PUB DEF

New RSS Feed

2008-02-19T13:31:00.002-06:00

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New Look Coming to PubDef

2008-02-11T11:05:00.000-06:00

Throughout the day, we'll be making some major upgrades to the site. Please be patient. We think you're really going to like the new site.

This old format will forever be archived at www.pubdef-is-dead.blogspot.com

UPDATE COMPLETED. SEE THE NEW SITE @ PUBDEF.NET

Obama Increases Delegate Lead

2008-02-09T22:50:00.000-06:00

According to David Plouffe, Barack Obama's campaign manager, by sweeping today's caucuses and primaries, Senator Obama more than doubled his pledged delegate lead over Senator Hillary Clinton.

Before today, Obama led Clinton by 27 pledged delegates (pledged delegates are those won through caucus and primary election wins, as opposed to superdelegates which are basically endorsements by officials. These superdelegates are not necessarily fixed and can change their alliances).

"In the four contests today, we estimate we won 103 delegates to Clinton’s 58 delegates for a net gain of 45 delegates," wrote Plouffe on the Obama website.

"The pledged delegate total through February 9 now stands at 1,012 for Obama and 940 for Clinton."

VIDEO: Kinder's Announcement (x2)

2008-02-09T17:56:00.000-06:00

Here's video of Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder's speech at yesterday's Lincoln Days in Springfield in which he announced he has changed his mind and will seek re-election rather than fight for the Republican nomination for governor:

And here's Kinder's message to Missourians:

KINDER NOT RUNNING FOR GOV

2008-02-08T20:37:00.000-06:00

BREAKING NEWS

A tipster reports the Lt. Gov Peter Kinder made a surprise announcement at the Republican Lincoln Days event tonight. Apparently in the interest of party unity, he will not be seeking the nomination for governor.

UPDATED: Here's Kinder's statement:

"I have taken on a cause as Lt. Governor to fight for the values I believe in - the values my mom taught me to believe in - faith, family, personal responsibility, service and keeping commitments to those who have sacrificed for this great nation.

"Missourians can be proud of what we have accomplished together in the Lt. Governor's office for the men and women in uniform who have given so much to this great country and who need an advocate who will fight for them, for the seniors who have worked and saved to build up this nation and who deserve our respect and a higher quality of life and for our workers and employers who deserve a state government that understands how to help Missourians create jobs and grow the economy.

"Working together we have delivered positive change that Missourians deserve and I want to continue keeping the change working for our state. It will take a combined effort of every Republican, ever Democrat, every leader and every Missourian to create jobs, advocate for our veterans, fight illegal immigration and deliver world class schools for our students and I want to continue being an advocate for change on these important issues.

"Since I was elected Lt. Governor in 2004 many Missourians have told me personally they would support me if I ever decided to run for governor. I never expected to make that decision this year.

"Since Gov. Blunt's announcement I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received from many Missourians who want to join my campaign for governor. After a great deal of thought and prayer over the last several weeks I have decided I will not run for governor this year, and will ask Missourians for their vote for Lt. Governor so we can continue our accomplishments for our veterans, seniors, workers and our shared Missouri values.

"This is a campaign I believe I would have won, but I also believe in my heart that this is the right decision. I hope it will help our Party unite so together we can tell Missourians a remarkable story of how together we turned our state around by turning a $1.1 billion deficit into three straight surpluses without raising taxes, ended the cuts to education while increasing funding for classrooms, transformed Missouri's health care system and helped bring nearly 90,000 new jobs to our state by supporting job-creating initiatives and investing in tourism as we did by bringing the Tour of Missouri to our state.

"I am enormously grateful and appreciative of everyone who supported me for governor. I know I can count on their support for my re-election. We must unite and let Missourians know how much is at stake in this election. We cannot afford to return to the failed policies of the past. We must elect a governor who will keep the change working for Missouri and that makes every dollar count."

Obama, Clinton Split MO Delegates

2008-02-08T14:42:00.000-06:00

From the Missouri Democratic Party...

The Missouri Democratic Party today preliminarily awarded 36 delegates each to Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton following their thrilling performances in Tuesday’s Missouri Presidential Primary.

By virtue of his 10,479-vote victory statewide, Obama won Missouri’s statewide delegates by a 13-12 margin, while Clinton won Missouri’s congressional district delegates by a 24-23 margin.

According to the Missouri Democratic Party delegate selection plan, Missouri Democrats award 72 of their 88 delegates proportionally based on how the presidential candidates perform in the primary. Of those 72 delegates, 25 are awarded proportionally based on statewide performance, while 47 of the delegates are awarded proportionally based on performance in Missouri’s nine congressional districts. Congressional districts with higher past Democratic performance receive a greater share of the 47 delegates. Candidates must meet a 15 percent threshold to qualify for delegates. Therefore, the percentages in the following chart do not include votes cast for candidates that did not meet the threshold. The delegate breakdown is as follows:

Click to enlarge

(* The statewide vote totals are slightly more than the sum of the congressional district totals because some local election authorities have not assigned absentee votes to their appropriate precincts yet. This should not affect the delegate totals for either candidate.)

The remaining 16 of Missouri’s 88 Democratic delegates are unpledged superdelegates, who are members of Missouri’s Democratic Congressional delegation, Missouri members of the Democratic National Committee, and distinguished party leaders. These superdelegates will cast their vote at the August Democratic National Convention in Denver for their favorite candidate, regardless of Tuesday’s primary results.

Shooter's Brother: "He Went to War"

2008-02-07T23:02:00.000-06:00

The brother of Charles Lee "Cookie" Thornton, who allegedly walked into the Kirkwood city hall today and shot seven people, including the mayor, two city council people, and two police officers, told Channel 4 News tonight that he is "okay" with what his brother did.

"Let me put it in a context that you might understand," Gerald Thornton told the reporter. "My brother went to war tonight with the people that were of the government that was putting torment and strife into his life."

OBS: "All We Want Is Justice"

2008-02-07T23:00:00.000-06:00

The following statement comes from the Organization for Black Struggle:

"All We Want is Justice!"

That was the last statement made by Charles "Cookie" Thorton before he opened fire in Kirkwood City Hall. The tragedy in Kirkwood, MO where six people lost their lives is a result of the continuation of racial tensions that bubble and erupt.

The Organization for Black Struggle (OBS) is saddened by the preventable loss of life and the impending sorrow that will grip the affected families and community. We hope that the City will seriously begin to address the racism and deep feelings of disenfranchisement by African-Americans who reside in Meacham Park.

OBS Chair Jamala Rogers talked with Thornton last year as the trial of Kevin Johnson was underway. Johnson was on trial for the 2005 murder of Kirkwood police officer William McEntee.

"Cookie Thornton was adamant that he was not going to be intimidated, disrespected or dismissed by the City," stated Rogers, "and as a black man in America, that has consequences." Rogers encouraged Thornton to stand up to the injustices but also cautioned him to be careful. Most of Thornton's protest actions were solo including his interaction with the courts where he served as his own legal counsel.

OBS urges the Mayor and Police Chief to take some leadership and immediately bring the community together to resolve divisive and deadly issues which keep getting glossed over. Beefing up security in City Hall is merely a bandaid for a festering cancer in the City of Kirkwood.

KIRKWOOD CITY HALL SHOOTINGS

2008-02-07T22:07:00.000-06:00

According to a story published just today on FirstAmendmentCenter.org, Charles Lee "Cookie" Thornton, who allegedly walked into the Kirkwood City Hall and shot seven people, including Mayor Mike Swoboda, had just lost a federal court case in which he claimed his First Amendment rights were violated after he was removed from Kirkwood City Council meetings for "repetitive, personal, virulent attacks" against council members.

From FirstAmendmentCenter.org:

A federal judge in Missouri has rejected the First Amendment claims of a man removed from Kirkwood City Council meetings for “repetitive, personal, virulent attacks” against council members.

Charles Lee Thornton had sued the city of Kirkwood after he was arrested twice (and later convicted) for disorderly conduct at two council meetings in 2006.

In May 2006, Thornton had the opportunity to speak during the public-comment portion of a council meeting that addressed the expansion of two businesses — a funeral home and a senior living facility. During the time reserved to discuss the funeral home, Thornton rose to speak about what he alleged was personal harassment of him by city officials, not the expansion of the business. He displayed a large poster with a picture of a donkey and made intemperate remarks about the mayor. Thornton then warned the funeral home owner that the city had a “plantation-mentality” and “jackass-like qualities.”

Thornton engaged in similar conduct after the presentation about the senior living center. He said the mayor was “sitting there looking stupid.” The mayor eventually ordered Thornton to leave the podium and called the police. When the police came to the podium, Thornton sat on the floor and refused to leave. He was arrested and later convicted of disorderly conduct. He has appealed his conviction to a state appeals court.

Similar events occurred at a June 2006 City Council meeting. During the public-comment portion, Thornton was allowed to speak, at which point he began: “Jackass, jackass, jackass … .” Eventually the mayor asked the police to remove Thornton, who again sat on the floor. Once again he was arrested and convicted of disorderly conduct.

Thornton later filed a federal lawsuit, contending that his First Amendment rights had been violated. U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry disagreed in her Jan. 28, 2008, opinion in Thornton v. City of Kirkwood. She applied a forum analysis, determining that the public comment portion of the meetings constituted a limited designated public forum that the city could reserve for certain groups and topics of discussion. She did not find the public-comment period to be a traditional public forum in which government restrictions on speech must pass strict scrutiny — the highest form of judicial review.

She noted that there was substantial confusion in the lower courts over the terms “limited public forum” and “designated public forum.” Perry ruled that a limited designated public forum is a subclass of a designated public forum in which restrictions on speech must be reasonable and viewpoint-neutral.

“As the meeting was a limited designated public forum, Kirkwood had the right to restrict the topic of discussion to the expansion of two businesses,” Perry wrote. Rather than addressing germane subject matter, “Thornton engaged in personal attacks against the mayor, Kirkwood, and the city council.

“Any restrictions on Thornton’s speech were reasonable, viewpoint neutral, and served important governmental interests,” Perry wrote. “Because Thornton does not have a First Amendment right to engage in irrelevant debate and to voice repetitive, personal, virulent attacks against Kirkwood and its city officials during the comment portion of a city council public hearing, his claim fails as a matter of law.”

Thanks to Bushido Hacks for the link.

Blunt on Kirkwood Shootings

2008-02-07T22:06:00.000-06:00

Gov. Matt Blunt has issued the following statement:

“Tonight our fellow Missourians in the city of Kirkwood were terrorized by a senseless and horrific crime at an open government meeting. We know at this hour that this crime has resulted in the loss of life and an investigation is under way.

