Reply #16: Murky in Missouri [View All]

[hatrack]

Kit Bond (R-Betty Ford Clinic) is up for reelection next year, and still has a big lead in money, though he's never taken more than 53% in any of his Senate victories. He's up against the State Treasurer, Nancy Farmer, a decent centrist Democrat known as something of a dark horse. I'd have to give the edge to Bond, the Prince of Pork for this state.

That said, a lot still hinges on the economy, which is basically sucking big time. Missouri has lost more manufacturing jobs than any other state since 2000, and it isn't getting any better anytime soon. Chimpy came to town last week and administered the same old economic chloroform to the rapt crowd (the event was sponsored by the local C of C, so that'll give you an idea of just how hand-picked the event was). Heartening, though, were several hundred protestors who showed up for the song 'n dance man.

The current Congressional balance is 5-4 R to D, and with Gephardt retiring at the end of this term, hard to say how his district will swing. McCarthy (MO-5) is facing some ethics problems on office funding and returned from alcohol treatment a few months back, but her seat's still pretty safe. Those are the only potential changes in the House.

At the state level, the General Assembly used up pretty much every bit of one-time and tobacco money (after Bob Holden cut $1 billion in state spending), meaning that there are no easy solutions left on what will likely be at least a $700 million state budget deficit next fiscal year.

But of course, that isn't stopping the Pukes from focusing on what really matters - guns 'n abortion. The special session began on Monday, and they're moving heaven and earth to override two vetoes - one of a concealed-carry law and the other of a 24-hour waiting period for abortions. They're even trying to get one Puke Senator back from active duty in Guantanamo so that they can override the gun veto.