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Missouri's political news website since October 2001.

Hotline Political Network


    

         Monday, January 5
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         SNL:  Nixon:  Goals haven't changed;  Incoming governor wants to meet priorities in spite of recession
         Columbia Missourian:  Bob Holden, Carl Bearden, Rod Jetton offer advice for Jay Nixon
         P-D Political Fix:  Journalists favored Nixon with donations?  Maybe.  Maybe not.
         AP:  Nixon proposes new economic focus that might compete with DREAM program for funding
         Missourinet:  Higher education a priority of Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields
         KRCG:  Look ahead:  Blunt e-mail lawsuit, Missouri Roundtable for Life
         The Maneater:  Proposition A might not help higher education
         P-D Political Fix:  Open thread
         The Maneater:  MU students pursue political internship opportunities
         Columbia Missourian:  MoDOT to begin Safe and Sound bridge campaign
         Memphis Democrat:  Safe and Sound bridge contracts awarded in Knox, Scotland Counties
         P-D:  FEMA approves millions for St. Louis-area storm damage
         KOLR10:  Sen. Bond announces more than $43 million in funds for Missouri homeowners
         Joplin Globe:  Appeal hearing set on Roaring River CAFO
         Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Emerson staff to meet one-on-one with 8th District constituents
         Suburban Journals' Pokin:  Councilman Joe Brazil not backing off libel suit against Jeff Roe
         KC Star:  2008 decline in U.S. executions has states reflecting on capital punishment
         KC Star letter:  Kudos to Missouri Department of Conservation
         Disclosure


       Sunday, January 4
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         KY3:  Coonrod says he's applied for DNR post;  More on the Nixon appointment process
         SNL:  Who will have Gov. Nixon's allegiance?
         SNL:  Journalists favored Nixon over Hulshof, contribution data shows
         SNL:  Database of Hulshof, Nixon contributions
         SNL:  Donations to Nixon hit almost $150,000
         SNL:  Hulshof bankrolled by GOP committees
         CDT:  Hulshof praised as curtain falls;  Outgoing politico mum since defeat
         KC Star:  Budget woes await lawmakers in Missouri, Kansas
         Joplin Globe:  State budget shortfall forces hard choices for education, others
         Carthage Press:  Speaker-in-waiting Ron Richard to wait no longer
         Joplin Globe:  Rep. Ed Emery's bill targets adult-oriented businesses
         KC Star:  Low gas prices spark fuel tax hike talk
         Sikeston Standard-Democrat:  Hiring freeze will put even more stress on state's public defenders
         P-D:  St. Louis mayoral Democratic primary gets confused
         PubDef:  Video:  Coleman files for mayor - but not that Coleman
         PubDef:  St. Louis media gets the story wrong
         Walsh:  On Antonio French and the Maida Coleman coverage
         CDT:  Group wants Amber Alert for Alzheimer's patients
         KC Star editorial:  Issues to watch in Missouri in 2009
         CDT editorial:  E-verify;  Pressure on employers
         SNL editorial:  As speaker, Ron Richard aims to be the anti-Jetton
         SNL letter:  Authorities continue to miss point of Lampe's anti-bullying bill
         Disclosure



       Saturday, January 3
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         P-D:  Missouri legislature to start its 2009 session this week with hope, fear
         AP:  Agencies in angst over state budget
         P-D:  Incoming Missouri House Speaker Ron Richard ready to get to work
         P-D:  New Senate leader Charlie Shields brings deep experience to post
         KY3:  Nixon's Challenge:  Thoughts from Rep. Jay Wasson
         SNL:  Opponents of judicial nomination process to sit on panels
         KC Star Prime Buzz:  Keep education the state's highest priority, Blunt says
         SNL:  Gov. Blunt to successors:  Keep education No. 1 priority
         AP:  Blunt names Lowell Pearson to national committee on state laws
         Livengood:  Coonrod:  Appointment report is news to him;  St. Onge as 'Transportation Czar' debated
         SNL:  Rep. Shane Schoeller calls for tougher abuse prevention
         CDT:  Minimum wage bumps up automatically
         KRCG:  Restaurants react to wage increase
         Joplin Globe:  Financing, collection top attorney general's consumer complaint list
         St. Louis Business Journal:  Economic index falls for Missouri
         P-D:  Predictions for 2009:  Kit Bond will run for re-election
         St. Louis Review:  Bishops to fight against Freedom of Choice Act
         Columbia Missourian:  More than 200 march in Columbia for peace in Gaza
         KOMU:  Israeli bombings protest
         KBIA:  Central Missourians march in support of Palestinians in Gaza
         KC Star:  Missourians wanting to power their own homes are finding it difficult
         Hannibal Courier-Post:  Missourians who make their homes green could get tax break
         Missourinet:  Missourians hurt by September storms must apply for FEMA aid by January 12
         Mexico Ledger:  License office closed in Mexico
         STL Business Journal:  MoDOT announces top road projects for 2009
         SE Missourian:  MoDOT official discusses initiatives at First Friday Coffee
         AP:  Missouri wants new homes for prairie chickens
         P-D:  Sen. Maida Coleman decides against running for St. Louis mayor, claims conspiracy
         P-D Political Fix:  Maida Coleman bows out of Dem primary
         ArchCityChronicle.com:  Maida's virtual campaign office:  7th Ward location lacks occupancy permit
         Walsh:  More on the Maida Coleman dramedy
         P-D Political Fix:  French twist:  Blogger making surprise bid for alderman
         KC Star editorial:  The top 2009 issues for Missouri's General Assembly
         Joplin Globe editorial:  Constitution a pawn in secret ballot battle
         St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Preserve secret union votes
         Independence Examiner op-ed:  Sen. Matt Bartle:  Lawmakers must affirm right to life
         SNL op-ed:  Christian County Clerk Kay Brown:  Partnership on voting at schools benefits all
         SNL letter:  Ignorance of rules driving Viebrock's animal legislation
         Disclosure



