(Pictured left-to-right: Rep. Allen Icet, Susan Montee and Thomas Schweich)

Representative Allen Icet (R-Wildwood), better known on StateSurge.com for his sponsorship of House Appropriation bills, is on top of his game for the 2010 State Auditor race. As the Chairman of the House Budget Committee for five years running, Allen is looking to take his finance experience one step further. In this role he was responsible for allocating state funds—now he wants to help ensure state funds are getting spent and utilized in the way they were originally intended.

Thus far, the race has two other candidates vying for the state auditor position: Thomas Schweich (rhymes with bike), the former Special Ambassador to Afghanistan, and Susan Montee, the current State Auditor. Montee is the only Democrat in possibly contending so far.

If Icet is able to blow past the primary and defeat the incumbent, he will bring a very unique perspective to the state’s chief watchdog position in Jefferson City.

In the private sector, Icet began his career as an engineer, working his way up to eventually conducting audits and forecasts for Conoco Phillips. In the public sector, he worked on the House Budget Committee for all eight years of his legislative career, with the majority of that time spent serving as Chairman. This challenge has placed Icet as one of the most fiscally powerful people in the state, playing a central role in the allocation of Missouri’s $22-23 billion dollar budget.

This background outlines a sharp contrast to the other two candidates.

Schweich reportedly opted out of running for the open MO Senate Seat for an indicated exchange of support from Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Rep. Roy Blunt, Sen. John Danforth and Sen. Kit Bond for his state auditor race. After widespread rumor of his bid being announced from a locker room in Washington University (Saint Louis), Schweich announced his candidacy in a statewide fly around with nominal support attending.

Montee is a formally trained CPA with much experience in administrative accounting. She received a law degree but otherwise doesn’t appear to have a very broad work experience outside of the field.

Thus far, Icet is the only candidate to release his first wave of endorsements.

Only July 7, (the same day Schweich announced his bid for state auditor), Icet released the 80 state representatives and 4 state senators that are endorsing his candidacy. To view the official press release, click here.

If Icet is able to secure the election he is expected by many to bring a fresh perspective to an otherwise officious office. With his unique experience in the legislature, he has built strong relationships in a bipartisan fashion with legislators from around the state. Furthermore, he has witnessed firsthand the all-too-common disconnect between the legislator’s original intent for, and the execution of, taxpayer dollars. After a review of his sponsored and cosponsored bills, it is not hard to see that he truly does have a great deal to bring to the people of Missouri.

To view Icet’s official campaign website, which includes an interview clip, click here.

Tom Schweich’s official website is: www.tomschweich.com

Susan Montee’s official website is:  www.susanmontee.com (despite the fact that she’s announced her intentions to run for election, she hasn’t posted any information as of this post date)

Author: Sarah Riordan

Welcome back.  Now that you’re all up to date on the Democratic Carnahan clan, let’s go over the other controlling force in Missouri; the Republican Blunts.

To be perfectly honest, it wasn’t easy to find information on the Blunts. Most of the information obviously surrounded Matt and Roy.  However, the family’s political history goes back much further than Roy. So here’s what information is available on the power-house family’s early days.

Despite the many websites viewed in order to gather information on Leroy Blunt, none of the information provided dates for Leroy Blunt’s political career. We do know however, that Roy Blunt’s father was a Missouri State Legislator. Prior to serving as a state legislator, Blunt’s father, Leroy, was a member of school and city councils. Roy learned about politics and getting involved in the community from his father and later when on to pass whatever message his father gave him onto his kids.

Roy Blunt’s political history, because it’s still going on, is easier to track than his father’s.  Roy Blunt’s political journey began in 1973 as the Greene County Clerk.  Then in 1984 Roy was elected as Missouri’s Secretary of State.  After serving as Missouri’s Secretary of State, Roy returned to his education background and served as president to his alma mater Southwest Baptist University. He returned to politics in 1996 when he was elected to the United States Congress.  Roy is still serving in Congress today and recently announced his plan to run to fill Kit Bond’s seat in the U.S. Senate. He will be running against Robin Carnahan is the ultimate Missouri power family showdown.

Like the Carnahan family, two generations of politicians just didn’t seem to be enough.  So Matt Blunt set out to continue his family’s political legacy.  Matt Blunt’s political career began as a state rep. for Greene County, and was later elected Secretary of the State of Missouri.  After his stint as Secretary of State he became Governor of the state of Missouri at the age of 33.  He was the second youngest governor ever elected in the United States.  Matt chose not to run for reelection in the 2008 election.

In addition to Matt, Roy Blunt’s other children also have their hands in politics.  Both Andy and Amy work as lobbyist in D.C., and there’s much speculation that they too will one day run for public office.

