Romney Coming To The Show-Me State

Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney will be coming to Missouri on Tuesday to campaign ahead of Saturday's caucuses. He plans to make stops in St. Louis and Liberty. The Romney campaign has vowed to spend time and resources in Missouri in hopes of stopping Rick Santorum's Midwest momentum. Santorum won February's primary (which was merely a "beauty contest" due to technicalities in the state law), but the former Massachusetts governor believes he has a chance to win the caucus and the majority of delegates associated with it.

Romney's campaign visit to the Show-Me-State comes on the heels of Santorum and Paul holding rallies in the state yesterday.

Two Republican Candidates Visit Missouri

Republican Presidential candidates Ron Paul and Rick Santorum are campaigning in the Show-Me State today ahead of next Saturday's Republican caucus.

Rick Santorum will be in Springfield at Digital Monitoring Products at 2:30 p.m. before heading to Cape Girardeau where he will speak at a Lincoln Days celebration, followed by a rally at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport around 8 p.m. Both the Springfield event and the rally at the airport are open to the public.

Ron Paul will also be in Springfield. He will hold a rally at Hillcrest High School at 7:30 p.m.

Organizers for both candidates expect large crowds and ask those attending to arrive early to guarantee a spot in the venues. Neither Newt Gingrich or Mitt Romney have scheduled visits to the Show-Me-State ahead of next week's caucus.

The Jefferson City Scoop: Right To Work A Good Idea

Introducing The Jefferson City Scoop, a series of blog posts written by someone who is busily at work in our state's capital. The blogger wishes to remain anonymous, but we are appreciative of their contributions. Their first article appears below:

As of 2011, our great state of Missouri is ranked 48th out of 50 states in overall economic growth when compared to the rest of the nation. 48th out of 50 is a poor standing in just about anything but it is especially poor when analyzing economic growth. The question that we must ask our State government is “how can Missouri overcome its’ shortfall in economic growth?”

There have been a few solutions proposed in our Missouri Government to help increase economic growth but out of all of the solutions, the most feasible idea is to make Missouri a Right-to-Work state. A Right-to-Work state is a state that prohibits labor unions from forcing a contractual on employers of that particular state. Right now in Missouri, unions force employees into membership even if they do not want to join a union. Making Missouri a Right-to-Work state would allow employees to work wherever they wanted and not be forced to sign a union contract.

How does making Missouri a Right-to-Work State cause economic growth? The intriguing numbers say it all. There are some remarkable facts about what has happened to manufacturing in the right-to-work states since World War II. In non-Right-to-Work states, manufacturing employment has stayed the same since 1947 while manufacturing employment has increased 150 percent in the Right-to-Work states. Of the 10 states with the highest manufacturing employment growth rates, 8 are Right-to-Work states. Of the 10 states with the lowest growth rates, none are right-to-work states. There are currently twenty-three Right-to-Work states and Missouri needs to be that 24th Right-to-Work State.

Unions can be very beneficial for Missouri workers but if forced union agreements are causing our state to be ranked 48th out of 50 in economic growth, the government has to step in and make a change for the citizens of Missouri. Sadly, many of our State legislators are not willing to make this change due to the fact that some of their largest campaign donors are union organizations. The Speaker of the House is a prime example of this.

As voters of the State of Missouri, it is our obligation to vote for what we believe is best for the people of this great state. I encourage everyone to invest their time, and research the policies that are affecting our state. We all have the ability to make a difference, and Right-to-Work is a great fundamental step to making Missouri one of the best states in our nation.

Missouri Primary Turnout Pitifully Low

Sure the race for the presidential primary was only a "beauty contest" and there were no binding delegates distributed as a result of the final tally yesterday. Sure some people stayed home protesting the decision by the state to "waste" millions of dollars on an election that "didn't matter." All in all, however, it was a dreadful day for democracy in the Show Me State as voter turnout was a mere 7.98%. It is even more paltry when you learn that voter turnout was expected to be around 23%. Ouch!

Southwest Missouri had the highest average rate of voter turnout in the state. Fueled by the 911 tax debate, Barry county had the highest rate in the state at 24.13%, followed by Cole county 17.85%, and Christian county at 14.83%. The lowest rate of voter turnout came in New Madrid county where only 3.27% of the registered voters in that area bothered to show up to the polls.

Regardless of who won or lost on the basis of what happened yesterday, the national media isn't focusing on the turnout rate. They are focusing on who won. And when only eight percent of the registered voters in your state can drive the conversation, there was a bigger loser in the state yesterday than Romney -- it was democracy.

Jerry Jacob returns to KYTV

KY3 Facebook photo

Jerry Jacob, who left the anchor desk at KYTV five years ago to serve in the U.S. Army, is returning to report for the station later this month.

Around The Show-Me State: February 5

Rock, Chalk, Not A Good Day To Be A Jayhawk

 

 

Wrongful Death Lawsuit To Be Filed Against Police Department

 

 

Gruesome Discovery in Hannibal

Despite Cold, Cape Girardeau Residents Take The Plunge For A Good Cause

Joplin Habitat Challenge Announced

Trial Date Set For Ferret Attack Case

Bush daughter to visit Marshfield for Cherry Blossom Festival in April

Photo by Timothy Horrigan

Jenna (Bush) Hager, daughter of President George W. and Laura Bush, confirmed yesterday that she will attend the 7th-annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield on April 27.