       Friday, January 2
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         KY3:  Nixon's Challenge:  Thoughts from Show-Me Institute's David Stokes
         KY3:  Nixon's Challenge:  Thoughts from Missouri Budget Project's Amy Blouin
         SNL:  They said it ...;  The year in Missouri political quotes
         KC Star's Shelly:  Sorting Missouri's political players:  Bond, McCaskill, Blunt, Carnahan, more
         SNL:  Greene County Presiding Commissioner Dave Coonrod:  KSPR report about becoming DNR director not true
         AP:  New Missouri laws take effect
         SE Missourian:  Missouri minimum wage rises 40 cents
         SNL:  Ron Richard plans 'to do what's best' for Missouri
         KY3:  Video:  Lawmakers consider shuffling new casino money
         AP:  Missouri lawmakers look to divert new casino tax money
         Joplin Globe:  Proposal seeks guarantee of secret union ballots
         Columbia Missourian:  Bill would make insurance companies cover infertility treatments
         SNL:  Future Senate hopeful Ron Richard aims to restore Capitol
         MayorSlay.com:  St. Louis City's agenda for the upcoming session of the Missouri Legislature
         Sikeston Standard-Democrat:  Rep. Ellen Brandom will continue to involve constituents in issues
         Richmond Daily News:  Local communities gear up for possible stimulus
         Missourinet:  Missouri above average in flu deaths
         P-D's Sorkin:  Court finds fine print in payday loan contract 'unconscionable'
         KMOX:  State Sen. Maida Coleman is running for St. Louis mayor
         P-D Political Fix:  Slay gets more than half of aldermen, chair of city Dems, former Gov. Bob Holden
         PubDef:  Antonio French:  I'm running for alderman and this is why ...
         Branson Daily News:  Paper to publish twice weekly, focus on Internet updates
         SNL editorial:  Neal St. Onge following the money;  "Slimy move" requires hard look at need for inspector general slot
         Columbia Missourian's Kennedy:  Getting the change we both deserve and demand;  Gov. Nixon "a mystery"
         Disclosure



       Thursday, January 1
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         Catanese:  More to the story:  A behind-the-scenes look at Kinder's Lincoln Day announcement, Steelman-Hulshof, more
         Walsh:  Favorite "surprise" stories of 2008
         KSPR:  Ozarker considered for DNR chief
         P-D:  Missouri attorney general reports results of mediation
         Joplin Globe:  Officials say DREAM program likely to continue under Nixon
         AP:  Attorney Chet Pleban objects to Gov. Blunt e-mail settlement
         AP:  Complaints over house irk judicial nominee Rod Chapel
         CDT:  Unions object to secret ballot proposal
         KY3:  Missouri raises its minimum wage
         KOMU:  Minimum wage increases
         SNL:  Village law sparked big stir among Missouri General Assembly
         SNL:  Registry reform on freshman Rep. Eric Burlison's to-do list
         Missourinet:  Concerns expressed over calls for expanded occupational licensing requirements
         SNL:  Push continues for Christian County audit
         St. Joseph News-Press:  Excess tax revenue, or the right figure?  Decimal point puts Montee, Daviess County at odds
         P-D:  Missouri taxpayers waiting later than normal
         SNL:  Bond staffer to host Listening Post at courthouse
         AP:  Jury still out on farm program's impact
         P-D:  Prosecutor drops remaining felony charge against Lori Drew
         P-D:  Parent company of St. Louis Post-Dispatch warned by NYSE that it may be delisted
         Joplin Globe editorial:  Resolutions must be kept;  Nixon made no-tax-increase pledge
         SNL op-ed:  Show-Me Institute's Joseph Haslag:  Raising taxes isn't answer to fiscal difficulties
         KC Star's Penn:  Cleaver warns:  On Inauguration Day, forget D.C. and try TV
         P-D letter:  The cost of giving state employees another day off
         Disclosure


