Recent Coverage
Columbian named Nixon chief counsel
Ted Ardini, a lawyer who lives in Columbia, will become chief legal counsel to Jay Nixon when he becomes governor in January, it was announced today.
[November 12, 2008]
Former lawmaker is Nixon’s budget adviser
Gov.-elect Jay Nixon today announced the appointment of former state Sen. Wayne Goode, a Democrat from St. Louis County, as his deputy transition director for budget review.
[November 11, 2008]
New leaders get jump on reform ideas
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
The election was just last week, but newly elected Democratic representatives from the Columbia area already are thinking about changes they want to make for the next cycle.
[November 10, 2008]
What Bellwether: Did race make the difference
in Missouri?
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
Amid all the excitement and enthusiasm over Democrat Barack Obama’s historic election as president last week is the sobering realization that Missouri is no longer a good harbinger of political events.
[November 9, 2008]
Obama workout a big thrill
By T.J. GREANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
When Sen. Barack Obama spent a night and a morning in Columbia a week ago, he passed most of his time inside the protective bubble of Secret Service officers, handlers and advisors.
[November 9, 2008]
Prestige balances cost of campaign visits
By T.J. GREANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
Presidential campaign visits to Mid-Missouri come only once every four years, and for the sake of Columbia’s budget, that might be a blessing.
[November 9, 2008]
Businesses hopeful about post-election economy
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
President-elect Barack Obama’s first news conference yesterday since winning the election was buffeted with sobering economic news: The nation’s unemployment rate reached 6.5 percent, and the stock market continued its precipitous swings.
[November 8, 2008]
CAPITOL CALLING
Legislative roles more clear as dust from election settles
By Jason Rosenabum
Tuesday’s election results can be summed up in one word: unpredictable.
Consider: While President-elect Barack Obama swept to a comfortable victory in the Electoral College and in the popular vote, the Illinois senator could not carry Missouri.
[November 8, 2008]
Nixon, legislature prepare for new session
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
JEFFERSON CITY - Lawmakers from both parties have selected new leaders to take the helm in the Missouri General Assembly, and Gov.-elect Jay Nixon has assembled a team to guide his administration.
[November 7, 2008]
Barack
Obama: The 44th President of the United States
From staff and wire reports
His name etched in history as America’s first black president-elect, Barack
Obama turned today from the jubilation of victory to the sobering challenge of
leading a nation worried about economic crisis, two unfinished wars and global
uncertainty. [November 5, 2008]
Missouri elects ‘high octane’ leader
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
ST. LOUIS - Jay Nixon, a Democrat who rode a tidal wave of votes into the Missouri governor’s office yesterday, will be an aggressive chief executive who will waste little time attempting to implement his ideas.
[November 5, 2008]
Hulshof advises to look beyond divisions
By JANESE HEAVIN
of the Tribune’s staff
A somber Ninth District Congressman Kenny Hulshof urged fellow Republicans last night to look past political divisions and instead unite under a new Democrat-led state government.
[November 5, 2008]
Luetkemeyer reaches Congress
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Republican Blaine Luetkemeyer completed an odyssey out of the political wilderness to win a high-profile and expensive contest for the Ninth Congressional District seat, a move that keeps the 25-county seat in the GOP corner.
[November 5, 2008]
Kelly returns
to legislature in tight finish
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Chris Kelly devoted nearly a year of his life campaigning door to door in his quest to return to the Missouri House. The effort paid off yesterday.
[November 5, 2008]
Schaefer upsets Graham for Senate
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
In one of the bigger upsets in recent local political history, Kurt Schaefer ousted state Sen. Chuck Graham by 2 percentage points - making the Columbia attorney the first Republican in decades to represent Boone County in the Missouri Senate.
[November 5, 2008]
Still’s victory caps her years in political circles
By JANESE HEAVIN
of the Tribune’s staff
With hefty campaign coffers and an absentee opponent, Mary Still seemed the likeliest candidate to replace fellow Democrat Judy Baker in Missouri’s 25th House District.
[November 5, 2008]
Hobbs looks to fiscal role as legislator
By T.J. GREANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
Steve Hobbs of Mexico, Mo., held onto his seat and will serve a fourth and final term in the 21st House District, fending off a spirited challenge from Kelly Schultz of Shaw.
[November 5, 2008]
Richards easily claims administrator position
By JODIE JACKSON JR.
of the Tribune’s staff
Democrat Cathy Richards says she’s ready to hit the ground running as Boone County’s new public administrator.
