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 Jay Purcell |
Purcell, a Republican candidate for Cape Girardeau County presiding commissioner, recently announced in an online video and at the presiding commissioner forum Tuesday that if he is elected, he will leave the party and become an independent. However, after the news release was issued, Purcell said he has yet to resign from the party and is still a Republican.
Fritz Sander, former committee chairman and acting spokesman for the Cape Girardeau County Central Committee, said the committee has taken Purcell's recent comments as a resignation and that the party is ready to move forward. With a primary election only days away, Sander said, it is time to concentrate on the issues affecting the county.
"It was an attempt to get to a better place and not the continual conflict we have had," Sander said.
If Purcell does not win the presiding commissioner spot, he will retain his position as 2nd District commissioner. If he is elected, Gov. Jay Nixon will appoint a replacement for the 2nd District vacancy. That appointment is one of the reasons the Republican central committee issued the news release.
"If he wins and the governor appoints someone to his seat, that is an unelected official sitting on the commission," Sander said.
Purcell said in his online video and at the forum that if that happens, the county will be represented by himself, an independent, Commissioner Paul Koeper, a Republican, and a presumably Democratic appointment made by Missouri's Democratic governor. It would, Purcell said, achieve a diversity that is unprecedented and that was the motivation behind his actions.
Friday's statement has broad-based support among the committee. Sander said the central committee met Thursday evening and worked until 1:30 a.m. Friday to draft the release. Of the 49 committee members, 42 were able to be contacted in regard to issuing the statement. Sander said 39 agreed with the measure. He said these committee members represented different parts of Cape Girardeau County and were elected by Republicans from across the county.
Even though committee members felt they had to make this decision, Sanders said, it was still difficult.
"It isn't a function we relish. There was no pleasure in it. We feel we have been pushed in a corner," Sander said.
If Purcell wins the Republican nomination Tuesday, Sander said, he does not know who the party will support, Purcell or the Democratic nominee, or whether there will be Republican-backed write-in candidate.
"We are waiting until Tuesday. We are keeping our options open," he said.
He also said there were no present plans to question the legalities of Purcell announcing his intent to leave the party while actively running for the party's nomination. However, he said those plans could change.
In a written statement Saturday, Purcell said he has not resigned from the Republican Party, nor does he intend to do so in the near future. He said recent attacks on him from a "few powerful people" within the local party are attempts to maintain their "stranglehold on power." He said any decision he makes will be based on what is best for county residents, not a political party.
While Purcell has publicly addressed his plans if he is elected, he has yet to say what he will do if he is not elected presiding commissioner.
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hmmm
The GOBs and the GOP booted JP.
Long time no see Bigot! Welcome back!
Like I've said before, I don't think you should have to be party affiliated at the county level.
Just wear a steak home. The dog will still be happy to see you.
You have to be kidding !!!! The local County Repubicans are really just kids playing a game, and like most bullies, think they are always right. THIS TAKES THE CAKE !!!! Stupid to say the least.
howdydoody, You and your boy jay are an embarrassment to the human race!
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. don't have my vote jay. your signs make me want to throw up.
I like Jay Purcell, he stands up for the people that voted him in to office and looks out for our interest NOT HIS! I like that and I support him 100% I dont know that I am a Rep or Dem, I just want whats bets for our town, state and country!
Be careful Republican machine here in Cape County, your making fools of yourselves! Yes Jay did say he would become Independent IF HE WINS THE ELECTION!!!!!! Yet like true foolish politicians you try to convince us he has already left the party. Gee, ya'l must think he will win huh? This is just ridiculous politics by one of the two parties that have ruined our Great UNION!
Great timing by the way! Shame on the Republican machine and shame on this media for even printing such a childish article. Seems even none of you Republicans can play nice. What a circus this has become. Oh well, it will be over Tues nite late.
