Capitol Calling

KBIA Commentary: It's Dangerous Business Outside Your Front Door

Here is my latest commentary for KBIA. It's on the potential race between Laura Nauser and Chris Kelly in the glorious 24th state House District:

KBIA Commentary: Demon Sheep

Howdy all!

Here is my latest KBIA commentary. It features a neat little character known as... DEMON SHEEP!

Enjoy:

KBIA Commentary: Boilerplate

First of all, I want to take this opportunity to thank everybody for their well wishes and congratulations. I am honestly blown away by it all and feel humbled by all the kind words. I hope to stop by the Missouri Capitol again while the legislature churns.

I didn't mention anything about the future of this blog yesterday, because I'm honestly not sure what will come of it. I don't plan on adding any state government-related content here after tomorrow. I will, however, still be contributing commentaries to KBIA on a semi-regular basis. So I may continue to post them here for organizational purposes. And if there's a new venture that's separate from this site, I will obviously post the address.

Here is my latest commentary. I'll post some videos from the first day of session tomorrow:

KBIA Commentary: Last Call

This KBIA commentary aired a few weeks ago. But I thought I would still post it for continuity purposes.

The piece takes a look at U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer's first year in Congress and why Democrats may be stuck with him for awhile if they don't field a credible candidate this year.

Take a listen:

LeVota responds to KBIA commentary

Over the Christmas holiday, House Minority Leader Paul LeVota, D-Independence, sent me an e-mail after listening to my commentary on lobbyist freebies.

With his permission, I will reprint the letter in full right here:

Jason,

Nice commentary on ethics reform. I thought I would drop you an email for a clarifcation on my view.

To be clear, I do support a ban on lobbyist gifts. As you stated in your report, House Democrats have been sponsoring such legislation for at least 5 years. I still support the idea. My opinion is the same.  Connor's implication, that I'm opposed to it now just because Tilley is for it, is wrong. Truth is, I don't know Connor. I've never met him. It is surprising how much one can assert another's position without ever talking to them.

My point is that to bring real reform we should reinstitute campaign finance limits. You know my agruments so I won't rehash in this email. My skeptical remarks about Tilley's proposal were made because he, nor Shields, will not join others, even Republicans, who agree with this point.

House & Senate Leadership won't let any campaign finance limit bill to advance, a Democrat or Republican sponsored one.  If they did, I would support that effort and publicly renounce my criticism.

So, I predict that at the end of the session, we will pass an ethics reform bill that will be watered down but supported by all. Victory will be declared but real reform will not come to the Capitol until limits are reinstated.

Thanks,
Paul LeVota

KBIA Commentary: Killer Tofu

My commentary this week touches on House Majority Leader Steve Tilley's call to curb lobbyist gifts.

Take a listen:

 

KBIA Commentary: Reinventing Your Exit

My commentary for KBIA this week is on the aftermath of the arrests and resignations of several Missouri politicians. It also examines what the incidents mean for the future.

Click below to listen:

KBIA Commentary: Rosenbaum in Arkansas

This week's KBIA commentary touches on my historic trip... to Arkansas.

More specifically, the piece takes a look at how Democrats in Arkansas and Missouri have moved to the right of their national party. It also looks at whether such a move could spark a backlash.

Take a gander:

KBIA Commentary: Plush

My KBIA commentary this week is on Sarah Palin's popular book tour. Even though the former Alaska governor is attracting attention, she may not have the juice to make it to the presidency.

Here it is:

KBIA Commentary: Stupak Impact

The Stupak Amendment may do more than stall President Barack Obama's primary domestic agenda item. It may also splinter a vital part of the Democratic coalition in Congress.

That's the theme of this week's KBIA commentary.

Take a listen: