On Saturday September 4^th, candidates, members and supporters of the Constitution Party stood at the corner of Truman and Hwy A in Festus holding signs and flags and encouraging drivers to honk in support. One in a series of what they’re calling “Freedom Rallies,” the Festus event focused on the theme of international banking, unconstitutional spending, and the 1930’s suspension of the gold standard.

Technically the Roy Wild Conference Center in Arnold and all of its contents belong to the Fox School District, but the evening of August 24, Republican Candidate for 3rd Dist. US Rep. Ed Martin owned the stage.  The choir filled the pews - er, seats - and Martin's press secretary, Theresa Petry presented questions submitted by members of the audience.  Originally promoted as a debate about national debt, spending and stimulus between congressional candidates, Martin was the only debater.  Meanwhile, Democrat incumbent Russ Carnahan met with veterans at Arnold VFW Post 2593 about a mile away. . .

Voters had five ballots to choose from Tuesday, and according to County Clerk Wes Wagner, the choices were more evenly split along major party lines than during previous primary elections. . .

The Constitution Party of Missouri issued a statement opposing the current health care legislation being considered in the US House of Representatives. The party challenges the federal government's authority to mandate insurance purchase or issue fines, asserting that since the United States Constitution does not contain the words "health insurance," "health care," "medicine," or "doctor," Congress lacks the authority to regulate healthcare providers or insurance companies. . .

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Congressman Russ Carnahan (MO-03) today applauded the largest organization for people 50 and over for their support of health insurance legislation before Congress, saying the endorsement underscores important provisions in the bill that will improve health care for older Americans and their families.

Jack Ginnever speaks fondly of his historic Crystal City home.  When Ginnever moved here, he envisioned Crystal City as a place he could retire someday.  He now runs for mayor hoping to transform how the city handles everything from water billing to council meetings, and he believes the city desperately needs to update its 41-year-old Master Plan. . .

Tuesday US Rep Russ Carnahan released a regional economic plan titled “A Regional Approach to Job Growth.” The 33-page plan includes an overview of the national and regional economy, evaluating local assets and liabilities. . .

A group of fifteen people gathered in the conference room at Windsor Branch Library Wednesday evening to meet Richard Blowers, the Constitution Party’s candidate for Dist. 102 State Rep.  Acting Jefferson County Chairman Nick Ivanovich opened the meeting with words about political issues and introduced Blowers. 

     “We’re all aware that we are where we are today because our elected representatives put us here,” Ivanovich said. 

     Ivanovich listed problems he sees. . .  

WASHINGTON, DC – With the humanitarian crisis in Haiti underscoring the importance of multilateral cooperation to address global challenges, Congressmen Russ Carnahan (D-MO) and Anh “Joseph” Cao (R-LA) today announced the formation of the American Engagement Caucus.  The bipartisan panel intends to demonstrate how American leadership and a willingness to partner with other countries and institutions are strategies that clearly serve our nation’s best interests.

The Missouri Affiliate of The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws

Lisa Hill is one of 18 volunteers who attended an Organizing for America meeting hosted by OFA Regional Field director, Kyle Juvers at the Arnold Branch Jefferson County Library on Saturday, September 12.  Hill’s son Adam, now 18, was diagnosed with leukemia at age seven.  He recovered, but last year he was diagnosed with epilepsy.  Frequent calls from the school nurse forced Hill to leave her job.  Her husband is a business owner, a union plumbing contractor, and since most of his employees get their insurance through their union, he can’t buy group health insurance reasonably for his business. 

Hill currently insures her family through COBRA, but she says that will run out in June of 2010.  She worries that her son won’t be able to buy insurance as an individual, and that his health will limit his work options. 

Like many people on all sides of the healthcare reform debate, Hill believes that most people are vulnerable under current healthcare policies.  “If you lose your job, you’re going to lose your healthcare,” she says.  “COBRA extends 18 months.  That’s it – if you can afford it.”

Notice is hereby given that the Planning and Zoning Commission of Jefferson County, Missouri, will conduct a meeting at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 23, 2009 in the Assembly Room of the Jefferson County Administration Center, located at 729 Maple Street, Hillsboro, Missouri.