I hope Purcell loses. But . . . WOW the central committee just ensured that Mr. Purcell will have front page news coverage in the Sunday edition of the county's only major newspaper on the Sunday before the election. This seems like an extremely dumb political calculation on their part. Seriously - I hope Purcell loses as much as anybody. But now I am wondering what the central committee folks could possibly be thinking.
This plays directly into Purcell's election strategy. He never planned to win this primary by getting votes from the people that listen to republican "insiders" like the ones on the central committee. He doesn't need them. The people that dislike him and that are going to show up on Tuesday already have their opinions. And their vote will be divided among all the other candidates anyway. All this miscalculated, immature political stunt will do is give Purcell free publicity and encourage dems, independents, and non-establishment republican types to pull a GOP ballot and mark Purcell's name. His thank you note to the central committee chairperson is probably already in the mail.
It will not be over late tusday night. Either j will not be running for commisioner or he will still be one. the county cannot win.
Greywolf and Redhawk04
Well said to both of you.
I don't want to be a Republican, but I want to be one just now for a little bit, but I never said I didn't want to be one. While I am not a huge proponent of the party system, it is only a hugely unstable person who says "I want to run as a Republican, but if I win, I don't want to be a Republican any longer." Flip-flop, flip-flop. And you people still want to vote for him!
That's true Cman very true!
cman I'm in complete agreement with you!! the county will still have somebody who has proven time after time after time that he cares nothing about the citizens he claims to want to help so badly but only has HIS agenda on his mind and where his next move will be to settle his thirst for power. so sad for cape county.....
Simply? BS!
OK Sanders, why did you pull my post? It was the 4th one right after almighty. Does the truth hurt? Why can't this newspaper let people voice an adversarial opinion? We all know the Rust's are against Purcell, that's no secret. Just don't make it so obvious.
Your post was pulled because you called people scumbags and degenerates. Criticism is fine, but name calling isn't.
Indeed!!!! Answer the question Matt. We all want to know why you removed Howdy's post. You were quick to write this article now be quicj=k to tell us why you removed it. We all have a right to know.
If the local Republican Central Committee accepted the resignation of Purcell, perhaps they would be willing to post a copy of the signed resignation letter?
Did the two authors of this news flash obtain a copy? Did they ask?
Or, will the bickering continue based solely on rumors?
There was no resignation later. Our latest update says that Purcell had no idea about this and didn't submit a resignation.
OK Sanders: You allow someone like Joe Gambill to write a letter doing a character assassination on Purcell and yet you pull my post criticizing the Republican party. Where is the justification in that. When I criticized the democrats for being spineless, you never pulled that post. Why not? Because it was critical of the party the paper has disdain for, that's why. At least if you are going to be unfair in judgment, do not make it so obvious.
I really doubt that Sanders pulled the post by his choice.
I wonder if Republican Activist and part time dental hygienist Donna Lichtenegger is behind this?
If the other candidates really wanted to do what was best for the county, a few of them would resign and throw their support behind one of the other candidates.
Its scary to think that Cape Girardeau County, one of the most Republican counties (if not the most) in the state, may end up with 2 of the 3 candidates as non-Republicans. Wow.
Sanders: Read your own article. If he wins election Tuesday it won't make any difference. Did Purcell submit a letter of resignation? Has anybody seen one? He said if he wins election. he will leave the party. So, I don't consider that a resignation until such time as he wins. The Republicans have only added votes to Purcell's column by doing this. Does "shoot yourself in the foot" ring a bell?
As I responded to Hawker, Purcell didn't actually submit a letter. The latest version of this story says that the first time he had heard of the "resignation" was when the news came out today. The party committee's action was simply in response to Purcell's comments at the forum on Tuesday.
grandma73 take a class on current affairs
I had to go back and read Joe Gambill's letter regarding Jay Purcell on 7/29. Mr Gambill referred to Purcell as a "mental midget". Why is this not name calling in your estimation? I think it is a very derogatory statement to little people. If I would have called Fritz Sander and the rest of the republican committee men/ women mental midgets for their statement, would that have been axxeptable?
