Capitol Calling

Can't we all just get along?

This week's Monday focus for the Associated Press takes a look at the strained relationship between Gov. Jay Nixon and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder.

AP scribe David Lieb writes that Kinder didn't even know that the governor was in Texas during this month's fake hostage crisis at the Governor Office Building. He also wrote that Kinder has been relieved of many duties that he performed during Gov. Matt Blunt's term in office.

In a sense, the friction between the two statewide officials is part of a historical trend. I wrote an article for Missouri Lawyers Weekly earlier this year about the past squabbles between governors and lieutenant governors of different political parties.

One notable moment recounted by Western Illinois University political science professor Rick Hardy involved then-Gov. Joe Teasdale and then-Lt. Gov. Bill Phelps. The two men had an acrimonious relationship, even fighting over office supplies and furniture. By contrast, then-Gov. Kit Bond and then-Lt. Gov. Kenneth Rothman had a more cordial relationship, with the Republican chief executive turning over power to the Democratic statewide official multiple times.

Of course, pairing the offices doesn't always equate to a lack of turbulence. Then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich and then-Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn - who were twice elected in Illinois in a ticket - despised each other. Quinn remarked before he assumed the governorship that the two officials rarely talked.

Kinder slams federal health care bill

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder stepped up criticism of the federal health care legislation today, warning that a provision forcing the state to raise Medicaid eligibility could cause a budgetary calamity.

The federal health care debate is a monstrous and constantly evolving process. But one provision that has a strong chance of being in a final bill is a requirement for states to include all adults above 133 percent of the federal poverty level in Medicaid. Missouri's current eligibility rates are much lower than that number.

Based on the bill that came out of the Senate Finance Committee earlier this month, the federal government would pick up most of the expansion's cost. But states, such as Missouri, would have to pay a percentage of the increase. 

Republicans - and some Democratic governors - have spoken out against the proposal. Kinder cited Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen's opposition in the video below:

The cost that Kinder cited seems to echo a letter from House Budget Chairman Allen Icet, R-Wildwood, and Senate Appropriations Chairman Gary Nodler, R-Joplin. That letter cited a Department of Social Services estimate that the provision would cost the state anywhere from $392 million to $454 million.

Scott Rowson, a spokesman with the Department of Social Services, said that number cited in the letter was an accurate estimate based on the provision's parameters in August. He said a new estimate taken earlier this month based off the Senate Finance Committee's bill would put the cost at about $91 million for the state.

It should be noted, however, that the parameters of the Medicaid expansion provision are not set in stone and could change. And that figure above is predicated on whether the federal government pays for the expansion indefinitely. If the feds stop paying for the expansion, then the state would be on the hook for a whole lot more money.

Also worth noting is that the change would only go into effect if Congress actually passes health care legislation, which is not necessarily a sure thing. But most people I talked to this week agree the Medicaid provision has a strong chance of making it into the final bill.

I asked Nixon about this top and also asked if the Medicaid provision made him not sign a letter expressing support for the federal health care effort. Take a look:

Dems to Nixon: Keep the Tour of Missouri rolling

The Tour of Missouri may be facing an uncertain future. But a handful of Democrats want the event to continue.

Media outlets were sent a letter today signed by a number of Democrats who wish to continue the cross-state bicycle race. Included on the signature list are Senate Minority Leader Victor Callahan, D-Independence, and House Minority Leader Paul LeVota, D-Independence.

This year's event nearly didn't happen after Gov. Jay Nixon threatened to cut funding. After a few days, the governor decided to unfreeze the money. The event occurred earlier this month.

Read the letter below the fold.

Missouri pols react to Hearnes' passing

Several other Missouri politicians have released statements praising former Gov. Warren Hearnes. Hearnes died yesterday at the age of 86.

Here's a statement from Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, who defeated Hearnes' wife in a 1992 state Senate contest:

"I deeply saddened today by the passing of Gov. Hearnes. Gov. Hearnes' legacy of public service will forever be an inspiration to us all. As a former state representative, secretary of state and chief executive, Gov. Hearnes dedicated much of his life in service to the citizens of the great State of Missouri.  He also served his nation proudly as a graduate of West Point and in the United States Army.
As a fellow Southeast Missourian, I can truly say how proud we were to call Gov. Hearnes one of us.
I send my deepest sympathies to Betty, their children and the entire Hearnes family.  Today, Missouri owes a debt of gratitude to the Hearnes family for their commitment to our state."

Here's a statement from state Treasurer Clint Zweifel:

"The passing of Gov. Warren Hearnes is a sad moment for Missouri as we lose one of our great leaders. Gov. Hearnes was an innovator throughout his career in public service, and his contributions to our state will never be forgotten by Missourians.  His commitment to mental health care, education, civil rights and the environment forever changed Missouri for the better.  In this sad moment, my family and I express our deepest sympathies with Mrs. Hearnes and her family. Gov. Hearnes will truly be missed."

And here's a statement from U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth:

“Governor Hearnes was a dedicated public official who served the people of Missouri with distinction and conviction. It is certainly a sad day for our state. Jackie and I send our thoughts prayers to Betty and the entire Hearnes family as they mourn the loss of their loved one.”

Kinder backs Schweich

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder threw his support behind Tom Schweich bid for state auditor.