Hager is just one member of the many presidential families that will be present at this three-day festival in Webster County. She will speak at one of the event's many public forums.

"This is the first year that we have invited Jenna to attend," said festival chairperson Nicholas W. Inman. "However, members of her family have been represented at past festivals. Her grandparents sent a taped video message last year; it can be viewed on the festival website. Also, her grandfather's first cousin, Ambassador George Herbert Walker spoke last year."

Inman said that over 26 presidential families will be represented at Cherry Blossom Festival this year, along with appearances by bluegrass extraordinaire Rhonda Vincent, Gilligan's Island's Dawn Wells and Maggie Peterson Mancuso, who played Charlene Darling on The Andy Griffith Show.

"There will be vendors around the square, several dinners, presentations of the Ella Dickey Literacy Award, Missouri Walk of Fame stars and the Edwin P. Hubble Medal of Initiative, Marshfield's highest honor," Inman said. "The festival will also feature several free historic forums, panels, book signings, autograph sessions and talks."

Inman's vision for the event when he organized the first Cherry Blossom Festival seven years ago is still evident today.

"It is a weekend that promotes the preservation of Missouri and American history," Inman said. "There are many events for those who love typical festival events. ... However, our festival is like no other. It serves as a reunion spot for presidential descendants each year. It is the largest gathering of such relatives in the nation."

For a complete schedule of the 2012 Cherry Blossom Festival, visit www.cherryblossomfest.com.

Missouri To Get Visit From Presidential Candidate

Politic MO is reporting that Republican Presidential candidate Rick Santorum is planning a day of campaigning in the Show-Me State on Friday ahead of Tuesday's non binding presidential primary. The former Pennsylvania Senator is expected to make several stops in the state. Details have not yet completely been finalized, but it appears that he will visit at least three cities (Hannibal, Fulton, and Lee's Summit).

Santorum recently received media
attention after a strong performance
at the CNN Florida Debate.

Santorum received a late notice win of the Iowa caucuses, but since then has finished third or fourth in the contests in New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida. Tuesday's primary in Missouri is not the official primary contest in the state this 2012 election year. That will be on Saturday, March 17 when Missouri will hold caucuses. However, the Gingrich campaign failed to make the ballot for the primary in the Show-Me State and the Santorum camp believes a win here on Tuesday could prove that he is the viable alternative to frontrunner Mitt Romney if Newt were to drop out.

A recent poll showed that Santorum held a slightly better than ten point lead on the former Massachussetts governor in the upcoming primary.

Around The Show-Me State: January 31

Missouri Senate Candidate Can't Attend Forum, But Can Listen To It Online

Kirksville Drug Dog Goes On The Lamb

Have Mercy On St. John's

Probable MU Tuition Increase On The Way

Nothing Says KC Like Chocolate Ale?

International flights possible from Missouri

The new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on Tuesday's
Fox 2 News This Morning

A plane landed in St. Louis yesterday afternoon that could launch non-stop international flights from Missouri into reality.

Boeing's 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which was designed by 50 St. Louis engineers, visited St. Louis as part of its six-month Dream Tour, according to KTVI's Fox 2 New This Morning.

Boeing's Web site, newairplane.com, says the energy-efficient Dreamliner uses 20 percent less fuel and costs 30 percent less to maintain than aircrafts of similar size. Fifty percent of the aircraft is made of new plastic composites, which makes long-range flights possible due to the excellent fuel efficiency.

"The 787 is designed to be more environmentally progressive throughout the product life cycle," says the Web site. "The airplane is manufactured using fewer hazardous materials, consumes less fuel and produces emissions. The 787 is also quieter for airport communities than any previous airplane."

Fuel efficiency in an airplane that seats fewer passengers is key in bringing international flights to cities like St. Louis.

"Now you can open up a 200-seat market that you couldn't have opened up before. You put a bigger airplane on [the market], you take more business risk; you got to fill all the seats," Michael Sinnett, a 787 project engineer for Boeing, told Fox 2 News. "...You could see from here to Europe — from here to the Far East. ... With close to 8,000-miles range it's almost unlimited what you can do."

Boeing's Web site says the Dreamliner is available to airline companies in two versions. The 787-8 can seat between 210 and 250 passengers and can travel between 7,650 to 8,200 nautical miles; the 787-9 seats between 250 and 290 passengers with a travel range up to 8,500 nautical miles.

Around The Show-Me State: January 30

Former Cardinal Nemesis On The Way To St. Louis?

Civil Suit Against Springfield Schools Dismissed

St. Louis Hotels Urged To Stop Sex Trafficking

Republican Gubenatorial Candidate Says No Thank You To Federal Funds

Chiefs Quarterback Actually In Headlines For Good News

Central Missouri School Calls Off Classes Due To Illness

Missouri Says "Not So Fast Romney"

On a day when hopeful Republican Presidential candidate Rick Santorum makes a stop in the Show-Me State, there is some polling news that indicates the road to the GOP nomination may not be smooth sailing for Governor Romney, at least in Missouri. While it appears that Florida is preparing to set the former Massachusetts governor as the Republican Presidential candidate frontrunner tomorrow, a poll currently being conducted by Public Policy Polling in Missouri says that the Show-Me State isn't jumping on that bandwagon.