I'm sorry, but I'd be speaking out of school if I tried to tell you why that was allowed. I don't set policy for our paid election letters or make the decision on which ones will be published. However, we have a policy against name-calling in our comment areas of our website. When a post that engages in name-calling comes to my attention, I delete it.
Sorry I couldn't give you an explanation about the letter. I suggest you contact the publisher Jon Rust at jrust@semissourian.com or opinion page editor Joe Sullivan at jsullivan@semissourian.com.
wew can no longer vote for billy the dog he has passed. no kidding lets write in billy carter, cant be any worse than j
Matt, Don't make me go through the archives and show you "name calling" that was never deleted!
I do believe name calling is not necessary when posting comments and opinions however, I believe fair should be fair. Your media has disappointed me. You have disappointed me. It is very obvious that the SE Missourian is NOT backing Jay and that's certainly fine with me but deleting a comment that was a bit nasty towards the Republican machine in this County was unfair!
My opinion mind you.
Howdy's comment should be reinstated and that's that.
Matt,
On this one I am going to have to disagree with you and the paper. Your statement "Criticism is fine, but name calling isn't" does not pass the smell test. Why? The first part of you and Carrie's hit piece was about a resignation letter that NEVER existed. If it did not exist WHY PRINT IT!!!!!!!!
You are more concerned about "name calling" then the actual truth, i.e the non existing letter.
Please name names on this elusive creature called the GOP. All references are made by "the party" and "Republican committee" surely these fine citizens that are telling the truth about his resignation letter have names? Let's have them, surely any news hound would be able to pick up on that scent.
As an undecided voter I can say this article is sure making the decision easier to make.
People of our fine Country have to be truly frustrated with the present political atmosphere in our County.
Some citizens may be led to believe Associate Commissioner Jay Purcell is all about good government and seeking transparency in conducting the people's business. Regretfully, nothing could be further from the truth. We would bet the majority of public officials who have tried to work with Jay Purcell would vouch that Jay Purcell's style is to find issues to monopolize and then cry foul in the interests of open and honest government. Jay Purcell thrives on controversy.
No man with integrity would tape personal conversations, then cut and paste those conversations to suit his political agenda like Jay Purcell. Give him credit though -- he is a master of distortion.
Is Purcell trustworthy (definitely not), but you have to give him credit for mixing a few facts with a pork-barrel of fiction in carrying-out his negative political agenda. To be quite honest, Jay Purcell, along with some assorted gaffs (taped) by Presiding Commissioner Jones, has made Cape Girardeau County the laughing-stock of Missouri counties. Unfortunately, the one breath of fresh air we have on the Commission, Paul Koeper, seems caught in the cross-fire.
That is a shame, because Cape Girardeau County is very fortunate to have good employees, sound business and industry, and good old-fashioned family values. It's sad to think Jay Purcell could become Presiding Commissioner and allowed to further his ill-gotten personal political agenda, in the process tarnishing the success story Cape Girardeau County has always exemplified statewide.
Tuesday's election is ALL about Cape Girardeau County citizens (Democrats, Republicans and Independents) being able to separate the honest facts from fiction. Jay Purcell's way of doing business (personal and public) is clearly not how we need our fine County to be managed.
Vote for new leadership that will bring true honesty and integrity back to Cape Girardeau County government.
The blog entry above is almost verbatum the language from a mass emailed letter that was signed by Jay Knudtson and Tom Schulte from this afternoon. Interesting! Thanks, Jay Purcell
For one thing If you aren't part of the comittee or the Republicans none of you have any idea of what your talking about.As the comittee we do not answer to you!!
Purcell has never been a REAL Republican. He has always used that to benefit HIM. As far as leaving the Republican Party if he was elected well, he is already elected so as far as I am concerned he's out right now.
"Run Jaybird Run" and never come back.
