Former Missouri Governor and U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft has endorsed State Rep. Jane Cunningham’s bid for the state Senate. He will also appear at a fundraiser for the Republican candidate.

“I wholeheartedly endorse Jane Cunningham for the Missouri State Senate,” Ashcroft said in a written statement. “I have known Jane, and her husband Gary, for thirty years. I can vouch for her integrity, her energetic work ethic, and her commitment to advancing legislation that provides tax relief, economic vitality and a quality education for all children. She has served with distinction as a Missouri State Representative for eight years, Chair of the critical House Education Committee and in leadership positions nationally. Jane has my enthusiastic support. ”

“I’m obviously thrilled to have General Ashcroft’s endorsement,” Cunningham said. “His unparalleled reputation as a man of ability, principle, faith and fairness propelled him to an amazing career of public service for which Missourians and Americans are grateful and stand proud.”

Cunningham also announced that Ashcroft will be the honored guest and speaker at an event for her State Senate race to be held in St. Louis County on Monday, June 16th.

Yesterday, February 25, the Missouri National Education Association announced that it was giving an early endorsement to the reelection campaign of State Representative Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis). The MNEA cited Nasheed’s “consistent and proven support for educational issues” in making their decision. No candidate interviews will be conducted with anyone who files against Nasheed.

Chris Guinther, President of the Missouri NEA stated, “Missouri NEA believes that a great public school is a basic right for every child. Our 34,000 member organization is pleased to recommend Jamilah Nasheed, who understands the responsibility that legislators have to make our public schools great.”

Nasheed said, “A sound education is one of the basic building blocks of quality life. It opens doors and provides opportunities. I look forward to continuing to work with the MNEA to improve the educational system in Saint Louis and the entire state of Missouri.”

The Missouri ACORN Political Action Committee today endorsed Jeff Harris in the Democratic Primary for Attorney General.

“In a Democratic primary, we are often choosing among friends,” said PAC member Lynn Oldham, “But in this primary for Attorney General, we are excited to endorse Jeff Harris. Jeff has the right combination of experience and energy and his commitment to standing up for Missouri’s working families is unparalleled.

First, for many of our members who are low or moderate income, there is no greater danger than the risk of foreclosure and Representative Harris has not only introduced House Bill 1667, which is cutting-edge anti-foreclosure legislation, but has also reached across the aisle to make the Bill one that could very likely pass.’

“Second, we need an Attorney General in Missouri working in creative ways to protect consumers, and we are confident that Jeff will never be beholden to any corporate interests over that of the people of Missouri. Utility ratepayers that we represent need Jeff Harris.’

“Finally as Minority Leader, Jeff Harris has a proven track record of standing up for what is right, including our most of important issue of fighting the Blunt administration’s draconian Medicaid cuts. It is our honor and pleasure to work with Jeff both during the campaign and as Missouri’s next Attorney General.”

The ACORN Political Action Committee is comprised of members from the 9000 member families of ACORN (The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now). ACORN ran the field campaign for the 2006 Minimum Wage increase, and has registered 100,000 voters since 2003 in Missouri. ACORN members are active on many critical consumer issues, such as fighting the

The other Democratic candidates are State Rep. Margaret Donnelly and State Sen. Chris Koster.

Following Governor Matt Blunt and other party leaders who had also endorsed other candidates, Senator Kit Bond has now thrown his support behind his party’s presumptive Presidential nominee, John McCain.

Senator Kit Bond released this statement Wednesday morning:

“I am pleased to support Senator McCain as our nominee for President. On the critical issue of national security and our safety here at home, Senator McCain is the only one who recognizes the threat of terrorism and who can lead our country in these dangerous times. We stand shoulder to shoulder on supporting the efforts of our troops abroad and ensuring our intellgience capabilities against all threats.”

McCain is not the first frontrunner to gain Senator Bond’s endorsement this political season. Way back in November, when Rudy Giuliani was leading in national Republican polls, Bond gave an equally strong endorsement to the former New York mayor. That didn’t work out.

BREAKING NEWSLooks like John McCain is going to be the Republican nominee for President.Saying he wanted to clear the way for Republicans to fight both Al-Qaeda and the Democrats, Mitt Romney, who had a less-than-super Tuesday, has just dropped out of the race.

Romney pictured with Governor Matt Blunt, a supporter of his failed presidential bid.

Governor Blunt today issued the following statement on Romney’s announcement:

“Obviously I am disappointed because I believe Governor Mitt Romney was the best candidate to bring conservative change to Washington. Governor Romney is a great leader and a tremendous competitor. I am proud to have supported his campaign.  “I have tremendous respect for Senator McCain. He is a revered hero at our shared alma mater, and, in fact, he was the commencement speaker when I graduated the Naval Academy. He is held up as a model of heroic leadership in the face of tremendous adversity. “I also admire Governor Huckabee. He is an honorable man and a great neighbor to the south. He has obviously captured the aspirations of many, and we share a large number of supporters. “Melanie and I have enjoyed campaigning with Governor Romney and his wonderful wife Ann. They are both great friends and patriots and we wish them the very best for the future.”

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