Jay Nixon: Latest News

Missourians Overwhelmingly Elect Jay Nixon Governor

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

SAINT LOUIS -- Today, the people of Missouri overwhelmingly elected Jay Nixon to be the state's 55th Governor and to bring about the change we need.

Tonight, Governor-elect Nixon addressed 1,500 supporters at the Pageant Theater in St. Louis. The following are excerpts from the Governor-elect's speech. Complete Speech

"It's been a great day. Today, millions of Missourians went to the polls, and they spoke loudly and clearly. Missourians voted for change, and with me as their Governor, change is what they'll get.

"I've traveled all across this state over the past few years, but today, Election Day, I took some time and went home to where it all began. Back to DeSoto. My hometown.

"I stopped by my old high school. I walked down Main Street. I said hello to some old friends and I made some new ones. I saw in DeSoto many of the same challenges that I have seen throughout our great state over the past few years. But I also saw the same hope. The same belief in our common opportunity. The same strength of our people.

"Because whether you live in DeSoto or St. Louis. Kansas City or Cape Girardeau. St. Joe, Hannibal or Springfield and everywhere in between. We all know that Missouri's best days are ahead of us. We share a common belief that we can protect our unique way of life here in Missouri, while at the same time moving boldly to embrace the future. I've seen that hope and that optimism everywhere. On family farms and in our factories, in our biggest cities and our smallest towns.

"It's the hope of hardworking families who want steady jobs and good health care, and a chance to get ahead. Most importantly, I see the basic hope that unites us all: the hope that our kids will do better than we did. The hope that the next generation will be able to seize opportunities that we cannot even imagine today.

"Together, we need to see that future, and boldly move forward to meet it. We'll embrace science, not fear it. We'll build a climate in Missouri that encourages more research, more technology and more innovation. A place where employers want to create the jobs of tomorrow. . . .

"Loudly and clearly, today the people of Missouri have called for change. And make no mistake, change is what you'll get.

"Now, let's talk about what that change means.

"Change means creating new jobs, training new workers, and seizing the new economy. We're in the midst of an economic crisis, and we can't wait for Washington to fix it. Here in Missouri, we must take matters into our own hands and get folks back to work. That's the kind of change we'll fight for.

"Change means restoring the 2005 health care cuts. Making our health care system more efficient. And access to affordable health care for every child in our state.

"And change means helping more Missouri families realize the dream of a college education. Too many middle-class families are unable to afford college for their children ... and too many students who make it to college are graduating with tens of thousands of dollars in debt. So we'll create a pathway for middle-class students to get a four-year degree and graduate debt free.

"Some will stand against us. Some will say change is impossible. They'll fight to keep things just the way they are. But the status quo is unacceptable. It's unacceptable to me, and it's unacceptable to the people of Missouri. With your help, we will succeed in bringing about the change our state needs, and succeed in building a better future.

"It has been a long campaign. But now is the time to put the politics behind us. It's time to put aside our party labels, and to come together as Missourians.

"If you supported me in this campaign, I still need your help. If you voted for someone else, join us now. We must end the partisanship that has divided us for so long.

"To bring about real change, we'll need every voice and every idea. Everyone will have a seat at the table. We won't solve every problem overnight. But I make you this promise: With your help, we'll make progress again.

"As I was driving through DeSoto today, I recalled how I spent my summers as a young man. For seven years -- all through college and law school -- I worked in construction. I was part of a hard-working team, and we built things. Everyone came to work early, and nobody left until the job was done.

"I learned a lot from those guys. And on my last day as a part of that team, my fellow workers gave me a gift -- a beat up old shovel that I had used every day for those seven long summers. They knew I was moving on, but they didn't want me to forget where I had come from. I treasure that old shovel. And throughout my time in the State Senate and as Attorney General, it's been in my office. Right where I could see it.

"Now, in a few short months, I'll move that old shovel into the Governor's office. And when important decisions must be made, it will be in the corner of my eye. That old shovel symbolizes the millions of hardworking Missourians who wake up early everyday and build this great state. And it helps me never forget who I am, where I'm from, or who sent me.

"So tonight, I say to the people of Missouri, thank you. But more importantly, I say join me. Our job is just beginning. Now comes the real challenge.

"But working together, we can achieve anything. Working together, we will move Missouri forward."

All Signs Point to Jay Nixon for Governor

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

New Post-Dispatch Poll Gives Jay Nixon 55- 41 Lead; Major Newspapers Across the State Know Nixon Will Bring the Change We Need

SAINT LOUIS, Mo. -- Eight days before Missourians go to the polls, all signs are pointing to Jay Nixon for Governor. Today’s Saint Louis Post-Dispatch poll showed Jay Nixon to have a 55% - 41% lead, and over the weekend, Nixon picked up key endorsements from the Kansas City Star, the Independence Examiner and the Joplin Globe.  

Nixon had already earned the endorsements of the Saint Louis Post-Dispatch and the Columbia Daily Tribune.

“As the election nears, the desire to take Missouri in a new direction continues to grow. That’s why Missourians from all political parties and all regions of the state are uniting behind Jay Nixon,” said Oren Shur, Nixon’s campaign spokesman. “During these tough economic times, the last thing Missouri families need is a Congressman who has been out in Washington creating this mess. Missourians know Jay Nixon, and they know he’ll fight every day to turn this economy around and get our state moving forward again. There’s a tremendous amount of energy around this campaign that will carry right through Election Day.”

Today’s Post-Dispatch poll also showed Attorney General Nixon’s favorable rating to be at 60 % heading into the election, while just 33% of Missourians view him unfavorably.

Virtually all of the state’s major newspapers have endorsed Jay Nixon for Governor:

Kansas City Star: “[Nixon’s] ready -- and Missouri is definitely ready -- for the kind of sustained leadership and well-considered ideas that he offers . . . [B]y championing concerns for middle- and low-income families and children, Nixon would move Missouri forward.”  http://www.kansascity.com/340/story/858281.html

St. Louis Post-Dispatch: “Jay Nixon has the talent, experience and deep-rooted progressive principles to be an excellent governor. He offers Missouri a chance for bold, transformative leadership.” http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/editorialcommentary/story/4DE8AE5D6A7C97BA862574E50081528E?OpenDocument

Columbia Daily Tribune: “Jay Nixon is the best choice for Governor of Missouri, mainly because of his passion for running the office in an accountable, effective way . . . He knows the territory and has the energy to dig in. Jay Nixon could be one of Missouri’s best governors.”
http://www.columbiatribune.com/2008/Oct/20081017Comm001.asp

Joplin Globe: “His service to Southwest Missouri, experience in state government and his attention to local issues make him our choice for governor . . . We think Nixon is the best-qualified to move Missouri forward.”  http://www.joplinglobe.com/editorial/local_story_298110221.html/resources_printstory

Independence Examiner: “His stated priorities -- jobs, education, health care -- are in line with Missouri’s current pressing needs. . . It’s also worth noting that Nixon has been in the area, making his pitch and listening to people. Hulshof just hasn’t been visible around here.”
http://www.examiner.net/opinions/x1157496103/Our-Opinion-Govenor-Nixon

Jay Nixon Wins Final Debate; Outlines Agenda to Bring Change and Highlights Fiscally Conservative Record

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Congressman Hulshof unable to defend his record of reckless spending in Washington: 11,000 earmarks and record deficits

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- In tonight's final gubernatorial debate, Attorney General Jay Nixon outlined his agenda to bring about the change that Missouri families need, and highlighted his long record of running a fiscally responsible government agency. Congressman Kenny Hulshof, meanwhile, was unable to defend his Washington record of wasteful spending and gave Missourians no reason to believe he is capable of managing the state's budget.

