Dem Devastation– 4 in 24 Drop Out of 2010 Elections January 6, 2010

The National Democratic Party is reeling after a series of   unexpected decisions that means four  high-profile democrats are not seeking election or re-election this year.
This afternoon, embattled Connecticut Democratic Senator Chris Dodd will formally announce his retirement.
The Washington Post: “Once among the safest of incumbents, Dodd’s political star fell over a two-year period, during which he moved his family to Iowa [...]

KC City Council Considers Local Campaign Money Limits January 6, 2010

Two members of the Kansas City Council are  calling for  limits on city campaign contributions to be re-instated.
Council Members Cindy Circo and Ed Ford testified about their plan at Wednesday’s Finance and Audit Committee meeting.
The city limits on campaign donations were eliminated when the state of Missouri repealed state campaign limitations in 2008.
The Circo/Ford plan calls for contributions to [...]

Politico: 3rd Gate Crasher at Obama Event January 4, 2010

The web site Politico has this afternoon:http://www.politico.com>
“The Secret Service says a third uninvited guest gained admission to President Barack Obama’s Nov. 24 state dinner. The person arrived with the Indian delegation, and the Secret Service says “procedural changes” have already been implemented “to address foreign delegations under the responsibility of Department of State who [...]

Bid to Vote Early in Missouri Advances January 4, 2010

The Missouri Secretary of State’s Office has approved a petition that could lead to a statewide vote on early voting.
Right now, there is no advance voting in Missouri unless you ask for an absentee ballot and provide an acceptable excuse why you can not be at the poll on Election Day.
Efforts to move advance voting in [...]

Chastain Scales Back Light Rail Plan January 4, 2010

Mass Transit Activist Clay Chastain is redrawing his plan for mass transit in Kansas City.
Last year, Chastain announced he wanted a  metro wide system of light rail. commuter trails, trolleys and streets cars  hooking up the region.
Now he says “I have designed a brand new transit and park initiative because of complications to the previous [...]