Capitol Calling

Wainwright to highlight prayer breakfast

Switching gears to a sports story that doesn't involve scandal, Gov. Jay Nixon's office just announced that Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright will keynote the Missouri Governor's Annual Prayer Breakfast.

The event, which takes place in early January in Jefferson City, supports a program called the Governor's Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values. The even brings together Missouri college students for "a three-day study of faith and leadership."

Wainwright endeared himself to Cardinals fans when he struck out Brandon Inge to record the final out of the 2006 World Series. He's also become a dominant starting pitcher, nearly winning the NL Cy Young Award this year.

You can get more information about the event by clicking here.

And now, a post about the Minnesota Vikings committing crimes

 

Tony Messenger of the Post-Dispatch wrote an interesting column this morning about Rep. Jeff Roorda's efforts to ban "Whizzinators" in Missouri. The devices are used by some people to mask improper stuff in urine, often to pass drug tests.

While Messenger noted that the device has been used in some serious situations, the column did remind me of an embarrassing moment for the Minnesota Vikings that didn't involve sex boats.

Several years ago, Onterrio Smith was selected as the Vikings' fourth round draft choice. For whatever reason, he decided to declare himself the "Steal of the Draft" by shaving the letters "S.O.D." into his head. And for whatever reason, that enough for this fantasy footballer to place the Oregon Duck on his perennially underachieving team.

But all that came to a screeching halt when Smith was caught in Minneapolis' airport with a mysterious device. That object turned out to be the "Original Whizzinator," the same type of device Roorda is trying to outlaw. Smith never played in the NFL again. 

Apparently, the device was about to be sold at auction. But if Roorda had his way, you couldn't bring the prized possession that brought Smith's career to halt into the Show Me State.

Thus concludes a lame attempt of a Bears fan to make himself feel better about his terrible team.

NEWS FLASH! Jay Nixon doesn't like Kansas very much

Ever since I came to the Show Me State many eons ago, I learned that Missourians relish the opportunity to rip Kansas at every turn.

Gov. Jay Nixon is no exception. The first-term chief executive often sprinkles his speeches with jibes to our neighbors to the West. Here's an example:

Will Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson will retaliate? Probably not.

All for the Empire

A-Rod? More like Ster-Rod!

I am by no means a fan of either the New York Yankees or the Boston Red Sox. I think the squads showcase everything that's wrong with baseball. But I have a rather irrational way of showing allegiance. And that's the main reason why I want the Bronx Bombers to obliterate the Philadelphia Phillies.

You see, the Phillies beat my beloved Tampa Bay Rays last year. Sure, I like the Chicago White Sox more than the Devil Rays. But this was probably the only chance in history for the usually floundering franchise to succeed. And the fact that a Philadelphia team beat them to the ground? Well, I just can't accept that.

So in short, go Yankees. Destroy the Phillies. It's for the greater good.

The Hill: Mo. representatives say Limbaugh may help Rams

The Hill is reporting that U.S. Reps. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Kansas City, and Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, are supportive of radio host Rush Limbaugh purchasing the St. Louis Rams:

There is bipartisan support in the Missouri delegation for Rush Limbaugh’s bid for the St. Louis Rams. And one Democratic is willing to do almost anything to help his home-state team — even if it means endorsing Rush Limbaugh’s effort to buy the winless bunch.

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) told ITK, “With both the [Kansas City] Chiefs and Rams yet to win a game this season, maybe Rush’s fire and brimstone can inspire the Rams to victory.”

GOP Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (Mo.) also favors Limbaugh’s effort, but his reasons are more strategic than inspirational.

“One has to wonder whether a Limbaugh-led team would be too conservative in its play-calling,” he joked to ITK in an e-mail, “and less likely to run left. I’m sure, however, that the team’s pass ‘rush’ would improve.”

Read the rest here.

AP: Limbaugh seeks to buy the Rams

If you're a St. Louis Rams fan, chances are that you're mighty depressed about how unbelievably terrible the team is performing.

So depending on your political persuasion, this bit of news will either make you happy or even more glum about the squad. Radio host Rush Limbaugh and St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts are seeking to buy the team.

The move may keep the Rams in St. Louis. The team used to be situated in Los Angeles.

The Rams' fortunes have soured since dominating the NFC earlier in the decade. Their presence on Missouri television screens have reportedly caused certain bloggers to scream out in horror and anger.

Of course, the Kansas Chiefs are also pretty bad.

Tiger Woods, Ya'll

Apparently, Gov. Jay Nixon is Tiger Woods.

OK, maybe not. But Missouri Agriculture director Jon Hagler compared the Missouri governor to the superstar golfer today at a press conference pumping up the Missouri State Fair:

As you can see, Hagler was not remarking about Nixon's golf game. Rather, he was complimenting Nixon for showing up yesterday to deliver a batch of government cheese to a Mid-Missouri food bank.

I Didn't Say I Was Powerful, I Said I Was Mark Buehrle

Hell to the yes!

Nixon to channel inner Bogut

Above average centers from Australia better take notice: Gov. Jay Nixon is ready to bring the pain.

That may be an overstatement. But Nixon will bring his hoops skills to this weekend's Show-Me State Games.

The guv's office sent out a release today announcing that the 53-year-old Democrat will compete in the senior division of the basketball skills competition. That competition involves free throws and perimeter shooting.

"These Games showcase the skills of Missouri athletes and demostrate the benefits fo a physically active life," Nixon said in a statement. "The competitors display the spirit of Missouri by giving their all, and by remembering that these Games are all about sportsmanship and fun."

Earlier in his political career, Nixon was well know for playing basketball with state governmental officials. Former U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Columbia, noted a few years ago that he often poked fun at Nixon for his jump shot.
 

The President of the United States...

(Reuters photo)

... has great taste in baseball teams.