"There is only one fiscally responsible candidate in this race, and that's Jay Nixon," said Oren Shur, Nixon's campaign spokesman. "While Congressman Hulshof has been in Washington voting for 11,000 earmarks and record deficits, Jay Nixon has balanced budgets and saved the taxpayers money. The Congressman was asked to defend his votes for reckless earmarks, and he was unable to, because those votes are indefensible. If Congressman Hulshof can't explain why he voted for hundreds of millions in wasteful earmarks, why should Missourians trust him to oversee our state's budget? Here in Missouri, we don't print money like Congressman Hulshof is used to doing out in Washington."

When Congressman Hulshof was asked to specifically defend his up-or-down votes for wasteful earmarks, he dodged the issue and failed to account for his Washington record. The Congressman did, however, remind Missourians that he voted for the Bridge for Nowhere.

See the attached document for a comparison of the candidates' records on fiscal responsibility.

Missouri's Major Newspapers Endorse Jay

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Missouri’s newspapers know Jay Nixon will bring about the change we need.

Jay has picked up the following major newspaper endorsements:

Click here to read the endorsement

Click here to read the endorsement

Click here to read the endorsement

Click here to read the endorsement

Click here to read the endorsement

Attorney General Nixon Discusses Economy, Next-Generation Jobs with Boeing Aerospace Workers

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

In Final Weeks of Campaign, Nixon Will Host Economic Discussions with Innovators, Workers Across Missouri

HAZELWOOD, Mo. – Moving into the final weeks of the gubernatorial campaign, Attorney General Jay Nixon today held an economic townhall meeting with aerospace workers and machinists from Boeing, its subsidiaries and related industries to kick off a series of discussions about creating next-generation jobs in Missouri. Over the next two weeks, Attorney General Nixon will meet with innovators across Missouri to discuss his priorities for attracting the jobs of the future to the state.

"Missouri is home to the best-trained, most productive workers in the world. Period. But during these difficult economic times, too many jobs are leaving our state," Attorney General Nixon said. "The failed policies of Washington, D.C., have made it easier big companies to move jobs overseas, and too many of our hardworking neighbors are getting squeezed. Missourians deserve a Governor who will fight to keep their jobs here and attract the jobs of the future. We've got to focus on job training and workforce development to prepare Missourians for next-generation jobs, and we must use tax credits and financial incentives strategically and efficiently to attract new investments. The failed policies of Washington won't solve this economic crisis. But with new ideas and bold leadership, the people of Missouri will."

To attract the jobs of the future to Missouri, Attorney General Jay Nixon today proposed:

To implement a Job Retention and Creation Tax Credit to retain and expand high-wage, next-generation jobs.

To study which infrastructure modifications must be made to make Missouri the most attractive location for the industries and jobs of the future. This includes implementing a Missouri Green Conversion Tax Credit to retool existing manufacturing plants with the technological innovations required to build the next generation of green products – from aircraft to automobiles to windmills.

To implement job-training programs to ensure that Missouri's workers are prepared to compete for these high-tech jobs. A well-educated workforce is the key to attracting employers.

To create an Advanced Technological Green Manufacturing Fund to provide funding for joint venture public-private research related to the design and manufacturing of next-generation products.

The downturn in the nation's economy has hit Missouri hard. According to data released this week by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Missouri's unemployment rate was 6.4 percent in September. Excluding the past few months, the last time Missouri's unemployment rate was this high was October 1991. Missouri's unemployment rate is higher than the national average, which is 6.1 percent. In addition, Missouri has lost more jobs in the past year than all eight of its bordering states combined. The average unemployment rate in Missouri's eight bordering states is 5.3 percent. [Analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data, 10/21/08]

Today's economic townhall with Boeing aerospace workers and machinists comes on the heels of several similar meetings Attorney General Nixon has hosted recently with autoworkers from both St. Louis and Kansas City. At the end of the month, 2,400 Chrysler employees in Fenton will lose their jobs, and the Ford autoworkers in Kansas City have seen a significant decrease in truck sales in recent years.

Meanwhile, after a prolonged protest by the Boeing Corporation, the U.S. Department of Defense has halted the process of awarding a contract for next-generation Air Force tankers to a manufacturer from Europe. Had the contract gone to Boeing, the tankers would likely have been built in St. Louis. Under a decision by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, the contracting process will resume in 2009.

Additional discussions and tours relating to Attorney General Nixon's economic priorities will be scheduled over the next two weeks.

Missouri Firefighters Endorse Jay Nixon for Governor

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Firefighters, Police Officers and Other First Responders Supporting Jay Nixon for Governor

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Today, the members of the Missouri State Council of Firefighters officially announced their endorsement of Jay Nixon for Governor. The firefighters cited Attorney General Nixon's long-standing support for the public safety community as the key reason for their endorsement.

Members of the Missouri State Council of Firefighters joined with the Missouri State Fraternal Order of Police and other first responders to announce their endorsement this afternoon in Kansas City. The State FOP endorsed Attorney General Nixon earlier this year.

"When firefighters put our lives on the line to keep Missourians safe, we need to know that our Governor will stand with us and support our work," said Sherwood Smith, president of the Missouri State Council of Firefighters. "Over the years, Jay Nixon has always been there for us. He's been a firm supporter of firefighters and all those who work in public safety. Jay has pushed for legislation to help us do our jobs, and he's earned our trust and respect. For firefighters and everyone concerned about public safety, the choice for Governor is clear. Jay Nixon will bring about the change we need."

Jay Nixon, who was first elected Attorney General in 1992, has received the endorsement of numerous law enforcement agencies and leaders. Earlier this year, both the Missouri State Fraternal Order of Police and the St. Louis Police Officers Association endorsed his candidacy for Governor. These organizations endorsed Matt Blunt for Governor in 2004. Last week, Lt. Colonel Ron Neubauer (U.S. Marine Corps, Ret.), the former police chief of St. Peters, Mo., also endorsed Jay Nixon.

Senior Republican Legislator Endorses Jay Nixon for Governor

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Springfield Rep. B.J. Marsh: "Jay Nixon will work across the aisle to get things done for Missouri families."

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Republican Rep. B.J. Marsh (R, Greene County - 136), a senior Member of the Missouri House of Representatives, today endorsed Attorney General Jay Nixon for Governor. Rep. Marsh, who represents the Springfield area, cited Attorney General Nixon's commitment to making college more affordable and his record of working across the aisle to deliver for Missouri families as the key reasons for his endorsement.

Rep. Marsh released the following statement today:

"Times are tough, and families in Missouri are hurting. Now more than ever before, we need a Governor who can bring this state together and get us moving forward again. I've known Jay Nixon for 20 years, and I know that he'll roll up his sleeves and get the job done, like he always has. I'm supporting Jay Nixon for Governor because I know, without a doubt, that he will bring about the change our state needs.

"As someone who is heavily involved at Missouri State University, I am particularly concerned about the ability of Missouri families to afford a college education. Tuition is skyrocketing, and too many students are graduating with tens of thousands of dollars of debt. Jay Nixon has put forward a plan, called the Missouri Promise, to create a pathway for middle-class students to get a four-year degree and graduate debt free. Jay Nixon knows we must help prepare our young people to compete in the new economy.

"Jay Nixon also understands that in order to turn this economy around, we must get serious about embracing science and technology. From life science to plant science to new energy solutions, Jay will fight to bring next generation jobs here to Missouri. That's the kind of leadership we need right now.

"For me, this election isn't about whether someone is a Democrat or a Republican. It's about electing the best candidate to move Missouri forward, and that's Jay Nixon. People know that I tell it like it is. Here's the deal: Jay Nixon will work across the aisle to get things done for Missouri families. Enough said."

Rep. B.J. Marsh was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1988 and serves as the Chairman of the Special Committee on Tourism.

Rep. Marsh is the latest in a series of Republicans and law enforcement leaders to endorse Jay Nixon for Governor. Other Republican leaders include: former Rep. Chuck Wooten of Springfield, Mayor Len Pagano of St. Peters and Lt. Colonel Ron Neubauer -- the former police chief of St. Peters. Attorney General Nixon also has received the endorsement of two organizations that endorsed Gov. Matt Blunt in 2004: the Missouri State Fraternal Order of Police and the St. Louis Police Officers Association.

New Nixon Campaign Ad: Congressman Hulshof Helped Create Economic Crisis, Yet Insists Missouri's Economy is Good

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Congressman Refuses to Defend Washington Record, Missouri Families Pay the Price

SAINT LOUIS, Mo. -- Attorney General Jay Nixon’s campaign has launched a new TV ad to contrast Congressman Kenny Hulshof’s failed economic record with Nixon’s agenda to turn this economy around and reduce government waste. After voting for the policies in Washington that helped create this economic crisis, Congressman Hulshof has come back to Missouri and continues to say that our state’s economy is in a “good place” -- an out-of-touch sentiment that he reiterated in Saturday night’s debate.

“Congressman Hulshof must be the only person in Missouri who thinks that our economy is better today than it was four years ago. Families in Missouri are hurting now more than ever,” said Oren Shur, Nixon’s campaign spokesman. “The election is just two weeks away. Is Congressman Hulshof really going to let Missourians go to the polls before they’ve heard an explanation for his votes that helped create this economic crisis? Congressman Hulshof helped create this economic crisis by voting to help companies ship Missouri jobs overseas, by voting for 11,000 earmarks and by voting to let Wall Street run wild. The Congressman clearly doesn’t want to talk about his Washington record, but the people of Missouri are waiting for answers.”

The Nixon campaign released the following ad on television stations statewide: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zZuMsYgBHM

n Saturday’s debate, Congressman Hulshof said that our economy is “better today than it was four years ago.” Several weeks ago, the Congressman said Missouri’s economy is in a “good place.”

In the past year, Missouri has lost more jobs than all of our bordering states combined, and the state’s unemployment rate is at a 17-year high.

Setting the Record Straight: Nixon Campaign Releases Facts to Debunk Hulshof Whoppers

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

SAINT LOUIS, Mo. -- Attorney General Jay Nixon’s campaign today released a fact sheet to debunk Congressman Kenny Hulshof’s recent string of whoppers. Unable to defend his Washington record on economic issues, Congressman Hulshof has resorted to attacks that media organizations have called “misleading,” “unfair” and “untrue.” [St. Louis Post-Dispatch Political Fix Blog, 09/15/08; St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 10/05/08]

After Congressman Hulshof wildly asserted in Saturday’s debate that Attorney General Nixon’s plans would cost the state $2.6 billion, the Congressman’s own campaign staff admitted in a press release that Nixon’s plans would cost just $326 million in new state funding. Throughout the debate, the Congressman went on to tell additional whoppers about his own record and his health care plan.

“Down in the polls and unable to defend his Washington record, Congressman Hulshof has resorted to telling whoppers and pulling numbers out of thin air,” said Oren Shur, Nixon’s campaign spokesman. “Congressman Hulshof can’t talk about the economic crisis, the issue most important to Missouri voters, because he voted for the failed Washington policies that caused it. So with just two weeks before the election, Congressman Hulshof has begun to panic. The Congressman’s Washington-style attacks and fuzzy math will only serve to remind voters why they can’t trust a Washington politician to run our state.”

CONGRESSMAN HULSHOF’S DEBATE WHOPPERS: FACT VS. FICTION

Spending

FICTION: Kenny Hulshof Claims Jay Nixon’s Plans Would Cost $2.6 Billion. During the Fox 2 debate, Kenny Hulshof claimed that Jay Nixon has proposed “$2.6 billion in additional spending.” [Fox 2 Gubernatorial Debate, 10/18/08]

FACT: Kenny Hulshof’s Claim Is So Wrong That It Has Already Been Debunked … By Kenny Hulshof’s Campaign. While Kenny Hulshof continues to incorrectly claim that Jay Nixon’s proposed plans would cost the state $2.6 billion, Kenny Hulshof’s campaign issued a press release on October 18, 2008, that acknowledged that Jay Nixon has only “proposed $326 million in new spending from state general revenues.” [Hulshof for Governor, Press Release, 10/18/08]

Health Care

FICTION: Kenny Hulshof Claims The Jay Nixon’s Health Care Plan Will Cost the State of Missouri $1.6 Billion. During the last two debates, Kenny Hulshof claimed that Jay Nixon’s health care plan will cost the state of Missouri $1.6 billion. [Fox 2 Gubernatorial Debate, 10/18/08; KCUR Gubernatorial Debate, 10/9/08]

FACT: Jay Nixon’s Health Care Plan Will Cost $265 Million In General Revenue. Jay Nixon’s health care plan costs $265.4 million in general revenue. This figure was provided by the Blunt administration’s Department of Social Services. According to a St. Louis Post-Dispatch editorial, the $1.6 billion claim “Mr. Hulshof used is inflated and misleading because it combines the federal and state shares of Medicaid costs. In fact, the federal government pays more than 60 percent of the cost of Medicaid. When Missouri cut more than 100,000 people from those programs, it also lost hundreds of millions of dollars in federal money.” Even Kenny Hulshof acknowledged this when he said during the Fox 2 debate that Jay Nixon’s health care plan was a “$265 million hit to general revenue.” In an earlier press release about his plan to use money from the rainy day fund, Congressman Hulshof also said “…instead of spending $265 million to put people back [on Medicaid], as Jay Nixon has proposed,” the $265 million should be used for a job-creation program. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 10/13/08; Fox 2 Gubernatorial Debate, 10/18/08; Hulshof for Governor, Press Release, 10/16/08]

Cost To Missouri

FICTION: Kenny Hulshof Claims His Health Care Plan Will Cost the State of Missouri $50 Million. At the Fox 2 debate Kenny Hulshof claimed his health care plan will cost “$50 million to general revenue.” [Fox 2 Gubernatorial Debate, 10/18/08]

FACT: Kenny Hulshof’s Campaign Has Already Admitted His Plan Will Cost the State of Missouri $508 Million. Implementing Kenny Hulshof’s plan would cost the state of Missouri $508 million. On the day the Congressman announced his plan, he first said it would cost $50 million. Then, later that day, the campaign said it would be closer to $70 million. Finally, by the end of the day, the Congressman’s campaign admitted that the plan would cost $590 million in total ($508 in state funds and $82 million in matching funds). The Hulshof campaign later was forced to say that “there was no attempt to pull the wool over anybody’s eyes.” [St. Louis Post-Dispatch Political Fix, 8/26/08; AP, 8/31/2008]

Drawing Down Federal Funds

FICTION: Kenny Hulshof Is Distorting The Facts Comparing His Health Care Plan’s Ability To Draw Down Federal Funds To Jay Nixon’s Plan. At the Fox 2 debate Kenny Hulshof claimed that his plan “access[es] federal dollars just as [Jay Nixon’s] does.” [Fox 2 Gubernatorial Debate, 10/18/08]

FACT: Jay Nixon’s Plan Draws Down $431 Million In Federal Funds Compared To Kenny Hulshof’s $82 Million. Kenny Hulshof misleadingly compared his plan’s federal matching funds to Jay Nixon’s plan. Kenny Hulshof’s plan would draw down would just $82 million in new federal health care matching dollars. Jay Nixon’s health care plan, on the other hand, would draw drown $431 million in federal funds. [Associated Press, 8/31/08]

State Children’s Health Insurance Program

FICTION: Kenny Hulshof Claims He Helped Write SCHIP. Fox 2 Debate: “I helped write the Children’s Health Insurance Program out of the federal government in 1997.” KCUR Debate: “On children, I helped write the bill. I’m going to get blamed for all the sins of Washington; I should get some of the credit too. Back in 1997 when Bill Clinton was in office, we passed the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, SCHIP.” [Fox 2 Gubernatorial Debate, 10/18/08; KCUR Gubernatorial Debate, 10/9/08]