Kinder, the only Republican currently serving in statewide office, made his support official today after the Washington University law professor announced the backing via a press release.

“Tom is a patriot who has served the American people uncovering the truth in the Waco Investigation, rooting out waste and fraud at the United Nations, and fighting drug trafficking, money laundering, and corrupt regimes around the world,” Kinder said in a statement. “He is fiscal conservative, respected author on financial responsibility and a rarity, in that he will be the impartial voice Missouri taxpayers deserve in the auditor’s office. I know Tom will be tenacious in rooting out waste, fraud and abuse, working everyday to protect taxpayers.”

It's fair to say that the race for the GOP nomination - which will also include House Budget Committee Chairman Allen Icet, R-Wildwood - will be a big test for Kinder's organization.

Kinder's political structure was instrumental in getting Blaine Luetkemeyer to Congress and a number of Republican candidates into the state Senate last year. The match against Icet - who has support of nearly every Republican state House member - could be test whether Kinder's organization is still strong enough to help others prevail.

Regardless, both Icet and Schweich face the task of upending incumbent state Auditor Susan Montee. Few downballot statewide incumbent ever lose re-election bids.

KBIA Commentary: Bicycle Race!

So, Gov. Jay Nixon's decision to release funds for the Tour of Missouri squelched my KBIA commentary this week... at least through the airwaves.

Still, the great folks at KBIA put the commentary online for the enjoyment of all. It's on, you guessed it, the fracas over funding the bicycle race.

Click here to listen.

Nixon will release Tour of Missouri funds

It looks like the fracas over funding for the Tour of Missouri might be over.

Gov. Jay Nixon released a statement a few minutes ago saying the race - which is set to begin in September - will go on. The event was placed in doubt after Nixon's administration considering withholding $1.5 million of state funds.

"The race will go on this year, and Missourians deserve to know that state funds for the event are used transparently and accountably," Nixon said in a statement. "They should know precisely how money for the Tour of Missouri is being spent, and that the event is being run in a way that minimizes the cost to taxpayers."

Nixon went on to say that he had requested "a full and fair explanation of all expenditures connected with the Tour of Missouri in 2007 and 2008, and of budgeted expenditures and contracts for 2009."

"Because of assurances from the Division of Tourism and the Tour of Missouri, Inc. that they are now willing to share records regarding spending on previous races and planned spending for this year’s race, the Office of Budget and Planning will immediately begin to provide state funds for the 2009 Tour of Missouri," Nixon concluded.

The race - which has been a pet project of sorts for Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder - features prominent bicycle teams racing around various locales around the Show Me State.

CBT Blog: More on the Tour of Missouri skirmish

Could the fight over funding the Tour of Missouri foreshadow future skirmishes between Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and Gov. Jay Nixon?

Click here to read about the battle on the Columbia Business Times blog.

Kinder pans bonding plan

Gov. Jay Nixon has warmed up to a proposal that would issue hundreds of millions of dollars worth of bonds to pay for capital improvement projects.

But that support apparently doesn't extend to Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder.

Kinder released a statement a few minutes ago panning the proposal, calling it "nothing more than another government bailout that will put our state in debt for nearly a quarter of a century."

"This bonding initiative is merely a debt plan that will fail to put any Missourians back to work in the near future," Kinder said in a statement. "The risk of failure is too great."

Kinder's statement added that the governor should "utilize the one time funds available in the state's bank account and fund the construction projects that legislators authorized just a few months ago." 

"THAT is a plan that will truly make a difference for hardworking Missourians,” Kinder said.

While Kinder dubbed the proposal as "the governor's bonding initiative," it was prominently championed over the legislative session by Rep. Chris Kelly, D-Columbia. Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, handled the measure in the Senate.

Kelly argued that issuing bonds to construct capital improvements made sense, especially with incentives emanating from the federal stimulus plan. The plan would have to be approved by voters in order to be put into effect.

While the proposal passed the House, it was filibustered in the Senate.

Kelly took questions about the plan last week, soon after Nixon announced a string of line-item vetoes and withholdings:

ADDENDUM: I just received an e-mail with the following quote from Schaefer:

"My support of the original bonding measure was to fund bricks and mortar projects that would get Missourians back to work. At the end of this legislative session, that goal was greatly accomplished with the passing of House Bill 22. The money to fund many of the Lewis and Clark projects, with the priority being the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, is available for the Governor to release today. I still support a bonding proposal that allows the voters of Missouri to decide whether the State should incur debt for capital improvement, and I'm glad the Governor now supports it too. But, I have no intention of supporting a measure that enables the Governor to spend the one-time, job-creating, capital improvement money we gave him on his annual operating budget while at the same time asking tax payers for more." 

Kinder and Talent to endorse Blunt

For those holding out hope for a U.S. Senate bid this year by either former Sen. Jim Talent or Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, prepare to have your bubble burst.

Both men will be in St. Louis tomorrow to endorse U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt's U.S. Senate bid. Both Republican officials had been considered possible contenders for the race.

While Talent ducked out of the contest a few months ago, Kinder has kept mum on the subject since Sen. Kit Bond, R-Missouri, announced his retirement.

Blunt, R-Springfield, is the only announced Republican candidate. Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is running for the position as a Democrat.

Two other Republicans - former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman and state Sen. Chuck Purgason, R-Caulfield - are considering running as well.