OK, I was curious on who is the Republican committee in Cape County, so I looked it up on line in the Missouri Blue Book, page 722. John Voss, Chairman , Donna Lichetnegger VC,Liza Reitzel,Pete Frazier, Holly Lintner, and others. I am surprised to see some of these names, and that they all approved of the misinformed news release. Makes me think twice on the credibility of each one. Did this action have all the committepeople's approval as well ? Don't know. I'm checking to see who is on the Dem list as well, to be better informed . Thank goodness it will all be over after Tuesday.
Hey momma: I am not republican nor am I part of the committee. However, I can see a complete distortion of the truth. Where's the letter? If you would please post a web site where we can see who the members of the committee are. You all didn't have a problem when Rock Finch (whom I like by the way) was put up by certain factions of your party to run against Purcell. I was actually surprised Jay beat him but was more surprised when he crushed him.
The fact that Purcell said he would resign if he won was a de-facto resignation. Jay Purcell has been embarrassing himself and the Republican party for long enough. He gave the GOP an opening and they took it
Kudos to the GOP.
How about the fact that it was leaked over a week ago that the John Voss called the State Chairman trying to get Jay out of the party thanks to a wonderful republican himself Jim Roche leaking that one out. How about the fact that John Voss verbal stated that Jim Roche's picket against Jay that made the newspaer was just silly just having one person, and was backed by Jones himself. How about the fact that John Voss stated that he wouldn't back Jones or Koeper one bit if the VIP vs. Sb40 came out to be dirty!!! He will probaly deny it but I for fact know it was said! How about the fact that Clint Tracy stalked a group of tax payers in support of the sb40 from the Admin Building to Tractors in Jackson and was eaves dropping on there conversation and then left and came back with Koeper and then was called out on right there in tractors!!! How about Koeper saying tax payers that want answers have nothing but pitchforks and are ready to stab! Why would I go somewhere to get myself beaten up stated Koeper.We just want answers and you and Jones dont want to give them thats why we are upset. Listen to Jays radio ad's they are all true. The RINO party if I am allowed to call the So called Republican party in this county that with out being edited by "Sanders" are worried about one thing FATTING there wallets and the ones that do the dirty deeds for. You tell me how may Politicians in this county will alow you to call them at home, email there personal email, and have their personal cell phone. I Know of one and thats Jay. How about this for a fact Koeper and Jones are Ticked off about citzens voicing there concerns. Nobody truly gives a DAM! except for Jay. Thats why I support him! Because he has no agenda except making the county GOVT. For the people and not fatting the wallets of the RINO'S aka the Republican Party!!!! What a joke.
I know one thing the Republican Party in this county are showing there true colors and fly the "GOOD OL BOY'S" flag high and proud. I for one will vot for Jay Aug 3rd for the simple fact that he has supported the citzens that have no agenda except holding there GOVT accountable! Chris Bruce
Charlie Brawley is starting to look better and better.
And just beacuse I like to see the truth. And for anyone else that would like to join the band wagon. I petition the Southeast Missourian And The Rust's to post and print the news release from the Repulican party so "WE THE PEOPLE" can see it. That would only be the right thing to do, or would the ability to print what they want with out honor be useless and the lack of testicular fortitude to print it in the first place a sign of a personal agenda! Chris Bruce
Thanks for the clarification Matt.
And just beacuse I like to see the truth. And for anyone else that would like to join the band wagon. I petition the Southeast Missourian And The Rust's to post and print the news release from the Repulican party so "WE THE PEOPLE" can see it. That would only be the right thing to do, or would the ability to print what they want with out honor be useless and the lack of testicular fortitude to print it in the first place a sign of a personal agenda! Chris Bruce
-- Posted by Truthbetoldnow on Fri, Jul 30, 2010, at 9:07 PM
Chris,
It's already posted! It's been posted since they ran the article earlier today! You are so quick to judge. Unbelievable! An apology and/or retracting your last statement would only be "the right thing to do", or would the ability to say whatever you want (without some simple research) be a sign of a personal agenda or maybe just a lack of "testicular fortitude" that you seem to know so much about???
