Latest entries in City, State and Nation
News on a local and national level that matters to students.
Feb. 7, 2012
Rick Santorum wins non-binding Missouri primary
The Missouri primary might be non-binding for Republican delegates, but Rick Santorum showed an enormous presence, pulling in more than 55 percent of the vote as of 10 p.m. and clinching the Missouri primary.
“Your votes today were heard loud across the country…and in Massachusetts,” Santorum said during his victory speech.
Santorum was the only Republican candidate to spend any time in Missouri. He specifically focused on the Show-Me state for the past week, holding campaign events across central Missouri, according to his campaign website.
Mitt Romney, Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich did not spend time campaigning in Missouri, according to their respective campaign websites. Gingrich, who expressed little interest in the state’s delegates, was not even on the ballot.
“We do elections where you can actually win delegates, we don’t participate in beauty contests,” a spokesman for Gingrich's campaign said.
As of 10 p.m., 87 percent of the total state precincts reported their results. Santorum commanded a dominating lead with 55.7 percent of the Republican vote in Missouri, compared with Mitt Romney’s 24.9 percent, according to election results posted on the Missouri Secretary of State's website. Candidate Ron Paul received 12 percent of the vote.
Tonight’s votes are largely symbolic, however, because they are non-binding. This means even though registered voters will pick their candidates of choice, the 52 state delegates up for grabs will not be “bound” by the votes, according to the Secretary of State’s website.
Senator Roy Blunt, R-Mo., applauded Santorum on his win.
"I congratulate my friend Rick Santorum on his win tonight, but the fact remains that this is a non-binding primary, meaning Missouri's delegates are still very much up for grabs,” Blunt said.
But Blunt said he thinks Mitt Romney will be the eventual GOP nominee.
“Mitt Romney has the organization and the resources to go the distance in this election, and I believe he'll ultimately win our party's nomination,” said Blunt.
The Missouri caucus will be held March 17, at which time the delegates will be chosen for the 2012 GOP convention, according to the Secretary of State’s website.
Changes demanded by the Republican National Committee requiring some states, including Missouri, to hold their primaries in March or later, caused the separation of voting and choosing delegates, according to the Missouri Republican Party’s website.
The party said failure to comply would have serious consequences, so Missouri decided to hold the primary today and the caucus in March.
“Failure to comply with these rules would have resulted in the loss of half of Missouri’s delegates at the national convention,” according to the Missouri Republican Party.
President Barack Obama led on the Democratic ticket, receiving more than 87 percent of the total votes cast, according to the Secretary of State's website.
Missouri Democratic Party chairman Mike Sanders released a statement after the polls closed which offered some insight on the primary.
“Today, Missouri Democrats came together in a show of strength and organization that truly stands in stark contrast to our Republican counterparts,” Sanders said.
Sanders said Obama’s strong showing is no surprise, but he disagrees with the process in which the GOP is choosing delegates.
“The Missouri Republican Party will continue to ignore the votes cast on primary day and instead, they'll let a handful of insiders gather in March to decide which presidential candidate they'll support at convention,” he said.
There is no guarantee Rick Santorum will be awarded the state’s 52 delegates. Missouri's delegates will officially be decided in March, when the Republican caucuses take place.
Santorum also won the Minnesota caucuses Tuesday by a similar margin, taking 45 percent of the total vote, compared with Ron Paul’s 27 percent. Mitt Romney received 17 percent of the vote, with Newt Gingrich taking the other 11 percent.
The results of the Colorado caucus are still indefinite, with Romney and Santorum tied at 37 percent.
Jan. 25, 2012
Joplin, Jasper County to receive more than $45 million in federal rebuilding funds
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced Friday a $45 million investment to Joplin to help fund the town’s rebuilding efforts in the wake of last spring’s severe tornado that devastated much of the area.
Missouri will also receive $9 million, 80% of which will support rebuilding efforts in Jasper County. Joplin is the largest city in the county.
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, supported by Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., is the source of the funding. McCaskill voted in November to allot an additional $400 million to the CDBG to aid disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“I’ve seen firsthand the recovery efforts underway by the resilient folks in Joplin, and I know these resources will be put to great use as they continue to rebuild,” McCaskill said in a news release. “I plan to keep fighting to ensure that Joplin, and Missourians across the state who are dealing with natural disasters, have the support and the tools necessary to rebuild their homes and businesses.”
President Delivers State of the Union Before Divided Congress
In front of a still deeply-divided and quarrelsome Congress, President Barack Obama presented perhaps the most important State of the Union address of his administration.
Obama made Congressional reconciliation a major talking point in his election-year address, again making a plea for both Democrats and Republicans to put down hot-blooded disagreements in order to accomplish more on Capitol Hill in 2012.
“Some of what’s broken has to do with the way Congress does its business these days,” Obama said. “A simple majority is no longer enough to get anything, even routine business, passed through the Senate.”
Obama said both parties should work together to resolve issues.
“Neither party has been blameless in these tactics. Now both parties should put an end to it,” he said.
