2012

Ed Martin to Run for Missouri Attorney General

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:51:00 GMT

Ed Martin to Take On Obama’s Lawyer Chris Koster:
Martin Seeks to Stop ObamaCare and
Take on Corruption
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(314)-256-1776
press@edmartinformissouri.com

(St. Louis) – January 26, 2012 – Ed Martin today announced he will ask Missourians to support him as the state’s next Attorney General. Martin, a respected Missouri attorney, said he wants to restore the Attorney General's office to one that respects the rule of law and represents a check on state government, not a checkmark for liberal politics and policies like ObamaCare. Martin said current Attorney General Chris Koster has acted as President Obama's lawyer, not the people's Attorney General. “Over the past three years, I’ve watched President Obama and the federal government impose their will on we the people of Missouri beginning with ObamaCare,” said Martin. “We Missourians voted to stop ObamaCare, yet Attorney General Koster recently stated publicly that, ‘the act of the Legislature to create the exchange is not compelling a person, employer or healthcare provider to participate in a health exchange’ (Kansas City Business Journal <http://edmartinformissouri.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3096f9f3497e58f2da967c33d&id=84de075295&e=e035265ade> ). However, once the exchanges are set up, the government can penalize those who choose not to purchase health care. In addition, Koster has failed to lead on issues affecting both our state and nation like job creation, illegal immigration, and voter fraud.” All across the country, Attorneys General like Alan Wilson of South Carolina and Tom Horne of Arizona are fighting for their citizens and the future of their states. AG Wilson has refused to stand by as the NLRB has tried to strip South Carolina of jobs it so desperately needs, and AG Horne has not backed down from Janet Napolitano and her view of how Arizona should protect its borders. Chris Koster’s complacency while troubling pales in comparison to the “pay to play” mentality of him and his corrupt office. Koster has filled his campaign coffers to the brim with contributions from law firms competing to work on major lawsuits that State lawyers don’t handle. In the case of Avandia, a drug distributed by London-based GlaxoSmithKline, Koster’s campaign received over $182,000 in contributions from firms seeking to work the case. This behavior is no different than the despicable practices of the Obama Administration and its tax breaks and giveaways for big donors like Solyndra executives who got $535 million in loan guarantees from the government before going bankrupt and being raided by the FBI. It is time to start dismantling the Obama Organization starting with his lawyers like Chris Koster. The citizens of Missouri deserve an Attorney General that is dedicated to fighting for their causes and not using his office to get himself and his friends wealthy. Ed Martin is a graduate of St. Louis University Law School and completed a one-year judicial internship with the Honorable Pasco M. Bowman II of the Federal Court of Appeals in the Eighth Circuit. He is an accomplished attorney with experience in taking on corrupt politicians like his successful suit against disgraced former Governor Rod Blagojevich. Ed closed down the ACORN office in the city of St. Louis while serving as the Chairman of the Board of Elections and even took on the state of Missouri to make sure taxpayer dollars were not used to fund abortions. Most recently, Ed has begun the STOP MOBAMCARE initiative by starting a petition on stopmobamacare.com <http://edmartinformissouri.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3096f9f3497e58f2da967c33d&id=14cd5413af&e=e035265ade> to gain support against the implementation of Obamacare in Missouri through the opening of healthcare exchanges.

Ed currently resides in St. Louis with his wife Carol and their three children.
Statements on Ed Martin’s Campaign
for Attorney General of Missouri
Matt Blunt, former Missouri Governor:

"Missourians need an Attorney General who will respect our state's constitution, ensure that politics never overshadow the rule of law and stand up for our shared Missouri values. Ed Martin will bring these qualities combined with tremendous integrity and an unmatched work ethic to the Attorney General's office. It is a pleasure to support Ed Martin and to endorse his campaign to be Missouri's next Attorney General."

US Senator Roy Blunt:

“I’ve had the chance to work with Ed over the course of many years, and during that time, I’ve always been impressed by his unwavering commitment to smaller government and fiscal responsibility. Those values are especially important today, as our state and our nation continue to struggle to jumpstart private sector job creation and rein in out-of-control government spending. I believe Ed Martin represents the kind of fiscally conservative leader who we need in Missouri, and that’s why I’m proud to endorse his candidacy for Attorney General.”

Jim Talent, former US Senator:

"Ed Martin will be a superb Attorney General for Missouri. Ed has the integrity, energy and judgment to serve our state well as its chief legal officer. I enthusiastically support Ed Martin's campaign and am encouraging Missourians to join me in helping elect an Attorney General who will serve their interests, not the political interests."

Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson:

"Ed Martin will be a great Attorney General for our state. He is smart, energetic and relentless -- all great qualities to have in an AG. I wish him all the best of luck as he aspires to serve Missourians."

Phyllis Schlafly, President and Founder of Eagle Forum:

"Ed Martin is an energetic and fearless advocate who will be exactly what Missourians need as our Attorney General. Ed stands on rock-solid principles of our American founding values, not on the shifting politics of power and advancement."

