New ad campaign targets Gov. Nixon’s budget powers
Gov. Jay Nixon is being attacked for abusing his budget balancing powers.
The Missouri Club for Growth is a conservative based political action group.
On Monday the group’s first ad campaign aired, showing support for a proposed constitutional amendment 10.
It will be on the Nov. ballot.
Amendment 10 would change Missouri’s constitution to allow legislators to reverse a governor’s decision to freeze or slow the rate of spending for items in the state budget.
Dr. Terry Smith, a political science professor at Columbia College, explained how this topic and proposal is all just a political game.
At first glance of the ad, one might think a news anchor is reporting on Nixon’s spending.
“It has an unusual appeal, and its not an attack ad like Club for Growth is famous for doing,” said Smith
Nixon cut Missouri’s budget by $1.1 billion before signing it into law.
This included Nixon withholding a $100 million increase to the state’s education foundation formula, the entire increase budgeted by the legislature.
“He is kind of fighting the good fight for Democrats and the Republicans want to maximize the leverage they have in the state legislature,” said Smith.
Smith told ABC 17 News that the Republicans cannot undo the veto overrides so the next best thing they can do is try for a constitutional amendment.
A spokesman said the Governor opposes the amendment because it could weaken safeguards against overspending.
ABC 17 News asked Smith if he thinks the Governor is abusing his power by withholding these education funds or if it is a political game.
“It is absolutely political. This is one of those things you’re going to get people to agree what abuse of power even is,” said Smith.
While Republicans say it is an abuse of power, Nixon said he won’t spend money the state does not have.
Smith points out the Republicans need to be careful in what they ask for with this amendment, because one day a republican governor will have to abide by this as well.
The Club for Growth declined to reveal the funding source for the ads.