Here a fact on Charles Brawley! He stated in a open board meetin that is openly recorded by the board that he would show his support for them at the county commission meeting then did a complete 360 the day of the commisssion meeting. I find it intresting that the WED July 28 1010 vol.140 no.18 edition of the CASH-BOOK JOURNAl who is owned by Gerald Jones had a Charles Brawley sticker On the front page of every one that I say and I went through the whole stack to make sure it wasn't a fluk. Then to find the the Cape County Commisoin Canidates page with Every Republican And two Democractic Canidates And I guess JayWasnt invited to submit or was the Journal have a agenda of there own??? Chris Bruce
I stand corrected about the letter my apology didnt see the link at the bottom ofthe related links but will not retract the staements made aginst the agenda of the republican party and the rust. Truthfully I am surprised to see that it was posted. And I have no personal agenda if anybody truthfully would like to know why I personally believe that there is a agenda and lack of fortitude feel free to email me fruitlandfire@yahoo.com Chris Bruce
http://www.mogop.org/resources/mo-gop/co...
I dont even know who to vote for Tuesday...I swear. I read the 'position' statements of the candidates and some of them sound so uneducated and unprofessional. The commissioners get paid enough money that they should behave professionally. Regardless of Jay Purcell's opinions on things, he is just WAY too unprofessional. Supervisors in my workplace work to diffuse tense situations and stop the drama before it turns into a fiasco (like the one we have in Cape County). My general feeling is that either voters start electing more professional people, or lower the salary by half. That way you'd come closer to getting what we paid for, and there likely wouldn't be so many candidates running if the pay was less. This is really an embarrasment for everyone in Cape County.
Give em he ll, Jay!
Greywolf is an old grumpy meany!
With that said..
I agree with him, (makes 2-3 times now)
(out of 500+)
VOTE PURCELL!
He's the only candidate that's working for the people. Outing the hidden secrets from the public!
I'm pretty P'Off that my tax dollars for the last 20+ yrs have gone to the SB40's bank account..then to find out that our money was given to VIP??... in effort to pad someone's wallet!
The sign in my yard say's JAY PURCELL!
"Greywolf is an old grumpy meany"!
Posted by c'monnowppl
C'monnowppl,
Old!? well ok, at 57 I guess some would consider that OLD. Grumpy? Well not that often but certainly can be at times. Meany, I am not that mean just ask Jay Purcell!
This is better than having Thad Bullock as a candidate.
Why was this news release made public on Friday, as it clearly states for release on 08-01-10?
I liked Thad. God bless his soul.
intresting. Thats a very good question and shows without any doubt that there is a agenda by the se missourian. I truly want to know why it has a former commitee chair name on it and not the current chairman John Voss. If you look at the whole subject from the get go, it stinks! howdydoody: My question to you is without being deleted by the semissourian. What was or who was the comment to and about.
Yes watch the name calling. I refered to Purcell as Frank Burns nickname on MASH and it got pulled. BTW the nickname fits.
While all of them are in p***ing contest our county is losing jobs and roads are falling apart.
Hey truthbetoldnow---In your earlier post you said Charles Brawley did a complete 360...That would mean he came to the same decision, as a 360 is a complete circle which means you end where you started. I think you meant a 180..
Jst sayin called Purcell a snake at 9:03 pm last night. I think that would be name calling, however it is still posted. Another hypocritical call by you know who.
I spoke at length to Charles Brawley at the Jackson Homecomer's. He was definitely doing some mud slinging which seemed a bit unprofessional. He said Tracy and Duame are friends of big business, Jay does pay his taxes, Jay is for Charter government because that would take his pay to $120K per year. Brawley seems to really want my vote but did not seem to have valid answers to any of my questions. I did not know Jones was supporting him. That makes me think Jones wants to be a retired puppet master.
What's everyone's thought on Charles Brawley?
