Public Service Commission Chairman Kelvin Simmons, widely rumoured to be considering a run at statewide office, has decided against running in 2004. With State Treasurer Nancy Farmer running for US Senate against Christopher Bond, Democrats had hoped to persuade Simmons, a black Democrat from Kansas City, to run for that vacant office. In an interview with the Missourinet, Simmons acknowledged he has fielded a number of telephone calls from party officials the past few months. He said it was flattering, but ultimately he had to decide what was the best decision for him. Simmons noted that if he chose to run he would have to step down from the PSC, get a new job and put together what he calls a winning team. He said it just isn’t his time. Simmons has decided to step down as PSC chairman, but to remain on the commission as a member. He came to the commission in 2000 after serving on the Kansas City Council. He was appointed PSC chairman about a year later. Simmons keeps his options open concerning a political future. He said opportunities are blessings and if one comes he would consider it. The decision does leave Democrats scrambling to get a quality candidate to keep the statewide office.
Brenda Warner Tells Radio Station To Play Or Trade Husband
Kurt Warner isn’t the Rams starting quarterback. This fact sits well with Rams fans as long as their winning and Marc Bulger’s producing. However it isn’t sitting well with Warner’s wife. Brenda Warner, speaking with WMLL radio in St. Louis, said, “If he’s not going to play here, then he wants to play somewhere.” Kurt Warner admits it’s tough, but it doesn’t lessen his commitment to the team, saying, “I’ve accepted that role and I’m going to do what I can and if I’m called upon at any point in time I’m going to be ready.” This isn’t the first time Brenda Warner has questioned the Rams publicly. Last December she called KFNS radio to complain about the Rams not suggesting an X-Ray on what proved to be a broken wrist. In other Rams news, head coach Mike Martz said free safety Jason Sehorn is coming along and should suit up for the Falcons game in 13 days. He broke his foot in training camp.
Mizzou-Nebraska To Be Carried By TBS
The Missouri Tigers are back on TV again. TBS has decided to pick up Mizzou’s October 11th match up with the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The game will kickoff at 6 PM. This will mark the third time in six games that the Tigers have been televised. ABC carried Mizzou’s season opening win against Illinois and FOX Sports Net picked up Saturday’s loss to Kansas. The Tigers season-finale against Iowa State in Columbia will be on ABC on November 29. That game was originally scheduled for November 1, but was moved back so it could be televised. Missouri will have plenty of time to get ready for it’s game with Nebraska because they don’t have a game this week. Missouri’s 4-1 and Nebraska, who faces Troy St. at home on Saturday, is 4-0.
SMS Could Land Prized Recruit Today
There could be some good news in store for Barry Hinson and the Southwest Missouri St. basketball team today. Drew Richards of Rogersville is expected to announce his intention to attend SMS, according to the Springfield News-Leader. Richards is 6-9 and averaged 19 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots as a freshman. Richards has stated that he cut his list down to SMS, Texas Tech and Arkansas. Getting homegrown talent seems to be a trend for Hinson, whose 2003 recruiting class includes six players from Missouri; four of them are from southwest Missouri. Even if Richards says yes to the Bears today, nothing is set in stone. The early signing period doesn’t begin until November.
La Russa Staying Put
Tony La Russa isn’t going anywhere according to an article in Tuesday’s St. Louis Post-Dispatch. La Russa told the paper that the Cardinals want him back for the final year of his contract and that he wants to come back. There have been rumors that suggest La Russa might be interested in returning to the White Sox, now that Jerry Manuel’s been fired. La Russa managed the White Sox from 1979 to 1986, leading them to the American League West title in 1983. He’ll be entering his season in St. Louis in 2004.