       Wednesday, December 31
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         AP:  Weather dominated Missouri news in 2008
         KC Star Prime Buzz:  Top 10 local political stories of 2008
         AP:  Nixon appoints ex-health care CEO to oversee Department of Social Services
         P-D Political Fix:  Longtime hospital executive will help Nixon revamp Medicaid
         Walsh:  Another day, another Cabinet appointment for the incoming governor
         AP:  Blunt has a job waiting for him
         KC Star:  Gov. Blunt to work with Romney's son upon leaving office
         KC Star Prime Buzz:  Matt Blunt's going private
         SNL:  Gov. Blunt to enter investment sector
         P-D Political Fix:  Blunt's next gig:  Investing with Mitt Romney's son
         Springfield Business Journal:  Private equity firm hires Gov. Blunt
         Missourinet:  Movement launched to place secret ballot guarantees in Missouri Constitution
         KC Star:  State amendment effort seeks to guarantee privacy for union and other voters
         St. Joseph News-Press:  Group works to preserve secret-ballot elections
         KOMU:  Ballot movement launches
         AP:  Missouri immigration restrictions take effect in 2009
         Springfield Business Journal:  House Speaker-elect Ron Richard visits Springfield, Branson
         Columbia Missourian:  'Robocall' legislation upcoming in Missouri House and Senate
         Missourinet:  John Loudon still waiting for Missouri Supreme Court ruling on his workers' comp bill
         AP:  State grants for stem cell use debated
         JCNT:  Catherine Hanaway to speak at Missouri Governor's Prayer Breakfast
         Columbia Missourian:  2008 a big year for state Rep.-elect Stephen Webber
         SNL:  Rep. Jay Wasson wants reform for funeral deals, overhaul of housing panel
         Neosho Daily News:  Rep. Marilyn Ruestman readying high-profile legislation this session
         CDT:  Novelty lighters target of Rep. Ed Wildberger's bill
         Joplin Globe:  Construction law protects jobs for Missouri workers
         SE Missourian:  Regional planning commissions prepare spending lists for Obama's stimulus plan
         KC Star:  States assemble highway wish lists for federal stimulus money
         P-D:  Recession may exacerbate Medicaid problems
         Sikeston Standard-Democrat:  Some minimum-wage workers will see pay increase this Thursday
         Joplin Globe:  Minimum wage jumps Thursday in Missouri
         Missourinet:  Helping with heat in the cold:  Missouri Energy Task Force
         KC Star:  Judge nominee Rod Chapel's home subject of complaints
         AP:  Red-light cameras challenged
         SNL editorial:  Anti-bullying bill takes guts;  Protecting gay kids, others should have lawmakers' attention
         P-D letter:  Bailout votes of Hulshof, Akin
         SNL letter:  Rep. Roy Blunt's votes unconstitutional
         SNL letter:  Viebrock obsessed with animal abuse notion
         Disclosure


       Tuesday, December 30
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         P-D Political Fix:  Bond:  Israel has a right to defend itself
         KWMU:  Pro-Palestinian group targets Kit Bond over Israeli air strikes
         KMOX:  Sen. Bond urged to call for cease-fire in Gaza
         Missourinet:  New early voting attempt readied
         AP:  Proposal requires secret ballots for union elections
         P-D Political Fix:  Amendment aims to thwart union legislation
         P-D Political Fix:  Missouri Lawyers Weekly honors "go-to guy" Chuck Hatfield
         AP:  Koster picks judges for top office spots
         P-D Political Fix:  Another black robe joins Koster's team
         Walsh:  Trial judge to join Team Koster
         SNL:  Ron Richard opposes giving "transportation czar" job to Neal St. Onge
         JCNT:  Incoming area lawmakers ready to tackle issues
         SNL:  Bill would attach names to amendments;  Legislation inspired by the 2007 "village law" controversy
         P-D Political Fix:  State Rep. Kenny Biermann to do double duty by serving on school board, in Legislature
         St. Joseph News-Press:  Audit questions Medicaid fraud controls
         P-D Political Fix:  County Executives Steve Ehlmann, Charlie Dooley file suit challenging new state fee
         P-D Political Fix:  St. Louis seeks economic stimulus money for 10 development projects
         SNL:  Roy Blunt, media get sneak peek of new airport terminal
         KOLR-10:  Roy Blunt gets glimpse of new airport terminal
         KC Star Prime Buzz:  Sam Graves' anti-Kay Barnes ad on liberal site's "sleaziest" list
         KOMU:  Bad weather affects MoDOT work
         SE Missourian:  Increased salt prices force transportation departments to get creative
         AP:  Missouri farming unit returns home from Afghanistan
         Fulton Sun:  Gov. Blunt plans to appoint Daniel Roe to replace Ron Craighead as assessor
         St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Nixon, Shields share jobs agenda
         KC Star letter:  Time to update Missouri voting procedures
         Disclosure