Bulletman that is correct. Wishful thinking on my part. Editor note: The statement made by truthbetoldnow should of stated 180 instead of 360. I strive to give factual information and from time to time a typing error is made.
Im writing in Grandma73 on Tuesday :)
I to have spoken to Brawley. He has the politician part almost down. He makes empty statements and intresting enough has proven that already by stating he would show support for the SB40 board then did a 180 on them at the commissioners meeting. Which he was called out on by members of that board and taxpayers in the open meeting. I do agree that grandma on fact that he may well indeed be another Koeper that is controlled by Jones or the ones that Jones answers to.
If you look at the controversy and criticism that Purcell has had thrown his way since he first stood up to the "Tower Club" and the Republican machine it would be impossible to conclude that Jay is instigating this for personal gain. He at one time was the golden boy and up & comer, if he would have played along he would have been endorsed by all the powers that be and been just another spoke in the county machine that continues to abuse the trust and power given to them by the citizens of this county. Instead he questioned procedure and practice and chose integrity and responsibility to the electorate over personal gain. He did it with such bravado because anything less would have been dismissed and squashed. The clearly biased coverage he has received by the local media, (did anyone else notice the Cash Book Journal included bios and information on all the other candidates but Purcell?) The onslaught of negative press given to him by the Missourian with guest editorials by Gerald Jones and the fact that Purcell offered copies of federal lawsuits filed against our former Mayor in Federal Court for abuse of power while in office and the copies of the report that surrounded the hit & run that allegedly involved Morley Swingles wife which was investigated by Swingle personally and the interview never aired on KFVS. Purcell is named in a frivolous suit about a Real Estate deal and it is plastered in bold Letters on the front page. It seems to me that David is holding his ground and the Goliaths are quivering in their boots will to stop at nothing to ensure his defeat. This Tuesday has become more than just a primary election, it has become a referendum on integrity in County Government. I for one choose integrity and honesty and that is why I will cast my vote for Jay Purcell.
Here is one of my problems with Brawley. It seems he is a wanna be vigilante who thinks he is an officer of the law. From an earlier article:
"Charles Brawley of 2514 Singing Hills Drive said that he has tried to convince county and city officials to lower the speed limit on his road for six to eight years. Brawley said he wonders why it has taken years to address the issue.
While he is not a law enforcement member, Brawley and Joseph Hann of 2544 Singing Hills Drive frequently stop speeding motorists to alert them of what he calls a serious danger.
"We're now stopping the cars and pulling our vehicles across the road and begging them to slow down or follow them to residences and ask them in a nice way to slow down, which is putting our lives in jeopardy," said Brawley, a former Cape Girardeau Fire Department captain"
He had NO business stopping cars on any road!
If he wants to be a police officer than he should have done that before he became a fireman.
I will not vote for Charles as he seems much like Jones in attitude!!
Sorry Rasputinboogy,
Integrity is not a word that describes Jay's POLITICAL career in my opinion. He may be someone I would go fishing with and or have a drink or two but I will not support his politics or his behavior. I will defend him or anyone when they are being unjustly treated.
Jay, just go away. The more you say, the worse you look.
Vote for Chris Hutson. Seems he's the only rational, qualified person running.
Thank you Just_Me. Really, Jay, can you just go away? Who cares if the blog is the same as submitted by Knudtson and Schulte?? It's still true. NOBODY in county government supports you and they are not ALL part of your contrived "good ole boy" network. They know you're a clown. They've seen you at work (when you actually show up) and know your tactics.
I feel bad for Paul to be caught in the middle of this mess.
The dream team on the commission would be Jay Purcell as Presiding Commissioner, with Don Howard and Walter White to round things off.
truth: Without trying to repost I will share some of the words in it, but not necessarily in the correct order.
Some words were: republican party, not caring about little people, degenerates, scumbags and rich buddies to name a few. You can probably figure out kind of what was implied. Sanders might take this post down. Wouldn't surprise me.
