Talking Politics

Talking Politics from KBIA News brings you a weekly look at politics in Missouri. This program presents stories from the political arena. Hosted by Sara Wittmeyer.

Click here for a link to Jason Rosenbaum's political blog. Rosenbaum is a capitol reporter and regular commentator on Talking Politics.

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3/02/10In a recent statement, Gov. Jay Nixon says that while the economy is beginning to rebound, state revenues are not. Plus, commentator Jason Rosenbaum looks at one of the most competitive races in the state, the 24th district house race between incumbent Chris Kelly and current Columbia city councilmember Laura Nauser.

2/23/10The University of Missouri School of Law is hosting an all-day workshop Friday on problems in the state's public defender system. Plus, the US Senate is poised to pass a jobs bill that will not include $300 million Gov. Jay Nixon was counting on. And, Sal Nuccio is the third in a series of conversations with the candidates running for Columbia Mayor. (Pictured: Sal Nuccio.)

2/16/10President Obama is coming to Missouri next month to raise money for the Democratic senatorial campaign. Plus, Bob McDavid is the second in a series of conversations with the candidates running for Columbia Mayor. And, many of Columbia's city government offices are unpacking this week after moving into the new addition at city hall.

2/09/10The senate begins debate on its main ethics bill. Plus, Paul Love kicks off a series of conversations with the candidates running for Columbia mayor. And, commentator Jason Rosenbaum has a few suggestions for politicians with campaign ads.

2/02/10State Sen. Jane Cunningham is proposing the Healthcare Freedom Act, which she says would give Missourians more choice in healthcare coverage. Plus, a new bill would place a stronger emphasis on fine arts in Missouri Public Schools. Finally, commentator Terry Smith explains how a Supreme Court ruling could, in his words, revolutionize campaigns in a bad way. (Pictured: State Sen. Jane Cunningham.)

1/26/10Money may be tight, but in his State of the State Address, Gov. Jay Nixon says Missouri is well-positioned to emerge from the economic downturn. Plus, commentator Terry Smith predicts what last week's Massachusetts election means for the future of the democratic and republican parties.

1/19/10A preview of Governor Nixon's State of the State Address before the General Assembly Wednesday night. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

1/12/10The Missouri Legislature is in session and the budget is the biggest issue on the agenda. Missouri isn't in as bad of shape as many other states, but cuts are inevitable. Plus state lawmakers set the income tax brackets back in 1931… and they haven’t changed since. Now some say Missouri’s tax system is due for an update… both to address the basic issue of fairness… and a growing budget hole in Jefferson City. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

1/05/10The 2010 legislative session begins Wednesday and the budget will be among the most difficult issues lawmakers will have to work through. We report on the ensuing battle over how to spend the state’s dwindling revenues. And Jason Rosenbaum looks at what issues likely won't even make it off the ground this session. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

12/29/09In this week's show we look at a new argument against the sales tax yoga studios had to start collecting this month. (Video produced by KBIA's Ben Paul.) And in his commentary, Jason Rosenbaum talks about how he thinks the decade will be remembered. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

12/22/09This week, KBIA's Trey Conklin talks with the mayor of Cottleville about his "grass-roots" efforts to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. Also, one state legislator (Steven Tilley, pictured) is trying to improve politicians' images by doing away with meals and other freebies from lobbyists. Commentator Jason Rosenbaum says Tilley's legislation is well-intentioned, but questions Tilley's motives.

12/15/09In this week's show, we’ll hear about three measures lawmakers are proposing that could reform the state’s ethics laws; and in Jason Rosenbaum’s commentary we’ll here why he says reform should be a priority in this upcoming session. Plus a profile of the Youth In Government conference. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

12/08/09Former Missouri House Speaker Rod Jetton is facing assault charges stemming from a woman's claim that he hit her in the face several times and choked her. Phill Brooks has that story. The St. Louis Business Journal has posted the affidavit of probable cause. Click here to view it. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer. (Photo courtesy of the Missouri House’s Web site.)