       Monday, December 29
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         Columbia Missourian:  Missouri campaign expenses reached record heights in 2008
         Missourinet:  Skelton applauds move to increase troop strength in Afghanistan
         AP:  Unemployment can aid Missouri construction
         KC Star:  Nuclear proposal energizes debate in Missouri
         P-D Political Fix:  Open thread
         SNL:  Rep. Ed Emery's bill targets adult entertainment;  Lawmaker plans to refile legislation aimed at strip clubs
         SNL:  Rep. Sara Lampe's bill aims to protect groups from bullying;  Homosexual teens in Springfield hope measure succeeds
         KC Star:  Missouri offers course-specific exams at high school level
         Daily Dunklin Democrat:  School employees may begin to fork over earnings toward Social Security
         Walsh:  Caroline Kennedy campaign inspires the great political party game of "What if?" in Missouri
         SE Missourian editorial:  Permit sensibility:  Decision by Missouri Conservation Commission shows democracy in action
         Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Missouri Chamber's Dan Mehan:  Downturn offers chance to encourage economic innovation
         SNL op-ed:  Power plan law hurts in long run
         CDT letter:  Student curator would be a real asset to UM board
         Disclosure


       Sunday, December 28
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         Kraske:  Election year meant no shortage of memorable quotes
         SE Missourian:  Sen. Jason Crowell's bill offers Medicaid break to doctors
         SNL:  Sen. Dan Clemens focusing on landfills, schools
         SNL:  Rep. Bob Dixon's bill aims to protect children who testify in criminal trials
         CDT:  Bill levies waste fee on haulers;  Sponsor says tough times favor passage
         SE Missourian:  Recreation reclassification:  EPA wants Mississippi River designated as safe for swimmers
         Columbia Missourian:  LGBT community promotes domestic partnership registry
         P-D editorial:  Blunt statements on e-mail scandal unsettling
         CDT editorial:  Rainy Day Funds:  What good are they?
         St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Campuses bracing for budget cuts
         SE Missourian editorial:  Southeast Missouri State's budget
         KC Star editorial:  Federal aid should go to projects with fast impact
         SNL op-ed:  Better economy begins with health care benefits
         Disclosure



       Saturday, December 27
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         KMOX:  Sen. Bond returns from Middle East
         P-D:  New federal prosecutors, marshals to be named;  Hanaway considering array of options
         P-D:  Ideas flow toward funding;  Area leaders compile stimulus wish lists
         KY3:  Nixon's Challenge:  Thoughts from Springfield mayoral candidate Jim O'Neal
         KMOX:  Missouri gets transportation czar:  Neal St. Onge
         Missourinet:  Adjutant General King Sidwell, under fire, wants to stay
         SNL:  Rep. Mike Parson wants new laws for petitioners
         Joplin Globe:  Donations help Children's Center build Butler home
         CDT:  High-profile offender again denied a pardon
         Branson Daily News:  Higher hunting-fishing fees nixed
         P-D Political Fix:  Death of Litton's mother recalls what might have been
         P-D:  Thomas Eagleton's FBI file offers glimpse into Watergate era
         P-D Political Fix:  Sen. Maida Coleman for mayor?  Domain name says yes
         Walsh:  Coleman candidacy could be good for St. Louis reporters
         Joplin Globe editorial:  Save it for a rainy day:  Legislators should hold off on tapping into reserve fund
         Disclosure