[November 5, 2008]
Water bond issue passes in city with wide margin
By SARA SEMELKA
of the Tribune’s staff
Columbia voters yesterday agreed to upgrade the municipal water distribution system, giving a 77 percent margin of the 50,294 ballots to authorize $38.9 million in revenue bonds.
[November 5, 2008]
Scenes from Election Central
By JODIE JACKSON JR.
of the Tribune’s staff
Even as the clock ticked off the final minutes of voting last night in the Boone County clerk’s office, workers operated a bank of phones and laptop computers, still assisting voters at various precincts. Here’s a slice of the closing moments that polls were open:
[November 5, 2008]
Local blacks rejoice in win
By T.J. GREANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
As the polls closed on the West Coast and the television news networks began projecting that Barack Obama would win the presidency, many at a small gathering at Second Missionary Baptist Church on Broadway were overcome with emotion.
[November 5, 2008]
Sentiment mixed in town
By JODIE JACKSON JR.
of the Tribune’s staff
Sitting in a booth this morning at Broadway Diner in downtown Columbia, Sheila Burkholder smiled even as she talked about voting for John McCain in yesterday’s presidential election.
[November 5, 2008]
Voters line up at polls
By the Tribune’s staff
A bright Indian summer day dawned today as voters waited outside many polling places in Columbia and elsewhere in Boone County, the vanguard of what is expected to be a record turnout for a presidential race and a slate of statewide offices, legislative seats and statewide ballot issues.
[November 4, 2008]
Obama wins big in mock elections
By JANESE HEAVIN
of the Tribune’s staff
They might not get a chance to vote in the official election, but Columbia schoolchildren can certainly tell you whom they’re rooting for.
[November 4, 2008]
Teens spur poll dispute
By JODIE JACKSON JR.
of the Tribune’s staff
A group of Columbia high school students giving out bottled water, potato chips and Barack Obama stickers next to the Armory Sports & Community Center got a civics lesson today they hadn’t counted on.
[November 4, 2008]
Palin wows Capitol crowd
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
JEFFERSON CITY - With only hours left before Missouri voters head to the polls for Election Day, GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin pumped up the Republican faithful with a rally at the Missouri Capitol. [November 3, 2008]
Last-minute visit attracts thousands
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
JEFFERSON CITY - Nearly 20,000 people crowded the Missouri Capitol today as the Republicans’ "Road to Victory" cut through Jefferson City. [November 3, 2008]
What voters should know
Polls will be open to registered voters from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.
[November 3, 2008]
Down to the Wire: A
historic election is the home stretch
By the Tribune’s staff
Missouri’s 11 presidential electoral votes might not seem like much when measured against more populous states. But judging from the number of visits by presidential and vice presidential candidates that Missouri has received, the state’s status as a battleground seems unchallenged.
[November 2, 2008]
Clerk’s office gets ready
By JODIE JACKSON JR.
of the Tribune’s staff
Additional phone lines, more polling places and a small army of temporary workers are all part of Boone County Clerk Wendy Noren’s plan to deal with an expected record voter turnout on Tuesday.
[November 2, 2008]
Disputed costs at issue as race nears finish line
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
With three days remaining before Election Day, Missouri’s two major-party candidates for governor are exchanging claims over how much their opponent’s proposals would cost if implemented.
[November 1, 2008]
CAPITOL CALLING
Democrats measure coattails in closing argument on quad
By JASON ROSENBAUM
Columbia became the staging ground this week for a Barack concert.
Tens of thousands of people crammed the Mel Carnahan Quad on the University of Missouri campus to see Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama give his "closing argument" speech before Tuesday’s general election.
[November 1, 2008]
Obama rallies crowd at MU
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama exhorted thousands gathered on the University of Missouri campus last night to push his campaign to victory next week.
[October 31, 2008]
Speech draws diverse mix of supporters
By T.J. GREANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
It had the feel of a rock concert complete with tailgating, massive T-shirt sales and someone walking around dressed in a Big Bird costume.
[October 31, 2008]
MU gears up for Obama visit
By T.J. GREANEY of the Tribune’s staff
The University of Missouri is expecting big, excited crowds at tonight’s
speech by Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. [October
30, 2008]
Insider faces overseas officer
By JANESE HEAVIN
of the Tribune’s staff
In a corner of her small campaign office on Locust Street is a poster-size list of some 133 women who have donated at least $100 to Mary Still’s campaign.