12/01/09The so called 'birther movement' contends that President Barack Obama is ineligible for the presidency. We look at the controversy and why it's still being talked about more than a year after Obama was elected President; And commentator Jason Rosenbaum explains what he thinks Missouri Democrats could learning from Democrats in Arkansas. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

11/24/09We go underneath the state capitol dome and take you on a tour of the space used to store artifacts for the Missouri State Museum. Plus we tell you what Governor Nixon is thankful for, and commentator Jason Rosenbaum looks at whether the success of Sarah Palin's new book means anything for her political career. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

11/17/09As health care reform dominates the U.S. Senate there's other national legislation being put on the back burners. One piece of legislation that could have an impact on workers in Mid-Missouri is the Employee Freedom of Choice Act or EFCA. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

11/10/09Police say that a reported 'hostage situation' in Jefferson City is a false alarm. Local legislators talk about health care bill approved by the House. Commentator Jason Rosenbaum looks at the impact of Democrats who voted against the health care bill. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

11/3/09This week we look at Senator Kit Bond's decision not to place more restrictions on government contractors and we sit down with Centralia mayor Tim Grenke. Finally, commentator Jason Rosenbaum looks at what more could be done to balance the state's budget. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

11/2/09KBIA's Matt Velker speaks with Centralia Mayor Tim Grenke about the challenges of being a part-time mayor and full-time safety officer for the Missouri National Guard.

10/30/09KBIA's Juana Summers talks with Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan about her political roots in mid-Missouri and financial regulatory reform.

10/29/09KBIA's Brian Pellot sits down with Cynthia Davis, Missouri State Representative for the 19th District, to discuss everything from healthcare and family, to her Christian bookstore, Back to Basics.

10/27/09A look at the four incumbents and two newcomers competing for five city council seats in Jefferson City. Also, a talk with the Nancy Grant, the mayor of Hartsburg, about the community's small-town charm and why she loves her job. And, commentator Jason Rosenbaum explains why it might not matter if Gov. Nixon breaks his campaign promise to expand Medicaid in Missouri. Hosted by Sara Wittmeyer.

Web extra: Hear the full conversation with Hartsburg mayor Nancy Grant here.

10/20/09At a recent celebration for a renewable energy project, Gov. Jay Nixon's introduction and the media's questions lasted longer than his prepared remarks. The project will turn gas from trash into electricity that will be used to power two local correctional facilities. Commentator Jason Rosenbaum looks at the politics and corruption of Jefferson City. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer. (Pictured: Nixon unveils a new green energy solution.)

10/13/09The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Missouri Governor Jay Nixon's administration may both be linked in the failure to close Lake of the Ozarks beaches with high levels of E. Coli. Plus, commentator Jason Rosenbaum looks at the restrictions on campaign contributions in Missouri and at the federal level and the effect both systems have on elections. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

10/06/09In this week's Talking Politics, we profile the Columbia mayoral race even though it's still several months away, and commentator Jason Rosenbaum looks at the how Nixon's administration could be affected by the failure to release e.Coli reports from the Lake of the Ozarks. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

09/29/09Columbia abortion activists from both sides of the debate are participating in an abortion rights movement for the first time this year. Plus, Ike Skelton is facing some competition to maintain his seat in Washtington, D.C. And, state Sen. Chuck Purgason is running to replace Sen. Kit Bond. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

09/22/09Missouri Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer was appointed to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform last week. Plus, commentator Jason Rosenbaum looks at some republicans claims that the current President is quite comparable to former President Jimmy Carter. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

09/15/09A Mid-Missouri couple is trying to get a permit to play ball, but because the property is zoned residential, players can't use the field until the permit is granted. Plus, Jason Rosenbaum looks at the behavior of Kanye West, in particular, and politician Joe Wilson. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

09/08/09Local politicians are increasingly turning to social networking sites to reach out to their constituents. Plus, Jason Rosenbaum looks at the idea behind the public option and the ideas for and against it. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