“The men and women of Highway Patrol Troop C responded to the reports of the shooting and were on the scene to assist the Kirkwood Police Department and St. Louis County law enforcement. I have directed the Highway Patrol to provide whatever resources are needed to assist local law enforcement in response to this horrific crime.

“I join Missourians tonight in praying for the victims, their families and friends, and everyone in the community of Kirkwood.”

Coleman Slams Herschend

2008-02-07T15:58:00.000-06:00

State Senator Maida Coleman (D-St. Louis City) today voted against the reappointment of Peter Herschend of Branson to the State Board of Education. Coleman spoke against the nomination for more than 40 minutes in committee Wednesday and for nearly an hour on the Senate floor today before he was eventually confirmed by the Republican-controlled senate.

She released this statement afterwards:

“In the committee hearing yesterday, Mr. Herschend told me I should be embarrassed of my school district,” Sen. Coleman said.

“I think Mr. Herschend should be embarrassed that he has decided to play politics with the children of my district. He should be embarrassed that he callously disenfranchised the citizens of my district by turning control of the St. Louis School District over to the state.”

In March 2007, the St. Louis Public Schools lost their accreditation when the State Board of Education voted 5-1 to rescind the accreditation after concluding that the district had met only four of the state's 14 academic performance measures. Peter Herschend was serving as President of the State Board of Education when the decision to strip the school district of local control was made.

At the time the state board voted to classify the St. Louis Public Schools as unaccredited, several other school districts possessed 2006 Annual Performance Review ratings that were equal to or below the scores assigned to the St. Louis City School District.

“It makes me wonder why Mr. Herschend has taken no action to reclassify other low-performing school districts,” Sen. Coleman said. “There seems to be no apprehension by Mr. Herschend or the Board that they are disenfranchising the voters of a predominantly black city. We are still forced to pay taxes, so we have taxation without representation.”

Additionally, Sen. Coleman expressed reservations about any person serving such a lengthy term on a state board or commission. Peter Herschend has served on the State Board of Education for 16 years, and with his confirmation by the Senate today, will serve another eight years on the board.

“Is it a good idea to allow anyone to sit on what is arguably the most important board in state government for 24 years?” Sen. Coleman asked her colleagues on the Senate floor today.

“If someone were to serve the maximum amount of time in the General Assembly, they could only serve 16 years. If the citizens of Missouri think it’s a good idea to limit the terms of their elected representatives, surely the length of service of an unelected official should be limited as well, especially one who wields so much influence over our children’s education.”

Members of the Missouri Senate affirmed the reappointment of Herschend to the State Board of Education today on a voice vote.

Romney is Out [Updated]

2008-02-07T12:11:00.000-06:00

BREAKING NEWS

Looks like John McCain is going to be the Republican nominee for President.

Saying he wanted to clear the way for Republicans to fight both Al-Qaeda and the Democrats, Mitt Romney, who had a less-than-super Tuesday, has just dropped out of the race.

Romney pictured with Governor Matt Blunt, a supporter of his failed presidential bid.

Governor Blunt today issued the following statement on Romney's announcement:

"Obviously I am disappointed because I believe Governor Mitt Romney was the best candidate to bring conservative change to Washington. Governor Romney is a great leader and a tremendous competitor. I am proud to have supported his campaign.

"I have tremendous respect for Senator McCain. He is a revered hero at our shared alma mater, and, in fact, he was the commencement speaker when I graduated the Naval Academy. He is held up as a model of heroic leadership in the face of tremendous adversity.

"I also admire Governor Huckabee. He is an honorable man and a great neighbor to the south. He has obviously captured the aspirations of many, and we share a large number of supporters.

"Melanie and I have enjoyed campaigning with Governor Romney and his wonderful wife Ann. They are both great friends and patriots and we wish them the very best for the future."

Clinton Only Won 2 City Wards

2008-02-07T12:05:00.000-06:00

Here is a PDF of the ward-by-ward breakdown of Tuesday's election results in the City of St. Louis.

A few interesting highlights:

Clinton only won 2 wards in the city—the two most southern wards of 11 and 12
Obama defeated Clinton in Mayor Slay's own 23rd Ward
City's largest voting ward, the southern Ward 16, went for Obama (52-44)

Republicans Ready for Lincoln Days

2008-02-07T12:03:00.000-06:00

Starting tomorrow, Republicans from across Missouri will gather in Springfield for their annual Lincoln Days event.

All three announced Republican candidates for governor, current Governor Matt Blunt, federal, state and local elected officials.

U.S Congressman Kenny Hulshof, Lt. Governor Peter Kinder and State Treasurer Sarah Steelman will meet with attendees and share their plans for building on positive accomplishments made through Republican leadership.

The event is from Friday, February 8, to Sunday, Feb. 10. A host of approximately 20 hospitality suites will be open to the public beginning at 9:00pm on Friday & Saturday evening.

Check the website at www.MoLincolnDays.com for a full schedule of events.

Days, Jones to Lead STL Caucus

2008-02-07T09:54:00.000-06:00

State Senator Rita Days, a Democrat from north St. Louis County, and State Rep. Timothy Jones, a Republican from Eureka ("The home of Six Flags," he reminded us.), have been elected to chair and vice-chair, respectively, the St. Louis Regional Delegation (formerly, the St. Louis Regional Caucus) in the state legislature.

The mission of the bicameral, bi-partisan group is to promote and collectively push legislation to advance the St. Louis region.

VIDEO: Clay, Carnahan on Obama Win

2008-02-06T09:45:00.000-06:00

Congressmen Lacy Clay and Russ Carnahan, both St. Louis Democrats and both early endorsers of Barack Obama, celebrated Super Tuesday election results with other Obama supporters and volunteers at The Moolah Theater in Midtown last night.

With over 95% of the Missouri vote in and Obama close to victory, Clay and Carnahan addressed the crowd...

4 Meetings on School Closings

2008-02-06T09:44:00.000-06:00

St. Louis Public Schools has scheduled four community forums next week to hear public comments regarding the preliminary recommendations for school reconfigurations and consolidations. Here are the dates and times:

Monday, February 11 at 6 p.m.
Lexington Elementary, 5030 Lexington Ave.

Tuesday, February 12 at 6 p.m.
Wyman Elementary, 1547 S. Theresa Ave.

Wednesday, February 13 at 6 p.m.
Walbridge Elementary, 5000 Davison Ave.

Thursday, February 14 at 6 p.m.
Blow Middle, 516 Loughborough Ave.

As part of the preliminary plan, the district is considering the closing of several schools. They are:

Mitchell (students move to Hamilton)
Gundlach (students move to Ford, Lexington and Laclede)
Wilkinson ECC (move program to Roe)
Shenandoah (students move to Wyman)
Simmons (students move to Hickey, Cote Brilliante and Farragut)
Lyons (students move to Blow)
Mark Twain (students move to Walbridge)
Meramec (students move to Monroe and Froebel)

The proposal also includes reopening Carver School as a pre-kindergarten to fifth-grade school.

Public comments may also be submitted online at www.slps.org, by calling (314) 331-6100, or by writing to: Operations Division, St. Louis Public Schools, 801 N. 11th St., St. Louis, MO 63101.

Sales Tax Increases in City

2008-02-06T09:12:00.000-06:00

The City of St. Louis will balance its budget with a tax increase. Sounds like everything Republicans say about our Democratic city is not all untrue.

While many different elected officials and editorials spoke out against the sales tax increase, there were no mailings, robo-calls or poll workers to spread that message to voters.

The half-cent sale tax, supported by Mayor Francis Slay and Aldermanic President Lewis Reed, passed yesterday 55%-45%.

Moderation Back On

2008-02-06T09:04:00.001-06:00

I turned off comments moderation last night to allow people to post comments about the election results without waiting for me to review and approve them. Unfortunately, a few ignorant comments slipped through.

I'm not planning to go through each post and delete them, but I have turned moderation back on. So when you submit a comment it will not immediately post on the site. I have to review them before they post. That may be a few minutes or a few hours. Just depends on how soon I get to it. Thanks to my iPhone (the coolest gadget ever), I don't have to be in front of my computer to update the site. So be patient.

This may slow things down a bit, but hopefully it will make for more civil discussions.

Obama Won 62% of County

2008-02-06T08:09:00.000-06:00

St. Louis County Results

In Lacy Clay's 1st Congressional District (north St. Louis County):

DEMOCRATS
BARACK OBAMA . . . . . . . . . 62,264 (68.54%)
HILLARY CLINTON . . . . . . . . 27,323 (30.08%)

REPUBLICANS
JOHN MCCAIN. . . . . . . . . . 8,922 (38.40%)
MITT ROMNEY. . . . . . . . . . 7,639 (32.88%)
MIKE HUCKABEE . . . . . . . . . 4,994 (21.49%)
RON PAUL. . . . . . . . . . . 1,069 (4.60%)
RUDY GIULIANI . . . . . . . . . 217 (.93%)
FRED THOMPSON . . . . . . . . . 183 (.79%)

In Russ Carnahan's 3rd Congressional District (south St. Louis County):

DEMOCRATS
BARACK OBAMA . . . . . . . . . 23,600 (55.63%)
HILLARY CLINTON . . . . . . . . 17,888 (42.17%)
JOHN EDWARDS . . . . . . . . . 675 (1.59%)

REPUBLICANS
JOHN MCCAIN. . . . . . . . . . 8,988 (43.39%)
MITT ROMNEY. . . . . . . . . . 6,957 (33.58%)
MIKE HUCKABEE . . . . . . . . . 3,519 (16.99%)
RON PAUL. . . . . . . . . . . 840 (4.06%)
RUDY GIULIANI . . . . . . . . . 168 (.81%)
FRED THOMPSON . . . . . . . . . 134 (.65%)

OBAMA WINS MISSOURI!

2008-02-06T01:10:00.000-06:00

Call it the "Dewey Defeats Truman" headline of the 21st Century. The Associated Press called the state of Missouri for Hillary Clinton around 10:30 PM.

NOT SO FAST!

As more precincts came in it became clear this was going down to the wire. By 11:00, Barack Obama was within 5,000 votes. After midnight, results showed Obama winning by about 9,000 votes.

With 3,357 of 3,371 precincts reporting, Obama leads Clinton 403,343 votes to 394,566. That's 49.1% to 48.1% .

Wow.

Obama, McCain Win St. Louis City

2008-02-05T20:59:00.000-06:00

With 20% of precincts reporting, PubDef.net is projecting that Barack Obama (D) and John McCain (R) have won the City of St. Louis.