[October 30, 2008]
Robb, Kelly find accord in MU debate
By JENNA YOUNGS
of the Tribune’s staff
Ed Robb and Chris Kelly agree that University of Missouri officials and supporters need to do more to convince state legislators the university is worthy of more state funding.
[October 30, 2008]
Students get taste of politics
By JANESE HEAVIN
of the Tribune’s staff
Standing on a podium addressing his fellow Missourians, Levi Hanks promised to restore Medicaid coverage, support public education and represent the interests of the district.
[October 30, 2008]
Health-care workers divided over Prop B
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
Missouri voters will have the chance Tuesday to weigh in on a plan to organize and train those who care for severely disabled people in their homes.
[October 29, 2008]
Obama plans rally in Columbia
By JASON ROSENBAUM and TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama will swing through Columbia on Thursday as part of his campaign’s push to Election Day.
[October 28, 2008]
9/11 remark becomes campaign fodder
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
The two candidates seeking the 24th District House seat are tangling over a third-party commercial highlighting comments Democrat Chris Kelly made in reference to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
[October 27, 2008]
Noren seeks trouble-free election tally
By JODIE JACKSON JR.
of the Tribune’s staff
If the 2008 presidential election goes down to the wire, could Boone County be "ground zero" where the final outcome is decided?
[October 26, 2008]
Hulshof vs. Nixon:
One's a battler; the other has flash
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
HAZELWOOD — In the early 1990s, when they were both much younger men, Jay Nixon
and Kenny Hulshof would regularly square off on the hardwood floor of a
basketball court at First Baptist Church in Jefferson City. [October
26, 2008]
CAPITOL CALLING
McCaskill campaign role fuels talk of Cabinet post
By JASON ROSENBAUM
U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill a year ago seemed content to be a passive observer in the battle for the White House.
"You know, I think I’m going to wait and let the people of Missouri decide who should be the right candidate," McCaskill told the Tribune in November at Rock Bridge High School.
[October 25, 2008]
Cancer victim sympathy at issue in Ninth District
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
The two major candidates for the U.S. Ninth District congressional seat are lobbing sharp exchanges over legislation Republican Blaine Luetkemeyer sponsored as a state representative regarding mandates for insurance policies.
[October 24, 2008]
CAFOs among 21st District differences
By T.J. GREANEY of the Tribune’s staff
On a recent overcast day near a gravel road on the outskirts of Mexico, Mo.,
Steve Hobbs grinned broadly and slapped backs. [October
24, 2008]
Baker challenged over hospital title
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Republican Blaine Luetkemeyer’s campaign is stepping up a charge that Democratic congressional contender Judy Baker was not interim executive director at University Physicians as she says.
[October 23, 2008]
McCaskill focuses on regular people
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
In an age when television, radio and newspaper ads have become the hallmarks of political campaigns, U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill says there is still a value in "retail politics."
[October 23, 2008]
Graham DWI resurfaces in ‘robo call’
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
A "robo call" making light of state Sen. Chuck Graham’s 2007 arrest for driving while intoxicated is shaking up the race for the 19th Senate District seat.
[October 22, 2008]
Weaving a theme
Grammy winner Carole King stumps for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama last night at the Obama campaign headquarters.
[October 22, 2008]
Short stop for McCain
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Republican presidential candidate John McCain was the guest of honor at an invitation-only luncheon yesterday afternoon at Buckingham Smokehouse Bar-B-Q in south Columbia.
[October 21, 2008]
Candidate enjoys a ‘quieter setting’
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
What would compel a presidential candidate to land a huge jetliner at a small airport, block traffic on a major highway and stir up excitement in a town only to attend a private barbecue luncheon with a few invited guests?
[October 21, 2008]
McCain grabs a bite in Columbia
By JASON ROSENBAUM of the Tribune’s staff
Fresh off a campaign stop in the St. Louis area this morning, presidential candidate John McCain stopped in Columbia early this afternoon for some barbecue before another stop near Kansas City.
[October 20, 2008]
McCaskill defends Baker’s record
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill chastised Republican congressional candidate Blaine Luetkemeyer for using a report written during her tenure as state auditor to criticize Democratic congressional contender Judy Baker.
[October 20, 2008]
School groups cool to Prop A
By JANESE HEAVIN
of the Tribune’s staff
Proponents of Proposition A say it would generate at least $100 million for Missouri schools without taxing residents. So why is there no endorsement of the "Schools First" initiative from Columbia Public Schools or teachers’ groups?