09/01/09Columbia Mayor Darwin Hindman announced that he will not run for reelection. Plus, Jason Rosenbaum looks at the mayor's role in Columbia and what type of person he says may be contemplating a run for Hindman's seat. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

08/25/09A piece of legislation that goes into effect this week bans Tupperware containers on many Missouri waterways. A bill proponent talks about what the measure was supposed to do and how he hopes to fix it. And a reporter and commentator remember Warren Hearnes' legacy. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

08/18/09A look back at the life of Warren Hearnes, Missouri's governor from 1965 to 1973, who died on Sunday. Marshall Griffin recaps Hearnes' career ... commentator Jason Rosenbaum looks at the many hats Hearnes wore ... and, Rob Crouse, family friend, memoirist and spokesperson, discusses Hearnes with host Sara Wittmeyer. (Hearnes photo, right, courtesy Rob Crouse.)

Web extra: To hear the entire conversation with biographer Rob Crouse, click here.

08/11/09Columbia's City Council takes up the issue of speed limits ... Columbia's traffic engineer talks about one proposal and how much it would cost. (Web extras: Click here to download a PDF of the policy resolution. Click here for a PDF of the ordinance.) Also, commentator Jason Rosenbaum looks at the sometimes-chaotic recent town hall meetings about health care. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

08/04/09Inside the "Cash for Clunkers" program ... how it's faring in mid-Missouri, and the mixed reaction to it from area customers and dealers. Also, commentator Jason Rosenbaum wonders whether it's the solution to the auto industry's problems. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

07/28/09Last week, a bill that would have allowed gun owners to carry their weapons across state lines came up for a vote in the U.S. Senate, and was fairly overwhelmingly rejected. KBIA's Cassandra Clemens visited a Columbia shooting range and spoke to some people affected by the decision. And, commentator Jason Rosenbaum looks at Chuck Purgason's run for Kit Bond's soon-to-be-vacant U.S. Senate seat. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

07/21/09A flurry of last-minute bill decisions by Gov. Nixon ... find out what he signed, and what he vetoed. Also, commentator Jason Rosenbaum (pictured, right, during Saturday night's "'80s Run" in Columbia) looks back at how previous decades were defined, and wonders how the present will be remembered. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

07/14/09Attorney General Chris Koster testifies before Congress about the growing problem of mortgage and debt-repair fraud in Missouri ... and, a statue of Francis Preston Blair, Jr., might be replaced at the U.S. Capitol. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

Web Extra! Jason Rosenbaum was planning this week to talk about the Tour of Missouri and how funding for it was on the line. Just as we were sitting down to produce his segment, we got word that Governor Jay Nixon decided not to cut money for the annual bike race. Tour organizers had said if Nixon didn't restore the $1.5 million on the line, the race would be cancelled. In a written statement, Nixon said the race would go on despite the financial challenges facing the state. Nixon says he asked the office of administration to explains all the expenditures associated with the 2007 and 2008 races and all the budgeted expenditures for this upcoming race. He says Missourians deserve to know how state money is being spent. The tour is scheduled September 7 - 13. Hear the commentary Jason had planned for air here.

07/07/09Governor Jay Nixon recently signed a bill that will change who is awarded contracts to operate license offices. Also, find out where Missouri's legislator standards rank. It's not at the top of the class. Plus, Jason Rosenbaum delves into the news we missed following the tragic death of the king of pop. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

06/30/09A bill on Governor Jay Nixon's desk would change Missouri's motorcycle helmet law; and commentator Jason Rosenbaum compares a recent gambling trip to Atlantic City with the passage of the state's budget. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.
(Pictured left: Jason Rosenbaum in Atlantic City.)

