2010 Clay County Republican Campaign Headquarters
The Missouri GOP has placed a headquarters building in Clay County. For campaign signs, information, and collateral please call or stop by the location listed below.
9762 North Ash
Kansas City, MO 64068
Phone: (816) 407-9571
Also, if you would like to volunteer please call Mark Knoop at (816) 877-4259.
July Clay County Republican Central Committee Meeting
This is a reminder that there will be a Clay County Republican Central Committee meeting on Tuesday, July 13th at 7:00 p.m. This meeting will take place at the new Clay County Republican Headquarters, located at 9762 North Ash, Kansas City. This is the same location that we used in 2008.
Be sure to bring your lawn chairs to make sure there will be enough seating, we hope to see you there!
What: CCRCC Meeting
When: Tuesday, July 13, 2010, 7:00 pm
Where: Clay Co Republican HQ, 9762 North Ash, KCMO
Who: Open to the public - all are welcome!
June Clay County Republican Central Committee Meeting CANCELED
The Clay County Republican Central Committee meeting for June that would usually take place tomorrow night has been canceled. We are working on getting the Republican Headquarters set up in Clay County, so we will meet again in July as the campaign season really heats up!
2010 Clay County Lincoln Dinner a Success!
By Clay County Blogger: Dee Vantuyl
Via Her Blog: Conservatism With Heart
Quote of the night– “John Ashcroft makes Eric Holder look like a Mall Cop!”~~Chris Stigall
Chris Stigall hosted his 8th and last Lincoln Days for the year, in his own county, Clay County.
It was another great night, thanks in large part to the Central Committee’s chairman, Ben Wierzbicki.
The night opened up with awards given to two of the most deserving legislators, not only in Clay County, but in all of Missouri. Rep. Doug Ervin has term limited out and Rep. Tim Flook is not seeking re-election. Rep. Jerry Nolte presented the award to Rep. Tim Flook and Rep. Bob Nance presented the award to Rep. Doug Ervin.
Chris Stigall then did two short interviews with former ambassadors. The first was Ambassador to Afghanistan Tom Schweich. Schweich talked about one of his areas of expertise, Afghanistan. He did a great job and he is now running for Missouri State Auditor.
The second was Ambassador to Luxembourg Ann Wagner, who also used to be the Chair of the Missouri Republican Party for six years, from 1999 until 2005, and Co-chair of the Republican National Committee for four years.
After her interview with Chris, she gave some remarks of her own. She told a compelling story of an incident that happened in Luxembourg, reminding us of why we don’t want America to go the way of Europe. She then announced that she was now the chair of Roy Blunt’s campaign for Kit Bond’s senate seat. She talked about how crucial the elections are going to be in November. A loose paraphrase of my favorite line of hers is when she said, if you don’t have skin in the game, you lose your passion. She was reminding us to get out there and get some skin in the game and have passion for the principles that we believe in.
Rep. Roy Blunt himself was up next. He talked about the article in the KC Star from last Thursday. It talked about early polls showing that Blunt already has an 8 point lead over Robin Carnahan. What was Carnahan’s reason for this? She said that the public isn’t engaged in the race yet. Meanwhile, Carnahan’s campaign has spent $2 million trying to demonize Blunt over being against the Cap and Trade bill. How much more will they have to spend before people will be engaged ;-)?
Blunt’s conclusion was, “I think freedom is going to win, and I need you to help me.” Again, I was impressed with Blunt personally as I was the last time I met him. He went out of his way to talk to everyone in the room and shake their hand and really talk to them.
Finally, the main speaker, John Ashcroft got up to speak. I am such a huge fan of Ashcroft, for so many reasons. This is the second time I’ve heard him speak, and he was even better this time than the last.
He thanked us for being there because of how important it is for good people to be involved in politics. He talked about American Exceptionalism and how freedom is the special catalyst. He said that America must continue to distinguish itself and not be europeanized. The United States of America and American Exceptionalism is worth defending. He hoped we didn’t take the blessings of our country for granted and that we would participate and work hard to make sure our principles are kept.
He made so many great points, I was wanting to cheer and stand every other sentence. He had so much passion for what he was saying. My favorite part was when he talked about how foolish it was to “reach across the aisle”. He talked about how anytime he tried to do that, he got bit. It was nice to hear someone tell it like it really is with out being concerned about political correctness.
