Talking Politics from KBIA News brings you a weekly look at politics in Missouri. Formerly known as Political Pulse, this program presents stories from the political arena.

Spring 2008 Archive

Returns January 2008 KBIA's Talking Politics goes on break following the latest December 12, 2007, broadcast and returns in mid-February 2008. Browse the archives below to hear previous episodes.

Editor's Note: KBIA's Talking Politics goes on hiatus between semesters at the University of Missouri and returns in mid-January 2008.

Fall 2007 Archive

12/05/07 A proposal by Governor Matt Blunt to develop a new statewide government email retention system came after accusations his office deleted emails that were public record. While the political fighting surrounding the deleted email controversy garnered plenty of attention, there has been little discussion about the details of Blunt's proposal. KBIA's Catherine Wolf spoke with experts to find out how Blunt's proposal is different from current procedures and laws. And KBIA's Kevin Lorenz reports on the latest Democrat to throw her hat in the ring to replace Missouri House Representative Jeff Harris in the 23rd district. Hosted by Jim Matheny.

11/28/07 Missouri Governor Matt Blunt proposes a ban on issuing drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. KBIA's Kevin Lorenz reports on the plan and gets reaction from a Columbia Latino group. Missouri Democrats will submit a new healthcare plan next month. KBIA's Robby Berlin speaks with Democratic Representative Judy Baker about the proposed reforms. Hosted by Jim Matheny.

11/21/07 KBIA's Talking Politics is off for the Thanksgiving holiday and will return November 28th.

11/14/07 How involved should religious leaders be in swaying their congregations' votes? St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke says Catholics shouldn't support "wayward" candidates like Rudy Giuliani who have a history of supporting abortion rights. Reverend and televangelist Pat Robertson publicly endorsed Giuliani for President of the United States. KBIA's Kevin Lorenz spoke to leaders of Columbia's churches to see where they draw the line between the pulpit and the voting booth. And KBIA's Sarah Hollenbeck examines Columbia bar owners' efforts to repeal the smoking ban. Hosted by Jim Matheny.

11/07/07 This week's Talking Politics is all about ballots... how they're written and how they're counted. Janet Saidi checks in with the Boone County Clerk's office about its electronic voting machines. And Martin Winkler takes a closer look at the semantic fight between Secretary of State Robin Carnahan's office and the anti-cloning group "Cures Without Cloning" over ballot-wording. Hosted by Jim Matheny.

10/24/07 State Senator Chuck Graham's DWI arrest gained plenty of attention from the media and political opponents. Right now Democrats won't say much about the case and Republican Party leaders are calling for Graham's resignation. But when the dust settles, what are the real political ramifications of Graham's arrest? University of Missouri Political Science professor Marvin Overby weighs in with his perspective on Graham's handling of the situation, the senator's political future, and what to expect in the upcoming election. Hosted by Jim Matheny.

10/10/07 On this week's Talking Politics, KBIA's Henry Atkinson takes an in-depth look at how students at MU are helping the campaigns of various presidential candidates this primary season. We also delve into the impact students have on political campaigns and the effectiveness of techniques such as Facebook and email on influencing voters. Hosted by Jim Matheny.

10/03/07 Democrat Chris Kelly kicked off his campaign for the Missouri House's 24th district seat under the Burr Oak tree in McBaine, MO. That got us thinking about how it isn't always what the politician says, but also where the politicians says it. We spoke to the owner of the Oak Tree for a change-of-pace on this week's Talking Politics. Hosted by Jim Matheny.

Above: The famous Burr Oak tree in McBaine, MO, on John Williamson's farm. The tree is the largest Burr Oak in Missouri and possibly the United States. (photo by Jim Matheny)

9/26/07 Democrat Chris Kelly, a former legislator and state judge, has started raising money for his run at the Missouri House's 24th district seat. KBIA's Robby Berlin examines what should be another tight race for the 24th district, but republican incumbent Ed Robb still hasn't clarified whether he intends to run for reelection. And with more than four times as many payday loan stores in Missouri than McDonald's restaurants, KBIA's Pat Fleming tells us how Attorney General Jay Nixon plans to regulate the burgeoning industry. Hosted by Jim Matheny.

9/19/07 Is Chris Koster an imposter? That's the claim of some republicans and democrats after the state senator switched political parties. KBIA's Martin Winkler spoke to Koster about why he made the switch and whether he plans to pursue the democratic nomination for Attorney General. Also this week, KBIA's Kevin Lorenz takes a closer look at the political strides of African Americans at the state level. Hosted by Jim Matheny.

9/12/07 The words "coffee talk" may remind you of the old Saturday Night Live skits with Mike Meyers. KBIA's Catherine Wolf tells us "coffee talk" in Columbia means a chance for voters to discuss politics with members of the city council. Also this week, KBIA's Pat Fleming reports on a state representative in Missouri who joined a national movement to give states' Electoral College votes to the winner of the national popular vote. Hosted by Jim Matheny.

Summer 2007 Archive

KBIA's Talking Politics goes on hiatus during the summer and returns in the fall.

