Another breakdown of those 10 Republicans

Won 50-59% in 2006: Bruns (56/44)

Won 60-69%: Loehner (60/40), Schad (69.8/30.2), Jones (69.8/30.2), Day (68/32)

Won 70%+: Deeken (72/28), Wilson (75/25 over a Libertarian candidate), Pollock (74/26)

So.. not exactly a blue group of seats. But hopefully history holds up enough to get some of these guys an opponent or two. As well, these seats are close enough to Jeff City to make the whole trip to the Capitol a short one.

Now, up in Northwest Missouri, there are still two unopposed Republicans. Those two are HD28 Rep. Rob Schaaf of St. Joseph and HD30 Rep. Jason Brown of Platte City. Schaaf had an opponent in 2006, until that opponent withdrew in September. The Party was unable to find a replacement. Jared Welch recieved 44% against Brown in 2006.

And put on your seatbelts and keep arms out of the aisles, because we’re entering another area with a lot of unopposed Republicans.

Unopposed Republicans in Southwest MO: Sater (HD68, Cassville), Open seat (HD127, held by Hunter*), Stevenson (HD128, Webb City), Richard (HD129, Joplin), Wilson (HD130, Neosho), Ruestman (HD131, Joplin), Parson (HD133, Bolivar), Viebrock (HD134, Republic), Schoeller (HD139, Willard), Dixon (HD140, Springfield), Wasson (HD141, Nixa), Weter (HD142, Nixa), Cunningham (HD145, Rogersville), Wells (HD147, Cabool), and Franz (HD151, West Plains)

That’s 15 of the 37 seats right there.

Stevenson, Richard, Parson, Weter, and Cunningham were unopposed in 2006. Candidates filed in the last two days in HD126, HD127, HD130, HD131, HD140, and HD151. So, that’s slightly encouraging when it comes to recent history.

Of the currently uncontested Reps (who were contested in 2006), here’s a breakdown of their 2006 showings

Under 2/3rds of the vote: Viebrock 63/33; Schoeller 54/43; Dixon 63/34;  Wells 62/38;

Over 2/3s of the vote: Hunter (HD127), 69/31; Wilson, 72/28; Ruestman, 69/31; Wasson 69/31; Franz 71/29

[* – the previous diary did not note this open seat, due to an oversight]

And we close out in Southeast Missouri where 6 of 9 Republican seats are uncontested.

Those six are Tilley (HD106, Perryville), Dethrow (HD153, Alton), Kingery (HD154, Poplar Bluff), Lipke (HD157, Jackson), Open seat (HD158, Cape Girardeau), and Brandom (HD160, Sikeston).

Tilley and Lipke were unopposed in 2006. As for the rest..

Kingery won with over 70%. Brandom held an open seat with 58%. Cooper won with 61% and Kasten won with 51% in HD158.

Dethrow, on the other hand, won 53/47 over Kenny Burke.

So the current batch of 37 seats is far more than just heavily Republican seats. Quite a few of them can be competitive.

So, time to go to the maps.

First, the current status map

Open seats in Orange or Skyblue

Pink Squares were uncontested Rep seats in 2006

Dark Red/Blue seats are unopposed

And we know the partisan color scheme too.

And here’s the 2006 results map

Overall, we’re looking good in the scheme of turnout. That’s even being noted by House Democratic leader Paul LeVota, who pointed out the number of contested Dem incumbents and Rep incumbents.

Right now, there’s 30 uncontested Dems in the STL radius (of 34 Dems). There’s 13 uncontested Dems out of the 14 in Jackson County. Back in 2006, 33 of 49 Dems were uncontested in those areas. 8 of the (then) 17 Dems were uncontested in the ‘outstate’ area. Right now, those numbers are 14 of 23.

So barring a huge rush of Republicans, there will likely be over 40 uncontested Dems, and probably 45.

[As for the flooding: I checked, and while I can see how that might factor into people’s ability to get to
Jeff City, I don’t think it’ll do much. I do wish for the best to get the flooding down around the Arnold area and in Southeast Missouri.]