FACT: There Is No Evidence To Support Hulshof’s Claim That He Helped Write SCHIP. SCHIP, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, was created in 1997 as part of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. While Hulshof did vote for this huge budget bill, there is no evidence that he “helped write it.” Hulshof did not sponsor or co-sponsor the bill or other SCHIP-related legislation in 1997. [HR 2015, 1997]

Taxes

FICTION: Kenny Hulshof Claims He Has Never Voted For A Tax Increase. During the last two debates, Kenny Hulshof claimed he never voted for a tax increase. [Fox 2 Gubernatorial Debate, 10/18/08; KCUR Gubernatorial Debate, 10/9/08]

FACT: Kenny Hulshof Has Voted For Tax Increases. For example, Kenny Hulshof, in 1997, voted to tax airline tickets and air cargo. In another example, Hulshof, on November 9, 2007, voted against a bill “to shield more than 23 million Americans from a tax hike … under the alternative minimum tax – and hit up wealthy managers of private equity firms and hedge funds to make up the difference.” This was “a $73.8 billion measure to protect millions of families from the alternative minimum tax and offer new tax breaks to middle-income homeowners and low-income parents.” It offered “a mortgage interest deduction to families that do not itemize their deductions and expanded tax rebates to working parents too poor to pay the income tax.” [House of Representatives Vote 27, 1997; House of Representatives Vote 1081, 2007; The Associated Press, 02/26/97; The Washington Post, 11/10/07; Los Angeles Times, 11/10/07]

FICTION: Kenny Hulshof Claims Jay Nixon Always Voted For Tax Increases. During the KCUR debate Kenny Hulshof claimed Jay Nixon, while he was a legislator, “always voted for a tax increase” and “voted for every single [tax increase].” [KCUR Gubernatorial Debate, 10/9/08]

FACT: Jay Nixon Voted To Cut Taxes and Against Tax Increases. When Jay Nixon was in the state legislature, he voted to cut taxes, including taxes paid into the Second Injury Fund, taxes on groceries, and taxes on investors in small businesses. Jay Nixon also voted against increasing taxes numerous times, including sales taxes, taxes on insurance policies and aviation fuel taxes. [House Bill 1244, 1988; Senate Bill 204, 1987; Senate Bill 620, 1992; House Joint Resolution 58, 1988; House Bill 423, 1991; House Bill 279, 1989; Senate Bill 473, 1992]

Legislative Committee Contributions

FICTION: Kenny Hulshof Claimed He Was Not Accepting Legislative Committee Contributions. At the KCUR debate, when asked if he had accepted any legislative committee money since the repeal of contribution limits, Kenny Hulshof replied, “Not to my knowledge.” [KCUR Gubernatorial Debate, 10/9/08]

FACT: Kenny Hulshof Has Accepted More Than $270,000 In Legislative Committee Contributions Since The Repeal Of Contribution Limits. Kenny Hulshof has accepted $271,431 in legislative committee contributions since the repeal of contribution limits. He even reported contributions the day before and the day after his debate denial. [Missouri Ethics Commission Data]

Another Republican Leader Endorses Jay Nixon for Governor

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Former St. Peters Police Chief, Marine Corps Colonel Says Nixon Will Keep Families Safe, Move Missouri Forward

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Lt. Colonel Ron Neubauer (USMC, Ret.), a Republican who was chief of police in St. Peters, Mo., for 14 years, today announced his strong endorsement of Attorney General Jay Nixon for Governor. Colonel Neubauer cited Attorney General Nixon's integrity, independence and support for law enforcement as the reasons for his endorsement.

"I've been a Republican all my life, but this year's election is more important than a political party. I'm absolutely certain Jay Nixon is the right person to bring about the change Missouri needs," Lt. Colonel Neubauer said. "During my 14 years as chief of police in St. Peters, I worked closely with Jay to keep our community safe and secure, and I was always impressed by Jay's unwavering support for our law enforcement officers. Jay is one of the most ethical people I've ever known. Jay is a man of his word, and he has the experience and knowledge to move our state forward. We need a leader who will manage our state with fiscal responsibility, support law enforcement and reach across party lines to turn things around. Without a doubt, that leader is Jay Nixon."

Lt. Colonel Neubauer served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 21 years and retired as the Corps' director of law enforcement and corrections. After his military career, he served as a chief of police for 17 years; for 14 of those years, he led the police department in St. Peters. During his tenure in St. Peters, he served in various leadership positions of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, including a term as the organization's President from 1998 to 1999. After retiring from the St. Peters Police Department in 2002, Lt. Colonel Neubauer joined the U.S. Transportation Security Administration in Washington, D.C., and faced the challenge of increasing security at airports across the United States. In June 2004, Lt. Colonel Neubauer returned to Missouri to become the executive director of the Eastern Missouri Police Academy.

Lt. Colonel Neubauer is the latest in a series of Republican and law enforcement leaders to endorse Jay Nixon for Governor. Other Republican leaders who have endorsed Jay Nixon include Mayor Len Pagano of St. Peters and former State Rep. Chuck Wooten of Springfield. Attorney General Nixon also has received the endorsement of the Missouri State Fraternal Order of Police and the St. Louis Police Officers Association.

Nixon for Governor Reports $3.1 Million in Bank

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

SAINT LOUIS, Mo. -- Today, Jay Nixon for Governor will report $3.1 million on-hand on its third-quarter finance report.

The Nixon campaign raised nearly $3.8 million in September and more than $5.25 million in the third quarter of 2008. The campaign has now received nearly 25,000 individual contributions, the majority of which were of $100 or less.

"As Missourians struggle to make ends meet during this economic crisis, they’re looking for a Governor who will take the state in a new direction. And that’s why so many Missourians are uniting behind Jay Nixon in this race. Missourians know that Jay Nixon is the only candidate who can turn this economy around and bring about the change we need," said Oren Shur, Nixon’s campaign spokesman. "In Washington, Congressman Hulshof helped create this economic crisis, which has hit families in our state so hard. Nobody wants to bring those failed Washington policies back here to Missouri."

The finance report summary page can be downloaded here.

Jay Nixon's Campaign Airs Two New TV Ads to Stress Differences with Congressman Hulshof on Economy

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Attorney General Jay Nixon’s campaign has launched two new TV ads to stress the key differences on economic issues between Nixon and Congressman Kenny Hulshof. One ad highlights Attorney General Nixon’s hometown values when it comes to protecting Missouri jobs, and the other new ad exposes Congressman Hulshof’s record in Washington, which contributed to the current economic crisis.

“Jay Nixon grew up in a small town, and he understands that regular Missouri families are hurting,” said Oren Shur, Nixon’s campaign spokesman. “That’s why he has put forward a plan to get our economy back on the right track by creating next-generation jobs and helping families afford college. In Washington, Congressman Hulshof helped create this economic crisis by voting for one failed economic policy after another. Here in Missouri, he turns a blind eye and continues to say that the state’s economic climate is strong. Clearly, Congressman Hulshof has been in Washington too long and just doesn’t get it. By voting to help big corporations ship Missouri jobs overseas and to let the big shots on Wall Street run wild, Congressman Hulshof has made it clear who’s side he’s really on. That’s not the kind of change we need here in Missouri.”

The first ad, “Hometown” can be viewed on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiQCC2zrK2w

The second ad, “Stick,” can be viewed on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGytwcAEeK0

Both ads are airing on network television stations in markets across the state. Yesterday’s Kansas City Star reported that the Nixon campaign is outspending Congressman Hulshof on television by nearly a 3-1 margin.

KennyCare v. JayCare

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

St. Louis Post-Dispatch Backs Jay Nixon's Health Care Plan Over Congressman Hulshof's

When pollsters asked Missouri voters to name the most important issues last month, the economy was first, with health care right behind it.

