The Blunt Administration is reacting to word that Ford is planning to close its assembly plant in Hazelwood. Governor Blunt and Economic Development Director Greg Steinhoff have issued a statement saying the State has been in discussions with Ford over the last several months about the future of the Hazelwood facility and is commited to keeping it open. The plant makes the Ford Explorer SUV, whose sales have slumped since 2002. A report in today’s Wall Street Journal indicates Ford plans to shut down the plant.