As for uncontested Reps. As noted, 15 of 37 are in the Southwest Missouri area. That number goes to 30 of 37 if you add Southeast Missouri and West Central Missouri to the list (where Republicans hold 48 of 59 seats).

A wider POV of the Dem/Rep races, and primaries, is due sometime after the filing closes. With quite a few primary battles due for the STL and KC areas, it should be interesting to see how that shapes up.

Right now, I think our shot in November is good.

But if history holds up, there’ll be quite a few people showing up to run on Monday and Tuesday.

Carla Keough (D), challenger in the 125th Legislative District

After meeting Carla Keough and hearing her speak on the day she filed for the 125th Legislative District race I thought I needed to take a look at the recent history of legislative campaigns in this district. In January I first took notice of the district after reading Barney Fisher’s (r-125) comments on Chris Benjamin’s campaign announcement for the 31st Senate District.

This particular race could be fun.

Carla Keough is an energetic community activist and, by all accounts, a formidable fundraiser.

What happened in the race in 2006?:

State of Missouri General Election

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

State Representative – District 125 – Summary

Precincts Reporting 29 of 29

Fisher, Barney REP 7,679 59.9%

Wells, Timothy L. (Tim) DEM 5,131 40.1%

Total Votes   12,810

(by county)

BATES – Fisher 3,146 Wells 2,550

VERNON – Fisher 4,533 Wells 2,581

[emphasis added]

From Timothy Wells’ final campaign finance report with the Missouri Ethics Commission:

Detailed Summary of Committee Disclosure Report

Committe[e]: ELECT WELLS STATE REPRESENTATIVE

9. TOTAL ALL RECEIPTS THIS ELECTION(SUM 1B + 7A – 8A) $6,749.97

15. TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS ELECTION (SUM 10B + 14A) $6,926.18

35. TOTAL INDEBTEDNESS AT THE CLOSE OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD $3,278.33

[emphasis added]

Oh, my.

Let’s look at what Barney Fisher spent in 2006 – from his final report to the Missouri Ethics Commission:

Detailed Summary of Committee Disclosure Report

Committe: CITIZENS FOR BARNEY FISHER 2008

9. TOTAL ALL RECEIPTS THIS ELECTION(SUM 1B + 7A – 8A) $34,991.12

15. TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS ELECTION (SUM 10B + 14A) $33,044.36

35. TOTAL INDEBTEDNESS AT THE CLOSE OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD $0.00

Pine board, meet buzz saw. Fisher out raised and outspent Wells almost 5 to 1. For approximately a 2500 vote margin. Hmmm. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? At least 5100 people (more in a presidential election year) are going to vote for the Democratic candidate no matter what. The republicans control the General Assembly and the governor’s mansion. The economy sucks. It will continue to do so up to the election. Who are the voters going to blame?

This is doable.

Let’s take a look at Barney Fisher’s latest campaign finance filing (from January 2008) with the Missouri Ethics Commission:

Detailed Summary of Committee Disclosure Report

Committe[e]: CITIZENS FOR BARNEY FISHER 2008

9. TOTAL ALL RECEIPTS THIS ELECTION(SUM 1B + 7A – 8A) $5,870.00

15. TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS ELECTION (SUM 10B + 14A) $5,158.54

28. MONEY ON HAND AT THE CLOSE OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (SUM 25 + 26 – 27) $711.46

[emphasis added]

Do you get the feeling that Barney Fisher wasn’t expecting a challenge in 2008. Heh. If Carla Keough raises the cash, watch out.