Now we're heading to the Obama Watch Party at The Moolah...

Missouri County Reporting Map

2008-02-05T20:32:00.000-06:00

The Secretary of State's office has gone all Wolf Blitzer on us.

Check out Robin Carnahan's cool new "Situation Room"-esque county reporting map (refreshed every 2 minutes, no less).

http://sos.mo.gov/enrmaps/

County Absentee Results

2008-02-05T20:21:00.000-06:00

12,803 absentee ballots were cast in St. Louis County. Here are the results:

REPUBLICANS
RON PAUL. . . . . . . . . . . 3.69%
FRED THOMPSON . . . . . . . . . 5.65%
MITT ROMNEY. . . . . . . . . . 25.22%
RUDY GIULIANI . . . . . . . . . 7.52%
JOHN MCCAIN. . . . . . . . . . 38.74%
MIKE HUCKABEE . . . . . . . . . 15.85%

DEMOCRATS
HILLARY CLINTON . . . . . . . . 41.83%
BARACK OBAMA . . . . . . . . . 46.16%
JOHN EDWARDS . . . . . . . . . 9.83%

8% In

2008-02-05T20:19:00.001-06:00

With 8% of the vote in in Missouri, Clinton is leading Obama 56%-38%.

St. Louis City and County have not reported yet.

The Third District

2008-02-05T20:11:00.000-06:00

Barack Obama will very likely win Lacy Clay's 1st Congressional District, but a good predictor of how well Obama will do in the all-important delegate count in Missouri will be how well he does in Russ Carnahan's 3rd Congressional District.

The 1st District, located in north St. Louis City, midtown, and north and central St. Louis County) has a very large African-American population.

The 3rd District is mostly white and contains parts of the City of St. Louis basically south of Interstate 44 and parts of south St. Louis County.

Both Clay and Carnahan have endorsed Obama.

Live City Election Results

2008-02-05T19:59:00.000-06:00

Once again, the St. Louis Board of Elections appears to be doing a fine job maintaining live streaming election results.

CLICK HERE to see today's results as they come in.

City Absentee Results

2008-02-05T19:56:00.000-06:00

DEMOCRATS
Hillary Clinton - 34.15%
Barack Obama - 54.79%

REPUBLICANS
Ron Paul - 5.96%
Fred Thompson - 5.96%
Mitt Romney - 25.47%
Rudy Giuliani - 9.76%
John McCain - 30.89%
Mike Huckabee - 16.53%

PROPOSITION S (Sales Tax Increase)
YES - 64.31%
NO - 35.69%

These numbers reflect 2,651 absentee ballots.

Missouri Exit Polls

2008-02-05T19:49:00.000-06:00

Only 1% of the vote is reporting right now, but according to CNN's Missouri Exit Poll, Barack Obama won among men (45% of total Democrats voting today), while Hillary Clinton won among women (55% of Democrats voting today).

Obama was favored by voters 18-39. Clinton was favored by voters 40 and over (Clinton lead by just 2 points in the 40-49 category).

54% of whites between 18-29 chose Obama, while more over-30 whites went with Clinton. 63% of white Missouri Democrats over 60 years-old chose Clinton.

Church-goers chose Obama.

Pics from the Polls

2008-02-05T19:20:00.000-06:00

Former Fire Chief Sherman George voting at Woodward Elementary.

School board member Bill Purdy gathering signatures to recall Mayor Francis Slay at Hodgen Elementary.

Obama Takes IL, Hillary Gets OK

2008-02-05T19:01:00.000-06:00

Based on exit polls, CNN is projecting that Barack Obama will win his home state of Illinois. No surprise there. The real question will be by how much. Will he be able to rack up on needed delegates? IL has 153 up for grabs.

CNN is also projecting Hillary Clinton will win Oklahoma. OK has 47 delegates up for grabs today.

Sullivan Confirmed

2008-02-05T18:47:00.000-06:00

In the middle of all this Super Tuesday excitement, the Missouri Senate confirmed the appointment of St. Louis Public Schools czar Rick Sullivan.

Governor Matt Blunt, who appointed the real estate developer to lead the largest school district in the state, had this to say:

"Education is my highest priority as Missouri’s governor and I appreciate the bipartisan support Rick Sullivan received today by the Senate.

"Rick is an honorable public servant whose strong leadership is making a difference for our students attending St. Louis Public Schools at a time when our children and parents need strong leaders who care deeply about the future of these students.

"Rick is already succeeding in this role and I am confident he will continue rising to the challenges facing the St. Louis Transitional School Board to ensure that students in the St. Louis Public Schools receive the world class education they deserve."

Obama Wins GEORGIA

2008-02-05T18:34:00.000-06:00

CNN is projecting Barack Obama will win the State of Georgia with close to twice as many votes as Hillary Clinton.

According to exit polls, Obama won women, men, and all age groups other than 65-and-over.

Rain On, Rain Off, Rain On

2008-02-05T17:18:00.000-06:00

The weather may play a role on turnout today. For most of the day the rain has been off and on, but at the start of the all-important after work 5:00 through 7:00 time period heavy flash flood rains began pouring on voters just getting off work.

Will it be enough to dampen enthusiasm and determination?

Local Candidates Showing Presence

2008-02-05T10:25:00.000-06:00

State senate candidates Rodney Hubbard (5th District) and Joan Barry (3rd District) and State Rep candidate Jake Hummel all have a presence at polling places in south St. Louis today.

Hummel's father is working a poll in the 13th Ward.

Purdy Working Hodgen

2008-02-05T09:36:00.000-06:00

School board member Bill Purdy and his wife were spotted working the polls at Hodgen Elementary in the 6th Ward, gathering signatures to recall Francis Slay.

Recallers Out in Force

2008-02-05T09:03:00.000-06:00

Petitioners gathering signatures to recall Mayor Francis Slay have been spotted all over the city. Along with the workers, there are also "Slay Must Go" signs at the polling places.

High Turnout!

2008-02-05T07:49:00.000-06:00

Poll workers are reporting unusually high turnouts at polling places across the city.

Are You Feeling "Super" Today?

2008-02-05T05:32:00.000-06:00

SUPER TUESDAY IS HERE!

Polls open in 28 mins.

Obama Watch Party at Moolah

2008-02-04T18:21:00.000-06:00

Supporters of Barack Obama will be watching tomorrow's Super Tuesday results at the Moolah Theater, 3821 Lindell Blvd, starting at 7:00 tomorrow evening.

Lawmakers Call for Local Control

2008-02-04T17:07:00.000-06:00

A group of local elected officials gathered in front of City Hall today to call attention to a bill in the Missouri legislature which seeks to give the City of St. Louis control over its police department—control which was taken away over 100 years ago during the time of the Civil War.

Those in attendance included: State Senator Maida Coleman, State Reps Talibdin El-Amin, Rodney Hubbard, and Jeanette Mott Oxford, Aldermen Terry Kennedy, Jeffrey Boyd, and Frank Williamson.

The bill is SB 785.

Earlier Story:

Local Control of Police Debated in Senate Hearing

Johnson Changes Tune on Hillary [Updated]

2008-02-04T14:36:00.000-06:00

Just last week, State Representative Connie Johnson was pushing John Edwards as the only Democrat who could win Missouri in November. Well, it seems the term-limited House Minority Whip has had a change of heart.

Johnson was spotted over the weekend at a rally for Hillary Clinton. And today the Clinton campaign prepared to send out a press release touting her endorsement.

But just a few months ago, Johnson said Hillary Clinton would kill Missouri Democrats chances of winning back the governor's mansion and the house and senate.

Here's what she told CNN on October 19, 2007:

"Here's the deal — If we don't have a good person at the top of the ticket - someone who can help stop the hemorrhaging in Missouri, then we'll go red," Missouri state Minority Whip Connie Johnson said. "It's as simple as that. And it will affect state reps, state senators, treasurers, governors, everybody.

"If Hillary comes to a state like Missouri, we can write it off," Johnson added, referring to Democratic field’s frontrunner, Hillary Clinton.

UPDATE: Johnson tells PubDef that it is Clinton's health care plan that has attracted her support.

"Hillary's is closer to John's," said Johnson in a phone interview.

Johnson said she feels that both Clinton and Obama "have their liabilities and they both have assets. At the end of the day, they both have to work together" to get a Democrat in the White House.

Blunt Accuses Huckabee of Push-Polling

2008-02-04T13:55:00.000-06:00

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt, a supporter of Presidential candidate Mitt Romney, today issued the following statement on what he calls push-polling by supporters of Mike Huckabee:

"Governor Mitt Romney has a proven record of bringing real change to address problems that others would consider impossible. He has turned around businesses, turned around the Olympics, and turned around Massachusetts. Today, it is clear that Washington is broken and it will not get fixed if we keep sending the same people back - just to have them sit in different chairs.

"Especially now, with concerns about the national economy, we need someone who knows how jobs are created and why it is important to cut taxes and government spending.

"But instead of talking about issues, a secret 527 Group supporting Governor Mike Huckabee - called Common Sense Issues - is distorting Governor Romney's record with push polls in Missouri and across the country.

"I know that Missouri voters will not respond to these deplorable and desperate tactics.

"We want an issues based campaign, a campaign about the future of our country, and we will not take kindly to out-of-state special interest groups calling us up and saying things that are not true about a candidate's record.

"Governor Romney is the real conservative candidate who will cut taxes, fight illegal immigration, and strengthen our military.

"It is time for Governor Huckabee to put an end to these push polls and begin running a campaign on the issues."

Ronnie White Endorses Donnelly

2008-02-04T13:43:00.001-06:00

Former Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronnie White today endorsed State Representative Margaret Donnelly for Missouri Attorney General. Judge White was the first African-American ever appointed to the Missouri Supreme Court. Rep. Donnelly is seeking to become the first woman ever elected attorney general in Missouri.

"Margaret Donnelly has had a distinguished career in public service and as a lawyer in her own practice," said Judge White. "She will make an outstanding Attorney General who understands the law and is representative of all Missouri."

"Judge White is a respected jurist and attorney," said Donnelly. "I am honored by his endorsement and all the support my campaign has received throughout Missouri."

Donnelly has also been endorsed by former Secretary of State Bekki Cook, former State Treasurer Nancy Farmer, former St. Louis City Prosecuting Attorney Dee Joyce-Hayes, and over 15 current state legislators.

The Latest Numbers*

2008-02-04T10:52:00.001-06:00

In a new CNN national poll, among registered Democrats, Barack Obama now leads Hillary Clinton 49% to 46%. Obama's lead is within the margin of error.

