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Former governor Bond on bond proposals being debated in legislature

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The man who was governor the last time Missouri passed a large bond proposal says lawmakers must focus on identifying needs and how they will be met, if they want to get one passed now.

Kit Bond was the Governor when Missouri passed its last major bond proposal in 1982.

Kit Bond was the Governor when Missouri passed its last major bond proposal in 1982.

Kit Bond says when a bond package was passed under his administration, the state was in a tight fiscal situation.

“There was a deficit in the budget and the federal revenue sharing with the states had been cut off, and we badly needed upgrades to our prison system and to comply with the handicap accessibility, so the bond issue was the only way to get it.”

Lawmakers are debating whether to include transportation in a bonding proposal, or to perhaps have a separate bond proposal just for transportation. Bond says it’s not likely a bond proposal could be enough to support transportation.

“I think you’re going to have to have probably some revenue immediately and some revenue to be paying off the transportation part of the bonds, so I think you’re going to need bonds and revenue to support transportation.”

He notes he has advocated for passage of a transportation tax.

“The most direct would be gas tax increase … we’re one of the lowest around … or there are other taxes since there are some automobiles that don’t burn gas that are on the highway … or they have talked about some kind of sales tax, but if we don’t get some additional revenues in pretty soon, I-70’s not only going to be a parking lot it’s going to be a parking lot that looks like a gravel road.”

Bond says while there could be local projects that merit state money, particularly if they have a statewide impact, if the proposal becomes loaded down with local projects it could make it overly complicated for voters.

“I think you have to have it rather straightforward and you can’t put a whole bunch of individual projects or put out a laundry list because if voters don’t understand it they’re not going to be willing to support it. You have to have not only the consent of the voters but the understanding of the voters when you ask them to vote for it.”

Governor Jay Nixon has yet to take a position on a bonding proposal. Bond’s advice to him?

“Do what’s best for the state. I’m sure he will.”

 

Republicans in Tampa differ over Akin remaining in Senate race

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With activities on the first day of the Republican National Convention postponed, discussion continued to focus on the comments last week by U.S. Senate Candidate Todd Akin about abortions in cases of rape. 

Missouri Republicans hope a full slate of activities today at the party’s National Convention will draw discussion away from Todd Akin’s comments regarding abortion in instances of rape.

See our earlier stories on Senate Candidate Todd Akin.

Two prominent Missouri Republicans say they believe a Republican can still beat Senator Claire McCaskill in November.  They continue to call on Akin to withdraw and make way for some other candidate.

Senator Roy Blunt says, “I think we win the Senate race if Todd is not the candidate.” Blunt says Akin, “is a good man who needs to think about the impact he’s having on the greater national interest.”

Former senator Kit Bond says, “Not only if (Akin’s on the ballot) is the Senate seat gone, he endangers the whole ticket.”

Bond says of Akin’s comments, “I have been a supporter of the right to life position … but what he said was not only insensitive, but wrong. He’s apologized but it’s still there.”

Bond says based on the latest polls, “(Akin) has actually brought Barack Obama up to lead Mitt Romney in Missouri, and I understand they’re going to feature Todd Akin in the Democratic convention as a means to get the nation to vote Democratic.”

Blunt says the Akin situation is detracting from debate of more pressing issues in the Senate race, and other races, like,  “Jobs, and energy and healthcare and the things that Governor Romney has said this should be about.”

Some still support the embattled GOP Senate candidate

Not all Republicans want to see Akin withdraw. Several continue to proudly wear Akin stickers in Tampa.

St. Joseph conservative blogger Ellis Cross is one of them. “I’m supporting him because it’s the voice of the people. It was the vote of the people. Something has to be sacred in this country and I would hope that the voice of the people would be sacred.”

Cross says Akin misspoke when he suggested that doctors have told him that when a woman is raped her body has ways to prevent a pregnancy from occuring. “I wish what he had done was say something along the line, ‘There is a theory out there,’ and quote the doctor … that would have saved him a lot of embarassment.” Cross adds, “I do believe he sincerely has apologized. He certainly has apologized enough for me.”

Cross dismisses the idea that Akin staying in the race hurts the Republican party, saying instead that Akin withdrawing would hurt the party by dividing its vote. “They were saying, ‘You step down or we’re going to have a write-in candidate.’ Well as soon as we have a write-in candidate, guess what? Half of them vote for Akin, half of them vote for the write-in and we get Claire McCaskill again … for the good of the party we ought to get behind him.”

Republicans on both sides of the Akin debate hope the return to the business of the Convention today will take some attention off of that issue. Most events on Monday were postponed due to concerns over Tropical Storm Isaac.

Blunt calls Senate campaign in 2010 important for Missouri, country

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Congressman Roy Blunt

Congressman Roy Blunt

Long-time Congressman Roy Blunt hopes to keep the United States Senate seat occupied by Senator Bond in Republican hands.