So, needless to say, the Blunt family isn’t going to disappear any time soon.  With Roy Blunt’s recent announcement that he will be running to fill Kit Bond’s (R-District 7) Senate Seat, their hold in Missouri is as strong as ever.  Though Missourians may be feeling a need for a change of pace, it’s not likely.

So who will fill the much desired seat?  Will it be Robin Carnahan, from the Democratic power family, or Roy Blunt, the Republican from an equally influential clan?  One thing’s for sure, this is going to be one hot race.  

Author: Sarah Riordan

One of the most common sayings heard throughout the 2008 presidential race was “No more Clintons or Bushs in the Whitehouse.”  On a smaller scale, by swapping out the names, the same can be said for the state of Missouri.  “No more Blunts and no more Carnahans.”

So in light of the above sentiment, here is a little history on how long these two families have been heavily influencing the great state of Missouri.

The Carnahan family has held prominent state positions since…ready for this…1945 (Picture Nazis and you’ll be in the right era, and the right political arena.) when A.S.J. Carnahan was elected to Congress as a Democratic representative for Missouri’s 8^th Congressional District. A.S.J Carnahan passed away in 1968, but the Carnahan legacy didn’t end there. 

Next in line is A.S.J.’s son Melvin Eugene Carnahan.  His career in began in 1951 as a judge in Missouri’s Municipal Court. In 1963 he was a member in the Missouri State House of Representatives. He was elected to the Missouri State Senate in 1966 and 1968.  In 1981 Melvin (known as Mel) Carnahan became the Missouri State Treasurer, and then in 1989 became the Lieutenant Governor of Missouri.  His career hit its peak in when was elected Governor of Missouri in 1993. Mel Carnahan, in an event that most Missourians (including this former Missourian) remember clearly, died while in office in a plane crash in the year 2000 during his run to become a United States Senator.

Now, one would assume that because Governor Carnahan passed away in 2000, his political career would have ended.  However, surprisingly enough, one would be wrong.  Carnahan’s names was left on the election ballet, and he ended winning the Senate Seat.  In a move that is controversial to this day, Missouri literally elected a deceased man to office. The solution to this problem is where the next portion of the Carnahan family history begins. 

Jean Carnahan married into the political family in 1954. Though she had no political experience herself, as the wife of the former governor, she was appointed to fill her husband’s seat in the U.S. Senate in 2001.  Though she was appointed to the U.S. Senate her political career was short lived.  She spent a year in the U.S. Senate before disappearing from the political scene.

But yet again, the Carnahan family history didn’t end there. John Russell Carnahan,(Russ) the son of Jean and Mel, was elected as a Congressman in 2004. Russ Carnahan is still serving in Congress today.

Oh, did you think we were done with the Carnahans?  Me too.  I guess we were both wrong.  To bring us to the present political race, we now visit Robin Carnahan’s political career.

Robin Carnahan, granddaughter of A.S.J., daughter of Mel and Jean, and sister to Russ is running against Congressmen Roy Blunt in the 2010 Senate race for Kit Bond’s (R) District 7 seat.  Robin Carnahan is a lawyer and served as Secretary of State for Missouri.

The Carnahan/Blunt showdown is destined to be one of the hottest Senatorial races in the nation. To view background info on Roy Blunt, click here.

Author: Crystal Fontaine

In less than a century, people advanced from horses and carriages to automobiles and airplanes. The turn of the century brought about a technological explosion with advancements emerging in every direction as demand for more efficient and swifter ways of doing things increased exponentially. Computers arrived with the internet not far behind, providing more fruitful ways to communicate across the boarder and file documents.

Unfortunately, Governor Palin does not show much of an opinion concerning the issue of technology and the internet. Perhaps it is not exactly high up on her priority list. As Governor, Sarah Palin record comes up short of incorporating any kind of technological policies. Nevertheless, Governor Palin has taken advantage of the internet some by creating an online training program for the workforce. The program, Alaska Career Ready, gives users the capacity to take a set of surveys to discover what abilities they have or may need for an assortment of preferred jobs. In addition, these users may select online courses for developing weak or under-skilled areas. This program allows for a faster and more efficient way for workers to evaluate their own skills and it provides a way to help them improve weaker areas. Despite these details, however, Governor Palin has not really taken any initiative on broadband policy. Unfortunately, Alaskans connect at a slow rate. She has also helped Alaskan residents’ access affordable healthcare through the Alaska Health Care Transparency Act. The act provides tele-medicine and tele-health initiatives that provide care to Alaska’s most remote residents. According to Palin, it is vital to the economy to improve and expand more efficient transportation.