The poll was taken between Feb 1st and 3rd.

In the same poll, John McCain was leading all Republicans with 44% of support, compared to Mitt Romney's 29% and Mike Huckabee's 18%.

Our Friend, Steve Patterson

2008-02-04T09:52:00.000-06:00

Our thoughts and prayers are with our friend and fellow blogger Steve Patterson today.

The proud St. Louis urbanist and UrbanReviewSTL.com webmaster suffered a stroke over the weekend and remains in the hospital. He is in stable condition, but not out of the weeds just yet.

So if you're the praying type, Steve sure could use them right now.

The Past vs. The Future

2008-02-03T15:10:00.000-06:00

Ofttimes, torches are not passed on, but rather pried out of the hands of past generations.

In 1960, Missouri's own former President Harry S. Truman held a news conference to explain why he resigned as a delegate to the 1960 Democratic Convention. He accused John F. Kennedy's campaign of turning the convention into a "prearranged affair." He also suggested Kennedy was not ready to be president.

"Are you certain that you are quite ready for the country, or the country is ready for you, in the role of President in January 1961?," the then 76 year-old former commander-in-chief asked the 43 year-old Kennedy. "May I urge you to be patient."

On July 4, 1960, in response to Truman's words, Kennedy held his own press conference.

"The world is changing. The old ways will not do," said Kennedy. "It is time for a new generation of leadership."

Sunday's "Meet the Press" referenced this piece of history. We found this longer version on YouTube.

The Latest Numbers*

2008-02-03T14:34:00.000-06:00

ALABAMA
Obama - 44%
Clinton - 37%

ARIZONA
Clinton - 43%
Obama - 41%

GEORGIA
Obama - 47%
Clinton - 41%

ILLINOIS
Obama - 55%
Clinton - 24%

MISSOURI
Clinton - 47%
Obama - 41%

NEW JERSEY
Clinton - 46%
Obama - 39%

NEW YORK
Clinton - 54%
Obama - 38%

CALIFORNIA
Clinton - 45%
Obama - 36%

*As reported on "Meet the Press" this morning

Obama Draws 20,000 to Dome

2008-02-03T08:45:00.000-06:00

Lines wrapped around three sides of the Edward Jones Dome before the doors opened and crowds of supporters poured onto the stadium floor.

"I haven't seen so many people in this dome since the Rams were having better days," Congressman Lacy Clay told the crowd, which by stadium officials numbered at ~~20,000~~ 22,500.

The man they all came to see, Presidential candidate Barack Obama, was accompanied on the stage by Clay, Congressman Russ Carnahan, former U.S. Senator Jean Carnahan, State Auditor Susan Montee, County Executive Charlie Dooley, and U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, a woman PubDef first reported as a possible Vice-Presidential selection and who is currently featured in an Obama campaign commercial running nationwide.

Check back later for video...

It's Too Close to Call in MO

2008-02-02T02:11:00.000-06:00

According to a new poll from SurveyUSA, the contest between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton is now too close to call in Missouri.

The poll shows Hillary Clinton at 48% with a slight lead over Obama at 44%, but that's within the margin of error (3.9%).

There is a clear age difference among supporters of the two Democrats. 61% of 18-34 year-olds support Obama while 61% of voters over the age of 61 support Clinton.

Obama has the support of 76% of blacks, 38% of whites, and 57% of Hispanics in Missouri. Clinton is supported by 54% of whites, 17% of blacks, and 41% of Hispanics.

As for party affiliation, Obama continues to attract moderate Republicans and Independents. Among the Republicans planning to vote Democratic, 60% support Obama (compared to Clinton's 30%). Meanwhile, 55% of Independents support Obama.

Among Democrats, 52% support Clinton and 41% support Obama.

Click here for the full results.

Election Day is Tuesday.

VIDEO: Bourisaw on School Closings

2008-02-02T01:54:00.000-06:00

Obama, Obama, Obama!

2008-02-02T01:46:00.000-06:00

As you may have heard, the biggest thing in politics since the ballot box is coming to St. Louis today and they could barely find a place big enough to hold the expected crowd.

The "Stand for Change" Rally with Senator Barack Obama is today (Saturday) at the Edward Jones Dome. Doors open at 7:00 PM and it is free to the public. So come on down!

Don't forget to RSVP.

Still in Buffalo

2008-02-02T01:41:00.000-06:00

Sorry about the less-than-normal updating. I'm still in Buffalo, NY attending a fantastic conference.

More at that later...

"Ghosts" to Haunt Mayor's Ball

2008-01-31T18:30:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow night, February 1, opponents of the Mayor Francis Slay’s decisions to demoted Fire Chief Sherman George, support the State takeover of the public schools, and veto a police Civilian Review Board will picket outside the Mayor’s Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball from 6 to 7:30 PM on the east side of City Hall.

At approximately 7:00 picketers dressed as the ghosts of the City Fire Department, the Elected School Board, and the vetoed police Civilian Review Board will lead a procession to the front door of the City Hall and seek to join the Ball in a dance of discontent.

And Then There Was One

2008-01-30T19:48:00.000-06:00

Robin Carnahan is out.

Heading to Buffalo

2008-01-30T15:09:00.000-06:00

PubDef is heading to Buffalo...

From today's Deb Petterson column in the Post-Dispatch:

Twin brothers Jeff and Randy Vines of the St. Louis apparel line STL-STYLE.com (they design those clever, interesting T-shirts with St. Louis icons on them) and Antonio French of the local political blog PubDef.net will represent our town at an upcoming gathering of urban devotees in Buffalo, N.Y. The meeting, which is being sponsored by the Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program, will bring together urban advocates from 10 cities. They will meet Thursday through Saturday. The goal is "to craft a new narrative for industrial cities of the Great Lakes region, the so-called 'Rustbelt,' according to a news release from the group.

Thanks, Deb.

Local Control Being Debated

2008-01-30T14:21:00.000-06:00

HAPPENING RIGHT NOW...

JEFFERSON CITY -- As St. Louis Police Chief Joe Mokwa and Police Board President Chris Goodson roamed the halls of the state Capitol today lobbying ~~against a senate bill calling for a return of local control of the St. Louis Police Department~~ on an unrelated issue, a group of city lawmakers were lobbying to return local control to the city police department

At this moment, several St. Louis aldermen are in the audience as the bill is being heard before the committee. Aldermen Terry Kennedy, April Ford-Griffin, Jeffrey Boyd, Kacie Starr Triplett, Frank Williamson, Marlene Davis, and Sam Moore are here in support of the bill.

Senator Maida Coleman is ~~handling~~ sponsoring the bill in the senate and Rep. T.D. El-Amin will be handling the bill on the House side.

The bill is SB 785.

UPDATE: There was a tense exchange between between Alderman Boyd, speaking in favor of the bill, asked Senator Harry Kennedy, a member of the committee who seems to oppose local control, if he feels elected officials are "incompetent." Kennedy, who is also a city committeeman, said he was offended by the question. The commiittee chairman quickly ended the exchange.

And Then There Were Two

2008-01-30T10:01:00.000-06:00

John Edwards is out.

VIDEO: Barack Obama in Kansas City: 'Don't Fall for the Ol' Okie-Doke'

2008-01-30T06:01:00.000-06:00

KANSAS CITY -- When Barack Obama stopped in Kansas City Tuesday, he was welcomed by a crowd so big that the fire marshal wouldn't allow anymore people inside the Municipal Auditorium. The Kansas City Star put the numbers above 6,000. Others put the number closer to 8,000.

Senator Claire McCaskill and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius stood behind the presidential hopeful as he delivered a speech filled with humor and hope.

Obama asked his supporters not to be fooled by his opponents distortions. "People want to hoodwink you," said Obama. "They want to bamboozle you. They want to run the 'okie-doke' on you."

Sorry about the bouncy camera. You wouldn't believe what I had to do to get this video.

VIDEO: John Edwards in Jeff City

2008-01-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

JEFFERSON CITY -- Presidential candidate John Edwards stopped in Jefferson City for quick campaign stop Tuesday. He was introduced by former Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell and greeted by a roomful of supporters, including several Missouri farmers.

VIDEO: Johnson for John Edwards

2008-01-30T05:59:00.000-06:00

JEFFERSON CITY -- When Presidential candidate John Edwards stopped in Jefferson City for quick campaign stop Tuesday, State Rep. Connie Johnson was one of two St. Louis elected officials welcoming the former South Carolina senator. The other was Alderman Stephen Gregali.

VIDEO: Chelsea Clinton at Kayak's

2008-01-29T21:03:00.000-06:00

Clay: Vote No on Sales Tax

2008-01-29T16:45:00.001-06:00

The following statement is from Congressman Lacy Clay...

On Tuesday, February 5th, voters in the City of St. Louis will be asked to approve a half-cent sales tax increase, allegedly to fund public safety, and police and fire pensions.

As an elected official, a city resident and a home owner, I understand the need to hire more police officers, increase police and firefighter pay, and adequately fund police and fire pensions.

However, as a voter and taxpayer, I think this proposed tax increase deserves a resounding NO!!

In recent years, the City of St. Louis has made a number of financial decisions that have reduced tax revenue.

In 2000, the city eliminated the city earnings tax on stock options, which cost millions in current and future city revenue.

The City of St. Louis continues to give tax abatements and other financial incentives to well-heeled developers for downtown development.

The new stadium, Ballpark Village and the Renaissance Hotel project are just the latest examples of a series of questionable financial decisions that have not delivered expected results.

Instead of a sales tax, we should consider some long-overdue fundamental changes in how our police and fire pension systems operate.

City pension funds have not been restructured in nearly 40 years. Currently, they do not operate like modern pension funds and require the taxpayers to pay 100% of the pension with no employee contributions.

It is estimated that even if the ballot issue passes, the City will face another pension shortfall in 5-7 years.

So this tax increase is just a temporary band-aid that will not produce long-term solvency for the pension funds.

According to the National Association of State Retirement Administrators, a property tax is a more common means to fund pensions than a regressive sales tax, which disproportionately impacts poor people.

While police protection is the City’s single largest annual expenditure, we still refuse to address the issue of local control of the St. Louis Police Department.

So, this new tax creates a unique irony.

St. Louis voters overwhelmingly voted to require police officers to reside in the city.

St. Louis voters still have no control over their own police department.

Yet the police officers totally ignored the wishes of the taxpayers and voters who pay the bills, and went to the state legislature to receive permission to move outside of the City of St. Louis. And they adamantly oppose all efforts to restore local control over the department.