In fact, the two issues are one and the same.

Skyrocketing health costs and the lack of affordable health insurance are leading contributors to the economic insecurity that plagues many middle-class families.

That makes the health care proposals of Republican Kenny Hulshof and Democrat Jay Nixon, both of whom want to be governor, of crucial importance. A close analysis of both illustrates stark differences in the candidates’ philosophies:

— Mr. Nixon would restore insurance coverage to tens of thousands of Missourians who lost it as a result of Gov. Matt Blunt’s Medicaid cuts in 2005. He believes government has a responsibility to provide coverage to people who, because of ill health and poverty, never have been well-served by commercial market forces.

— Mr. Hulshof, in contrast, would create what he describes as a "new marketplace" in which people could buy coverage for themselves and their families. Those who couldn’t afford to buy insurance would receive policies paid for by the state. Although his plan also relies on government to pay, Mr. Hulshof would use private insurance to cover people those companies typically have worked hard to avoid insuring.

There are two other important differences between the candidates’ proposals: what insurance actually would cover and how much it would cost state taxpayers.

What would it cover?

Mr. Nixon would restore comprehensive Medicaid coverage to thousands of working poor families. Under Medicaid, anyone who meets income qualifications is entitled to receive the medical care they need. That approach has proven to be better at controlling chronic illnesses.

Mr. Nixon says that Missourians who get health coverage through their jobs — the overwhelming majority of state residents — also would benefit from his plan. Extending coverage to some of the uninsured would drive down costs for everyone else, he maintains.

That’s because it would reduce the so-called cost-shift: the higher prices hospitals and doctors charge privately insured patients to make up the costs of caring for the uninsured.

Health economists generally accept that the cost shift adds to insurance premiums, but they disagree over how large a factor it is.

Mr. Hulshof would rely on Health Savings Accounts, plans with high deductibles. These policies don’t start paying for care until after the insured person has paid substantial amounts out of pocket.

Under Mr. Hulshof’s plan, participants would be expected to pay 5 percent of their incomes as their share of the plan’s expenses. They would receive up to $500 per year in preventive care.

People in ill health and with few financial resources, a common combination among low-income working people, often find it hard to come up with cash for out-of-pocket health expenses. Faced with such circumstances, they often put off getting care until their condition is more advanced and difficult — not to mention more expensive — to treat.

What would it cost?

The theory behind HSAs is that health costs are rising rapidly because comprehensive insurance coverage leads people to get medical care they don’t really need. Making them pay a greater share of the costs would cut down on unnecessary care and make people shop for better prices.

But most health care economists say that other factors play a much bigger role in driving up health spending. Chief among them is the rapid embrace of new technologies that often are only marginally better than what they replace — but are much more expensive.

Neither candidate’s approach matters very much if there’s no way to pay for it. The candidates make this point themselves.

Mr. Hulshof, for example, repeatedly has said that his opponent’s plan is too expensive. He charged during a debate last week that it would have cost state taxpayers $1.6 billion this year if Gov. Matt Blunt’s Medicaid cuts had not been made. Mr. Nixon, of course, wants to reverse those cuts.

But the number Mr. Hulshof used is inflated and misleading because it combines the federal and state shares of Medicaid costs. In fact, the federal government pays more than 60 percent of the cost of Medicaid. When Missouri cut more than 100,000 people from those programs, it also lost hundreds of millions of dollars in federal money.

Federal funds come from taxpayers, too. But Missourians didn’t benefit when the Blunt administration turned down those federal funds. Instead, the money went to other states.

Mr. Nixon says the real cost of restoring Medicaid would be $265 million in state tax revenue, most of which would come from so-called provider taxes, not those paid by ordinary taxpayers. That $265 million in state funds would generate $431 million in federal funds — money that would be spent providing health care and creating, according to Mr. Nixon, an estimated 11,500 new jobs.

Mr. Hulshof says his plan would cost state taxpayers much less — just $50 million in direct costs and another $10 million to $20 million in tax incentives. But those figures come with a big caveat.

Mr. Hulshof proposes to take as much as $1.8 billion from a private organization: the Missouri Foundation For Health. It’s questionable whether that would be legal. If nothing else, any state attempt to take the foundation’s assets would provoke an extended legal fight.

The Missouri Foundation For Health was created after Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Missouri, a nonprofit corporation, was transformed into a for-profit company called Right Choice. At the time, Attorney General Nixon said that the change amounted to an illegal transfer of funds that had been accumulated by a nonprofit entity. He sued to recover the money and won, and, in 2000, the Missouri Foundation for Health was created.

The Missouri Foundation is not unique — similar stories lie behind the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City, the Deaconess Foundation and the Incarnate Word Foundation.

It underwrites the cost of health programs all across Missouri to the tune of millions of dollars every year. It pays to provide cervical cancer vaccine to low-income and uninsured women. It pays for dental, primary care, tobacco-education and health-literacy programs. Its grants pay for invaluable professional research on health matters used to guide policymakers’ decisions.

Mr. Hulshof’s health care plan is entirely dependent on getting hold of the Missouri Foundation’s assets. Absent any clear legal authority to do so — and having firmly pledged not to raise taxes — Mr. Hulshof’s health care plan probably would be dead on arrival.

What’s realistic?

Even under optimal conditions, neither candidate’s proposal could be implemented immediately. Both would require approval from — and almost certainly would be altered by — the Legislature.

Even so, both proposals provide insight into how the candidates would approach the job of governing. By that standard, Mr. Hulshof is proposing a fig leaf of a plan. He claims that it would cover more people, but there is scant evidence of that. Even if it did, the extent of the coverage would be limited.

Mr. Hulshof says his plan would cost less. But little of the spending he outlines would qualify for matching federal funds, which are the most efficient way to get the most bang for state taxpayers’ health care bucks. And his plan relies on a source of funding that probably will not be available.

Mr. Nixon’s plan relies on an older model of providing coverage. But that system has the advantage of having operated in the real world, where, over the years, it has done a better job of holding down health spending than private health insurance plans.

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Springfield Republican Leader Endorses Jay Nixon for Governor

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Former Rep. Chuck Wooten Says Jay Nixon will "get our state back on the right track"

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Former State Rep. Chuck Wooten (R-Greene County) today announced his endorsement of Attorney General Jay Nixon for Governor, citing Nixon’s record of cracking down on crime and commitment to Missouri’s veterans.

"As a veteran and former member of the Missouri House, I'm proud to strongly support Jay Nixon for Governor," Rep. Wooten said. "During his 16 years as Attorney General, Jay has always been tough on crime, and he has always stood up for veterans. I know he’d do the same as Governor. Too often, Washington has let us down when it comes to making sure we have the health care and benefits we deserve. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know Jay Nixon, and I know he’s the right man for the job. He’ll get our state back on the right track."

Former Rep. Wooten, a veteran of the Navy, represented Greene County (District 137) in the Missouri House of Representatives. Prior to that, Rep. Wooten served as the Mayor Pro Tem of Springfield and as a member of the Springfield City Council.

