By Debbie Robinson
news@joplinglobe.com
Former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft referred to U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt as a man of integrity, commitment and confidence on Monday in his endorsement of Blunt for the U.S. Senate.
Republicans Ashcroft and Blunt met with legislators and supporters in the board room of Candlewood Suites in Joplin.
Blunt next year will be seeking the Senate seat now held by fellow Republican Christopher “Kit” Bond, who is retiring.
Ashcroft, who said he has known Blunt for 37 years, said Blunt’s willingness to take on a leadership role is needed now in Washington, D.C.
“It’s important for Southwest Missouri, and it’s important for our families,” Ashcroft said.
Blunt addressed about 40 supporters about what he sees as the dire impact of legislation being proposed in Washington.
He cited legislation such as national health care, tax policies, a carbon cap and a trade tax.
“We get 84 to 86 percent of our energy in Missouri from coal,” Blunt said.
Blunt endorsed increased usage of natural resources, as well as wind, solar and other alternative forms of energy development.
“With the (proposed) utility bill, utilities will go up 40 percent in the next five years and 80 percent in the next 10,” Blunt said.
“If we double our utility bills in Missouri, this will push companies out of the country.”
If companies move overseas to countries where the environment is not protected, the result will be a “lose-lose” for the environment, Blunt said.
On health care, Blunt said he opposes a national health-care plan but favors more choices from the private sector for Americans. He said the proposed legislation needs to be debated vigorously in the House and Senate.
“America deserves to have a debate,” he said. “The things that are changed in the next three years will likely be changed forever.”
Blunt, who voted against the stimulus bill in Congress, said the legislation is not producing positive measures for the economy.
“The government is not the way to grow the economy,” he said.
Blunt is the only declared GOP candidate in the 2010 Senate race. Those who are considering joining the field include former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman and state Sen. Chuck Purgason, of Caulfield.
The only Democratic candidate so far is Secretary of State Robin Carnahan.
Ashcroft offices
John Ashcroft served from 1985 to 1993 as governor of Missouri, from 1995 to 2001 as a U.S. senator from Missouri, and from 2001 to 2005 as U.S. attorney general.
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Former U.S. attorney general backs Blunt
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