Now we are asked to approve a sales tax increase to help the police who will not have to pay it, whom are no longer required to live in the city, and are not subject to local control,

…I don’t think so.

The fire department has serious problems and deep divisions that have been well chronicled.

The fire pension fund suffers from the same racial animus that is destroying our faith in the fire department and its governance.

Firefighters and retired firefighters choose half of the pension board. Even though 44% of the fire department is African American, only one African American has served on the pension board in its history. He was elected in 1983, and there have been none since. Until we make real progress towards equity and justice regarding promotions in the Fire Department, and proportional representation of African Americans on this pension fund board, we have no choice but to withhold tax increases.

The present administration and leadership of these departments and their unions must get the message that we are dissatisfied with current conditions, and defeating this sales tax increase will force them to make real progress on addressing our concerns.

McCaskill for VP?

2008-01-29T15:17:00.000-06:00

JEFFERSON CITY -- We heard an interesting rumor today in Jefferson City -- at a John Edwards rally of all places (check back later for video). If Senator Barack Obama wins the Democratic nomination for President, would he select Sen. Claire McCaskill as his runningmate?

Selecting McCaskill would do two important things: repair relations with some female Democrats now supporting Hillary Clinton, and almost certainly ensure the Democrats win the State of Missouri, which has a nearly perfect record for selecting the President.

Hmmmmmm...

Lawmakers Oppose School Closings

2008-01-29T12:39:00.000-06:00

EDITOR'S NOTE: Sorry, the sound's not so good on the first interview.

McCain Doing a Fly-By

2008-01-28T12:35:00.001-06:00

Senator John McCain is adding his name to the flood of presidential candidates and their surrogates coming to Missouri this week.

McCain will be at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport at 2:00 PM on Friday.

Specifically, he'll be at JetDirect Aircraft Services, 18190 Edison Avenue, in Chesterfield, MO.

Make That, "Gubernatorial Candidate"

2008-01-28T10:24:00.000-06:00

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder is looking for a promotion. After his fellow Republican, Governor Matt Blunt, shocked the world (well, at least Missouri) by announcing he is not seeking re-election. Kinder said "me too" and dropped his plans for re-election to pursue the state's top job. Today he launched this video on YouTube.

State Treasurer Sarah Steelman has also thrown her hat into the ring since Blunt's announcement. Other Republicans still considering running include Congressman Kenny Hulshof of Columbia, Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson of Cape Girardeau (she will announce today whether or not she'll run), U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway, Missouri House Speaker Rod Jetton, and Missouri Senate Majority Leader Charlie Shields.

On the Democratic side, Attorney General Jay Nixon still stands alone... for the moment. Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, daughter of the late Governor Mel Carnahan, is still considering entering the race, which would give Democrats who were not all that excited about Nixon a viable alternative.

UPDATE: Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson is out.

Is it just me?

2008-01-28T10:17:00.001-06:00

Is it just me or is YouTube becoming less and less "cool"?

With the once hip, cutting-edge service now being the first choice of the likes of, I'm sure self-admittedly, uncool politicians like Missouri Governor Matt Blunt and Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, YouTube seems to be losing a little something.

It's kind of like when 50 year-olds started saying "bling-bling." It was over.

Group Asks Marsalis to Boycott Slay

2008-01-28T09:43:00.000-06:00

Citing this video from last week's tumultuous events at the Old Courthouse, the group opposing Mayor Francis Slay is asking jazz artist Wynton Marsalis to forgo his plans to perform in St. Louis next week in honor of the call for an economic boycott of the city resulting from Slay's rift with the black community.

To: Mr. Wynton Marsalis

Dear Mr. Marsalis:

We are forwarding to you a video which captures the recent incident of the Mayor of St. Louis, Francis Slay, being literally shouted down at the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration at the Old Courthouse last week. This video demonstrates how the racial tension in this city is escalating to a fever pitch, receiving front-page coverage last week in both the white and black press and being widely broadcast on every TV and radio station.

We bring this to your attention because I have not heard back from Ms. Stewart, who I understand is your agent, since my January 7, 2008 e-mail to her, which was in follow-up to previous correspondence and e-mails concerning a Boycott Alert that we have issued because of this racial strife.

It is now critical that you communicate with us immediately - prior to your scheduled concert - so that we can make you aware of our position with respect to your appearing here in St. Louis.

We would ask that you show the black community here during this crisis the same kind of courtesy and respect being demonstrated by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), which is threatening to cancel its 2011 convention that is expected to generate $30 million in business for the city. (This information was sent to Ms. Stewart as well).

We hope and trust that you will follow NSBE's example of hearing first hand the concerns of our community, and then let that weigh on your consciousness and conscience. This video amply illustrates how disruptive this situation potentially is because of the deeply felt racial injustice, and we think that you, like NSBE, can and should play an important role in curing this.

Thank you, and because of the urgency, we will expect to hear from you within the next 24 hours.

Eric E. Vickers
Chairman Boycott Committee
Citizens to Support Fire Chief George

Marsalis is scheduled to perform February 1 and 9 at the Sheldon Concert Hall.

VIDEO: Carnahans, Green for Obama

2008-01-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

Comptroller Darlene Green, former U.S. Senator Jean Carnahan and her son, Congressman Russ Carnahan, were among a dozen Missouri officials who gathered Sunday to show their support for Presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Chelsea Clinton at Kayak's

2008-01-28T00:04:00.000-06:00

Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of President Bill Clinton and Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, will be at Kayak's coffee shop, on the corner of Skinker and Forest Park Parkway, across the street from Washington University, today (Monday) at 3:00 PM.

Chelsea will be discussing the issues of the 2008 Presidential campaign and speaking on behalf of her mother.

VIDEO: Missouri Officials for Obama

2008-01-27T21:21:00.000-06:00

More than a dozen Missouri elected officials, including U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, former U.S. Senator Jean Carnahan, and Congressman Russ Carnahan, gathered today to announce Senator Barack Obama is returning to St. Louis next weekend.

Obama Coming to St. Louis

2008-01-27T15:11:00.000-06:00

BREAKING NEWS

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill broke the news at a press conference a few minutes ago: Barack Obama will be in St. Louis on Saturday for a 9:00 PM public event (no word yet where). That's just three days before Missouri and 20 other states get a chance to vote on the Democratic and Republican candidates.

More details as they become available...

Clay to Speak at Parham's Church [Updated]

2008-01-27T10:39:00.000-06:00

Congressman Lacy Clay is scheduled to speak this morning at the Community Church of God on behalf of Presidential candidate Barack Obama.

The north St. Louis County church is led by Rev. Douglas Parham, a leader of the effort to remove Mayor Francis Slay from office.

Check back at 11:00 AM for text of his speech.

UPDATED: Here's the text of Clay's speech.

BROTHERS AND SISTERS GOOD MORNING, AND THANK YOU FOR THAT WARM WELCOME.

FIRST, LET ME GIVE ALL GLORY AND HONOR TO GOD, WHO IS ALWAYS AT THE CENTER OF MY LIFE.

WHAT A WONDERFUL AND GLORIOUS DAY HE HAS MADE.

I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THIS CHANCE TO WORSHIP WITH YOU, AND TO SHARE SOME OF MY THOUGHTS AS WE FACE A HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY.

BEFORE I BRING YOU A MESSAGE ON BEHALF OF A FRIEND OF MINE,

I WANT TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT YOUR GOOD SHEPPARD,

MY GOOD AND COURAGEOUS FRIEND:

REVEREND DOUGLAS PARHAM.

REVEREND,

OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS, YOU HAVE DISPLAYED A SENSE OF COURAGE, DIGNITY AND RESOLVE THAT IS TRULY INSPIRING.

THE TROUBLES THAT DIVIDE OUR COMMUNITY CAN ONLY BE HEALED BY SPEAKING THE TRUTH,

OPPOSING INJUSTICE,

AND HAVING THE COURAGE TO PUT OUR FAITH INTO ACTION.

YOU HAVE TAKEN ON THAT BURDEN WITH GREAT ENERGY AND TOTAL INTEGRITY.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP IN OUR COMMUNITY.

CAN WE HAVE A HAND FOR REVEREND PARHAM? (LEAD APPLAUSE)

BROTHERS AND SISTERS,
WE ARE LIVING IN HISTORIC TIMES.

YESTERDAY, A BRIGHT, YOUNG AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADER WON A RESOUNDING VICTORY IN THE HEART OF THE OLD CONFEDERACY..SOUTH CAROLINA.

IN THE VERY PLACE WHERE THE CIVIL WAR BEGAN TO WIN OUR HUMAN FREEDOM,

MY FRIEND BARACK OBAMA SENT A POWERFUL MESSAGE THAT WILL RESOUND ACROSS THIS COUNTRY,

AND ACROSS THE GENERATIONS…

THE DREAM IS NOW,
AND OUR TIME HAS COME!

OF COURSE, TODAY, WE’RE IN GOD’S HOUSE,

SO I WON’T TELL YOU WHO TO VOTE FOR.

BUT I WILL ASK YOU TO THINK ABOUT WHAT KIND OF LEADER WE NEED IN OUR COUNTRY.

AND WHEN YOU ASK YOURSELF THAT QUESTION,

ASK YOURSELF,
ARE WE READY TO EMBRACE REAL CHANGE, OR ARE WE JUST CONTENT TO TINKER AROUND THE EDGES OF OUR COUNTRY’S PROBLEMS?

ARE WE FINALLY READY TO STAND UP AS A PEOPLE?

ARE WE READY TO REJECT FEAR AND EMBRACE FAITH?

ARE WE FINALLY READY TO THROW OFF THE LAST REMAINING SHACKLES OF OUR FORMER BONDAGE AND FOCUS THE AWESOME POWER OF OUR CITIZENSHIP?

THE ANSWERS ARE OBVIOUS TO ALL WHO CHOOSE TO SEE THE TRUTH.
===
BY ANY HONEST MEASURE, WHEN YOU CONSIDER THE GRAVITY OF THE ISSUES THAT WE FACE AS A COMMUNITY,

AS A STATE,

AND AS A NATION,

MY FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE BARACK OBAMA HAS THE MORAL CLARITY,

THE POSITIVE VISION,

AND THE BOLD AUDACITY OF HOPE TO HEAL OUR COUNTRY AND ELEVATE THE UNITED STATES TO A NEW PATH.
===
THE PROBLEMS THAT AMERICA FACES,

AND THE DIVISIONS THAT PLAGUE US,

ARE MUCH TOO DEEP TO BE SOLVED BY THE OLD POLITICS AND THE TIRED REMNANTS WHO ADHERE TO THAT SCHOOL OF THOUGHT.