       Friday, December 26
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         KY3/AP:  Video:  The 2008 Political Year in Review
         Missourinet:  Flooding in Missouri this year more widespread than perceived
         St. Louis American:  Ward Connerly and Tim Asher attempt another ban of affirmative action in Missouri
         AP:  Rep. Sara Lampe vows to fight voucher attempt
         SNL:  For Rep. Jim Viebrock, controversial animal bill at top of agenda
         SNL Politics Blog:  Matt Blunt wishes Missourians a final 'Merry Christmas' as governor
         SNL Politics Blog:  Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder extends his own Christmas greetings to Missourians
         Missourinet:  Division of Workforce Development offers rapid response for about-to-be-jobless
         P-D:  Former TWA flight attendants still hope to return to the skies
         AP:  MoDOT picks five finalists in Amtrak naming contest
         Politico:  GOP staffers plan for inauguration;  Comments from Charles Chamberlayne of Bond's office
         St. Louis Beacon:  St. Louis County compiles its "wish list" of economic stimulus projects for Santa Obama
         Joplin Globe:  Area itemizes projects for funding from stimulus package
         AP:  Mother of former Congressman Jerry Litton dies
         P-D:  State Rep. Jamilah Nasheed wants new adjutant general for Missouri National Guard
         St. Louis American:  Committee close to mayor pays to play in black press
         AP:  K.C. school district mulls breakup
         KC Star editorial:  E-mail settlement doesn't excuse Matt Blunt's bad behavior
         Joplin Globe editorial:  Out with the old at DNR
         Disclosure


       Thursday, December 25  Merry Christmas!
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         Walsh:  Merry Christmas - not "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" - from the Missourinet
         Missourinet:  Missouri Department of Mental Health urges Missourians to support each other during the Christmas season
         P-D Political Fix:  Report:  Missouri, Illinois on track to lose Congressional seats
         Mannies:  Is the tone in state politics bipartisanship or bye, Blunt?
         P-D Political Fix:  Gov. Blunt plays Santa Claus, hands out pardons
         AP:  Blunt pardons four guilty of stealing offenses
         P-D:  United Way/Missouri Foundation for Health 2-1-1 call center acts as heart monitor for region
         P-D Political Fix:  Obama's Missouri director now leading "Day of Service" push
         P-D Political Fix:  Local fertility doc delivers $25K for Obama's inaugural
         P-D The Platform:  Video:  Dave Drebes Players perform Christmas concert at Way Out Club
         SNL:  Rep. Sara Lampe worries about fate of education services
         CDT:  Higher-ed document warns of dire impact
         KC Star:  UMKC's chancellor ready to take charge
         AP:  Audit faults report of Missouri fraud unit
         Disclosure


       Wednesday, December 24
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         KY3 Political Notebook:  Bond:  U.S. doesn't have winning strategy in Afghanistan
         P-D Political Fix:  Bond:  Time to get it right in Afghanistan, Pakistan
         Columbia Missourian:  Few inaugural event tickets left for Missourians;  McCaskill no longer taking requests
         P-D Political Fix:  Three more Gephardt alums are drafted by Obama
         P-D:  Blunt settles lawsuit over his administration's e-mails
         KC Star:  Blunt settles dispute over e-mails
         KY3:  Blunt settles e-mail deletion lawsuit
         Missourinet:  E-mail controversy could be resolved as Blunt leaves office
         Messenger:  As e-mail lawsuit is settled, Scott Eckersley still hopes to regain reputation
         P-D Political Fix:  Nixon seems confident in himself, Mizzou at econ presser
         Walsh:  Missouri Democrats tout changes that come with Nixon headed to governor's office
         P-D Political Fix:  Reps. Allen Icet, Rick Stream to handle budget chores in Missouri House
         P-D Political Fix:  Nasheed to Nixon:  Tap Rainy Day fund to help Missouri economy
         AP:  Area lawmakers want reserve fund tapped
         Joplin Globe:  University leaders say budget cuts would lead to layoffs, tuition hikes
         Columbia Missourian:  Report says Missouri universities', colleges' tuition may soar, economy may suffer
         SNL:  Senator champions landowner rights;  Sen. Norma Champion also wants to evaluate state tax credits
         CDT:  Neal St. Onge finds new job on his old committee;  Colleague:  Long-vacant post not needed
         P-D Political Fix:  Neal St. Onge seeking vacant state House job;  fellow Republican opposes move
         SE Missourian:  Bill would let learning disabled go to graduation
         P-D Political Fix:  Jingle bell rock:  Jeff Smith jams for a cause
         P-D:  Missouri audit:  Wait for child support rulings too long
         CDT:  University snags virtual school, 50 new jobs
         KRCG:  Missouri Dept. of Agriculture employees kiss pig, shave legs for charity
         AP:  Insurance rule challenged;  PSC requires power producers to get liability insurance
         Missourinet:  DHSS encourages Missourians to eat healthy this holiday season
         Missourinet:  DHSS:  Santa Flu is coming to town
         Columbia Missourian:  MoDOT touts decline in state highway deaths
         St. Louis Beacon:  State Sen. Maida Coleman expects to challenge incumbent Francis Slay in mayor's race
         KMOX:  Ameren gets real-world test of its "Power On" program
         SNL op-ed:  MSU's Nietzel:  Sunshine Law allows for protecting records
         Disclosure