Rep. Wooten is the latest Republican to endorse Attorney General Nixon for Governor. A couple weeks ago, St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano, a Republican, endorsed Nixon. Today, the Kansas City Star reported that Congressman Kenny Hulshof is having problems gaining traction among Republicans. (See the Star article: http://www.kansascity.com/775/v-print/story/838315.html)

As Rep. Wooten noted in his endorsement, Attorney General Nixon has a strong record of standing up for Missouri veterans:

Jay Nixon Obtained $900,000 Judgment For Missouri Veterans Needing Daily Medical And Skilled-Nursing Care. Jay Nixon’s office, in May 2008, representing the Missouri Veterans Commission in court, secured more than $900,000 from the federal government as reimbursement for providing care at the veterans home in Warrensburg. The settlement could help "seven veterans homes operated by the State of Missouri, which provide 24-hour medical care and skilled nursing care for eligible veterans." Although the federal government had denied the state’s claim for seven years, Jay Nixon continued to stand up for Missouri veterans – and finally secured these vital funds. [Missouri Attorney General’s Press Release, 5/21/08, http://ago.mo.gov/newsreleases/2008/Veterans_homes_to_receive_funds_after_court_ruling/]

Jay Nixon Stopped Web Site Operators Who Misrepresented Themselves As A Tax-Exempt Charity To Help Military Veterans; Obtained $20,000 Ruling. Jay Nixon, in March 2008, "obtained a temporary restraining order to stop an organization [RCT Development Association] in Independence from representing that it operates a tax-exempt charity to help military veterans…. Nixon said the defendants made several misrepresentations to potential donors, including claiming that donations would be tax-deductible." A month later, in April 2008, Nixon obtained a court order that would ensure that the organization "permanently stop representing that it operates a tax-exempt charity to help military veterans and its operators will jointly pay $21,851 in restitution, costs and penalties."
[Missouri Attorney General’s Press Release, 3-7-08; http://ago.mo.gov/newsreleases/2008/030708.htm ; Missouri Attorney General’s Press Release, 4-28-08, http://ago.mo.gov/newsreleases/2008/Court_order_against_RCT_Development_Association_Chris_Ann_McPherson_Russell_Rose_Timothy_Divers_Helping_Our_Heroes/]

Jay Nixon Has Helped Educate Veterans And Their Spouses About The Benefits Available From The Federal Government. Jay Nixon, in June 2008, alerted "Missouri veterans or their widows" that they "may be paying fees to help them access veterans benefits, when that assistance is free from several government agencies and non-profit organizations." Nixon said, "Some insurance companies, so-called veterans benefits specialists and others offer assistance for a fee to veterans and their family members with filling out forms, contacting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and helping determine what level of benefit may be available. While it is not illegal to charge a fee for these services, Nixon reminds veterans and their families that there are a number of government agencies and non-profit organizations whose mission is to provide this assistance at no charge. Nixon says another risk is that the for-profit companies may give faulty advice about which benefits to apply for. That could cause consumers to be overpaid by the VA, which means they might have to repay money in the future." Nixon supplied Missouri veterans and their spouses with reputable organizations that provide free assistance to Missouri veterans and family members. [Missouri Attorney General Press Release, 6-24-08, http://ago.mo.gov/newsreleases/2008/Do_not_pay_for_veterans_benefits_you_can_get_for_free/]

Jay Nixon Wins Debate; Outlines Agenda to Bring the Change Missouri Needs

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Former Rep. Chuck Wooten Says Jay Nixon will "get our state back on the right track"

As Rep. Wooten noted in his endorsement, Attorney General Nixon has a strong record of standing up for Missouri veterans:

Jay Nixon Stopped Web Site Operators Who Misrepresented Themselves As A Tax-Exempt Charity To Help Military Veterans; Obtained $20,000 Ruling. Jay Nixon, in March 2008, "obtained a temporary restraining order to stop an organization [RCT Development Association] in Independence from representing that it operates a tax-exempt charity to help military veterans…. Nixon said the defendants made several misrepresentations to potential donors, including claiming that donations would be tax-deductible." A month later, in April 2008, Nixon obtained a court order that would ensure that the organization "permanently stop representing that it operates a tax-exempt charity to help military veterans and its operators will jointly pay $21,851 in restitution, costs and penalties."
[Missouri Attorney General’s Press Release, 3-7-08; Missouri Attorney General’s Press Release, 4-28-08]

Two New TV Ads Hold Congressman Hulshof Accountable for Failed Economic Record in Washington

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Jay Nixon's campaign for Governor has launched two new television ads: to set the record straight and to hold Congressman Hulshof accountable for helping to create this economic crisis in Washington. Both ads are airing statewide.

"Congressman Hulshof is running a deceitful and misleading campaign because he can't talk about the single most important issue to Missouri families, the economy," said Oren Shur, Nixon's campaign spokesman. "Congressman Hulshof can't talk about the economic crisis because in Washington, he helped create it. Congressman Hulshof has voted to help big companies ship Missouri jobs overseas, voted for thousands of wasteful earmarks and voted to give special breaks to Wall Street executives instead of middle-class Missourians. Families in our state are hurting and they won't be distracted by Congressman Hulshof's Washington-style attacks. That's not the kind of change we need here in Missouri."

Congressman Hulshof has voted for 90% of President Bush's economic policies, and the two campaigned together last week in Missouri.
Down in the polls and running out of time, the Congressman's attack ads have become increasingly desperate and misleading. The first Nixon for Governor ad responds to Congressman Hulshof's attacks and sets the record straight. Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcRKUfHEHJ8

The second Nixon for Governor ad directly holds Congressman Hulshof accountable for his votes in Washington that helped create this economic meltdown. Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuS8g5zidG0

Background information on Congressman Hulshof's Washington record on economic issues:

Congressman Kenny Hulshof Has "Been Supportive Of President Bush's Economic Policies." Republican Rep. Kenny Hulshof has "been supportive of President Bush's economic policies..." [Columbia Missourian, 11/03/2006]

Congressman Kenny Hulshof Has Voted With George W. Bush Nearly 90 Percent Of The Time On "Economic Affairs And Trade" Issues. Congressman Kenny Hulshof, from 2001 through 2007, voted with President George W. Bush 88 percent of the time on "economic affairs and trade" issues. [Congressional Quarterly Vote Studies, 2001-07]

Kenny Hulshof Voted To "Normalize China's Trade Relationship With The United States." Kenny Hulshof, on May 24, 2000, voted to pass H.R. 4444, which was a bill "to normalize China's trade relationship with the United States." This was a vote to set "the stage for the integration of the world's most populous nation into the global trading system." According to the Economic Policy Institute, "unbalanced U.S. trade with China since 2001 has had a devastating effect on U.S. workers. Between 2001 and 2007, 2.3 million jobs were lost or displaced, including 366,000 in 2007 alone." [House of Representatives Vote 228, 2000, The Associated Press, 05/25/00; The Washington Post, 05/25/00; USA Today, 05/25/00; Economic Policy Institute, 07/30/08, http://www.epi.org/content.cfm/webfeatures_snapshots_20080730]

Congressman Kenny Hulshof Has Continued To Defend His Vote To Normalize Trade Relations With China. Kenny Hulshof has continued to defend his vote for normalized trade with China. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 9/8/2008; Kansas City Star, 9/5/2008]

Kenny Hulshof Voted For Tax Breaks That Help Companies Move Job Overseas. Kenny Hulshof, on March 9, 2005, voted in the House Budget Committee against an amendment to H.Con.Res. 95 to "create a reserve fund for revenues to be derived from ending the deferral by companies of income taxes paid on profits earned overseas. That would bring in $4.5 billion in fiscal 2006 and $32.7 billion over five years. The funds would pay for health insurance coverage for the uninsured and to increase coverage under Medicare and the State Children's Health Insurance Program." [CQ Congressional Committee Coverage of the House Budget Committee, 03/09/05]

Kenny Hulshof's Votes Preserved Tax Deferrals For Companies' Overseas Profits. "Profits earned in the United States are subject to the 35% corporate tax. But multinational corporations can defer paying U.S. taxes on their overseas profits until they return them to the USA – transfers that often don't happen for years. General Electric, for example, has $62 billion in ‘undistributed earnings' parked offshore, according to recent Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Drug giant Pfizer boasts $60 billion. ExxonMobil has $56 billion." "American multinationals can defer U.S. taxes indefinitely as long as profits are held in a foreign subsidiary." This "encourages multinationals to invest outside the United States rather than within it." [CQ Congressional Committee Coverage of the House Budget Committee, 03/09/05; USA Today, 03/21/08; James Kvaal, Title, 1 HARV. L. POL'Y REV. (Online) (Sept. 18, 2006),http://www.hlpronline.com/2006/07/kvaal_01.html]

Jay Nixon Outlines Education Agenda

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Nixon: "Every student in Missouri deserves a quality education and an opportunity to achieve his or her dreams."