The night ended with several more awards. Shawna Searcy received the Clay County Woman of the Year and Jeff Roe got the Clay County Man of the Year award. They were both surprised, but not as shocked as Ben Wierzbicki was when Jeff Roe presented him with the Man of the Decade award.
May 15th - Clay County Lincoln Dinner - w/ Chris Stigall and John Ashcroft!
Registration is now open for this year’s Clay County Lincoln Dinner! This is an annual event where Republicans can come together and discuss the issues facing our nation as well as see and hear in-person from our elected leaders. This event will be held on May 15th at 6:00 p.m. at Finnigan’s Hall, located at 503 East 18th Avenue, North Kansas City, MO, 64116. We will socialize for an hour and dinner will begin at 7:00.
If you would like to attend, please fill out and return the Lincoln Dinner Sign-Up Form by May 7th. Seating is limited, so RSVP today!
Speakers: U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt, Ambassador to Luxembourg Ann Wagner, and Ambassador to Afghanistan Tom Schweich
Master of Ceremonies: Chris Stigall
Other Officeholders in Attendance: State Sen. Bill Stouffer, State Sen. Luann Ridgeway, State Rep. Jerry Nolte, State Rep. Tim Flook, State Rep. Doug Ervin, State Rep. Bob Nance, Eastern District Commissioner Katee Porter
IMPORTANT!!!
Part of registration includes providing a list of guests attending. This list will only be used for creating name tags for all attendees and organizing tables. It will not be shared with other organizations.
This event is being managed by a small group of volunteers. By providing all information requested you are helping us tremendously!
April Clay County Republican Central Committee Meeting
This is a reminder that there will be a Clay County Republican Central Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 13th at the Courthouse in Liberty at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Commissioner’s Room on the top floor. Please enter through the side entrance (handicapped entrance) where the doors will be unlocked.
This month’s meeting will focus on our Lincoln Day dinner on May 15th, including the announcement of who our GREAT speakers will be!! We will also discuss the slate of Clay County candidates. We hope to see you there!
What: CCRCC Meeting
When: Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 7:00 pm
Where: Clay County Courthouse, 3rd floor - Commissioner’s Room
Who: Open to the public - all are welcome!
Clay County Pachyderm Meeting Thursday, 4/8, 6-8 PM. All Are Welcome!
“The Health Insurance Advocate” to Address the Clay Pachyderms
The Clay County Pachyderms will meet on Thursday, April 8 from 6 to 8 PM, at Staley Farms Clubhouse. This month’s guest speaker is Cary Hall, host of The Health Insurance Advocate Radio Show, heard weekly across the Midwest.
The topic of health care is becoming more and more of an issue for all Americans, especially in the wake of the recently enacted federal health-care laws. Mr. Hall will explain the implications of these broad measures. An experienced broker and advisor on the complexities of health-insurance coverage, Mr. Hall has achieved a solid reputation of expertise in his field. His powerful drive and dedication to “myth-busting” has established him as a voice of authority on health-insurance matters.
The Pachyderms meet at the Staley Farms Golf Club Clubhouse, 10310 North Olive Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri. The cost is $10 (members) and $12 (non-members), which includes hors d’oeuvres and a drink ticket. Parking is free.
For further information about the club, visit www.claycopachyderms.org. The Pachyderms can also be found on Facebook and Twitter. Questions can be directed to claycountypachyderms@gmail.com, or call (816) 536-9193.
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Rep. Bob Nance Capitol Report
By: Rep. Bob Nance
36th District
Budget News
Spring break is over at the Missouri Capitol and legislators were in Jefferson City Monday working on the State’s 2011 budget. Unlike the federal government, the state must have a balanced budget. That budget must be passed by May 7th and if revenues fall short, it is the Governor’s responsibility to adjust appropriations.
Last Thursday, the Governor recommended legislators trim $500 million from the budget he proposed in January. He said the cuts were necessary due to lower than anticipated state revenues. Additionally, over $300 million in federal funding was included in the Governor’s original budget, but may not be received. The Governor must work with the legislature to pass a more realistic budget.
It is a discussion that has changed daily but who will step up and be the responsible party? If we believe the revenues won’t be there, should the House make cuts or allow the proposed budget to be approved. If we approve the Governor’s budget proposal, he will have to make the tough choices later. That could be devastating to any department that plans on appropriations and then in the middle of the year loses part of their funding. This could especially affect education. The state budget will be discussed on the House floor the next two weeks.