[October 19, 2008]
Baker vs. Luetkemeyer: Ninth District seat is a toss-up
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
The race between Democrat Judy Baker and Republican Blaine Luetkemeyer to succeed U.S. Rep. Kenny
Hulshof, R-Mo., in Missouri’s Ninth District is attracting big money, national personalities and curt exchanges.
[October 19, 2008]
Jill Biden laments higher-ed cost
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
As a teacher at Delaware Technical and Community College, Jill Biden said she has seen students who can’t do their homework because they can’t afford books and can’t afford gas to come in for help.
[October 17, 2008]
McCain to stop in Columbia on Monday
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Republican presidential candidate John McCain plans to stop in Columbia on Monday in between a pair of rallies in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas.
[October 17, 2008]
Hulshof’s economic plan
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
JEFFERSON CITY - To deal with the current economic crisis Kenny
Hulshof, the Republican candidate for governor, wants to use a state emergency fund to provide financial grants that would pay businesses that create new jobs.
[October 16, 2008]
Baker holds lead in fundraising for Ninth District seat
By JASON ROSENBAUM of the Tribune’s staff
Democratic congressional contender Judy Baker emerged as the fundraising leader
over Republican candidate Blaine Luetkemeyer after the latest round of campaign
finance reports. [October 16, 2008]
Incumbent battles over the fault line
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
The Nov. 4 contest to represent Boone and Randolph counties in the Missouri Senate is a referendum on one of the more colorful and controversial members of the Missouri General Assembly.
[October 15, 2008]
Candidates face off in their first debate
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
DARDENNE PRAIRIE - The main contenders for the U.S. Ninth District engaged in a testy debate today for the first time on issues of energy, health care and taxation.
[October 15, 2008]
Tax increase at issue in state House contest
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
The sparring match between the two candidates in the closely watched race for the 24th District House seat is heating up.
[October 13, 2008]
Gibbons vs. Koster: Sharp contrasts highlight the race for attorney general
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
Sharp contrasts highlight the race for attorney general.
[October 12, 2008]
CAPITOL CALLING
Donor to Hulshof effort also gives to Democrats
By JASON ROSENBAUM
Inside a Jefferson City Eagles Club meeting heavy with the odor of cigarette smoke, Attorney General Jay Nixon railed against a tuition tax credit plan that some Democrats deride as a "voucher" program. And he’s also condemned the manner in which a key backer of the plan is doling out campaign contributions.
[October 11, 2008]
Blunt links ‘sordid’ ACORN to Obama
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
Gov. Matt Blunt sought yesterday to link Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama with accusations of fraudulent voter registration in Missouri and other states by an organization that advocates for poor people.
[October 11, 2008]
Biden unloads in Mid-Missouri
By T.J. GREANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
JEFFERSON CITY - Under an arched wooden pavilion in Memorial Park that looked like the bottom of a ship, Sen. Joe Biden gave Republican candidate Sen. John McCain the verbal equivalent of a keelhaul.
[October 10, 2008]
Ninth District forum features fuel, economy
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
HALLSVILLE - Since entering the closely watched Ninth Congressional District race, Republican Blaine Luetkemeyer is used to having his words and his actions dissected.
[October 07, 2008]
Schaefer heats up rhetoric in race with Graham
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
HALLSVILLE - State Sen. Chuck Graham and Republican challenger Kurt Schaefer clashed at a candidates forum last night, continuing their sparring match from another forum last week at the University of Missouri.
[October 07, 2008]
Hulshof wants watchdog agency
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
JEFFERSON CITY - Kenny Hulshof, the Republican candidate for governor, called today for the creation of an inspector general’s office to investigate and possibly prosecute cases of state government corruption.
[October 06, 2008]
Robb vs. Kelly: Candidates spar in 24th district race
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
For Ed Robb, high-stakes elections are becoming commonplace. The routine of it all is even apparent in his campaign pitch.
"The leaves are turning, there’s a politician at your door," Robb, a Republican state representative from Columbia, said to a potential voter in a southern Columbia subdivision.
[October 05, 2008]
CAPITOL CALLING
State senate opponents continue throwing darts
By JASON ROSENBAUM
At the beginning of a candidates forum Wednesday at the University of Missouri, Sen. Chuck Graham, D-Columbia, and his Republican opponent, Kurt Schaefer, shook hands. But that introductory courtesy seemed like a fantasy when the two-hour forum was finished.