While official polling results will not be out until tomorrow, the organization's Twitter account indicates that Romney is currently in 3rd place behind Gingrich and Santorum among likely GOP caucus goers in the state. It remains to be seen if sentiment will change in the coming weeks. In the meantime, however, this poll indicates discontentment among conservatives with Romney.

Recent polls in other states, such as Minnesota and Arizona, indicate a sharp divide within the Republican party over who the nominee should be as well.

Veteran Joplin Broadcaster Enters Politics

Longtime KSNF anchor Jim Jackson will soon be leaving the evening 6 and 10 p.m. newcasts in the Joplin market and will be jumping into the political arena. Below is the news release concerning his announced candidacy:

Veteran local broadcaster Jim Jackson is set to announce his candidacy for Newton County Commissioner, Second District, during a press conference Friday, February 3, 11 a.m., at the Big Springs Best Western Inn, Neosho.

Jackson began his broadcast career in 1977 at KCTE Radio in Southwest City. He joined KTVJ TV-16 in 1980. KTVJ became KSNF in 1982. Jackson has served as the station’s main 6 and 10 pm news anchor for more than 30 years.

“I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished as a news broadcaster, and I’m looking forward to this new challenge that will allow me to make an even bigger contribution to the community.”

A graduate of Missouri Southern State University, Jackson is honored in the Media Hall of Fame. Jackson served as an adjunct instructor of communications for 11 years at Crowder College.

Around The Show-Me State - January 26

Tigers Can Beat Baylor, Not Oklahoma State

Carthage Police Facebook Oops Prompts Apology

A Multi-Million Dollar Arch Grounds Facelift

Potential Expansion To Missouri's Texting and Driving Law

Local Congressman Catches Some Zzzs During State of the Union

The Ladies Are Arming Themselves

Have a great day!!!

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Stickers Resembling Gun Sights Prompt Outrage

Today Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords resigned from her position as member of the House of Representatives. This resignation was in response to her need to continue to recovery from an assassination attempt last year.

Earlier this week, news surfaced that the Democratic campaign manager for the 3rd Congressional District candidate in Arkansas had his cat killed with the word "liberal" spray painted on it.

A startling sight greeted some Missouri lawmakers as they walked into the capitol offices. Approximately six legislators had gun sight stickers over their names outside their rooms. The Missouri Net has more on reaction from those targeted.

Teacher Tenure Under Attack

When debating education reform, one of the most contentious and controversial topics is that of teacher tenure. There has been a flurry of recent activity regarding this issue in Jefferson City.

First, an iniative has been filed with the secretary of state which could go to voters in November. This would create a constitutional amendment banning tenure if passed by Missouri voters. Additionally, movement is underway in the state legislature to, at the bare minimum, reform the system. Representative Scott Dieckhaus intends to file legislation that would change the way teachers are evaluated, including the phased elimination of the tenure system. This idea has the support of the Missouri School Board Association.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has spoken out against such changes and opposes the proposed amendment. The Missouri State Teachers Association and Missouri National Education Association, which often are on opposite ends of issues related to education, both are against the elimination of teacher tenure as well.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has an in-depth look at the controversy, which can be read by clicking this link.

While there is much disagreement among all parties involved as to what should be done regarding the issue of teacher tenure one thing is for sure -- this issue is not going away any time soon. It is highly possible the fate of the program could be in the hands of voters in November.

Just Getting Started

Here at the Missouri Scoop we are working to assemble a great blog team for you that will be working to keep you updated on the latest going on across the state. As we progress through the upcoming weeks and months, watch as our blog continues to grow and expand with something for everyone. And as we do just that, please feel free to comment and let us know what you think.

If you have items of interest for the blog, feel free to email them to us at: missouriscoop@gmail.com !

Romney Gets Backing Of Top Tier Missouri Republicans

As Mitt Romney engages in a fight to finish to solidify his role as presumptive Republican nominee for the presidency, he has some allies from the Show-Me State on his side. Missouri's Republican Senator, Roy Blunt, publicly endorsed Governor Romney back in September. Last week 7th Congressional District Representative Billy Long officially endorsed him, too. Additionally, a press release from the Romney campaign on Thursday touted the growing list of Missouri politicians on his side. That list can be seen here.

Today, a former Missouri senator jumped into the headlines as a surrogate who has been called upon to help the Romney campaign fight off a late surge by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. The ad, which can be seen here, features Jim Talent and discusses the "unreliable leadership" displayed by Gingrich during his tenure in DC. Additionally, PoliticMo reports on a conference call held earlier today by Talent where the former Missouri senator called Gingrich "outrageous" (among other things).

South Carolina votes on Saturday. If the fight for the nomination continues beyond the Palmetto state, it will be interesting to see what role, if any, these Missouri leaders play.

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