===

JUST LAST SUNDAY,
BARACK OBAMA STOOD IN THE PULPIT OF EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH IN ATLANTA,
TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF THAT CONGREGATION’S LATE REVERED PASTOR,
AND OUR BLESSED TEACHER: DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

===

BARACK LIKENED HIS HISTORIC MISSION TO THE STORY OF JOSHUA AND THE BATTLE OF JERICHO.

HE REMINDED THE CONGREGATION THAT THE SCRIPTURE SAYS,
THAT WHEN JOSHUA AND THE ISRAELITES ARRIVED AT THE GATES OF JERICHO,
THEY COULD NOT ENTER BECAUSE THE WALLS WERE TOO TALL TO CLIMB.
BUT GOD HAD A PLAN FOR HIS PEOPLE.

HE TOLD THEM TO STAND FAST, HAVE FAITH, AND WHEN THE TRUMPET SOUNDED,
SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE.

THEY DID JUST AS THE LORD COMMANDED,
AND AS WE ALL KNOW, THE WALLS CAME TUMBLING DOWN.
SUCH IS THE POWER OF UNITY.
SUCH IS THE POWER OF FAITH.
AND BROTHERS AND SISTERS,
WE HAVE A CHANCE TO BRING DOWN ANOTHER WALL,
RIGHT HERE IN MISSOURI,
WHEN THE TRUMPET SOUNDS FOR US ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH.

===

AS SENATOR OBAMA SAID,
“UNITY IS THE GREAT NEED OF THE HOUR ,
AND THE GREAT NEED OF THIS HOUR.
NOT BECAUSE IT SOUNDS PLEASANT OR BECAUSE IT MAKES US FEEL GOOD,
BUT BECAUSE IT IS THE ONLY WAY WE CAN OVERCOME THE ESSENTIAL DEFICIT THAT EXISTS IN THIS COUNTRY.”
BARACK WASN’T TALKING ABOUT A BUDGET DEFICIT, OR A TRADE DEFICIT, OR A RECESSION.
HE WAS TALKING ABOUT A MORAL DEFICIT THAT HAS AFFLICTED THIS NATION WITH A KIND OF BLINDNESS THAT PREVENTS US FROM CONFRONTING THE RACISM, INEQUITIES AND INJUSTICES THAT REMAIN RAMPANT.
IT IS NO ACCIDENT THAT BARACK DELIVERED THAT MESSAGE FROM DR. KING’S FORMER PULPIT,
BECAUSE HE IS THE NATURAL DESCENDENT OF HIS LEGACY.

AND I AM CERTAIN THAT BARACK’S CAMPAIGN IS ADVANCING THE MOVEMENT THAT DR. KING LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR.
BARACK IS STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF DR. KING,
MALCOLM X,
MEDGAR EVERS,
BOBBY KENNEDY,
AND THE MANY THOUSANDS OF BRAVE SOULS WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR OUR FREEDOM AND FULL CITIZENSHIP.
SO ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH, THE TRUMPET WILL SOUND FOR US.

I CAN’T TELL YOU WHO TO VOTE FOR,

BUT I CAN ASK YOU TO LISTEN TO YOUR HEART.

AND IF ENOUGH OF US STAND TOGETHER,

PRAY TOGETHER,

WORK TOGETHER,

BELIEVE IN OUR OWN POTENTIAL,

AND VOTE TOGETHER,

WE CAN MAKE THE GREATEST CHANGE THIS COUNTRY HAS SEEN SINCE EMANCIPATION.

===

BROTHERS AND SISTERS,

IF YOU BELIEVE IN THE STRUGGLE FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE,
PLEASE VOTE!

IF YOU BELIEVE IN THE STRUGGLE FOR OPPORTUNITY AND EQUALITY,

PLEASE VOTE!

IF YOU BELIEVE IN THE STRUGGLE TO HEAL THIS NATION AND REPAIR THIS WORLD,

TAKE SOMEONE WITH YOU TO VOTE!

PLEASE JOIN ME AS WE MARCH TO THE POLLS ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH TO CHANGE THE WORLD,

TRANSFORM OUR COUNTRY,

CHANGE HOW AMERICA SEES US,

AND ULTIMATELY,

CHANGE HOW WE SEE OURSELVES.

===

BROTHERS AND SISTERS,

THIS IS NOT A TIME TO BE TIMID,

THIS IS NOT A TIME TO STAY ON THE SIDELINES,

THIS IS A TIME TO STAND UP FOR CHANGE,

AND TO RECALL JUST AS DR. KING TAUGHT US:

“THE FIERCE URGENCY OF NOW COMPELS US TO ACT, NOT LATER…BUT TODAY.”

WE CAN’T WAIT ANYMORE!

THE WAVE OF CHANGE IS UPON US,

THE TIDE OF HISTORY IS ROLLING ACROSS THIS COUNTRY,

THE TIME IS NOW,

HELP US MAKE HISTORY!

THANK YOU.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU. AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THE UNITED STATES.

Obama Wins Big in S. Carolina

2008-01-27T10:20:00.000-06:00

Senator Barack Obama defeated The Clinton Machine 2-1 in the South Carolina Democratic Primary last night.

With 99% of the precincts reporting, Obama received 295,091 (55%) votes to Hillary Clinton's 141,128 (27%) and South Carolina native John Edwards' 93,552 (18%) votes.

Obama has won more delegates (not including so-called "super delegates", Obama has won 63 delegates, Clinton 48, and Edwards 26) and more votes (in all the primaries and caucuses so far) of any other Democratic candidate.

This contest is not about white vs. black, rich vs. poor, or women vs. men, said Obama in his eloquent victory speech last night. This contest is simply about the future vs. the past.

Bill Stumps for Hillary(?) in MO

2008-01-27T10:16:00.000-06:00

President Bill Clinton was in Missouri last night in the town of Independence. The beginning of his speech sounds a lot like a re-election speech, rather than an endorsement or surrogate speech.

The funniest line is when Clinton asserts he was in Missouri "in my current capacity, post-politics..."

Really? Bill Clinton is out of politics? And he declared this on a Saturday night... at a campaign rally... in Independence, Missouri.

Uh-huh.

President Clinton, Shut Up... Please.

2008-01-25T22:20:00.000-06:00

In today's edition, The Wall Street Journal's Peggy Noonan says it as well as it can be stated...

We begin, as one always must now, again, with Bill Clinton. The past week he has traveled South Carolina, leaving discord in his wake. Barack Obama, that "fairytale," is low, sneaky. "He put out a hit job on me." The press is cruelly carrying Mr. Obama's counter-jabs. "You live for it."

In Dillon, S.C., according to the Associated Press, on Thursday Mr. Clinton "predicted that many voters will be guided mainly by gender and race loyalties" and suggested his wife may lose Saturday's primary because black voters will side with Mr. Obama. Who is raising race as an issue? Bill Clinton knows. It's the press, and Mr. Obama. "Shame on you," Mr. Clinton said to a CNN reporter. The same day the Web site believed to be the backdoor of the Clinton war room unveiled a new name for the senator from Illinois: "Sticky Fingers Obama."

Bill Clinton, with his trembly, red-faced rage, makes John McCain look young. His divisive and destructive daily comportment—this is a former president of the United States—is a civic embarrassment. It is also an education, and there is something heartening in this.

There are many serious and thoughtful liberals and Democrats who support Mr. Obama and John Edwards, and who are seeing Mr. Clinton in a new way and saying so. Here is William Greider in The Nation, the venerable left-liberal magazine. The Clintons are "high minded" on the surface but "smarmily duplicitous underneath, meanwhile jabbing hard at the groin area. They are a slippery pair and come as a package. The nation is at fair risk of getting them back in the White House for four years."

That, again, is from one of the premier liberal journals in the United States. It is exactly what conservatives have been saying for a decade. This may mark a certain coming together of the thoughtful on both sides. The Clintons, uniters at last.

Mr. Obama takes the pummeling and preaches the high road. It's all windup with him, like a great pitcher more comfortable preparing to throw than throwing. Something in him resists aggression. He tends to be indirect in his language, feinting, only suggestive. I used to think he was being careful not to tear the party apart, and endanger his own future.

But the Clintons are tearing the party apart. It will not be the same after this. It will not be the same after its most famous leader, and probable ultimate victor, treated a proud and accomplished black man who is a U.S. senator as if he were nothing, a mere impediment to their plans. And to do it in a way that signals, to his supporters, How dare you have the temerity, the ingratitude, after all we've done for you?

Watch for the GOP to attempt swoop in after the November elections and make profit of the wreckage.

Dogan Fundraiser Tonight

2008-01-25T13:42:00.000-06:00

State representative candidate Shamed Dogan, a Republican running in the south St. Louis County district being vacated by Neal St. Onge, is holding a fundraiser tonight at 6:00 PM at Mandarin, 44 Maryland Plaza, in the Central West End.

For your $25 ticket, you will receive two free drinks during the event, and Mandarin is offering specials for those who hang out afterwards.

Reed Pleads Hardship to MoEthics

2008-01-25T12:42:00.000-06:00

Aldermanic President Lewis Reed was in Jefferson City yesterday asking the Missouri Ethics Commission to let him keep his over-the-limit campaign contributions.

From the Kansas City Star's Prime Buzz blog:

Reed was elected president of the board in an election last April, but campaign finance reports show he continued to receive over-the-limit contributions after the election.

Records show Reed received several contributions over $1,500, including a $10,000 donation from City Centre LLC in St, Louis and three $5,000 donations from other groups.

In total, Reed accepted more than $27,000 in over-the-limit contributions. His campaign’s latest finance report shows just over $9,000 on hand...

Reed, who was accompanied by an attorney at the hearing today, declined to comment, and only reluctantly gave his name to a Star reporter.

A law removing limits on contributions went into effect Jan. 1 of last year, but was overturned by the Supreme Court in July. The Ethics Commission is holding hearings to allow candidates who believe returning the excessive funds would be a hardship to argue for keeping the money.

According to the Star, Republican State Senator Tom Dempsey also appeared before the Ethics Commission yesterday.

AUDIO: McCaskill Checks Bill Clinton

2008-01-25T09:07:00.000-06:00

Senator Claire McCaskill told reporters yesterday that President Bill Clinton was playing "fast and loose" with the facts when attacking Senator Barack Obama on his wife's behalf.

"Because of the larger megaphone he has as a former president," said McCaskill, an Obama supporter, "he needs to be very careful with the truth. … He has tried to manipulate the facts in a way that is patently unfair."