[October 04, 2008]
Mid-Missouri transfixed by VP candidates
By T.J. GREANEY of the Tribune’s staff
In what was predicted to be the most-watched vice presidential debate ever, Mid-Missouri like most of the rest of the country was transfixed by the spectacle of a 25-year Senate veteran debating someone who was a virtual unknown just weeks ago.
[October 03, 2008]
Actors to stump for Obama at MU
More Hollywood celebrities will visit the University of Missouri this weekend to stump for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
[October 03, 2008]
Senate candidates spar during campus forum
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Legislative candidates at a forum sponsored by a student lobbying group engaged in a contentious exchange over a 2007 plan to use assets from the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority for capital improvement projects at colleges and universities.
[October 02, 2008]
Missouri lawmakers divided over failed bill
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
Many people were angry about the proposed $700 billion Wall Street bailout, and they let Congress know about it.
[September 30, 2008]
Republican bigwig bolsters McCain
supporters
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
The $700 billion bailout for the financial markets under discussion in Washington rattled several people who attended a watch party for the presidential debate between Barack Obama and John McCain at Republican Party headquarters for Boone County.
[September 27, 2008]
Gathering applauds Obama’s
summation
By T.J. GREANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
Fewer than 100 people gathered at Kayotea Tea Room & Bistro on Broadway for a debate watch party organized by the Barrack Obama campaign.
[September 27, 2008]
Candidates get an earful at forum on mental health
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Citing a shortage of space and experts to treat people with mental illness, speakers at a candidate forum urged state legislative candidates last night to keep the issue at the forefront when the General Assembly reconvenes in January.
[September 25, 2008]
Hulshof faults selection process for judges
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
Kenny Hulshof, the Republican candidate for governor, says there is disorder in Missouri’s courts because lawyers who represent people with damage claims control the state’s process of selecting high court judges.
[September 23, 2008]
Senate leader dislikes campaign donor limits
By JASON ROSENBAUM
Senate Majority Leader Charlie Shields is a roadblock of reality on the campaign trail.
[September 20, 2008]
In Columbia, Albright says Iraq war a ‘disaster’
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Speaking at the behest of Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright laid out a foreign policy focus she said would be essential for the next administration.
[September 19, 2008]
Ninth District race divides over costs of Medicare drugs
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Ninth Congressional District candidates Judy Baker and Blaine Luetkemeyer are trading shots over whose legislative position will better help senior citizens.
[September 17, 2008]
Rising Senate Democrat sometimes conservative
By JASON ROSENBAUM
What would you call a Democrat who wants to restrict abortion rights, voted initially to authorize Gov. Matt Blunt’s MOHELA plan and joined with Republicans to repeal campaign finance limits: a stealth Republican or the next Democratic leader in the Missouri Senate?
[September 13, 2008]
Candidates square off on campus
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
The fact that the two major party candidates for Missouri governor are both lawyers was obvious yesterday when Democrat Jay Nixon and Republican Kenny Hulshof competed in their first public forum, pitching their arguments as if attempting to persuade a jury.[September 11, 2008]
Effort to override student curator veto fails
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
JEFFERSON CITY - An effort to override Gov. Matt Blunt’s veto of legislation that could have established voting rights for the student member of the University of Missouri Board of Curators failed to get out of the Missouri Senate.
[September 11, 2008]
Kelly touts support in opponent’s party
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
The advertising war between state Rep. Ed Robb, R-Columbia, and Chris Kelly might be a precursor to what many see as one of the most expensive legislative contests in the state.
[September 11, 2008]
Biden energizes crowd at ARC
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Vice presidential aspirant Joe Biden spoke this morning to a packed and supportive crowd at the Activity & Recreation Center in Columbia, the latest stop on a town hall tour to boost Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential bid.
[September 09, 2008]
Stop inspires Democratic supporters
By T.J. GREANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
He might have been preaching to the converted, but if today’s speech by vice presidential candidate Joe Biden was meant to excite the Democratic base, then it was mission accomplished.
[September 09, 2008]
Biden will be at ARC tomorrow
By JASON ROSENBAUM of the Tribune’s staff
Vice presidential candidate Joe Biden plans a campaign stop in Columbia tomorrow.
Biden, a Democratic senator from Delaware tapped to be presidential candidate Barack Obama’s running mate, also will make a stop in the St. Louis area, holding a similar event at Mehlville High School.
