It wasn’t the State of the Union February 24, 2009

President Obama’s speech is not officially the State of the Union.
 
The White House says traditionally the President’s first such speech isn’t a SOTU (State of the Union).
 
It’s referred to as a Presidential address to Congress.
 
But the first phrase from the President’s speech referred to “the state of the economy.”

Feels Like 2010 February 24, 2009

Southwest Missouri Congressman and just-announced US Senate candidate, Roy Blunt is challenging is potential Democratic rival, Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, to a series of joint televised appearances. No, not then, now.
Here’s part of Blunt’s statement. And at the bottom, a footnote on the reply from the Carnahan camp:
(Blunt)formally invited Robin Carnahan to participate [...]

Missouri Senate race could be a barn-burner February 19, 2009

With the news that Rep. Roy Blunt has officially entered the GOP senate race, the political crowd in Washington smell a barn burner coming up.
“The Missouri senate race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races of the cycle,” according to Nathan Gonzalez of the Rothenburg Political report. That quote is from [...]

Kansas, now comes the hard part February 17, 2009

Ok, looks like there is peace in Topeka. But don’t look for it to last long.
 
What Gov. Kathleen Sebelius did, and what I believe the State Finance Council will agree to, settles the 2009 budget. The one in effect right now.
 
They have yet to start the budget battle for 2010. That budget year [...]

Kansas Suspending Income Tax Refunds February 16, 2009

They’re playing hardball in Topeka with the State Budget.
Here’s the AP Broadcast Wire:
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Kansas is suspending income tax refunds and
may not be able to pay its employees on time.
The state is strapped for cash in its main bank account.
Republican legislative leaders blocked an effort by Democratic Gov.
Kathleen Sebelius to transfer funds into [...]