Another Legislator in Legal Trouble

2008-01-24T16:21:00.000-06:00

State Rep. Brad Robinson (D-Bonne Terre) and his wife were reportedly caught on camera driving away after hitting a man with their pickup truck. Robinson has been charged with a felony hit-and-run while his wife is accused of lying to police by saying she was the driver.

From Heartland News:

Police say Robinson's wife, Tara, first told them they saw a man in the ditch and tried to help. She later told them she was driving a pick-up truck when she struck something and went back and saw a man laying on the side of the road. At the time, the other passengers as well as Brad and Tara Robinson said Tara was the driver.

Later, police found surveillance video of the Robinson vehicle pulling into the parking lot of the North County High School. Police say the video shows Brad Robinson leaving the driver's side of the trucka nd switching positions in the vehicle with his wife.

After another interview, all the people in the Robinson truck said Tara Robinson was in fact the driver of the vehicle when the man was struck.

Here's a PDF of the actual charges filed against Robinson. And here's the probable cause statement.

Add this to the list of Democratic legislators charged with crimes in the past few months:

State Rep. John Bowman on fraud and a bank scam
State Senator Jeff Smith on gambling without proper ID
State Sen. Chuck Graham on drunk driving

Vital VOICE Interview with Slay

2008-01-24T14:41:00.000-06:00

Reporter Lucas Hudson interviews Mayor Francis Slay in this week's issue of the Vital VOICE.

From Hudson's intro:

The city’s sweltering racial thermometer portends an all-out political meltdown as Mayor Francis Slay was booed right out of the Old Courthouse by supporters of the city’s ousted first black fire chief, Sherman George, as he gave a speech Jan. 21 honoring Martin Luther King Jr. This humiliating show of resentment demonstrates that Slay’s legacy is in danger of being permanently branded with the scarlet R of racial unrest.

African-American displeasure with his administration did not start with the political game of chicken that resulted in the public demotion of George, but that event lit the match in an environment already filled with the fumes of African-American distrust, suspicion and anger at what some have described as Slay’s "racial politics."

In a Jan. 11 interview with the Vital VOICE, Mayor Slay speaks to these issues, and also outlines African-American progress that has taken place under his administration, declaring that "There isn’t enough coverage of positive news."

From the interview:

The Vital Voice: We both know that some of the city’s African-American leaders are up in arms over what many have described as your “racial politics.” With racial tension inflamed in the wake of Fire Chief Sherman George’s removal, The National Society of Black Engineers has threatened to move its 2011 conference scheduled to take place in St. Louis unless the situation changes. In addition, a citizen’s group primarily made up of African-Americans called the Citizens to Recall Mayor Slay has started an effort to recall you from office.

Consultant and blogger Antonio French’s site (www.PubDef.net) lists major gripes the black community has with your administration, which I have paraphrased. They include:
Disassembling the city’s largest black voting ward (the former 20th).
Removal of the city’s only ever black fire chief and the subsequent 4-to-1 promotion of whites over blacks.
The closing of more than a dozen schools (neighborhood anchors) in North St. Louis.
The disproportionate investing of hundreds of millions of tax dollars in downtown and white neighborhoods, while northern black neighborhoods continue to suffer.
Mayor Slay, if you don’t agree with African-American disillusionment regarding your administration, can you at least understand it?

Mayor Slay: I am very aware of some racial unrest in the City of St. Louis. I am very aware of some of the reaction to what happened in the Fire Department. I will also tell you that if Chief George had made the promotions, he would still be the chief. I talked to civic, political and clergy leaders throughout the community during the process before any decisions were made. I want you and the community to know that I did everything I could to try and get the promotions done without confrontation or controversy. I respect Sherman George as a man of principle, but ultimately, we disagreed how to handle that situation.

There isn’t anybody in St. Louis that agrees with every decision I have made, but there are some people that want to divide the city. However… I don’t think anybody can argue with the fact that St. Louis is much better today than it was seven years ago. We were losing jobs and people faster than virtually any other city in America. Now, our job base has stabilized, our population is on the increase, and we’re getting national and international recognition for our successes. Chief Mokwa and I just announced that crime in the city has dropped 16 percent from last year. Crime is now at a 35-year low. That is something that impacts everybody positively.

Have we solved all the issues? We have not. And some of those allegations like disassembling the largest black ward in the city…Well, the people are still there. If that was the largest black voting ward the city, it is still the largest black voting ward in the city, but it just has a different number on it.

Most people only hear the negatives, and there is no balanced view. For example, the affordable housing initiative that I helped pass is spending $5 million a year, with much of that money impacting people of color. When I took office in the year 2000, 31 percent of the kids tested were positive for lead, and now it is only six percent. The neighborhoods with high incidences of lead poisoning are in predominately African-American areas. I am not suggesting there are no more challenges and everything is fine, but there isn’t enough coverage of positive news.

VV: What specifically have you done, and what more can you do to defuse the current racial tension in the city?

MS: I have been working hard to call upon fair-minded people who are very interested, regardless of what they think of my decision or how it was done—to pull together, begin the healing process and move the city forward. I believe that is going to take some time, but I have been very encouraged by conversations with a number of black leaders. I believe I realize how deep this issue goes, and I am not taking this tension for granted. It is going to take a lot of work and leadership from me and my office.

Click here to read the entire Vital VOICE interview.

School Board to "Examine Options"

2008-01-24T12:19:00.000-06:00

From the elected school board of SLPS:

Peter Downs, President of the St. Louis Board of Education, today expressed disappointment that Cole County Circuit Court Judge Richard Callahan upheld the State's takeover of St. Louis Public Schools.

"We were all aware that Judge Callahan had a record of ruling against education for children in Missouri, but it was still hard not to hope that this time would be different," Downs said. "So, although this ruling was expected, it is still disappointing. This was never about us as board members, this was about fighting for better schools for city children."

Noting that most of the members of the present board were elected on promises to stop the demolition of public education that began in 2003, Downs said the state board of education took control of the district to continue the process of demolition.

"The reports from the state board of education, and the comments of top Republicans like Rod Jetton, made very clear that their chief goals for St. Louis were to close schools and cut spending for they wanted cheaper education, not better education. The state-appointed board's proposed school closings show that they are following that mandate," he said.

"In the coming weeks, we have to decide what are our best strategies for blocking continued cuts and fighting for quality education," he added.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which includes individuals and the St. Louis Board of Education, have 30 days in which to decide if they want to appeal the decision. Downs said he expects the school board will decide at its meeting on February 12 whether it will join an appeal of Callahan's decision. That meeting will be at Carr Lane Middle School, 1004 N. Jefferson Ave.

Judge: SLPS Takeover was Lawful

2008-01-23T22:42:00.000-06:00

From the Missouri Board of Education:

In a ruling issued today, Cole County Circuit Court Judge Richard Callahan gave state education officials a clear victory involving last year’s decision to strip the St. Louis Public Schools of accredited status.

“We are gratified with today’s decision by Judge Callahan,” said Commissioner of Education D. Kent King. “This ruling affirms the State Board of Education’s decision regarding the St. Louis school district. Every one of the district’s efforts to overturn the board’s accreditation decision was rejected by the judge.”

In March of 2007, the State Board of Education declared the St. Louis Public Schools to be unaccredited, after concluding that the district had met only four of the state’s 14 academic performance measures. That decision took effect on June 15, 2007, allowing the state to remove the local board of education and replace it with an appointed, three-person special administrative board.

At a hearing in Judge Callahan’s court last October, the elected St. Louis school board sought to overturn the State Board of Education’s decision. The district claimed numerous technical, legal and constitutional reasons why the accreditation decision should be reversed.

In today’s ruling, Judge Callahan stated: “Based upon the facts presented at trial, the credibility of the witnesses presented to the Court, and the totality of the circumstances facing the State Board of Education, this Court finds that the State Board of Education’s accreditation decision was reasonable, that it was amply supported by the facts, and that it was neither arbitrary nor capricious.”

In addition, the ruling specifically upholds the authority of the special administrative board to govern the St. Louis Public Schools, in place of the elected board of education.

“This case provides clear confirmation of the state’s authority to set and enforce accreditation standards which are designed to protect the educational interests and welfare of children in every school district,” King said.

From St. Louis Public Schools:

Today Judge Richard Callahan of the Cole County Circuit Count ruled that the state legally had the right to name the Special Administrative Board (SAB) to govern the St. Louis Public Schools. In his 61-page ruling, Callahan agreed with the state on all claims.

Most notably, Callahan ruled that the Special Administrative Board assumed complete control of SLPS operations on June 15, 2007. State law allows the elected board only the powers of “auditing and public reporting.” Elected board members may continue to meet, as well as to monitor and report on district activities.

Today’s court ruling – according to SAB members – reaffirms that the appointed board governs the St. Louis Public School District. The Special Administrative Board is made up of Rick Sullivan, Melanie Adams, and Richard Gaines.

The SLPS elected board made more than a dozen claims, among them:

- The law providing for the creation of the SAB and the Transitional School District for the City of St. Louis was unconstitutional.

- The process that the State Board followed in removing the SLPS’ accreditation was unlawful.

- The appointment of Rick Sullivan, chief executive officer of the Special Administrative Board, was improper.

- The elected board retained governing authority over the SLPS, even after the district lost its accreditation.

SAB members hope that today’s ruling will answer all questions concerning governance of the district. The appointed board says it wants to put the legal issues behind and move forward with its primary mission – the education of children.

Clay: Sustaining SCHIP Veto "Indefensible"

2008-01-23T22:40:00.000-06:00

Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D-St. Louis) today blasted House Republicans as they once again failed to join with the Democratic majority to override President Bush's veto of the expanded State Children's Health Insurance Program. The effort failed by just 15 votes.

“Today, President Bush and House Republicans stood between 3.8 million additional children who would be covered by SCHIP and the health care they need.,” said Congressman Clay. “Over 56,000 children of hardworking Missouri families will remain uninsured because the President and the Republican minority continue to refuse to cover them. That is indefensible, especially when the economy is teetering on the brink of a recession. One of the most irresponsible things we could do is to leave millions of children uninsured as their parents struggle with foreclosures, layoffs, and higher prices for gas, utilities and groceries. As a parent, I want every child in this country to grow up healthy, with insurance coverage that helps keep them well. There is no excuse for sustaining this veto, and we continue the struggle to cover every child in this nation."