Senator Joe Biden looks to have taken a bit more interest on the subject. Biden is a supporter of clean technology, co-sponsoring the Senate Bill 1177. The legislation would amend the Clean Air Act to establish a nationwide uniform air pollutant rigid program for the electric generating zone. In a 2006 hearing, Biden proved to be a skeptic of net neutrality as he questioned the need for preventative measures when no evidence presented itself. He believes that if everyone who felt those rights were being violated and were given a hearing, it would be impossible to handle every case. Senator Biden is also a strong supporter of copyright. In 2002, he asked the Justice Department to take a harsher position on copyright violation. A noteworthy effort on Biden’s part is the PROTECT Act of 2003, which made it a felony to forge keys to use for counterfeit software or to operate unauthorized computer programs. He also co-founded and co-chaired the Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus. Other noteworthy legislation on Biden’s repertoire includes S.1738 and S.223. Biden sponsored Senate Bill S.1738 to increase resources for regional computer forensic labs, among other things. S. 223, which he co-sponsored, requires senate candidates to file designations, reports, and statements in electronic form. Senator Biden was also a challenger of the FISA reform bill, strongly opposing warentless wiretapping.

On one hand, we have the fresh face of Sarah Palin, who seems more concerned about oil than technological and internet issues. On the other hand, there is the well-known face of Senator Biden, who seems to have realized the importance of these issues. Who will have your vote?

It seems this Presidential election will bring about some firsts in United States history: a black man as president or a woman as vice president. The announcement of the Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin as McCain’s Vice President has definitely evoked a strong reaction throughout the nation. Perhaps that is what the “maverick” was looking for? It has been highly noted that Palin lacks experience with only two years as Governor and before that a Mayor. Despite her lack of experience in foreign policy and such, Palin does have much experience with the general public, especially those in Alaska. What the real question we should be asking does not involve experience, but where does she stand on the issues.

Senator McCain announced Palin as someone “who can best help me shake up Washington”. Palin took office on December 4, 2006 as the first woman Governor of Alaska. As Governor, her top priorities have been transportation development, public health and safety, education and workforce development and resource development. The Palin Administration invested five billion dollars in state savings, implemented the Senior Benefits Program, and overhauled education funding. Governor Palin is well known for her advocacy in drilling for oil and natural gas in Alaska, specifically the Artic National Wildlife Refuge. Ironically, McCain and Palin have differing views concerning the topic. McCain opposes drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge, while his opponent Obama supports the idea. Governor Palin agrees with Obama about completion of the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline. Also, Palin fought against legislation, sponsored by Senator Lieberman, which intended to designate the Artic National Wildlife Refuge as wilderness. She created Alaska’s Petroleum Systems Integrity Office, which provides oversight and maintenance of oil and gas equipment and facilities.

Although a bit of an outsider in the Republican Party, Palin has shown fearlessness throughout her years as Mayor and as Governor. She has gained a reputation of political purity, trying to clean up the mess of corruption. For instance, she resigned as chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission due to the deficiency of ethics moral principles in other Republican members. Palin left frustrated after her complaints of conflict of interests and legal violations within the committee. Governor Palin has served as chair of other committees as well. She currently serves as chair of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, promoting the preservation and effective recovery of domestic oil and natural gas while still protecting the environment, public safety, and health. Recently, she was appointed chair of the National Governors Association Natural Resource Committee. The committee pursues legislation to guarantee state needs are considered as federal policy is created in the areas of energy, environmental protection, agriculture, etc. She has passed two major pieces of legislation to overhaul state ethic laws and a completive process to construct a gas pipeline. In addition, Palin submitted the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act. The legislation is to act as a medium to get natural gas pipelines built and bring state’s extensive gas reserves to the market.

John McCain is known as the “maverick” in this campaign for presidency. Perhaps that is the very reason he chose Governor Palin to be his running mate. Together, they may indeed be the ticket to shake up Capital Hill and even the nation. “Leaders don’t wait. They shape their own frontiers. The bigger the challenge, the greater the opportunity” – Anonymous.