Gene McNary, former President of Missouri Prosecutors Association and St. Louis County Prosecutor:

"Ed is an excellent lawyer, a hard worker, and knows how to run an office. He would be an excellent Attorney General."

Clint Bolick, Director of the Goldwater Institute’s Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation:

“Having known and worked with Ed Martin for many years, I can say he is a sharp attorney with the skills and vision to be an effective Missouri Attorney General and one of the best in the nation.” Clarence Dula, former Democratic Secretary for the St. Louis Election Board: "As Democrat secretary of the Board of Elections, I was proud to work with Ed to make our elections and the election process better, more secure, and more accessible to all citizens. Ed has the reliability and understanding for the job. Ed Martin is also a valiant advocate for the causes he takes up."

Bill Hennessey, President of the St. Louis Tea Party

"Ed Martin Jr. of St. Louis has redirected his fire to the Attorney General race, and
this is great news for everyone except Chris Koster."

Dick Heller, winner of the landmark 2nd Amendment US Supreme Court Case District of Columbia v. Heller:

“Firearms Freedom, that's keeping the federal government out of Missouri intra-state firearm activity, is the next 2nd Amendment frontier. No one has a better grasp on this than Ed Martin and that's why Missourian's deserve an Attorney General like Ed."

Colonel Frederick Berry, United State Army (Retired):

“One can't be anything but ecstatic about the announcement that Ed Martin is running for State Attorney General. He has all the tools to make a great AG--smart, experienced, aggressive, strategically savvy, and constitutionally astute. This state has been too loosely run for too long by AG's who cared more about politics and pie-eyed polemics than the rule of law or the sovereignty of the people. What a great asset he will be for the people of Missouri. Let's all get behind him and make it happen! I've known and worked with Ed long enough to know that we won't find him wanting in any respect.”

Mark and Mindy Patterson, residents of Wildwood, MO and Principals of the Calvary Group LLC:

“Our country stands at the crossroads of choosing freedom or an alternative that may change our great country forever. As a result, a state's ability to protect itself and its citizens takes on new importance like never before. Accordingly, it is with great enthusiasm and humility that we offer our endorsement of Ed Martin as the next Attorney General for the great State of Missouri. Ed's firm commitment to the Constitution of the United States and to the laws of Missouri make him uniquely qualified to lead our state in this very important position. It is our honor and privilege to offer our support for Ed Martin as the next Attorney General for Missouri.”

Ed Emery- Executive Director of Missouri Fair Tax Organization:

"I am pleased that Ed Martin is running for Missouri Attorney General. Ed knows the constitution and is committed to the rule of law; he knows we have a government of laws, not men. Ed’s record proves his passion for justice and individual liberty. We need his experience and principled character in the Attorney General’s office."

Cliff Luber- President of the Lake Area Conservative Club:

"The Lake Area Conservative Club is proud to endorse Ed Martin for Attorney General of the great State Of Missouri. Our citizens are deserving of an Attorney General who truly represents the interests of Missourians. 71% voted in favor of Proposition C and was a clear message to the federal government that we reject President Obama's national healthcare mandate in Missouri. Attorney General Koster refused to listen to "We The People" and file suit, along with many other states, on behalf of its citizens, against Obamacare. We resoundingly applaud Ed Martin's decision to serve our state in this capacity and will work to see him elected as our next Attorney General."

Full List of Endorsements

  Governor Matt Blunt
Senator Roy Blunt
Former Senator Jim Talent

Congressman Todd Akin
Congresswoman JoAnn Emerson
Congressman Sam Graves
Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler
Congressman Billy Long
Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer

Katherine Hanaway
   former Speaker of the House
   and US Attorney Eastern District (MO)
Todd Graves
    former US Attorney Western District
    (MO)

Senator Rob Mayer
  President Pro Tem
Senator Tom Dempsey
  Majority Leader
Senator Kevin Engler
Senator Mike Kehoe
Senator Brad Lager
Senator John Lamping
Senator Jim Lembke
Senator Brian Nieves
Senator Ron Richard
Senator LuAnn Ridgeway
Senator Scott Rupp
Senator Rob Schaaf