06/23/09Missouri's general assembly delivers Governor Jay Nixon a balanced budget. What can the state afford ... and will projects of local interest, such as Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, be on the block? Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

06/16/09Even though the auditor's position is the only Missouri statewide elected office open for grabs next year, several candidates are already announcing their decision to run. Republican Allen Icet announced this week he will take on incumbent Democrat Susan Montee. Columbia residents and police officers talked with the City Council last week about an ordinance that would establish a citizen's police review board. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

06/09/09Missouri’s rural lawmakers are trying to sink a bill designed to reverse global warming, and they've found powerful allies in farm-state Democrats. Plus Jason Rosenbaum has a commentary on President Obama's Supreme Court nominee Sonya Sotomayor. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

06/02/09In Talking Politics, we sit down with University of Missouri history professor Abdullahi Ibrahim who hopes to be the next President of Sudan. Ibrahim grew up in Atbara then lived in the Sudan's capital while he attended the University of Khartoum. And in this week's commentary, Jason Rosenbaum explores the role of the Speaker of the House. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

05/26/09A week after the execution of Dennis Skillicorn, we examine Missouri's death penalty system and in Mr. Smith Talks to Washington, Terry Smith gives his thoughts on the future of the Republican Party. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer. (Right: Ralph and Mickey Havener at a vigil Tuesday night prior to Dennis Skillicorn’s execution.)

Web Extra! Mid-Missouri Fellowship of Reconciliation's Jeff Stack reflects on Skillicorn's life here.

05/19/09The 2009 legislative session ended Friday. In this week's show we'll look at the major wins and losses. Also commentator Jason Rosenbaum examines the role lobbyists played in this year's session. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

05/12/09The legislative session ends May 15th. A number of bills have not been resolved. A look at what happens to bills that don't ever come up for a vote in the legislature. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

Web extras:
Senate Bill 57 would impose a number of standards on billboards along Missouri's highways and interstates. Hear Annie Liao's story here.

A bill that would allow conceal-and-carry laws to apply on Missouri's campuses passed through the House but stalled in a Senate committee. Click here for the story by KBIA's Austin Coates.

In this report by Celeste Miller, a bill proposed by Representative Jason Grill would require all places that perform teeth-whitening procedures to have a license.

Rep. Ed Wildberger (pictured, left) would require identification for people looking to buy more than six disposable cell phones at one time. Hear the story by Steve Sliker here.

House Bill 150 changes the laws regarding payday loans and would allow the attorney general to enforce compliance. Listen to Steve Sliker's story here.

Lowe House Bill 409, sponsored by Rep. Beth Lowe (pictured, left), prohibits school buses from idling their engines while loading, unloading, and waiting to load or unload children from school. Steve Sliker reports. Listen to it here.

05/05/0923rd District Representative Stephen Webber talks about his first term serving in the Missouri Legislature ... and, commentator Jason Rosenbaum breaks down a bill that would provide funds for the state's transit system. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

04/28/09John Ashcroft is to be the speaker at Truman State's graduation ceremony, but some students and faculty are upset. And, Jason Rosenbaum talks about the state budget, which must be finalized in less than two weeks. Hosted by Sara Wittmeyer.

04/21/09This week on Talking Politics, KBIA's Nina Moini visits the Central Missouri Food Bank. The food bank received more food donations than ever this past year but is still facing challenges due to the economy. And, Jason Rosenbaum delves into the complicated process of developing a spending plan. Hosted by Sara Wittmeyer.

04/14/09KBIA's Steve Weinman looks at a bill that would ban deadbeat dads from Missouri casinos. And Mr. Smith Talks to Washigton returns - Terry Smith gives his thoughts on the Minnesota Senate race. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer

04/07/09It’s only been a few months since nearly 3-million Missourians went to the polls. Today is expected to be quite a different story. In Boone County, officials predicted turnout around ten or 11 percent. That pales in comparison to the nearly 70- percent of registered voters who turned out for the November general election. We go to the polls to talk to poll workers and voters. Then we sit down with Missourian local government editor Scott Swafford to talk about what issues will top the do list of the next Columbia City Council.
Web Extra: Click here to hear Jason Rosenbaum's commentary about politicans and the use of the social networking site, Twitter.

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