Nixon pledges to veto any voucher bill that hits his desk

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- In a speech tonight before educators and school administrators, Attorney General Jay Nixon outlined his plan to strengthen Missouri schools and to make sure that every child in the state gets the quality education he or she deserves. As Governor, Jay Nixon will oppose legislation to divert resources from our public schools and will veto any voucher schemes that arrive on his desk.

"I believe all children in Missouri, no matter what town they're from or what their parents do for a living, deserve a first-class education. As a product of Missouri's public schools, I know that a good education is critical to achieving the American dream," Attorney General Nixon said. "Whether a student plans to attend college or is preparing to enter the work force or military, it's our job to make sure he or she has the tools needed to succeed. That means strengthening our public schools from the bottom up -- from expanding early childhood education to reinventing the senior year of high school. I respect the Missouri families who decide that private school is right for them, but public dollars should go towards strengthening our public schools. While Congressman Hulshof has put forward a voucher scheme, as Governor, I will veto any voucher bill that hits my desk. We must strengthen our public schools, not weaken them by pulling money away."

In his speech, Attorney General Nixon focused largely on his plans to (1) expand early childhood education, (2) reinvent the senior year of high school and to (3) veto any voucher legislation that reaches his desk.

Expanding early childhood education: Jay Nixon recognizes the importance of investing in early childhood education programs and of ensuring that parents have the tools to get their children off to a good start in school. He will provide funding incentives to encourage early childhood programs to participate and ensure the highest standards to prepare the next generation of Missouri children to succeed. Jay will implement a model quality-improvement and rating program for early childhood education that will promote achievement through accountability.
Reinventing the senior year of high school: Jay Nixon realizes that to prepare tomorrow's workers, a student's senior year in high school has to be about more than prom and graduation parties. Instead, students should be focused on what comes next. High schools should be helping them do so. College-bound students should be able to earn a full semester's worth of college credit during their senior year, potentially cutting their college costs and time by a full 12.5 percent, and preparing for the rigors of college academics. Students who want to enter the workforce immediately after college should start preparing to do so through valuable co-ops or internships and be eligible to receive credit toward a technical-training program for this experience. Helping students see beyond their senior year will motivate them to complete their high school diplomas and create more prepared college students and workers.
Strict opposition to vouchers: Jay Nixon strongly opposes private school vouchers under any guise. He does not think public tax dollars should be siphoned off to pay for a private education. Parents may choose to send their children to private schools, but taxpayers shouldn't be forced to subsidize that choice. Instead, Missouri should strengthen its public schools and make sure every child has access to a quality public education. As Governor, Jay Nixon will veto any proposals that contain vouchers or private school tax credits.

From kindergarten to law school, Attorney General Nixon is a product of Missouri's public schools, as is his wife, Georganne. Mrs. Nixon's father, Hubert Wheeler, was Missouri's Education Commissioner from 1945 to 1971. Both of Jay and Georganne's sons attend Missouri public schools.

In addition to the three items outlined above, Attorney General Nixon elaborated on the following education plans in his speech today:

Early Childhood Education and Intervention

Assisting school districts in starting and expanding early childhood education programs.
Implementing a model quality rating program to hold early childhood programs accountable.
Supporting and expanding "Parents as Teachers" in the challenged communities that need additional parental involvement most.

Strengthening K-12 Education

Fully funding public education, and working with the districts that have been adversely impacted by recent formula changes to see if common-sense adjustments can be made to accommodate funding disparities.
Developing a consistent measure to determine the state's drop-out rate, and then reduce the drop-out rate.
Reinventing the senior year so that college-bound students can earn at least a semester's worth of college credits through AP courses. And students who plan to enter the workforce directly should be allowed to earn credit toward a technical training program.
Strongly opposing vouches schemes, or backdoor vouchers under the guise of tuition tax credits, because public dollars should not be siphoned off to pay for private schools. As Governor, Nixon will veto any voucher bill that the legislature sends to his desk.

Strengthening Our Challenged School Districts in Urban and Rural Regions

Providing tax deductions for individuals who make donations to non-profits that are committed to improving public schools, and private-public partnerships to help schools in challenged districts.
Reestablishing local control, because local community support is critical to rebuilding the trust needed to make progress for our kids.
Reducing class sizes.
Using MOHELA to provide financial incentives, such as loan forgiveness or bonus pay, to recruit talented teachers and administrators to challenged school districts.

Supporting our Public School Teachers and Recruiting the Next Generation of Great Teachers

Increasing teacher recruitment and reinstating MOHELA-based loan-forgiveness programs for teachers.
Working with the State Board of Education to reduce the amount of paperwork created by failed mandates from Washington, such as No Child Left Behind.
Missouri currently ranks 43rd in the nation in teacher salaries. Jay will work to bring teacher salaries closer to the national average.

Creating a Safe Learning Environment

Reinstating the option of alternative schools to provide individualized attention for students who would otherwise be disrupting the classroom.
Accelerating background checks on school administrators and school staff.
Allowing principals to have access to juvenile criminal history records.

Nixon for Governor Statement on Congressman Hulshof's "Accountability" Plan

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

"If Congressman Hulshof wants to talk about the misuse of taxpayer dollars, he should take a long look in the mirror," Oren Shur, Nixon's campaign spokesman said. "In Washington, Congressman Hulshof voted for thousands of wasteful pork barrel projects like the ‘bridge to nowhere.' The Congressman even voted against measures to make those earmarks open and transparent, so at least the public could see which Congressman sponsored them. Here in Missouri, Congressman Hulshof refuses to say that he would turn over the public documents that Gov. Blunt has withheld from the people of Missouri.

"Let's not lose sight of what all these attacks are really about. Congressman Hulshof is down in the polls and running out of time, so he's beginning to panic and make desperate character attacks. Everyone is sick of the Washington-style politics that Congressman Hulshof is trying to bring back here to Missouri. That's not the change we need."

Several months ago Jay Nixon put forward his plan for widespread performance reviews to root out government waste and make government more efficient. Read more here: http://www.jaynixon.com/news/press_releases?id=0109

Setting the Facts Straight:

Jay Nixon sued the major tobacco companies on behalf of the people of the State of Missouri and won. Jay Nixon, in November 1998, announced a settlement of his lawsuit against major tobacco companies that will "bring $6.7 billion into the state over…25 years. Nixon said the record settlement amount and unprecedented concessions from cigarette manufacturers produced a package that was better than what the state could win from a jury or a court." "Besides paying the money, the tobacco companies… agreed to prohibitions against targeting youth with advertising, including the use of cartoon characters in ads and advertising on billboards." [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 10/20/98]

As a result of Jay Nixon's victory over the tobacco companies, Missouri has already received $1.4 billion from tobacco companies while paying no legal fees or expenses. "The Show Me State has received nearly $1.4 billion in the past 10 years" from tobacco companies from the abovementioned settlement. The tobacco companies, as part of the settlement, paid all of the legal bills and expenses related to this case. The taxpayers were not left to foot the bill for any of the legal bills or expenses. [St. Louis Business Journal, 04/16/08; St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 10/20/98]

Jay Nixon restored public confidence in the attorney general's office. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Jay Nixon "helped restore public confidence in an office badly tarnished by the activities of his predecessor, Republican William Webster, who ended up in federal prison." [St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 10/22/96]

Jay Nixon's Statement on Bush-Hulshof Fundraiser Amidst Economic Crisis

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Following news reports that Congressman Kenny Hulshof's will hold a fundraiser with President Bush this evening in St. Louis, Attorney General Jay Nixon issued the following statement:

"The failed economic policies of President Bush, supported by Congressman Hulshof, have created what looks to be the worst economic crisis in more than a generation. While Washington is focused on bailing out Wall Street, the people of Missouri continue to feel the real pain of this broken economy. Families are struggling to pay the bills, jobs are leaving our state and everyone is worried about what the future will bring.

