Farmers and small businesspeople from around the state descended on the State Capitol in Jefferson City for a huge rally in favor of efforts to stem the tide of eminent domain. An overflow crowd gathered under the Capitol dome to hear comments from a number of government leaders, including Governor Matt Blunt, Senate President Pro-Tem Michael Gibbons, and House Speaker Rod Jetton. In his comments, Blunt made it clear he’s committed to protecting property rights in Missouri. Legislation dealing with eminent domain is before the Legislature, with supporters expecting it to breeze through both the House and Senate and be signed into law by Governor Blunt. The blueprint for the legislation is the final report (PDF) of the Missouri Eminent Domain Task Force, which was set up in response to anger over a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a Connecticut case.