       Tuesday, December 23
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         Missourinet:  Nixon unveils jobs initiative, wins support of Missouri Chamber
         P-D:  Nixon calls for business incentives to stimulate Missouri economy
         P-D Political Fix:  Jay Nixon's jobs plan:  Expand Missouri tax credits, offer loans
         St. Louis Beacon:  Gov.-elect Nixon announces job-creation plan for the state
         AP:  Nixon outlines economic plan
         KC Star:  Next Missouri governor wants stimulus program to launch quickly
         KWMU:  Nixon announces economic recovery plan
         KRCG:  Video:  Gov.-elect Jay Nixon releases plan for creating new jobs
         KY3 Political Notebook:  Nixon to establish auto task force as part of jobs plan
         CDT Capitol Notes:  Nixon outlines JOBS initiative
         The Maneater Politics Watch:  Nixon unveils economic proposal
         P-D Political Fix:  Jay Nixon unlikely to retain current National Guard leader
         KY3:  Nixon's Challenge:  Thoughts from local charity leader Jeff Nene
         SNL:  Department of Higher Education sends budget-cut scenarios to legislature
         Columbia Missourian:  Missourian to cut back to five days a week in print
         CDT:  MU curtails Missourian's operations to save money
         Missourinet:  Recounts certified;  no results change
         P-D Political Fix:  Final official:  Lembke wins by 70 votes in 1st District state Senate contest
         SNL:  Bill sponsored by Rep. Don Ruzicka would end military pension taxes
         SNL:  Lampe pushes bill to protect students from bullies
         AP:  Proposed affirmative action ban prompts litigation
         P-D:  Audit:  St. Louis treasurer's office rife with family ties
         P-D Political Fix:  Montee's audit cites family ties in city treasurer's office
         AP:  Montee shows St. Louis where to fix its finances
         KSDK:  Audit:  No serious problems in city departments
         St. Louis Beacon:  New audit of St. Louis city government finds outmoded computers and underperforming parking meters
         Missourinet:  Conservation Commission backs away from fee increases
         Walsh:  Take home the Governor's Mansion for Christmas
         SE Missourian:  Home-care attendants puzzled by personal contact from union
         P-D Political Fix:  Group cites top ballot-issue spending in '08;  casinos top the list
         SE Missourian:  Planning continues for Sikeston's new primary clinic for veterans
         P-D:  Army Corps of Engineers sues AmerenUE over 2005 Taum Sauk failure
         KY3 Political Notebook:  McCaskill one of 15 honorary co-chairs for Obama inauguration
         P-D editorial:  Court reform or trademarked spin?  "Judicial Hellholes" list
         SNL editorial:  MSU's plans should be public;  Contingency proposals would affect employees, thousands of students
         St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Call in feds on sewers
         CDT cartoon:  Higher ed funding
         SNL op-ed:  Charlie Kruse on CAFOs:  Misinformation hurt small farmer
         SNL op-ed:  CAFOs:  Fight continues to protect resources
         P-D letters:  Public funding for stadiums
         CDT letter:  AmerenUE should look into better solutions
         Disclosure


       Monday, December 22
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         Webster-Kirkwood Times:  Unions angry with congressmen who opposed automakers' rescue plan
         AP:  Nixon not using e-mail archive system
         P-D Political Fix:  Nixon not using Blunt's improved e-mail retention system
         P-D Political Fix:  Open thread
         KY3 Political Notebook:  The Power of Blogging:  Catanese on Andrew Sullivan's piece in The Atlantic
         P-D:  Illinois meth address database to go public, but not Missouri's
         Columbia Missourian:  Faltering economy might aggravate consumer problems
         Joplin Globe:  More telephone companies opt out of PSC regulations
         KSHB:  Newly unemployed find help is hard to find
         SNL:  Ron Richard appoints Rick Stream as vice chair of House Budget Committee
         SNL:  Sen. Jack Goodman wants 'fair' ballot language
         SNL:  Rep. Mike Cunningham targets tax assessments
         KY3:  Some protest a rule to protect health workers
         Columbia Missourian:  Foster care in Missouri offers challenges, rewards
         JCNT:  Missouri House staffer faces misdemeanor drug charges
         Missourinet:  Luetkemeyer prepares for new role on Capitol Hill
         SE Missourian editorial:  Casino illogic
         SNL op-ed:  Trish Vincent:  Newspaper fails to give due credit to Gov. Blunt
         SNL op-ed:  State's higher education on downward spiral
         P-D letter:  Fee office system
         Disclosure