[September 08, 2008]
Dean at MU seeks to mobilize Democratic effort
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Howard Dean might have been ahead of his time when he ran for president in 2004. He sought to stake a claim to voters opposed to the war in Iraq. Along the way, the former managed to grow a grass-roots organization that used the Internet to raise funds and organize.
[September 07, 2008]
Palin gets praise at O’Fallon rally
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
O’FALLON - Republican presidential candidate John McCain appeared Sunday at a rally with his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah
Palin, who drew an enthusiastic reception from a crowd of supporters gathered on the infield of
T.R. Hughes Stadium. [September 02, 2008]
Local fans let loose during watch party.
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
As Sen. Barack Obama made his presidential acceptance speech from a packed football stadium in Colorado, many attendees of a watch party last night in Columbia cheered as if he were on the Blue Note’s stage.
[August 29, 2008]
Race churns with claims about perks
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune's staff
The two major candidates in the 19th Senate District race - state Sen. Chuck Graham, D-Columbia, and Republican Kurt Schaefer - are accusing one another of using their positions for personal benefit.
[August 26, 2008]
Ninth District race has a national angle
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Six years ago, the Democratic nominee in Missouri’s Ninth Congressional District race was so short of funds he had to make yard signs out of cardboard.
[August 24, 2008]
Economic views divide governor’s race
By JORDAN RAUBOLT
of the Tribune’s staff
JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri gubernatorial candidates Jay Nixon and Kenny Hulshof yesterday sparred over the economy and education in an attempt to win votes from business and economic development professionals.
[August 23, 2008]
Oil heats up congressional race
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Flanked by the leaders of the National Republican Congressional Committee, former state Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer stressed a need to increase drilling for oil to relieve the country’s energy woes.
[August 21, 2008]
Critics of ‘big oil’ stage a rally in Columbia
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
A handful of members of the local MoveOn.org affiliate staged an event yesterday outside the Columbia office of U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof to deliver an oversize $580 million check.
[August 20, 2008]
Oil ad is ‘great campaign fodder’
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Attorney General Jay Nixon has been running for governor for about three years. But a casual glance at his latest ad might leave the impression he is seeking a congressional seat.
[August 17, 2008]
SCHIP issue splits Ninth District contest
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
The two major candidates for the Ninth Congressional District seat have different opinions on a potential expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.
[August 16, 2008]
Detailing health care might be political slip
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Is being specific during a political campaign a virtue or detriment in political discussions of health care? In the opinion of Missouri State Medical Association lobbyist Tom Holloway, setting out a detailed health-care plan is a mistake.
[August 13, 2008]
Jacob, other candidates ponder loss in primaries
By JASON ROSENBAUM of the Tribune’s staff
The Ninth Congressional District primary victories this week of Democrat Judy Baker and Republican Blaine Luetkemeyer mean their opponents must look for other opportunities.
[August 9, 2008]
Baker draws attention for primary win
COLUMBIA (AP) - Attention voters in Kirksville, Hannibal and the rest of Missouri’s largely rural Ninth Congressional District: The open seat created by Kenny Hulshof’s bid for governor has the attention of the Washington crowd.
[August 9, 2008]
Rural appeal falls short
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Political observers were surprised at the Democratic primary success of state Rep. Judy Baker in rural portions of the Ninth Congressional District, a win with possible implications for the general election.
[August 7, 2008]
Ninth District contest sets up
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
With solid margins in Boone County and other Mid-Missouri counties, state Rep. Judy Baker and former state Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer prevailed last night in crowded primaries for the Ninth Congressional District seat.
[August 6, 2008]
Hulshof to face Nixon
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
After winning the Republican nomination for governor, Kenny Hulshof said last night he wanted his race with Democrat Jay Nixon to focus on ideas for the future rather than rhetoric dredging up the past.
[August 6, 2008]
Koster on razor margin as Harris finishes third
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
Chris Koster’s unusual political career hung by a thread today - 852 votes out of 345,790 cast - a margin that probably will award him the Democratic Party’s attorney general nomination.
[August 6, 2008]
Webber easily wins 23rd seat
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
As former Gov. Roger Wilson noted, Stephen Webber’s campaign headquarters wasn’t exactly fancy, but it got the job done.
[August 6, 2008]
Still rises to top in three-way House race
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Mary Still easily bested two Democratic primary opponents yesterday, sending the former communications aide for Attorney General Jay Nixon and former Gov. Bob Holden one step closer to the Missouri House.
