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.
Local News
Former U.S. attorney general backs Blunt
- Local News
-
-
Couple 'scoop out' ice cream business from the past
When 3-year-old Brynlee Rabel tried coconut ice cream for the first time Tuesday, it was love at first taste. “She got the vanilla, but when she tasted my coconut ice cream she had to have it,” said Kayleigh Daugherty, a Joplin resident who wanted Brynlee to share the same experience she had as a little girl when she visited Anderson’s Ice Cream.
-
Missouri National Guard releases records involving soldiers who looted from Wal-Mart
The Missouri National Guard has released records confirming that four soldiers were disciplined for taking merchandise from the ruins of a Wal-Mart store in Joplin one day after the tornado that devastated the city a year ago.
-
Joplin school board awards contract to complete demolition of JHS
The Joplin Board of Education on Tuesday night accepted a bid for finishing tornado-related demolition at the high school.
-
Auditor cites, commission covers potential shortfall in Jasper County sheriff’s budget
The Jasper County Commission on Tuesday approved the transfer of $23,000 onto the Law Enforcement Sales Tax fund available to the sheriff’s office to cover a potential budget shortfall.
-
Joplin METS director requests space for additional ambulance
If all goes like METS Director Jason Smith hopes, this time next year the service will have two ambulances in Webb City, housed in their own station. At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, Smith requested that the council allow the Joplin-based Metro Emergency Transport System to rent or lease space at the former public works building, 110 E. Church St.
-
Mike Pound: Food competitions combine to make culinary heaven
It’s such a great idea, you wonder why someone didn’t think of it before. In fact, it’s such a good idea that it’s possible it came about by accident.
-
Mo. court strikes down part of 2008 harassment law
The Missouri Supreme Court has struck down part of a state harassment law enacted after the suicide of a St. Charles County teenager who was teased over the Internet.
-
Cattle rustlers strike again in SW Mo. county
The plague of cattle rustling goes on in southwest Missouri’s Greene County.
Sheriff Jim Arnott says the latest episode occurred sometime Sunday in Walnut Grove. -
Bids sought for Cherokee County water treatment plant
After many delays, construction bids are being sought for a water treatement plant and water tank for the Spring River Public Wholesale Water District No. 19.
-
Dog helps some get through the court process
Sophie, a mutt of a dog with draping ears and dotted brows, is helping people in St. Louis County court tell stories of crime to judges, investigators and attorneys.
- More Local News Headlines
-