"We have an election around the corner and everyone is campaigning aggressively, but by embracing President Bush in the midst of this economic meltdown, Congressman Hulshof is reminding the people of Missouri why it's so important that we take our state in a new direction. After voting lockstep with President Bush to create this economic crisis, Congressman Hulshof is not the change we need here in Missouri. We simply can't afford it."

AP: Nixon says state's auto industry can revive

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Fenton -- Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jay Nixon outlined his plans for bolstering the state's auto industry Wednesday, meeting with auto workers in a St. Louis suburb hit hard by industry layoffs.  Nixon, currently the state attorney general, told Chrysler workers in Fenton that Missouri is a prime location for the auto industry to launch production of electric and other energy-efficient vehicles.  

"A whole new generation of vehicles is going to be made in this country, a whole new product line of demand," he told dozens of workers at a union hall near a Chrysler plant.  

"We are better positioned to meet that need. We gotta be there."  

Citing declining demand for minivans and pickups trucks, Chrysler cut a shift from the truck plant in early September and will close the minivan plant Oct. 31.  

Nixon's praise of Missouri autoworkers' efficiency and work ethic played well with his audience.  

Ben Harman, 43, of Ste. Genevieve, an autoworker half his life, is among the 2,400 autoworkers losing their jobs this fall in Fenton. With a 16-year-old son with cystic fibrosis, Harman isn't sure where he'll work, or get health insurance.  

"As a country, as a state, as an industry, and as individuals, we're in a crisis," Harman said.  Nixon said that as governor, he would use job training, tax breaks and other financial incentives to attract and retain next-generation auto jobs in Missouri.

Source: Associated Press

Jay Nixon Outlines Plans to Attract Next-Generation Auto Jobs to Missouri

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

FENTON, Mo. -- Speaking at a townhall meeting on Missouri’s economy with Fenton autoworkers today, Attorney General Jay Nixon outlined his plans to make Missouri a prime location for the automobile industry to create next-generation auto jobs and expand production of energy-efficient vehicles.

"While everyone is feeling the pain of this economic crisis, our auto industry has been hit particularly hard. As the auto industry begins to expand its production of energy-efficient vehicles, we must ensure that Missouri is ready to capitalize on these next-generation jobs," Attorney General Nixon said. "Missouri is already home to the best autoworkers in the world, and we’ve got the plants and facilities here as well. We just need to make sure our state government is ready to do its part to recruit these jobs to our communities.

"In Washington, Congressman Hulshof supported the failed policies that created this economic crisis. The Congressman voted for special tax breaks and unfair trade deals that help big corporations ship Missouri overseas. That’s not the change we need. As Governor, I will ensure that we use tax credits, job training and other financial incentives to strategically and efficiently make sure that high-quality jobs are created right here to the Missouri."

As Fenton braces for the loss of 2,400 Chrysler jobs at the end of the month, Attorney General Nixon said that as Governor, he would establish a panel of industry, economic and government experts to research the best means of attracting next-generation automobile jobs to Missouri. Specifically, Attorney General Nixon would charge the commission with finding the best combination of financial incentives, job-training programs and infrastructure improvements to make Missouri an optimal location for this high-tech, high-paying industry.

The Fenton layoffs will be the latest blows to Missouri's skyrocketing unemployment. Missouri's unemployment rate in August climbed to 6.6 percent - the highest unemployment rate in 17 years. Missouri has lost more jobs in the past year than all eight of its bordering states combined. [Analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics Data, 9/19/08]

To combat that rise in unemployment, and expand Missouri’s share of green-sector jobs, Attorney General Nixon proposed:

To implement a Job Retention and Creation Tax Credit to retain and expand high wage jobs in the manufacturing of next-generation green automobiles.
To study which infrastructure modifications must be made to make Missouri the most attractive location for the auto industry to create its next-generation jobs and implement a Missouri Green Conversion Tax Credit to retool existing manufacturing plants with the technological innovations required to build the next generation of green automobiles.
To implement job-training programs to ensure that Missouri’s auto-workers are prepared to compete for these high-tech jobs. A well-educated workforce is the key to attracting employers.
Create an Advanced Technological Green Manufacturing Fund to provide funding for joint venture public-private research related to the design and manufacturing of the next generation of green automobiles.

Nixon for Governor Statement on Congressman Hulshof's Education Plan

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500

School Administrators Endorse Nixon for Governor Today

SAINT LOUIS -- Today, Congressman Hulshof put forward an education plan that amounts to little more than another voucher scheme -- a backdoor attempt to subsidize private schools with tax dollars. According to the Congressman's campaign, he plans to create a tax credit "which can be used for tuition or tutoring."

On the other hand, Attorney General Nixon supports tax deductions for business leaders and individuals who invest in public schools in challenged school districts.

"Congressman Hulshof wants to subsidize private schools with public tax dollars, and the people of Missouri won't have it," said Oren Shur, Nixon's campaign spokesman. "Instead of using taxpayer dollars for private schools, Jay Nixon believes we must encourage business leaders and other individuals to invest in our public schools. Today's announcement comes as no surprise, because in Washington, Congressman Hulshof also backed voucher schemes that take money away from our public schools. We don't need to bring Washington's failed education ideas back here to Missouri.

"There's a reason that the key teacher and education organizations have endorsed Jay Nixon for Governor. It's because Jay Nixon has a plan to strengthen our public schools, particularly in challenged school districts, and will firmly oppose voucher schemes. Jay also supports improved fiscal oversight of charter schools to make sure taxpayers are getting what they pay for. We can move our urban schools forward and make sure every Missouri child gets a quality education, but it won't happen with the same failed voucher schemes."

Earlier today, the Missouri Association of School Administrators announced its endorsement of Jay Nixon for Governor. After the organization met with both candidates for Governor, it concluded that Jay Nixon is "best suited to meet the challenges facing Missouri schools."

Jay Nixon believes the following steps must be taken to strengthen Missouri's challenged schools.

Tax Deductions For Contributions To Public Schools. Jay will ask local business leaders to invest in not-for-profit foundations to fund local educational priorities. Jay believes we must begin anew with the vision of our local schools as the crown jewel of the community. He will encourage public-private partnerships and private investment in challenged school districts by offering a way individuals and corporations can make tax-deductible contributions to help public education. Nowhere is this more important than in our challenged districts, where immediate investment and community buy-in are needed most.
Recruiting Talented Teachers To Challenged Districts. Jay will work with local communities, institutions of higher education and MOHELA to provide financial incentives to recruit highly talented teachers and administrators, such as loan forgiveness or bonus pay. This is especially important in the critical areas of math and science education.
Reducing Class Size. Working with local school leaders, Jay will set a goal of reducing class size in failing districts, starting in the early grades and working up.
Reestablishing Local Support. Even in those instances where the state has stepped in, Jay believes local community support is critical to rebuild the trust needed to make educational progress. As Governor, Jay will work hand in hand with parents, teachers and school administrators to find community-based, local solutions to meet their children's educational needs.
Making Sure Alternative Schools Are Available And Effective. Jay Nixon believes that alternative schools are especially important in challenged school districts, where dropout rates can soar to over 50 percent. As Governor, Jay will work with local leaders to see that every challenged school district has the option to send kids to a fully staffed alternative school to end disruptive behavior in the classrooms and provide individualized instruction where needed. He will see that local school districts are able to join with other districts if they so choose in forming an alternative school. These alternative schools will have a specifically tailored education and mentoring program to help troubled youth get on track to graduation. Jay will also seek to expand vocational- and technical-training opportunities for those who do not wish to go to college.