The President also outlined his plans to help keep American manufacturing jobs in the U.S. by eliminating tax deductions for companies that outsource jobs and industry and offering tax cuts and tax deductions for companies that keep jobs in the nation.
“It is time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in America,” he said.
In the educational sector, Obama made it clear a top priority is to cap and ultimately reduce the amount of student loans for college students.
“At a time when Americans owe more in tuition debt than credit card debt, this Congress needs to stop the interest rates on student loans from doubling in July,” he said in reference to the congressional student loan bill that would increase interest rates on student loans to 6.8 percent this July.
Obama also proposed all states mandate their students to remain in high school until either they graduate or turn 18.
“We also know that when students don’t walk away from their education, more of them walk the stage to get their diploma,” he said. “When students are not allowed to drop out, they do better.”
In addition to increasing government subsidies toward natural gas and other clean energy technologies, the President called for a drastic facelift for the nation's aging infrastructure.
“I will sign an executive order clearing away the red tape that slows down too many construction projects.," he said. "But (congressmen) need to fund these projects. Take the money we’re no longer spending at war, use half of it to pay down our debt, and use the rest to do some nation-building right here at home.”
Jan. 17, 2012
Nixon addresses goals for higher education in annual address
During Tuesday night’s State of State address, Gov. Jay Nixon called for more efficient public higher education to adapt to a changing economy.
Citing the 31,000 more students in Missouri state colleges and universities since he took office, the governor said he seeks to continue higher education affordability while innovating for future job growth.
“Our economy is changing, and education can't stop at high school because by the next decade, nearly two-thirds of all jobs in the United States will require some kind of post-secondary education,” Nixon said. “That means more Missouri kids will need a college degree.”
Nixon also stated additional funding for higher education will be granted in his new budget.
“In another challenging budget year, our top priorities in funding for higher education must continue to be high-quality academic programs and student scholarships,” he said.
Nixon also cited Central Missouri University’s new Innovation Campus education model, which combines dual-credit courses in high school coupled with apprenticeships in college, as a big step in Missouri education.
Dec. 10, 2011
Kelly announces 2012 campaign for Missouri House of Representatives
Current Rep. Chris Kelly, D-Columbia, announced today he will be running for representative of the 45th district in November 2012, according to a news release. This district will include downtown Columbia, the MU campus and other surrounding areas.
“Columbia, Boone County, its economy and its educational institutions have been the focal point of my entire public life," Kelly said in a news release. "With redistricting, the 2010 map provides me the welcome opportunity to represent the core of our city and to further our collective educational, economic, and cultural aspirations."
Under the old districting map, Kelly currently represents the 24th District for the Missouri House of Representatives, which encompasses a portion of the city. Rep. Mary Still, D-Columbia, represents the 25th District, which under the old redistricting map, covers most of the MU campus. Rep. Stephen Webber, D-Columbia and MU law student, also represents a section of Columbia.
Dec. 2, 2011
McCaskill posts potentially rule-breaking tweet
With a click of a mouse, Missouri’s senior U.S. Senator might have violated Senate policy.
Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., sent out a tweet Friday afternoon containing two links: one to a YouTube video of her delivering a speech on the Senate floor which was captured by C-SPAN cameras, and the other to her campaign website, Politico reported. According to a Senate rule, members may not use television coverage of Senate proceedings for political purposes.
“First please watch this. bit.ly/tJjriQ Then do this: bit.ly/cmc_infr Thank you,” the tweet read.
The link to the video contained a speech in which McCaskill introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to shift funding from road and bridge building projects in Afghanistan to similar construction projects in the United States.
According to a standing Senate rule, however, the second link that re-directed followers to her website should be prohibited.
“The use of any tape duplication of radio or television coverage of the proceedings of the Senate for political campaign purposes is strictly prohibited,” the rule states.
McCaskill has since corrected the error and posted a different tweet.
Dec. 1, 2011
Blunt helps pass bill to fund agriculture programs, disaster assistance
The Fiscal Year 2012 Agriculture, Commerce/Justice/Science (CJS) and Transportation/Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bills passed by both houses of Congress earlier this month will contain funding for agriculture programs and disaster assistance efforts in Missouri, according to Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo.
“This bill was a bipartisan effort, and I am proud that it includes critical disaster aid and agriculture research investments for Missourians,” Blunt said in a news release. “As we work to spend taxpayer dollars as effectively as possible, this bipartisan legislation is an important step forward.”
The total amount of disaster funding appropriated through the bill for 2012 is $2.3 billion, which includes $400 million through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for disaster relief for the most impacted and distressed communities, according to the news release.
Blunt served as a member of the conference committee that developed the bill.
Nov. 30, 2011
Funeral held for Specialist James Roland Burnett Jr. who was killed in Iraq
Specialist James Roland Burnett Jr., a 2009 graduate of Clearwater High School in Clearwater, Kansas, was killed Nov. 16 when his unit was attacked in the Kandahar Province in Afghanistan, according to a news release from Gov. Jay Nixon’s office.
