Gov. Matt Blunt has made today “David Cook Day,” and his wife, Melanie Blunt, has followed suit with the following missive sent this morning:
“First Lady Melanie Blunt is not only encouraging Missourians to show their support for Missouri’s own David Cook, one of three finalists in American Idol, but also for his brother who is battling cancer.

“ ‘As many of you know, David’s brother, Adam, is struggling with brain cancer.  So, not only are Matt and I encouraging all of you to vote for David in the competition, we also want to encourage you to consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society in Adam Cook’s honor,’ Mrs. Blunt said.

 ”Like many families across America, Mrs. Blunt’s family was touched by cancer, when she lost her mother to breast cancer.  Mrs. Blunt is encouraging all Missourians to donate to the American Cancer Society and help save lives by working to eliminate cancer. For more information about the American Cancer Society, visit www.cancer.org.

“Gov. Matt Blunt has proclaimed today as David Cook Day in Missouri.

“David Cook is a native of Blue Springs, and is a 2006 graduate of the University of Central Missouri. He has achieved national recognition as one of the finalists on American Idol.  David Cook has shown amazing talent and skill in advancing to this level in the American Idol competition. Gov. Blunt is encouraging all Missourians to support David in his quest to become the next American Idol.

“David Cook is in Kansas City today where he will perform a free concert in Power & Light District at 11:30 a.m., and participate in a homecoming parade in Blue Springs at 3:30 p.m. He will also attend the Kansas City Royals game tonight where he will throw out the first pitch and sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

EDITORIAL COMMENT: I haven’t caught much American Idol, but I did hear Cook sing one of my favorites — “Music of the Night” from “Phantom of the Opera.”

He nailed it.