The legislation vetoed by the President provided a $35 billion expansion of the SCHIP program which would have provided health care coverage to 10 million American children. The existing SCHIP program was extended last December until March 2009. But without this legislation, 3.8 million additional low-income children of working families will not be covered under the program. In addition, state budget shortfalls and administrative rules from President Bush put children who are covered now in jeopardy of losing health care.

VIDEO: Jay Nixon Pushes Forward

2008-01-23T14:40:00.000-06:00

Missouri Attorney General and Democratic candidate for governor Jay Nixon responds to Gov. Matt Blunt's announcement that he will not seek re-election.

State of the Union Watch Party

2008-01-23T08:48:00.000-06:00

A group of young Democrats celebrating a George W. Bush speech? It must be his last State of the Union speech ever.

The Young Democrats of Greater St. Louis say they will be "rejoicing" watching the last time Bush, who leaves office in 11 months, makes his annual address.

The speech is on Monday, January 28, and the Dems will be gathered at Sol Lounge, 4239 Lindell Blvd (enter through the Grind Coffee Shop), from 7:30 to 10:00 PM.

Triplett 1 of Ebony's "30 on the Rise"

2008-01-23T08:41:00.001-06:00

Sixth Ward Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett is featured in next month's Ebony magazine as one their "30 Young Leaders on the Rise."

"I am thrilled to be honored," said Triplett, who is 27. "I look forward to many years of service and contribution to the St. Louis community."

The annual feature recognizes exceptional men and women age 30 and under who are making a difference in their communities through their professional and charitable accomplishments.

HOLY SHIT! Blunt Bows Out [Updated x4]

2008-01-22T16:38:00.000-06:00

BREAKING NEWS

Saying his mission as governor has been accomplished, Gov. Matt Blunt made the surprise announcement of the decade today.

"What we set-out to achieve four years ago has been accomplished," said Blunt in a video address.

"Once when asked if he were running for re-election another governor responded, 'Yes, I like being governor.' When I read that I thought at the time that I never wanted to run for any office just to hold it. I did not run for governor to have a title, but to bring change to state government," said Blunt.

"The habit of politicians is to remain in office and the desire to prove oneself in the next election is strong. After a great deal of thought and prayer, and with the knowledge that we have achieved virtually everything I set out to accomplish, and more, I will not seek a second term in the upcoming election. Because I feel we have changed what I wanted to change in the first term there is not the same sense of mission for a second."

Statement by Missouri Republican Party Chairman Doug Russell on Governor Blunt's decision not to seek re-election:

“Governor Blunt has been a remarkable leader that changed Missouri for the better. His conservative policies and values turned our state in a new, hopeful direction. Under his administration, budget deficits were replaced with surpluses, education was restored to its place atop our priority list, children are safer, more Missourians are working and healthcare for low-income Missourians has been transformed so that we are preventing sickness rather than treating illness once it has reached a chronic stage. I wish Governor Blunt, the First Lady and Branch all the happiness in the world as they embark on a new journey when the governor’s term expires. I also appreciate Governor Blunt’s commitment to ensuring the next governor of our state is a Republican who will continue to employ the principles of personal responsibility, fiscal conservatism and limited government so that we can be assured Missouri’s brightest days are ahead.”

Will State Treasurer Sarah Steelman be the new Republican candidate for governor?

She released this video today. Notice the lack of specificity when it comes the office she's running for.

And let's not forget about Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder.

Democrat Jay Nixon's response:

“My campaign for Governor has always been about moving Missouri forward. I will continue to focus on changing the direction of our state so that more Missourians have access to health care, more Missourians can find good-paying jobs and more Missouri children can get the quality education they deserve.

“I wish Gov. Blunt and his family all the best in the future.”

THIS JUST IN... Kinder is in.

"As Lt. Governor and President Pro Tem I have brought fundamental change to state government. I have served as a change agent my entire career and look forward to continuing my positive leadership. Missourians deserve a strong economy to create new higher paying jobs, a world class education, and affordable and accessible health care. I am the right person to deliver the positive change Missourians deserve.

I am heartened by the outpouring of support and I will be formally announce my plans for Governor in the coming weeks."

Draft "Land Assemblage Tax Credit" Application Ready for Comments

2008-01-22T13:05:00.000-06:00

The Missouri Department of Economic Development announced today that a draft of the application for the controversial Land Assemblage Tax Credit has been posted on the department’s web site for public review and comment.

Click here to see it.

Passed during a special legislative session last summer, the Distressed Areas Land Assemblage Tax Credit Act received a lot of attention for seeming to be a $100,000,000 tax credit which only one man could currently qualify for. That man, of course, was "Blairmont" developer Paul McKee.

The Act authorizes a tax credit equal to 50 percent of the costs and 100 percent of the interest incurred for the acquisition of an eligible parcel of land located within an economically challenged community. The Missouri Department of Economic Development is charged with administering the program.

“I strongly encourage all interested parties to visit our Internet site to view the draft application and guidelines and provide comments and suggestions,” said Economic Development Director Greg Steinhoff. “This program will provide another excellent tool for transforming economically distressed areas of our state into viable centers of job creation and economic development.”

Comments on the Land Assemblage Tax Credit application are due by 5:00 p.m. on Feb. 29, 2008 and may be sent my email at missouridevelopment@ded.mo.gov, by regular mail at Land Assemblage Tax Credit-Comments, P.O. Box 118, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or by fax at 573-751-9462.

Blunt Appoints Epsten to Police Board

2008-01-22T11:32:00.000-06:00

Gov. Matt Blunt has appointed Todd H. Epsten to the St. Louis City Board of Police Commissioners.

“Todd Epsten has made tremendous contributions to the St. Louis area and to the State of Missouri, and I am pleased he has agreed to serve the city and our state in this important position,” Gov. Blunt said.

Mr. Epsten, 47 of St. Louis, is the Chief Executive Officer of Major Brands, Inc., Missouri’s largest wine and spirits distributor. Epsten holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from American University in Washington, DC. He lives in St. Louis with his wife, Susan McCollum, and his sons, Michael and Brian. His appointment is subject to Senate confirmation for a term ending January 31, 2012. He replaces Jo Ann Freeman, whose term expired.

The St. Louis City Board of Police Commissioners is responsible for operation of the St. Louis Police Department. The commissioners set policy, determine promotions and work with the chief of police in providing public safety services to the citizens of St. Louis.

Slay Silenced, Troubles Grow Uglier

2008-01-22T07:06:00.000-06:00

Mayor Francis Slay's words were drowned out yesterday by the boos and protests of his opponents.

Slay was trying to deliver a speech at the Old Courthouse during a ceremony honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As soon as the mayor was introduced, protesters began to shout and wave signs. Former fire chief Sherman George, whose demotion by Slay helped spark this fiery political backlash, tried to calm down the crowd down, but to no avail.

These videos are from people in the audience. The video quality is pretty low, but you can clearly hear what happened.

Last week members of the effort to recall Slay warned organizers of the MLK event that there would be problems if Slay was allowed to speak.

After Slay was booed off stage, he stormed out of the Old Courthouse and did not participate in the traditional march or ceremonies afterwards.

VIDEO: Obama's MLK Day Speech

2008-01-22T06:25:00.000-06:00

On the day before the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, Senator Barack Obama addressed the congregation of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

VIDEO: Hillary Clinton in St. Louis

2008-01-21T08:10:00.000-06:00

After waiting for more than three hours, the gymnasium which held thousands of Hillary Clinton supporters erupted in cheers as Bill and Hillary Clinton finally arrived at McCluer North High School.

Here's her full 30-minute speech:

Click To Play

Jean Carnahan Endorses Obama

2008-01-21T01:06:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend, former Senator Jean Carnahan joined current Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill and announced her endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President.

"While I know and admire all the Democrats running for president, I am convinced that Barack Obama is the candidate best able to unite our nation and restore our moral leadership in the world," said Carnahan. "As president, he will be a strong voice and a powerful force for change during this critical time in our nation's history. Barack Obama is an inspirational leader, who embodies the ideals of our democracy and the hopes of a new century. I heartily endorse him for president of the United States."

Jean Carnahan was the first woman to serve as a United States Senator from Missouri, serving from 2001-2002. Carnahan joins her son, Congressman Russ Carnahan, Congressman Lacy Clay, Senator McCaskill, State Auditor Susan Montee, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley and several other current and former Missouri elected officials who have endorsed Obama.

VIDEO: Bill Stumps for Hillary

2008-01-20T19:03:00.000-06:00

After waiting for more than three hours, the gymnasium which held thousands of Hillary Clinton supporters erupted in cheers as Bill and Hillary Clinton finally arrived at McCluer North High School.

Clinton Town Hall Saturday

2008-01-18T19:32:00.000-06:00

President Bill Clinton and his wife, presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, will be in St. Louis Saturday for a town hall meeting dubbed "Solutions for America" at McCluer North High School in Florissant.

The event is open to the public and will be from 8:00 to 10:00 PM.

For more info, click here.

Board Hires Reed Aide as Attorney [Updated]

2008-01-18T14:19:00.000-06:00

Following the sudden resignation of Denise Watson-Wesley Coleman as attorney and clerk for the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, in a closed session this morning, the board quickly hired a member of the Aldermanic President to fill the position.

According to documents obtained by PubDef through a "Sunshine Law" request, Dave Sweeney, looks to be getting a $22,000 pay raise — from $73,545.94 per year to Coleman's salary of $96,014.10 annually. That is, unless the Board voted to change the salary, which we have not heard yet.

Here's Coleman's resignation letter, dated January 11, and also obtained via a "Sunshine" request. In it, she writes that her resignation would be effective February 10.

Coleman was the first African-American to hold that position. She was the compromise candidate and was voted on unanimously after the Board was bitterly divided, mostly along racial lines, between two other candidates, Hope Whitehead, the former head of the state Liquor Control Division, who was black, and Annette Kolis Mandel, a former mayor of Creve Coeur, who was white and an employee of Richard Callow's Public Eye PR firm.

Coleman lasted less than six months.

Here's video from the tumultuous meeting last year when the board first tried to select a new attorney.

Bill, Hill, AND Edwards Saturday?

2008-01-18T09:17:00.000-06:00

Looks like St. Louis is going to have a presidential trifecta this weekend.

As we reported earlier, presidential candidate John Edwards is coming to town for a rally at the Carpenters' District Council headquarters at 9:15 A.M. on Saturday.

Now the Post reports that Bill and Hillary Clinton will also be in town Saturday (no details yet on when and where).

Strange. Isn't there an important caucus going on that day?

R.I.P. Bobby Fisher

2008-01-18T09:03:00.000-06:00

Bobby Fischer, one of the greatest chess players in history, has died. He was 64.