       Sunday, December 21
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         P-D Political Fix:  Clay lauds Bush for OKing aid to automakers
         P-D Political Fix:  Nixon to announce economic plan Monday in St. Louis, Kansas City
         KC Star Prime Buzz:  Nixon to talk jobs in KC
         Columbia Missourian:  Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder's role alongside Nixon remains unclear
         St. Joseph News-Press:  Not all on board with Chiefs camp
         SNL:  Key politicians got contributions from Chiefs
         SNL:  Republican Sen. Gary Nodler to stay busy with budget
         Joplin Globe:  Building projects should still receive fees from MOHELA
         CDT Capitol Notes:  Tour of Missouri rolls on;  Columbia vies to host start stage
         CDT:  State reverses course on hunting fee hikes
         KC Star:  Evasive but legal, factory farms crop up in Missouri
         AP:  Missouri senior tax fuels services for the elderly
         P-D:  Economic freeze leaves some in the cold
         SE Missourian:  Some dealers at Cape Girardeau gun show say sales up since election
         St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Patronage era passes
         KC Star editorial:  Matt Blunt's biggest failure was leadership
         CDT editorial:  Tuition cap:  Time to rescind
         P-D letter:  Higher ed funding
         Disclosure



       Saturday, December 20
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         SNL:  Missouri lawmakers react to Bush's auto bailout
         P-D Political Fix:  Bond, early fan of bailout, cheers auto rescue plan
         St. Louis Beacon:  Bond, Clay praise auto rescue plan
         Missourinet:  Wentzville GM officials pleased with auto bailout
         P-D:  Politicians, UAW officials laud move
         KMOX:  UAW Fenton bashes Bush bailout wage cuts
         St. Louis Beacon:  Local autoworkers remain optimistic, insist they are not to blame for manufacturers' woes
         Kraske:  McCaskill, Graves are runners-up for Kraske's Missouri-Kansas Pol of the Year
         KY3 Political Notebook:  Washington Post's Cillizza:  Bond 5th most vulnerable in 2010
         CDT:  Airport wins grant for runway sweeper;  McCaskill announces federal funds
         P-D Political Fix:  Nixon announces new hires, while Blunt's check out
         Walsh:  Nixon picks Chief Deputy AG to be Director of Revenue
         AP:  Nixon taps Karen Mitchell to run state tax agency
         CDT Capitol Notes:  Columbia resident tapped to head revenue department
         KOMU:  Gubernatorial transition
         KY3:  Nixon's Challenge:  Thoughts from MSU's Tom Wyrich
         SE Missourian:  Tax credit giveaway for football team stirs debate
         St. Louis Beacon:  With budget cuts looming, state universities forsee dramatic cuts in programs and students
         KC Star:  University of Missouri system looks at how to live on less
         KWMU:  Drastic cuts possible for University of Missouri system
         CDT:  University warns of job loss, tuition increases
         Columbia Missourian:  Impact of budget cuts will be felt 'across all dimensions,' Forsee says
         KOMU:  Forsee talks budget cuts
         KRCG:  Gary Forsee explains budget scenarios
         SNL:  Tuition increase likely as MSU looks at budget
         SE Missourian:  SEMO outlines budget cut plans
         AP:  Missouri loses nearly 10,000 jobs in November
         St. Joseph News-Press:  Career center offers hope to unemployed
         SNL:  State rep.-elect Tony Dugger not sure about early voting
         Missourinet:  Missouri National Guard Afghan agriculture team returning
         P-D:  Missouri National Guard members accuse top general of discrimination
         AP:  Missouri begins prosecuting under cyberbullying law
         Joplin Globe:  Conservation Commission backs off permit requirements, fee hike
         AP:  Missourians won't pay more to fish and hunt
         SE Missourian:  Central High School to be in Jay Nixon's inauguration parade
         KC Star letters:  Nixon's fee office contract plan
         SNL letter:  Rep. Wayne Cooper taking things too far
         P-D letter:  Texas County commissioners oppose proposed hunting, fishing permit changes
         Disclosure