Bond, one of Missouri’s longest serving politicians, announced earlier that he would retire from the United States Senate after three terms. The announcement then set into motion much political maneuvering which only grew in intensity as pitched battles between Democrats and Republicans in Washington, D. C. only emphasized the importance of the seat. Republicans in the US Senate have barely enough seats to maintain filibusters on the Senate floor, preventing Democrats from moving on major pieces of legislation. [Read more…]

Bond quits panel over dispute with Obama Administration

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Senator Bond has resigned from a special panel formed to review CIA detention and interrogation policies.

Bond quit in response to conflicts with the Obama Administration. Bond says the decision by Attorney General Eric Holder to investigate the interrogation practices of the CIA during the Bush Administration interferes with the work of members from the Senate Intelligence Committee to review interrogation policies and suggest changes.

Bond is vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Holder has appointed a federal prosecutor to review the legality of CIA interrogation techniques used during the Bush Administration. Bond says CIA officials will refuse to be candid with the panel, because of worries their testimony could be used in federal prosecutions.

Senator Bond urges Obama to keep faith in Afghanistan

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Senator Bond urges President Obama and Congress to keep faith in Afghanistan.

Bond takes to the Senate floor to tell colleagues they must focus on the military mission in Afghanistan, not the political positions being staked out in Washington.

"Let’s ignore the politics of the moment and finish the job in Afghanistan," Bond says during his speech on the floor.

Bond, Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee , urges President Obama to stick to the commitment he outlined in March when the president proclaimed his commitment to winning in Afghanistan.

"Amid the reports of wavering and hand-wringing an important question comes into mind, ‘What’s changed?’" Bond says, "During the campaign and after his inauguration the president has spoken repeatedly about the importance of winning the war in Afghanistan."

Bond says he is disturbed by news reports indicating the president will not comply with General Stanley McChrystal’s request for more troops in Afghanistan. Bond suggests that McChrystal be summoned to Washington to speak directly to Congress about what he believes the military needs to win in Afghanistan.

Bond says this is no time to waver.

"Let’s not snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in Afghanistan just because a few pundits are peddling political pessimism in Washington," Bond says.

Bond expresses concern about the president’s most recent remarks reported in the news media, saying it seems to indicate the Obama Administration is inclined to reject the counter-insurgency strategy recommended by McChrystal and backed by other military brass. One report indicates the Defense Secretary Gates will delay sending McChrystal’s troop request to the White House, because the president isn’t ready to consider it. All the experts, says Bond, agree that the military effort in Afghanistan needs proper resources, including additional troops, to mount a proper counter-insurgency strategy.

Download/listen Brent Martin reports (1:15 MP3)

Bond remembers 9/11 victims – calls for completion of mission in Afghanistan

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Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-MO) has taken to the floor of the U.S. Senate to mark the eighth anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks by remembering those who died and to call for continued pressure to be put on terrorists by completing the military mission in Afghanistan.

"Today, as we reflect on the anniversary of 9/11 and the lives lost that day, we can honor the victims and their families by finishing the job in Afghanistan and defeating the terrorists who are bent on death and destruction," said during a Senate floor speech.

Bond says defeating the militants in Afghanistan is a job that must be done.

"The stakes of turning out back on this conflict could not be higher," said Bond. "America ignored the fact that Afghanistan became one giant training camp for terrorists in the ’90s and thousands of Americans died on 9/11 as a result."

Bond says leaving Afghanistan would be the equivalent of declaring defeat.

"Declaring defeat in Afghanistan today would signal to the families of those who died on September 11th and the troops that have fought since then in service to our country that their loved ones died in vain."

Bond says violent extremists must not be allowed to think they can wait out the military and economic might of the international community.

Hearnes praised by his successor in Governor’s Office

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The death of former Governor Warren Hearnes, who died Sunday night at the age of 86, has brought statements and kind thoughts from many of Missouri’s political leaders, including the man who succeeded Hearnes in the Governor’s Office – now-U.S. Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond.

In a statement, Bond expressed sadness on the death of Hearnes, praising him as someone who dedicated his life to public service.

A few days before Hearnes’ death, when it was known the former Governor was gravely ill, Bond spoke to reporters at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, talking about the true spirit of bipartisanship exhibited by Hearnes.

"Nobody could have been a better friend," said Bond. "You talk about working in a bipartisan way. Warren Hearnes showed me how to do that. He was a true leader. A great spirit of bipartisanship came from his efforts."

Bond, a Republican, had campaigned hard against the policies of Hearnes, a Democrat. But when Bond won election to the Governor’s Office, Hearnes could not have been more helpful.

"He stepped forward and made a transition as smooth as it could be for a real greenhorn like me to take over," said Bond.