Rep. Steve Tilley
  Speaker of the House
Rep. Shane Shoeller
  Speaker Pro Tem
Rep. Tim Jones
  Majority Leader
Rep. Jeannie Riddle
  Asst. Majority Floor Leader
Rep. Jason Smith
  Majority Whip
Rep. Shelley Keeney
  Majority Caucus Leader
Rep. Sue Allen
    Majority Caucus Secretary
Rep. John Diel
  Chairman of the Rules Committee Sharon Barnes
  St. Louis Republican Central
   Committee Chair
Frederick Berry
    Colonel, United States Army (Ret.)
Clint Bolick
  Director of the Goldwater Institute’s   Scharf-Norton Center for
  Constitutional Litigation
Ron Calzone
   Director of Missouri First
Ruth Carlson
   Executive Director of Eagle Forum
David Cole
   Chairman of The Missouri
   Republican Party
James Coyne
   President of Mid Mo. Patriots
Clarence Dula,
   Former Democratic Secretary
   for the St. Louis Election Board
Bev Ehlen
    President of Concerned
   Women for America
Ed Emery
  Executive Director of Missouri Fair Tax
   Organization
Joe Frank
   Former Head of Missouri
   American Legion
Bill Hennessey
    President of the St. Louis Tea Party
Ken Horton
   Jefferson County Tea Party President
Jaret Jenson
   Cass County Young Republican
   President
Eddy Jusitice
   8th District Congressional Chair
David Limbaugh
   Conservative Columnist
Cliff Luber
    President of the Lake Area Conservative
   Club
Dr. Scott Magill
   Former President of
   Missouri Republican Assembly
Mark and Mindy Patterson -
   Wildwood, MO residents and
   Principals of the Calvary Group LLC
Linda Ragsdale -
    Missouri Young Republicans Chair
Phyllis Schlafly
   President and Founder of Eagle Forum
Lloyd Smith
    Executive Director of the
    Missouri Republican Party
John Wiemann
   President of National Pachyderm Club

Paid for by Missourians for Ed Martin

Two Initiative Petitions Approved for Circulation for 2012 Ballot

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:15:00 GMT

Jefferson City, Missouri – Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today announced that two initiative petitions have met state standards for circulation. One of the petitions relates to taxation on cigarettes and other tobacco products, and the other petition relates to a municipal police force.

The ballot title for the petition relating to taxation on cigarettes and other tobacco products reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to:

create the Health and Education Trust Fund with proceeds of a tax of $0.0365 per cigarette and 25% of the manufacturer’s invoice price for roll-your-own tobacco and 15% for other tobacco products;
use Fund proceeds to reduce and prevent tobacco use and for elementary, secondary, college, and university public school funding; and
increase the amount that certain tobacco product manufacturers must maintain in their escrow accounts, to pay judgments or settlements, before any funds in escrow can be refunded to the tobacco product manufacturer and create bonding requirements for these manufacturers?

Estimated additional revenue to state government from this proposal is $283 million to $423 million annually with limited estimated implementation costs or savings. The revenue will fund only programs and services allowed by the proposal. The fiscal impact to local governmental entities is unknown.

The petition, which would amend Chapters 149 and 196 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, was submitted by Mr. Robert Hess, Husch Blackwell, LLP, 235 E. High St., PO Box 1251, Jefferson City, MO 65102-1251.

The ballot title for the petition relating to a municipal police force reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to:

allow any city not within a county (the City of St. Louis) the option of transferring certain obligations and control of the city’s police force from the board of police commissioners currently appointed by the governor to the city and establishing a municipal police force;
establish certain procedures and requirements for governing such a municipal police force including residency, rank, salary, benefits, insurance, and pension; and
prohibit retaliation against any employee of such municipal police force who reports conduct believed to be illegal to a superior, government agency, or the press?

State governmental entities estimated savings will eventually be up to $500,000 annually. Local governmental entities estimated annual potential savings of $3.5 million; however, consolidation decisions with an unknown outcome may result in the savings being more or less than estimated.

The petition, which would amend Chapters 83, 84, 86 and 105 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, was submitted by Mr. Marc Ellinger, 308 E. High St., Ste. 301, Jefferson City, MO 65101-3237.

Before any statutory changes can be brought before Missouri voters in the November 2012 election, signatures must be obtained from registered voters equal to five (5) percent of the total votes cast in the 2008 governor's election from six of the state's nine congressional districts.

Signatures on behalf of all initiative petitions for the 2012 ballot are due to the Secretary of State’s office by no later than 5 p.m. on May 6, 2012.

Before circulating petitions, state law requires that groups must first have the form of their petition approved by the Secretary of State and Attorney General. The Secretary of State then prepares a summary statement of no more than 100 words and the State Auditor prepares a fiscal impact statement, both of which are subject to the approval of the Attorney General. When both statements are approved, they become the official ballot title.

Absentee Ballots for Military, Overseas Voters Available by December 24

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:01:00 GMT

Jefferson City, MO – Absentee ballots for the February 7, 2012, Presidential Primary Election must be available to military and overseas voters by December 24, 2011. For offices closed on Saturday, December 24, ballots must be available by the close of business on Friday, December 23.

Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is urging military and overseas voters to request their absentee ballots as soon as possible to ensure they can participate in the upcoming Presidential Primary. Military and overseas voters can find contact information for their local election officials in Missouri online at www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/localelectionauthority.aspx.

In past elections, mailing a ballot overseas could take up to 18 days, making it difficult for voters to return their ballot by the Election Day deadline on February 7, 2012. Voters may choose to receive their ballot via mail, secure email or fax. After voting, a tracking system will allow voters to confirm their ballot was received by their local election authority in Missouri.

All voters are reminded that the last day to register to vote in the Presidential Primary Election is January 11, 2012. Registration information is available online at www.sos.mo.gov/elections/govotemissouri/print.aspx.

The last day to request an absentee ballot, whether by guardian, relative within the second degree, mail or facsimile, is February 1, 2012.