So and obscure cabinet post and a low level staff job in the governor’s office are the consolation prizes for Donnelly and Jeff Harris after Nixon and Chuck Hatfield screwed in the Democrat primary for Attorney General by a Republican who is now hiring (wait for it)

Republicans (Doug Ommen) to run his office.

Harris in particular has to feel burned. Jay Nixon is his idol and helped stick a knife in his back.

How sad.

As a senior, and as an admirer of Margaret Donnelly, I am comforted to know she will be at the helm of one of the major departments of Missouri state government. This is a fine appointment by Governor-Elect Nixon.

Why hasn’t the Post written anything about the biggest political news of the day?

Roy Temple is now a member of the Blunt Family.

That’s right. He’s working for Roy Blunt’s ex-chief of staff Gregg Hartley in Washington. Hartley is still VERY involved in Blunt family business.

Roy Temple working for Matt Blunt.

Are dogs and cats now sleeping together??

God help us. Donnelly in charge of HSS and Harris in any position in state government. The people said no to both. Nixon isn’t as smart as people thought.

Obscure cabinet post?
Low level staff job?

Well…let’s see. DHSS employs about 2,000 people, has a budget of a billion dollars, has staff in over 100 counties, and is responsible for the public health of the state, the health and welfare for seniors/adults with disabilties/children with special health care needs, maintains the state health lab, inspects nursing homes, and a multitude of other things. Obscure? I don’t think you really know what that word means.

Policy Director–arguably the second most powerful person in the Governor’s office, after the chief of staff. Primary liasion between the Executive and Legislative branches. Responsible for shaping the Governor’s legislative priorities–all the more key at a time when you’re of the opposite party. Low-level? Again…I’d brush up on those definitions.

Understand that Koster was my third choice for AG. But he did win…these two gigs are hardly consolation prizes.

Margaret is a wonderfully nice person but that doesn’t make her qualified for the job. Nixon will be sworn in and will say in his oath that he will uphold the consitution. Is he serious? She doesn’ meet the qualifications in the constitution for this position:
Director, appointment–compensation–qualifications.
192.007.
2. The director …shall have had the administrative experience necessary to enable him to successfully perform the duties of his office. He shall have experience in public health management and agency operation and management.

It’s obvious that Nixon doesn’t really mean he will uphold the consitituion - he was just kidding - and it will be interesting to see if the legislature who took that same oath today is any more serious when they decide whether or not to confirm this appointment. It shouldn’t be a done deal especially if health is supposedly a priority in this state. Senators, we are watching! Make him appoint someone qualified with a real health background. Her resume shows nothing in public health nor operation or management of any organization. We deserve better.
This isn’t the kind of change we voted for.