[August 6, 2008]
‘Tax man’ wins voters’ endorsement
By KAT HUGHES
of the Tribune’s staff
Sitting near the exit of Shiloh Bar & Grill as the crowd was thinning at his watch party late last night, Boone County Assessor Tom Schauwecker gave out countless hugs, handshakes and thank-yous to supporters in return for their congratulations.
[August 6, 2008]
Miller wins re-election bid
By T.J. GREANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
Karen Miller received early word last night that she would cruise to victory in a quest for a sixth term as Boone County commissioner for the Southern District.
[August 6, 2008]
Caretaker primary lopsided
By T.J. GREANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
Calling it "take-down-signs day," Cathy Richards today was celebrating an overwhelming primary victory in her campaign to become Boone County’s next public administrator.
[August 6, 2008]
Primary races rouse interest
By the Tribune’s staff
Turnout was brisk at some precincts but sluggish at others this morning as local voters in the Democratic primary were deciding on two state legislators, a Boone County commissioner and the county assessor. Republicans and Democrats also were choosing their party’s candidates for Congress as well as governor.
[August 5, 2008]
ELECTION DAY -
What to remember
Boone County Clerk Wendy Noren said she expects about 32,000 people to
cast ballots tomorrow. There are roughly 85,000 active voters in Boone County. [August
4, 2008]
Picking for the Parties
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
After months of hearing from candidates, voters will decide on Tuesday.
[August 3, 2008]
Clerk’s office open for absentee voters
Boone County voters who will not be able to go to the polls for primary elections Tuesday can cast an absentee ballot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today in the office of Boone County Clerk Wendy Noren.
[August 2, 2008]
Obama in the heartland
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
ROLLA - Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential campaign attracted the full-throated support of Leslie Spencer, a self-described "redneck" from Rolla.
[July 31, 2008]
Pund says disability provides perspective
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Bob Pund often recalls a time when the only time he needed medical attention was for a basketball physical.
[July 31, 2008]
Richards cites work as nurse, in office.
By SARA SEMELKA
of the Tribune’s staff
As a first-time political candidate, Cathy Richards admits the five-month campaign has been strenuous, but if she is elected as Boone County Public administer, the hard work will have just begun.
[July 31, 2008]
Dunham touts legal experience.
By SARA SEMELKA
of the Tribune’s staff
Before this year, Dan Dunham had never considered running for office, and he doesn’t consider the public administrator a particularly political job.
[July 31, 2008]
Former aide takes on challenge of campaign
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Accompanied by a couple of campaign volunteers, Mary Still spent part of a recent day going to homes in central Columbia. Within an hour, she had conversed with prospective voters, stopped by the homes of supporters and found time to fix yard signs that a storm had upset.
[July 30, 2008]
School site, travel an issue in commission race
By SARA SEMELKA
of the Tribune’s staff
Throughout the primary campaign season, incumbent Southern District Commissioner Karen Miller has said elections are a chance for the public to give officials a job evaluation, and challenger Sid Sullivan has taken the opportunity at several recent public forums.
[July 30, 2008]
Successes, failures shape a candidate
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Sean Spence started campaigning for the 25th District House seat when the temperature was 8 degrees and the ink was frozen in his pens. As the Aug. 5 Democratic primary approaches, Spence faces another seasonal monster - stifling humidity.
[July 29, 2008]
Ms. Outside vs. Mr. Inside
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
Often in agreement, Steelman and Hulshof play opposing roles in the GOP primary.
[July 27, 2008]
Candidates get a chance to ask the questions
By SARA SEMELKA
of the Tribune’s staff
In addition to the expected issues of planning, zoning and budgets, candidates for Southern Boone County commissioner’s seat faced questions about race relations and the criminal justice system yesterday at a Central City Get Out the Vote forum.
[July 27, 2008]
$1.4 million fund ripples campaign
By SARA SEMELKA
of the Tribune’s staff
The Boone County assessor’s reserve fund is one of the largest in the state. Depending on who’s talking about the reserve, it’s either a good or a bad thing.
[July 27, 2008]
Commission candidate promises ‘fresh ideas’
By SARA SEMELKA
of the Tribune’s staff
The day Joan Sullivan met her future husband, Sid, there were more than 200 people in the room.