His funeral was held Nov. 26 at Lowndes in Wayne County. U.S. and Missouri flags at government buildings in 114 Missouri counties flew at half-mast in memory of Burnett.
“As we observe our national day of Thanksgiving, it is especially appropriate to thank God for the men and women who serve in our military,” Nixon said in a news release. “When Missourians see the lowered flags this weekend, I would ask that they remember the sacrifice, bravery and dedication of Specialist Burnett. Out thoughts and prayers are with his family as they mourn for him.”
According to U.S. Central Command statistics, 18 U.S. soldiers were killed in November 2011. 4,444 U.S. soldiers have been killed in Iraq since 2003.
MU student Lee Banov said he appreciates the effort U.S. soldiers have put into defending their country.
“Soldiers provide great service to the country, and it is very sad that any soldiers could die while they do the service,” he said. “I feel safe because of what they have done for us.”
MU ROTC student Macauley Stubbs said U.S. soldiers simply are doing their jobs.
“It is our job to follow the orders by President Obama and to help people who need help,” he said. “Not that we aren’t scared of it, but it is our responsibility to go and help people.”
Nov. 22, 2011
Council votes in favor of Regency rezoning
The Columbia City Council brought an end to the debate over the rezoning of Regency mobile home park by voting 5-2 in favor of the rezoning Monday night.
Mayor Bob McDavid said he voted in favor of the rezoning because it would offer the most assistance to the residents. Several other council members who also voted in favor echoed similar sentiments.
“They are going to be displaced with or without financial help,” McDavid said.
Aspen Heights is offering $2,300 to displaced tenants of singlewide trailers and $3,500 to doublewide trailer tenants. They are also giving tenants until April 30 to move out or until May 31 if they have children in school. The current owner, Churchill Group Inc., plans to close the park Feb. 29 and has offered no provisions to displaced residents.
Sixth Ward Councilwoman Barbara Hoppe and First Ward Councilwoman Helen Anthony voted against the rezoning. Anthony was concerned about a possible increase in traffic and the condensation of student housing in the area.
“We have too much student housing in that area,” Anthony said. “This is not the appropriate location.”
The vote was preceded by more than three hours of public comments, including several students against the rezoning. Graduate student Andrew Bisto presented the council with 1,200 signatures on behalf of GRO Mizzou, from students, staff and faculty.
“Faculty, students and staff signed this petition because they fundamentally believed this rezoning was wrong,” Bisto said.
A competing petition in favor of the rezoning was created by Aspen Heights earlier this week and offered $500 to the sorority or fraternity that collected the most signatures. Junior Brianna Civella, a sorority member, said Greek students weren’t informed of the circumstances and many wouldn’t have signed the petition if they had known the full story.
Michael Carney, an attorney from Mid-Missouri Legal Services, spoke on behalf of his clients at the Regency in support of the rezoning. He said his clients are still disappointed in the situation but they believe this is the best solution.
“They either get money from Aspen or nothing,” Carney said.
Nov. 18, 2011
UT Austin College Republicans leader tweets assassinating Obama ‘tempting’
The president of the College Republicans at the University of Texas at Austin posted Wednesday on Twitter that the idea of assassinating President Obama was “tempting.”
“Y’all as tempting as it may be, don’t shoot Obama,” Lauren Pierce said. “We need him to go down in history as the WORST president we’ve EVER had! #2012.”
This tweet was posted at 2:29 p.m., a few hours after police arrested Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez for allegedly firing shots at the White House last Friday.
ABC News interviewed both Pierce and the vice president of the College Republicans about the controversial statement.
Pierce referred to her statement as a “joke” and called the earlier shooting incident “stupid.”
The statement was posted under Pierce’s personal account, not that of the College Republicans.
According to ABC News, Cassie Wright, the vice president of the College Republicans, said because the comment was voiced personally and not through the organization, she saw nothing wrong with it. She attributed the statement to utilizing freedom of speech.
“If it’s coming from her own personal Twitter, it’s reflective of her as a person, not the organization,” MU College Democrats President Matthew Tharp said. “I don’t think it’s smart, but I don’t think the organization should be held responsible for it.”
MU College Republicans President Craig Arnzen said there is no such thing as personal when one is a leader of an organization.
“If you represent a group, then you represent that group in every aspect of your life,” Arnzen said.
After attracting a large amount of scrutiny, Pierce removed her post later that day and tweeted an apology.
“I apologize for my previous tweet,” Pierce said. “It was in poor taste and should never have been written.”
The presidents of the MU College Democrats and MU College Republicans commented on the appropriateness of the statement.
“I think that it was the wrong thing for Lauren to tweet,” Arnzen said. “It’s the wrong thing for anyone to tweet. If you don’t like who’s in office, we’ve got an election coming up in a year.”
MU College Democrats president Matt Tharp upholds the stance made by the two organizations last year after the shooting of congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
“Violence has no place in the realm of political discourse,” Tharp said. “We are free to disagree, and sometimes we’ll disagree very adamantly, but violence doesn’t solve anything.”