And for the Jay supporters here, please give me a concrete list of what he has actually done for this County and explain why he is qualified to manage the millions of dollars in revenue this county brings in. I wouldn't hire him to manage my individual investment portfolio much less the entire county's money.
He dropped out of high school. He obtained a GED. I'm sorry, but education IS important with the responsibilities of the county commissioners. It does matter.
He sued himself costing the county well over $20,000 + in defending what was ultimately ruled a bogus lawsuit. The Missouri Supreme Court didn't even rule on the actual merits of the case because he came in with "unclean hands" (which, btw, if a VERY rare ruling for any court, showing the ridiculous nature of the suit). Is he going to pay us back? I highly doubt it.
He's made the county commission a laughing stock by engaging in slimeball schoolboy tactics regardless of the actions of Jones. If he worked for any profitable business he would have been canned years ago.
The majority of county government employees are vocally against this person. There is a reason.
He is willing to voluntarily leave his current post to be filled by a democratic governor. That is unheard of people. It's slimy. Add that to the fact that he is going independent if he wins, while maintaining he is still a member of the republican party currently. Ummm..Jay...no you're not. They rightfully kicked you out. Why won't you run as an indpendent? Would that be inconvenient for your race?
PLEASE wake up and vote for anyone but this person. We're the flagship county for s.e. missouri and one of the more profitable counties in the State. Let's get the professionalism back in county government.
Thank YOU,clkv!! It is wxactly what I've thought all along. Greywolf is not a grumpy mean old man, he's a young man. He is a smart man!!
I won't comment on all the other allegations, but as a former Adult Ed teacher and a former high school teacher, I can assure you that a large percentage of folks who graduated from high school probably couldn't pass the GED exam!! In high school, many (and in most cases *most*) "points" (which determine your grade) come from homework, daily in-class assignments, and various projects. All of these can be completed with help or even copied from someone else. Usually, a student can flunk every test and still pass a class, earn the credit, and graduate from high school.
On the GED test, which is long and tough, it is the student and the test. No help, no other way to "pass", etc. When I taught at the Adult Ed center, I took a practice GED exam and was amazed at the level and complexity of the questions in all 4 subject areas (the number of sections at the time -- don't know the current set-up).
I don't write this to defend or criticize any candidate or poster but to straighten out a misconception of the GED exam. If you're interested in seeing how difficult the test is, I suggest you go by the Adult Ed office in Cape and talk to them or look for a sample test for the Missouri exam online.
If they got a letter saying he resigned from the republican party then he cant be a member! thats how it is but hey it is just politics
Sometime poor old Howdy has difficulty recognizing reality. I've been accused of the same thing. Don't always agree with him, but right on, Howdy. Otherwise life would be a little duller.
Is Fritz Sander a LIAR?
I think the members of the central committee have some explaining to do. But will the missourian ask the right questions of the right people?
I did not turn in a resignation letter, this is another desperate act of the people in power. Thanks, Jay Purcell,,,, P.s Ask your self why was it ok for the Republican party two years ago to recruit a Republican Committe member (Rock Finch) to run against me as an Independent but when the tables are turned I am a bad Guy! Kinda makes you go HMMMM! Thanks, Jay Purcell
Spaniard: No..they will not ask the right questions, are you kidding? Also, Spaniard, better be careful you may be close to calling people names. I can attest that if there is anything that seems derogatory against anyone but Purcell, they will use the power of the eraser. Of course calling someone a "mental midget" is acceptable.
Purcell, if you would stop responding you would do yourself a very great favor. Every comment from clearly shows you are not a deep thinker. You last comment is so strange. You ARE running as a republican, and you HAVE STATED if elected you WILL dump the republican party and become an independent. If you were previously a republican and then decided to run as an independent no one would have a problem. Finch RAN as an independent. But you want to be a republican now, run as a republican, but have told them you no longer want to be one, and then get in one of your snits when the republicans tell you go away - we don't want you Jay. Then you whine and moan as you always do. How typical Purcell: create an issue, and then scream because there is an issue. God help the county of Cape Girardeau and the State of Missouri if this man is elected. A lot of the country makes fun of us now. Does anyone wonder why they think we are stupid hicks?