       Friday, December 19
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         P-D Political Fix:  Gov.-elect Nixon and Senate leaders on same page
         CDT Capitol Notes:  No new taxes ... and tomorrow's Friday
         St. Joseph News-Press:  Nixon silent on Chiefs' deal
         Walsh:  New Senate leader confident new governor will approve KC Chiefs tax deal
         SNL:  Missouri Senate leader outlines his agenda
         St. Joseph News-Press:  Report sees 'grave danger' in higher ed cuts
         CDT:  University cuts worry faculty
         CDT:  University warns of massive job loss in worst-case scenario
         Columbia Missourian:  UM system report describes possible cuts, tuition increase
         Columbia Missourian:  Budget cuts could affect MU Health Care's ability to serve patients
         KRCG:  MU layoffs are last resort
         SNL:  Leaders:  Schools can't afford cuts
         KY3 Political Notebook:  Missouri State University President Mike Nietzel meets the press
         P-D:  Campuses predict dire impact from budget cuts
         Daily American Republic:  Three Rivers Communiy College grapples with ways to tighten budgetary belt
         SNL:  Rep. Charlie Denison:  Bad time for cuts to schools
         KY3:  Nixon's Challenge:  Thoughts from Rep. Shane Schoeller
         KY3 Political Notebook:  Nixon taps George A. Lombardi to head Missouri Department of Corrections
         AP:  Lombardi named Missouri Department of Corrections chief
         P-D Political Fix:  Gov. Blunt loaned Peter Kinder $300,000 in closing days of race
         CDT:  IRS files tax lien in Hulshof dispute
         Columbia Missourian:  Missouri health care legislation facing new challenges
         KY3 Political Notebook:  Rep. Mike Cunningham sponsors bill to declare Dec. 25 as Christmas
         P-D:  St. Louis officials say numerous projects could benefit from a federal public works project
         SNL:  Federal money could bring new jobs to Springfield
         P-D Political Fix:  Mo. congressional delegation challenges feds over educators' retirement
         SNL Schools Blog:  Legislators ask for delay on change in educators' retirement pensions
         CDT Capitol Notes:  Blaine Luetkemeyer fills four senior staff posts
         KY3 Political Notebook:  Rep. Roy Blunt remembers Paul Weyrich
         CDT:  Schools say air quality report stinks
         AP:  Farm Bureau appeals ruling on hog farm
         CDT editorial:  Education priorities:  Whatever happened to K-12?
         Columbia Missourian op-ed:  'Emaciated' MU can't take any more cuts
         SNL op-ed:  Outrageous housing;  Nixon should clean house at Missouri Housing Development Commission
         P-D letter:  Higher ed funding
         SNL letter:  Polling zones have place in schools
         Disclosure



       Thursday, December 18
      
NationalJournal.com
         Hotline On Call
         Hotline Blogometer
         Mannies:  McCaskill is Missouri's key voice in Washington;  2008 a mixed bag for Claire, Nixon, Bond, Blunt
         KC Star's Abouhalkah:  Will McCaskill, Bond, Cleaver come through for Kansas City?
         P-D Political Fix:  McCaskill blasts Cheney for OKing torture
         KY3 Political Notebook:  Law prof:  McCaskill "naive" to oppose judicial pay raise
         St. Joseph News-Press:  Supporters stand behind camp's economic benefits
         Walsh:  Nixon not yet giving "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" to tax credit package for Chiefs
         P-D The Platform:  Now St. Joseph, Mo. is getting a stadium subsidy
         KY3 Political Notebook:  Deadline day for higher ed to submit "impact statements" for cuts
         KOMU:  Possible MU budget cuts
         Columbia Missourian:  MU faculty seeks answers as chancellor provides few specifics on budget cuts
         KY3 Political Notebook:  Ozarks Technical College President Hal Higdon expecting 3 to 5% mid-year higher ed cut
         KY3:  Nixon's Challenge:  Thoughts from Ozarks Technical College's Hal Higdon
         KY3 Political Notebook:  GOP vet Pat Thomas to close Mexico fee office Dec. 31
         Missourinet:  Prepping for the bikes of summer
         Joplin Globe:  Rep. Ron Richard announces legislative plan for 2009
         AP:  Incoming Speaker Ron Richard calls for 'family recovery plan'
         KWMU:  Mo. House will focus on "pocketbook" issues in 2009
         ArchCityChronicle.com:  Rep. Allen Icet starts committee for Senate run in 2010
         Columbia Missourian:  New bills would promote greener living
         AP:  Lawmaker-elect Linda Fischer reprimanded by Ethics Commission
         SNL:  Rep. Maynard Wallace wants fuel tax break for schools
         AP:  MOHELA delays payments to state
         KOMU:  Outgoing DNR director warns successor
         AP:  Falling interest hurts Missouri investments
         SNL:  Southwest Missouri fire departments receive grants;  Rep. Roy Blunt announces federal funding
         Joplin Globe:  Economic stimulus might prime pump for area water plan
         Missourinet:  State moves against real estate investment company
         AP:  Audit criticizes oversight of Missouri food inspections
         Missourinet:  Grants available for value-added agriculture
         AP:  Link in popular hiking trail to be rebuilt
         CDT:  Hulshof's wife to fill radio slot
    &