AUTHOR: John Elsik

Senate Joint Resolution 33, sponsored by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) on May 21, 2008, recognizes the efforts of Ohio’s Departments of Mental Health and of Alcohol & Drug Services, in addressing the stigma associated with mental health and substance abuse disorders. The resolution pertains to, and recognizes, those American and Ohio citizens affected by mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders, as well the plethora of exceptional costs incurred through the neglect of treatment, and continued suffering, of American and Ohio citizens. Furthermore, this resolution recognizes the results of treatment, and of subsequent cost benefits. This resolution further recognizes the reality of the stigma attached with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. The resolution has been forwarded to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

The resolution points to the fact that 54,000,000 Americans suffer from a mental illness, and another 26,000,000 live with addiction. Recently within the entirety of the United States, only 10.8% of those suffering from mental illness or addiction received treatment. The resolution further recognizes the social and economic costs incurred through loss of productivity, crime, and other issues associated with mental illnesses and addiction. The estimated costs per year of untreated mental illnesses amounts to $100,000,000,000, while the costs of untreated addiction is $500,000,000,000. The Surgeon General has reported that mental illness and substance abuse account for one fifth of work days missed. This exceeds the combined burden of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

While recognizing the numbers of Americans affected by mental illness and addiction, and the further economic and social costs associated with neglecting treatment, this resolution recognizes the proven results of treatment. The resolution states that 70% to 90% of individuals with a mental illness or substance use disorder find a reduction in symptoms, and subsequent improvement in quality of life, from treatment. Furthermore, treatment has proven to cut substance use in half, reduce crime by upwards of 80%, and reduce arrests by some 64%. Within Ohio, the cost-benefit stands that for every dollar invested and spent on treatment there is an economic savings of 7$ through reduction of crime, child abuse and neglect, homelessness, and lost work productivity.

Whole focusing on the numbers who suffer, the costs, and the benefits of treatment, the resolution also recognizes the complications and reality of the stigma attached to mental illness and addiction. The resolution points to the damage resulting from mental illness and addiction stigmas in such ways as inadequate insurance coverage for health services, fear and mistrust towards those who suffer from such illnesses and disorders, and ultimately in the potential of family and friends to turn their backs on their loved ones. In point of fact, the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration has found that individuals would rather admit to a petty crime than to spending time in a psychiatric facility. Furthermore, the Surgeon General stated that stigma towards mental illness and addiction can no longer be tolerated if there is to be a reduction in the burdens placed on society by mental illness, improvement in actual access to care for those suffering from mental illness and addiction, and ultimately in achieving knowledge of the brain, mind, and human behavior that is urgently needed to combat the multiplicity of problems associated with mental illness and addiction. The resolution also recognizes that the American Medical Associated, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the National Institute on Alcohol & Addiction all concur that addiction is a chemical change in the brain.

In concluding, the Senate and House of Representative’s jointly recognize that stigma fosters discrimination and discourages victims from seeking treatment, and encourages efforts to increase awareness of the existence and impact of mental illness and substance abuse disorder stigmas. Further, it encourages Americans to work towards overcoming the stigma associated with mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Finally, it recognizes Ohio’s “Think Outside the Stigma Campaign”.

AUTHOR: Ashton Cope

With all the hype of the upcoming presidential elections, itʼs easy to overlook the
upcoming state-wide elections. In November, all state-wide elected officials,
representatives, half of the senators, and the U.S. representatives will be up for reelection.
Among the notable candidates for governor are Democratic Attorney General Jay
Nixon, Republican State Treasurer Sarah Steelman, and Republican U.S.

Representative Kenny Hulshof. Prior to current Governor Matt Bluntʼs announcement
that he would not be running for re-election, the outcome of the race seemed to clearly
be in Nixonʼs favor. After that January announcement, however, the outcome is
suddenly unclear. While Nixon had in essence been campaigning for several years, his
campaign had mostly been based on anti-Blunt.

The office of lieutenant governor hardly seems as heated and will probably come
down to Republicans vs. Democrats. Among the many contestants, incumbent Lt.
Governor Peter Kinder is running again (heʼs changed his mind since announcing that
he was running for governor) on the Republican ticket and Representative Sam Page of
Creve Coeur on the Democratic.

Secretary of State Robin Carnahan has filed for re-election, running against two
unknowns.

Given that the office of State Treasurer is now incumbent-free, Republican
Senator Brad Lager of Savannah and Democratic Representative Clint Zweifel of
Florissant are facing off.

The office of Attorney General is also open with Jay Nixon running for governor,
and has perhaps received the most press. With only one Republican candidate
(President Pro Tem of the Senate Mike Gibbons) and three known equally matched
Democratic candidates, this election is up in the air. Senator Chris Koster of
Harrisonville, a recent Democratic-convert, has announced candidacy, along with
Representatives Margaret Donnelly of St. Louis and Jeff Harris of Columbia.
Throughout this session, Donnelly and Harris each had different tactics, with Donnelly
putting her duties of being a representative before campaigning and Harris barely
seeing the House floor at all (except for a few key press opportunities).

All state representatives are also up for re-election, and with Democrats tending
to be the favorite, the majority party of the House is expected to change. With only half
of the state senators up for re-election, the majority will most likely remain Republican.