Let’s look at Barney Fisher’s first race:

State of Missouri General Election

Tuesday, November 02, 2004

State Representative – District 125 – Summary

Precincts Reporting 46 of 46

Berry, Larry DEM 7,300 46.4%

Fisher, Barney REP 8,433 53.6%

Total Votes   15,733

(by county)

BATES – Berry 3,804 Fisher 3,049

VERNON – Berry 3,496 Fisher 5,384

[emphasis added]

From Larry Berry’s final campaign finance report with the Missouri Ethics Commission in 2004:

Detailed Summary of Committee Disclosure Report

Committe[e]: WE THE PEOPLE FOR LARRY BERRY

9. TOTAL ALL RECEIPTS THIS ELECTION(SUM 1B + 7A – 8A) $33,642.50

15. TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS ELECTION (SUM 10B + 14A) $33,494.50

[emphasis added]

The same for Barney Fisher in 2004:

9. TOTAL ALL RECEIPTS THIS ELECTION(SUM 1B + 7A – 8A) $30,160.00

5. TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS ELECTION (SUM 10B + 14A) $31,414.69

Hmm. A rough parity in campaign spending. And a 1133 vote margin. What does that tell you?

2002 wasn’t a particularly good year for Democratic candidates. Remember Jean Carnahan?

State of Missouri General Election

Tuesday, November 05, 2002

State Representative – District 125 – Summary

Foursha, Sam DEM 6,023 48.4%

King, Jerry REP 6,413 51.6%

Total Votes   12,436

(by county)

BATES – Foursha 2,051 King 3,360

VERNON – Foursha 3,972 King 3,053

[emphasis added]

What went on here? Could it be a tad bit of incumbent fatigue?

State of Missouri General Election

Tuesday, November 07, 2000

State Representative – District 125 – Summary

Foursha, Sam DEM 6,522 44.9%

King, Jerry R. REP 8,006 55.1%

Total Votes   14,528

(by county)

BATES – Foursha 2,936 King 4,752

CASS – Foursha 834 King 1,108

VERNON – Foursha 2,752 King 2,146

My, oh my. Look at the change in the margin over two years.

I like the idea that Democrats are challenging republicans everywhere.

Raise money and run strong and smart campaigns – lightning could strike or the stars could align. If that happens say “Hello!” to Speaker Paul LeVota (D).

Jay Nixon is going to have a primary:

Governor

Democratic

Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon Jefferson City MO 2/26/2008 3:33:16 PM

Christina Anderson Springfield MO 3/21/2008 4:24:59 PM

[emphasis added]

Small business owner, homeschooling parent, low-income mom, organic gardener, Freecycle(tm) volunteer, and community activist Christina Anderson is running for Governor of Missouri….

…okay.

Then, let’s take a look at Lt. Governor:

Democratic

Sam Page Creve Coeur MO 2/26/2008 1:25:14 PM

Michael E. Carter St Charles MO 2/26/2008 9:19:56 AM

Richard Charles Tolbert Kansas City MO 3/19/2008 11:32:05 AM

Becky L. Plattner Grand Pass MO 3/21/2008 11:36:30 AM

[emphasis added]

Is this the same Richard Tolbert?

BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI

Richard Tolbert, Complainant,

v.                                                    

Kansas City Power & Light Company, Respondant

Case No. EC?2007?0407

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Blunt Appoints Becky Plattner to Conservation Commission

MARSHALL – Gov. Matt Blunt today appointed Becky L. Plattner (D) to the Missouri Conservation Commission.

“I am pleased that Becky Plattner has agreed to serve the citizens of Missouri in this new position,” Gov. Blunt said. “I look forward to working with Becky and the commission to protect Missouri’s natural beauty and wildlife.”

Ms. Plattner, 49 of Grand Pass, is the presiding commissioner in Saline County and serves as financial manager for Plattner Brothers L.L.C. Custom Farming. She has served as a consultant to the Grand Pass Special Road District, Grand Pass Pump Levy District and Saline County Domestic Lighthouse Shelter….

Then there’s State Treasurer:

Democratic

Mark Powell Arnold MO2/26/2008 1:16:06 PM

Clint Zweifel Florissant MO 2/26/2008 8:48:10 AM

Andria Danine Simckes St. Louis MO 2/26/2008 9:42:59 AM

Charles B. Wheeler Kansas City MO 3/13/2008 3:42:02 PM

[emphasis added]

Does anyone get the feeling that this is a “not St. Louis” kind of thing? Or maybe “what about Kansas City?”