Spring 2007 Archive

5/8/07 One week ago the Missouri Supreme Court upheld a law requiring women under the age of 18 to have their parents' consent before getting an abortion. Advocates on both sides of the abortion debate say they're pleased with the ruling. And Missouri's presidential primary isn't until next February, but that doesn't mean Missourians aren't already talking about who might score the democratic and republican nominations. Hosted by Sarah Ashworth.

5/1/07 A re-cap on MOHELA, funding rehab centers, and riding the bus with the city council. Those stories are on this week's Talking Politics. Hosted by Sarah Ashworth.

4/24/07 A Boone County politician gears up for a statewide run, and Governor Blunt tackles campus safety. Hosted by Sarah Ashworth.

4/17/07 The governor orders all flags flown at half-staff and sets up a task force in response to the shooting at Virginia Tech. Also, a look at a bill to up gym time for Missouri students, and a senate bill that would make insurance more portable. That's this week on Talking Politics. Hosted by Sarah Ashworth.

4/10/07 This week on Talking Politics ... Columbia's Mayor and two new council members were sworn in to office this week - KBIA's Sean Powers captured some of the sounds from the ceremony. And, the Missouri General Assembly is considering several pieces of healthcare legislation. KBIA's Henry Atkinson has talked with doctors, patients and healthcare experts about a bill that would change how health care insurance is provided in Missouri. Hosted by Sarah Ashworth.

4/3/07 The polls are open. It's election day in Boone County...By tomorrow two new faces will be on the Columbia City Council. School board seats are also up for grabs, and outside of Columbia there are quite a few races as well. It's all about the elections today on KBIA's Talking Politics. Hosted by Janet Saidi.

3/27/07 Just how many hours have been spent filibustering? ...and new faces are coming to Columbia's city council and school board in just one week.

3/20/07 President Bush stops in Kansas City ... and parallels between the Iraq War and Vietnam ... on this week's Talking Politics.

3/13/07 Senators pull a MOHELA all-nighter, one Missouri community's attempt to ban illegal immigration, and how Columbia city races are shaping up.

3/6/07: Our weekly programs are pre-empted this week because of the spring fund drive. See you next week!

2/27/07 Cable bills and CAFO bills ... in this week's Talking Politics we look at both. Hosted by Sarah Ashworth.

2/20/07 MOHELA makes the news again ... and sign up to vote, while you ride the bus.  All on this edition of KBIA’s Talking Politics. Hosted by Sarah Ashworth.

2/13/07 Democrats pitch ways to improve mental health care in Missouri ... one lawmaker wants to protect schools from losing funding over snow days ... and how a recent cancer diagnosis might impact the mayor's race. All on this edition of KBIA's Political Pulse. Hosted by Sarah Ashworth.

2/6/07 Missouri could lose one of its U.S. House seats ... and, a bill that would fund more Bright Flight scholars. Those stories on this week's Political Pulse. Hosted by Sarah Ashworth.

Fall 2006 Archive

11/7/06: A Political Pulse extra:
Who gets the job? It’s decision time.
Click on the audio to hear extended interviews with the candidates.

U.S. Rep., Ninth District:
Duane Burghard, Democrat
Kenny Hulshof, Republican

State House, 23rd District:
Jeff Harris, Democrat

State House, 24th District:
Jim Ritter, Democrat
Ed Robb, Republican

State House, 9th District:
Paul Quinn, Democrat

Associate Circuit Judge Division 10:
Leslie Schneider, Democrat
Connie Sullivan, Republican

Associate Circuit Judge Division 11:
Deborah Daniels, Democrat
Dale Roberts, Republican

Boone County Commissioner:
Ken Pearson, Democrat
Keith Schnarre, Republican

We also have a conversation with Wendy Noren, Boone County Clerk, about what she’s been doing to avoid election-day catastrophes.

10/31/06 One week and counting … to election day.  We take a look at the latest news, check in with local campaign headquarters, and hear from Terry Smith on this week's Political Pulse.


10/24/06 The races are heating up, new polls are out, and we've got a wrap-up of election news, and a new commentary from Terry Smith.


10/17/06 A University of Missouri researcher finds that the kinds of political ads that are most effective are … the positive ones? Evidently, it’s true.  … And we catch up with Missouri State Representative Ed Robb on the campaign trail for re-election to his 24th district legislative seat. … Plus another installment in our weekly commentary, Mr. Smith Talks to Washington.


10/10/06 Local candidates hit the ground running, 300 Democratic women join forces, and a new commentary from Terry Smith ... all just ahead on Political Pulse, with Sarah Ashworth.


10/3/06 Five weeks out, and campaigns are gearing up … especially the one between Jim Talent and Claire McCaskill.  This week we take a look at who’s speaking up for them. Plus, a coffee chat with two local judicial candidates, and another commentary from Terry Smith.


9/26/06 An update on the many twists and turns of Governor Blunt’s MOHELA plan … chatting over coffee with candidates Ed Robb and Jim Ritter … and a new commentary from Terry Smith.


9/19/06 A look at how county clerks are struggling to put together this year’s election ballot … "coffee chats" with Jeff Harris and Patrick Crabtree ... and a commentary by Terry Smith.  Those stories on the inaugural edition of KBIA's Political Pulse, with your host, Sarah Ashworth.