As bad as the budget picture appears, we are in much better shape than many other states who are on the verge of bankruptcy due to years of increasing state government and public programs. Living within a smaller budget is hard for families and it is going to be difficult for all who receive state funding in the upcoming year. Tough choices will have to be made and some restructuring of government may have to occur.
HB 1472 passed through the House on Monday. Called the K-2 bill, K-2 is becoming prolific on the streets and in our schools. K-2 is an herbal compound that mimics marijuana and can be 10 times stronger. It is important that this compound be designated as a controlled substance so law enforcement can prevent an epidemic of dependency and the criminal element associated with it.
At this time it is sold in many convenience stores as an air freshener. One amendment that failed would have treated K-2 possession the same as marijuana. Those who oppose the bill said that no substance should be criminalized without verifiable evidence that it causes harm to an individual.
The Capitol hosted a Missouri Art Education Association art collection this week. Lawson Middle and High Schools had many beautiful entries. Those having their artwork on display were Nicole Kudart, Lindsey Jones, Ashley Banes, Griffin Johnson, Danielle Bohon, Chris Cechvala, and Zach Ohrenberg. Lewis and Clark Elementary was represented by Trevor Fritz, Megan Chilese, Dyllan Rimington, and Safiyyah Hashmi. Zach’s work received the President’s Award.
At the Capitol
Whitney Miller from Richmond was at the Capitol on Tuesday.
Visiting Wednesday from Lawson and Liberty were Amy, Jennifer, Jake, Isabelle and William Kanning. They received a tour of the Capitol, Governor’s Mansion and Whispering Chamber.
Also visiting Thursday were next years Student Council Members from Excelsior Springs High School , they are: Tiffany Propst, Shauni Lawrence, Hallie Ring and Wendy Chuning. Sponsors were: Danielle Hankins and Susan Hevalow.
In your service,
Bob Nance
Rep. Doug Ervin: Health Care Freedom Act Passes House
By: Rep. Doug Ervin
35th District
“The States can best govern our home concerns and the general government our foreign ones. I wish, therefore … never to see all offices transferred to Washington, where, further withdrawn from the eyes of the people, they may more secretly be bought and sold at market.”
- Thomas Jefferson, in a letter to Judge William Johnson, June 12, 1823
Health Care Freedom Act Passes House
This week Missouri citizens got the upper hand for a change due to House action on two proposals.
The first win occurred on Tuesday when the House passed the Health Care Freedom Act,
which is essential in securing the rights of patients to make their own health care choices.
As I have written before, the question of patient rights has been bubbling to the surface as an issue important to those interested in keeping the relationship between patient and doctor in tact.
The essence of the proposed constitutional amendment is this, “To preserve the freedom of citizens of this state to provide for their health care, no law or rule shall compel, directly or indirectly or through penalties or fines, any person, employer, or health care provider to participate in any health care system.”
The proposed amendment ensures that:
- Each Missouri citizen has the right to pay for health care services with their own money,
- Health care providers may accept direct payment for services rendered by Missouri citizens,
- The purchase and sale of health insurance shall not be prohibited by law or rule, and;
- No person will be required to pay fines or penalties if they choose to purchase their own health care and accept payment for providing health care services.
In other words, an individual cannot be forced to participate in a health care system without their consent and that individuals have the freedom to participate.
The second win for Missouri citizens occurred Wednesday when the House passed the Missouri Patient Privacy Act (HB1382). This legislation extends federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy protections to any entity that stores your personal health information ensuring that your personal health information cannot be disclosed to anyone without the written consent of the patient, except in cases where the disclosure is in connection with the performance of the official duties of the employee of such entity.
These proposals are now in the hands of the Missouri Senate. Their fate will depend upon their dedication to our fundamental liberty.
As I have said before, health care is personal, it is about us, each of us, and we deserve our rightful place in making health care decisions. The Health Care Freedom Act which I have sponsored keeps government in its place and the Missouri Patient Privacy Act which I also sponsored maintains the privacy of our personal health information in this new digital world.
As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. LaTonya Percival, my Legislative Assistant, and I are always available to answer questions and address your concerns. I can be reached in Jefferson City at (573)751-2238 or you can write me at doug.ervin@house.mo.gov or regular mail at 201 West Capitol Avenue, Room 412A, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
For a better Missouri,
Doug Ervin
State Representative
District 35, Missouri