[July 25, 2008]
Democrats sound off in debate
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
KIRKSVILLE - The four Democrats running for an open congressional seat in the U.S. Ninth District got a chance to talk about issues such as the Iraq war, nuclear power and expanding health care during a debate last night at Truman State University.
[July 25, 2008]
Political role got spark from Wilson
By SARA SEMELKA
of the Tribune’s staff
Karen Miller was not particularly active in politics in her early years, but her involvement in a whirlwind campaign for future Gov. Roger Wilson’s state Senate seat gave her the political bug.
[July 24, 2008]
College students filling in at polls
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
With the help of a $12,000 state grant, the Boone County Clerk’s office is training more than 100 college students to be poll workers and judges in the Aug. 5 primary election, Clerk Wendy Noren said today.
[July 24, 2008]
War vet gets high-level support
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
The parking lot at the Eagles Club building was full at a recent fundraising event for Stephen Webber, and seating was hard to come by inside the building.
[July 23, 2008]
Nixon touts health-care proposal
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
Jay Nixon, the presumptive Democratic candidate for governor, wants consumers to be able to compare health insurance plans to empower them to get the best policies at the lowest price.
[July 23, 2008]
Ninth District hopefuls discuss war, negative ads
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
KIRKSVILLE - The second formal debate between Republican candidates seeking Missouri’s Ninth District seat was tranquil as contenders answered questions in ways that would not seem to elicit controversy.
[July 23, 2008]
Advocate keys on kids, health
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
On a typical day this political season, Cande Iveson can be seen walking residential streets in the 23rd House District in a door-to-door campaign.
[July 22, 2008]
Three groups host
candidate forums
Political-office seekers are scheduled to participate this week in three candidate forums in anticipation of the Aug. 5 primary.
[July 22, 2008]
Democratic decision
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Primary elections are often about distinctions. Few races in Missouri feature candidates with such unique attributes as the Democratic primary for the U.S. Ninth District congressional seat.
[July 20, 2008]
Libertarians look for disaffected Republicans
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
The Libertarian Party is going through a quiet revolution, seeking to bring an incremental approach to enacting the party’s philosophy. Wayne Allyn Root is hoping to play a big part.
[July 20, 2008]
Challenger upset at assessor’s VIN decision
By SARA SEMELKA
of the Tribune’s staff
In 2005, the Boone County assessor’s office changed the way it determined the value of vehicles for tax purposes. Instead of making a valuation based on the year, make and model of a vehicle, the county purchased a computer program that uses the vehicle identification number to get a more exact estimate of a vehicle’s value.
[July 20, 2008]
Major veterans’ groups oppose Baker health plan
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
In her bid for Congress, state Rep. Judy Baker has commonly mentioned a plan that would allow veterans in the Veterans Affairs health-care program to use local providers instead of VA hospitals.
[July 19, 2008]
AD CHECK
By JASON ROSENBAUM of the Tribune’s staff
Club for Growth announced Thursday it was endorsing state Rep. Bob Onder’s campaign for Congress. The endorsement could be significant in the five-way Republican primary on Aug. 5, as it means
Onder, R-Lake Saint Louis, will receive an indirect boost through third-party advertising.
[July 19, 2008]
NINTH DISTRICT: CANDIDATE Q&A
After wrangling for months, Congress this month passed modifications to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The legislation, signed into law by President George W. Bush, includes retroactive immunity for telecommunications firms that aided government wiretapping without a court order.
[July 17, 2008]
Democrats set financial pace in legislative races
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
With three weeks before the Aug. 5 primary, candidates for legislative seats representing portions of Boone County provided an update on their fundraising with campaign disclosure reports on activities from April through June.
[July 16, 2008]
Campaign role in ’92 resurfaces
By TERRY GANEY
of the Tribune’s staff
Chris Koster, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for attorney general, played a part in an embarrassing episode in the troubled campaign that William Webster waged 16 years ago when he ran for the Republican nomination for governor.
[July 15, 2008]
Democrats debate policy differences
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Four Democrats running in the Aug. 5 primary for the Ninth Congressional District seat sought to further define their candidacies at a debate yesterday at Stephens College, featuring questions by media representatives.
[July 14, 2008]
Republicans show common ground
By JASON ROSENBAUM
of the Tribune’s staff
Five Republican candidates for the congressional seat in Missouri’s Ninth District found common ground on issues regarding Social Security’s solvency, reconfiguring the tax system and taking a more critical look at congressional spending.
[July 14, 2008]