This even extends to the Attorney General race:

Democratic

Chris Koster Jefferson City MO 2/26/2008 12:05:29 PM

Margaret Donnelly St. Louis MO 2/26/2008 1:51:36 PM

Jeff Harris Columbia MO 65205 2/26/2008 11:01:06 AM

Molly Williams Kansas City MO 3/13/2008 2:35:19 PM

[emphasis added]

Those first quarter 2008 campaign finance reports due at the Missouri Ethics Commission in mid-April are going to be very interesting.

There’s so much material.

The 125th Legislative District includes the city of Butler in Bates County and the city of Nevada in Vernon County.

The seat is currently held by Barney Fisher (r) who was first elected in 2004. On March 13th Carla Keough (D) from Butler filed for the seat.

In January Barney Fisher had a thing or two to say when Chris Benjamin announced his run in the 31st Senate District (which includes the area of the 125th Legislative District):

…State Rep. Barney Fisher, R-District 125, accompanied Pearce on early visits to the area, lending his apparent support to Pearce’s campaign, and echoed Pearce’s surprise and “disappointment” at Benjamin’s party switch.

“My disappointment is borne out of my belief in concepts such as loyalty, trustworthiness and integrity. In the approximate five years that Mr. Benjamin was employed by the House Republican Campaign Committee and the Missouri House of Representatives Majority Staff, he was considered trustworthy. However, Mr. Benjamin violated the trust confidence and loyalty from his employers. This kind of party switch doesn’t happen presto-chango. Rather, Mr. Benjamin’s switch required deliberate, conscious thought over time, during which he continued to pretend he was something he was not and be paid for his charade,” Fisher said….

[emphasis added]

Barney Fisher has sponsored or co-sponsored some interesting bills.

In 2005, in the First Regular Session he co-sponsored HB 328, which had a very simple text:

Section A. Chapter 213, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 213.150, to read as follows:  213.150. No public institution or any entity that receives state funds shall adopt a discrimination policy that exceeds current federal protections against discrimination.

“…Man, that’s just mean. That’s mean, man.”

Somebody doesn’t like organized labor, either. In March 2006 Barney Fisher sponsored HB 1910:

…34.212. 1. The state, any agency of the state, or any instrumentality thereof shall not issue grants or enter into cooperative agreements for construction projects, a condition of which requires that bid specifications, project agreements, or other controlling documents pertaining to the grant or cooperative agreement contain any of the elements specified in section 34.209.

           2. The state, any agency of the state, or any instrumentality thereof shall exercise such authority as may be required to preclude a grant recipient or party to a cooperative agreement from imposing any of the elements specified in section 34.209 in connection with any grant or cooperative agreement awarded or entered into. Nothing in sections 34.203 to 34.216 shall prohibit contractors or subcontractors from voluntarily entering into agreements described in section 34.209.

           34.216. 1. For purposes of this section, the term “project labor agreement” shall be defined as a multi-employer, multi-union pre-hire agreement designed to systemize labor relations at a construction site that is required by the state or a political subdivision of the state as a condition of a bid specification for a construction project, thereby insuring that all contractors and subcontractors on a project comply with the terms of a union-only project labor agreement.

           2. The state or a political subdivision of the state may enter into a union-only project labor agreement for the procurement of construction services, except as provided in section 34.209, on a project-by-project basis only on the condition that:

           (1) The state or political subdivision must analyze the impact of a union-only project labor agreement and consider:

           (a) Whether the union-only project labor agreement advances the interests of the public entity and its citizens;

           (b) Whether the union-only project labor agreement is appropriate considering the complexity, size, cost impact, and need for efficiency on the project;

           (c) Whether the union-only project labor agreement impacts the availability of a qualified work force; and

           (d) Whether the scope of the union-only project labor agreement has a business justification for the project as bid;…

Let’s look at Barney Fisher’s campaign finance reports. Here’s the January 2008 report:

Detailed Summary of Committee Disclosure Report

Committe[e]: CITIZENS FOR BARNEY FISHER 2008

9. TOTAL ALL RECEIPTS THIS ELECTION(SUM 1B + 7A – 8A) $5,870.00

15. TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS ELECTION (SUM 10B + 14A) $5,158.54

28. MONEY ON HAND AT THE CLOSE OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (SUM 25 + 26 – 27) $711.46

Ruh-roh! Conservative fiscal management doesn’t appear to be his campaign’s strong suit…

Detailed Summary of Expenditures And Contributions Made

Committe[e]: CITIZENS FOR BARNEY FISHER 2008

Report[ ]Date: 1/15/2008

A. EXPENDITURES OF $100 OR LESS BY CATEGORY

Category Of Expenditures Amount Paid Or

Incurred This Period

travel $98.93

travel $6.00

travel $50.00

donation $52.50

parade supplies $100.00

parade supplies $24.30

travel $100.00

advertising $40.00

travel $100.00

donation $70.00

donation $50.00

donation $32.04

travel $75.00

advertising $40.00

donation $25.00

donation $50.00

travel $100.00

B. ITEMIZED EXPENDITURES ALL OVER $100 AND ALL PAYMENTS TO CAMPAIGN WORKERS

metz bank nevada, mo 64772 11/01/2007 travel $200.00

walmart nevada, mo 64772 10/06/2007 parade supplies $125.00

[emphasis added]

…though he appears to like travel and parades. Oh, I get it. Barney Fisher thought Chris Benjamin was paid for his parades! (I like snark. So, sue me.)

Let’s take a look at the October 2007 report:

Detailed Summary of Contributions And Loans Received

Committee: CITIZENS FOR BARNEY FISHER 2008

Report Date: 10/15/2007

ron richards 2008 po box 1725 joplin, mo 64802 committee 7/17/2007 $2,500.00

106th legislative district republican committee 222 w columbia st farmington, mo 63640 committee 7/23/2007 $750.00

Citizens to Elect doug ervin 19800 ne 128th kearney, mo 64060 committee 8/16/2007 $325.00

missionaries for muschaney 10845 olive blvd ste 310 st louis, mo 63141 committee 8/31/3007 $325.00

citizens for bryan t pratt 1123 se eastridge dr blue springs, mo 64014 committee 9/1/2007 $325.00

mo insurance coalition PAC 220 madison st jefferson city, mo 65101 committee 9/12/2007 $325.00

[emphasis added]

Can’t you just feel the grassroots excitement?

Meanwhile, look who pled “hardship” to returning contributions over the campaign finance limits:

Missouri Ethics Commission, Actions, March 13, 2008

In respect to cases in which a candidate has requested the Commission to conduct a hearing pursuant to the provisions set forth by the Supreme Court of Missouri in Trout v. State of Missouri the Commission issued Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order in eleven cases.

The Orders provided that the candidates shall return to contributors the amount of any contribution received after July 19, 2007 which exceeded the statutory limits, which may not have already been voluntarily returned to said contributors. Also the Commission entered the following orders in any case, the effect of which the candidate shall not be required to refund contributions received before July 19, 2007 which exceed the statutory limits: that if the candidate has an opponent in either the primary or general election in 2008, then unless the candidate chooses to return the amount of excess contributions, the Commission will convene another hearing in these cases and allow any other candidate for the same office to intervene and present evidence and present argument on how to deal with level-playing field issues as set out in the Trout decision.

The action taken in each specific case is as follows:

…07A167 Barney Fisher The Candidate shall not be required to return the contribution in the amount of $2,175.00 received between January 1, 2007 and July 19, 2007 which would, but for the prospective application of Trout in this case, be required to be returned to contributor or paid as fees under Section 130.032.7, RSMo…

Oh! That $2,175.00. (For you republicans and their enablers who are budget challenged, that’s $2,500.00 minus the current $325.00 campaign contribution limit)

The order was entered on the same day that Carla Keough filed for the seat. No one else other than Barney Fisher had filed for the seat before then. Talk about fast action, eh?

Hardship? What hardship? Ah, no more parades.