Funeral arrangements have been finalized. Hearnes’ body will lie in State in the Capitol Rotunda for public visitation from 10 am to 2 pm on Wednesday, followed by a State Funeral in the Rotunda. Following the services Hearnes’ body will be taken to his hometown of Charleston, in southeast Missouri, for a visitation from 5 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, with a Charleston funeral service scheduled for Friday morning at 11 o’clock at the First Baptist Church.

Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)

Afghanistan Ag director touring Missouri with Sen. Bond

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With the help of National Guardsmen from Missouri, farmers in Afghanistan are getting out of the poppy and opium industry and heading towards self sustainability. Jessica Machetta has more.

Safi and Bond Sen. Kit Bond (R-Missouri) has been a driving force in supporting agriculture efforts in Afghanistan, where he’s working with Agriculture Director Safi Mohammad Hussein.

Bond is hosting Safi in Missouri, where he’s visiting the State Fair, farms, the University of Missouri and more.

Safi, speaking through a translator, says crop production in the Nangarhar Provence is up 25 percent this year because of Missouri’s help. The area is also poppy free. Many farmers have been growing poppies for years to support the illegal opium industry, but Missouri is showing them a different way.

The Guard’s Agri-business Development Team, led by Maj. Denise Wilkinson, is also implementing irrigation systems there using natural aquifers, establishing canneries and cold storage, solar power, roads and more.

Safi, Bond and Wilkinson (and translator) Safi thanks them for helping farmers in his country become self sustainable.

He says farmers are now cultivating other viable crops such as wheat, barley, rice, fruit and nuts, even roses, which Safi says they can sell at a higher profit than poppies.

The Guard is teaching them everything from clean slaughter practices to watershed check dam reservoirs, fishing hatchery operations, cattle deworming, insect-free tree cultivation and other practices to sustain a healthy industry that can become a component in the world market.

For more on Safi’s tour with Sen. Bond, visit Nangahar Ag Director tours Missouri State Fair , photos and story by Julie Harker.

 

Jessica Machetta reports [Download/listen MP3]

Senator Bond speaks in support of Sotomayor confirmation

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Missouri’s senior U.S. Senator is among a small group of Republican Senators announcing the decision to vote in favor of the confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor for a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond says that while he respects his fellow Republicans who oppose the nomination, he hopes his vote bodes well for a future with less polarization and less confrontation.

Bond points to his support for President Bill Clinton’s two High Court nominees – Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer.

"I supported these nominees of a Democratic President as did 86 of my colleagues for Justice Breyer and 95 of my colleagues for Justice Ginsburg," said Bond during a speech from the floor of the Senate. "I hope those votes do not reflect a time that has slipped away when partisanship did not infect every facet of our political life."

Bond told the Senate he wants to see a time when Senators put politics aside – something he says then-Senator Barack Obama refused to do when he voted against President George W. Bush’s nominees.

"I could not forget that time as, regrettably, President Obama did when he was in the Senate," said Bond. "I could easily say, as Senator Obama said, that I disagree with a nominee’s judicial approach and that allows me to oppose the nominee of a different party. Luckily for President Obama I do not agree with Senator Obama. I reject the Obama approach to nominees."

Bond says it’s time to put politics aside when it comes to judicial nominees.

"From our liberal friends, I hope they remember this day when another qualified nominee is before the Senate who is conservative," said Bond. "The standard set by Senator Obama should not govern the Senate."

Bond then expressed his satisfaction that the Senate has reviewed the Sotomayor nomination, with no significant findings against her, and urged his colleagues to follow him in voting to confirm her.


Download/Listen: Senator Bond’s floor speech (7:30 MP3)

Senator Bond warns of costs associated with green jobs

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Governors from four states appeared before the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Tuesday to discuss so-called green jobs. And they heard from Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond, the Ranking Member of the comittee’s Green Jobs and the New Economy Sibcommittee. Bond warned the Governors about embracing something he sees as expensive with little promise of economic return.

"As a former Governor, I know the pressure that elected officials face to create jobs and promote economic development," Bond told the Governors. "During these tough economic times new jobs are needed now more than ever. At the same time, regrettably, carbon cap and trade legislation threatens to kill millions of jobs through higher energy costs."

Bond then went on to express his concens about green jobs simply replacing existing jobs – at a tremendous cost.

"I put out a report earlier this spring on green jobs – ‘Yellow Light on Green Jobs’ – and we found that some green jobs, especially wind and solar, kill existing jobs to pay for new green jobs," said Bond during the hearing. "They pay low wages and require expensive taxpayer subsidies to create."

Bond then spoke of a wind turbine tower manufacturing plant in Pueblo, Colorado, explaining that officials gave away $32 million in economic development funds, incentives, matching grants, and tax credits to produce only 450 jobs in a move that amounts to a $71,000 subsidy per job. He then made it clear that while Colorado might have embraced this expenditure, he doubts Missouri would embrace anything of the kind.

"What I do know," said Bond. "Is that the citizens and taxpayers in my state don’t want their energy taxes raised or their other jobs killed to pay for green jobs."

Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)