Here I sit, five miles south of Pacific, wondering how to get to town with all the roads under water.  Funny how you take these things for granted. I’ve read about the roads in very poor countries and how it can take a day to go 20 miles.  I want to go to Kirkwood tomorrow to canvass for a great DEM who’s running for state rep, but I can’t get there from here.

Which got me to thinking about all the things we take for granted and how much we really benefit from the taxes we pay.  Everyone bitches about taxes, and I guess that’s part of the American story what with the Boston Tea Party and all.  But, when you think about what it would be like with no fire or police departments, no public parks, no county clerks keeping track of our property deeds and no water treatment, sanitation and public works depts – whoosh.  We’re back to the wild west and every man for himself.  

Twenty years ago, a neighbor’s house burned down because the fire dept was stuck waiting for a train.  Since then, the highway dept has built an overpass in Pacific so there is at least one way to get over the tracks, and the fire dept has built another station closer to those of us out in the country.  Now I have at least a little more peace of mind knowing they can get here if I need them.  Same with the sheriff, the ambulance crew, and all those other services we’ve come to take for granted.

When people bitch about property taxes in Franklin County, you can imagine the earful they get from me !!  Taxes are the price we pay for living in a civilized country. And the part that goes for education and libraries is an investment in the future.

Now if I can  talk the Meramec River into getting back where it belongs, I’ll get to Kirkwood tomorrow.  

SurveyUSA released a 536 sample poll of “registered voters” in Missouri on March 19th which was in the field from March 14th through the 16th. The poll runs head to head match ups between McSame and the Democratic candidates. The margin of error is 4.3%.

The poll was sponsored by KCTV in Kansas City.

If there were an election for President of the United States today, and the only two names on the ballot were Republican John McCain and … Democrat Hillary Clinton, who would you vote for?

All

McCain – 48%

Clinton – 46%

Undecided – 6%

What if it was John McCain against Democrat Barack Obama?

All

McCain – 53%

Cinton Obama – 39%

Undecided – 9%

The crosstabulations by party identification are interesting:

Party Affiliation

Democrats

McCain – 10%

Clinton – 83%

Undecided –  7%

McCain – 28%

Obama – 62%

Undecided – 10%

republicans

McCain – 90%

Clinton – 5%

Undecided – 4%

McCain – 86%

Obama – 11%

Undecided – 2%

Independents

McCain – 56%

Clinton – 37%

Undecided – 8%

McCain – 54%

Obama – 34%

Undecided – 12%

…It’s evident that the republican base wants more of McSame.

Top Issues for Next President (McCain/Clinton and McCain/Obama numbers for “who would you vote for?” within each group)

Economy [41% of sample]

McCain – 44%

Clinton – 52%

Undecided – 5%

McCain – 51%

Obama – 40%

Undecided – 9%

Health Care [15% of sample]

McCain – 26%

Clinton – 65%

Undecided – 12%

McCain – 43%

Obama – 43%

Undecided – 14%

Iraq [13% of sample]

McCain – 49%

Clinton – 46%

Undecided – 5%

McCain – 46%

Obama – 49%

Undecided – 5%

Terrorism [9% of sample]

McCain – 85%

Clinton – 12%

Undecided – 3%

McCain – 80%

Obama – 16%

Undecided – 4%

Immigration [8% of sample]

McCain –  75%

Clinton – 18%

Undecided –  7%

McCain – 81%

Obama – 13%

Undecided – 6%

Social Security [4% of sample]

McCain – 43%

Clinton – 49%

Undecided –  8%

McCain – 50%

Obama – 46%

Undecided – 4%

Education [4% of sample]

McCain –  40%

Clinton – 57%

Undecided – 3%

McCain – 35%

Obama – 61%

Undecided – 4%

Environment [2% of sample]

McCain –  46%

Clinton – 42%

Undecided – 12%

McCain – 32%

Obama – 68%

Undecided – 0%

McSame definitely has the republican “fear” base [Terrorism and Immigration]. Economic worries have  really taken over as the most important issue at the expense of even those republican base issues. The smaller subsamples do have a larger margin of error. Either that, or some people trust McSame on Social Security because they believe he’s getting it.