This commissioner's vote is going to be so funny, when all the candidates get their 10-20% of the vote except for Jay, who's going to get a strong 33%.
Parker Daws , interesting comments- Could you answer what party affiliation Jo Ann Emerson was when first elected and what party she belongs to now ? Thanks, Jay Purcell
Jo Ann is an opportunist, always has been and will be until she retires. She will move back to where she came from and pick up a Democrat ballot in every primary election.
Parker Daws one more thing to consider- when one becomes an Independent it does not mean they reject one particular party, in fact it is quite the opposite, An Independent public servant can adopt or reject any positions based on what he or she thing thinks is best for the citizens . As it is now members of a major political party must conform and fall in lock step for the good of the party. If you are one of those people who always vote straight ticket because you think the other party is all bad and your party is all good, then guess what I will never reach you. But I assure you the majority of citizens are not like that and want public servants who will stand up for them instead of the politicians and their interest. Sorry for the poor Grammar and spelling, in a hurry, and getting ready to leave. Thanks Jay Purcell
Most fools and buffoons are...
-- Posted by Spaniard on Sat, Jul 31, 2010, at 1:43 PM
Pay your taxes
Grandma, "Jay is for Charter government because that would take his pay to $120K per year."
Only true for the Charter's county manager's position. The other 6-8 members would receive nominal pay (approximately $100 a month) like city council members (or alderman, depending on your town).
It appears the Republican party aka good ole boys really got egg on their face this time. Not that I agree with flipping back-n-forth to gain cross party votes either.
Sadly, this is another case of voting for the lesser of the evils. Anyone that would actually be "good" for the people and do a "good" job, is smart enough to stay the heck out of this mud pit called the county commission.
Yankeestation(what a name)why don't you just lay off Don Howard and Walter White at least they had the guts to run for public office.Yankeestation(what a name)have you ever tried to run for public office and have people like your self run people names thru the mud that you don't even have a clue who they are.If that makes your low self esteem any better I feel sorry for you.And for the rest of the people on this blog why is there all of these personal attacks,below the belt attacks.Just vote for thses people or vote against them and leave the trash talk,slanders,and slurs out of it.
I will write-in Mickey Mouse on my ballot...he'll fit in nicely with the commission ;)
Redshirt why don't you write in your own name if you think you can do better?
Dont underestimate the power of gerald jones and jay knudtson to get out the 'anti-purcell' vote tuesday. they will stop at nothing to make sure the "lil dip-s*@$" loses the race....just sayin
If you needed a politician to stand up for you who would you pick?
Click on an option to vote
Jay Knudtson Clint Tracy Gerald Jones Paul Koeper Jay Purcell Barbra Lohr Harry Rediger
Jay Purcell 139 66%
Paul Koeper 54 25%
Clint Tracy 5 2%
Gerald Jones 4 1%
Jay Knudtson 3 1%
Barbra Lohr 3 1%
Harry Rediger 0 0
Do you trust Gerald Jones?
Click on an option to vote
Yes No
No 278 83%
Yes 56 16%
Current Total 334
I can only draw the conclusion (in my opinion) that Mr. Purcell has raised the ire of many of his colleagues because 1) he chose to ligitimize, via audio tapes, the conversations he was having with a presiding commissioner who has a propensity for "not recalling" things that are said and done and/or distorting or otherwise manipulating information and people to his benefit and 2) through these audio tapes, Mr. Purcell has poked holes in "policies and procedures" that are not above board. As I have stated before, this type of vehement, hate-filled response to a single person typically grows out of the angered being "exposed" when, for years, exposure was not part of the game. If you feel anger toward Mr. Purcell, be introspective and ask yourself why. Chances are, it is in some way, shape, or form tied to your involvement or that of a friend or relative who has ties and vested interests in the "policies and procedures" staying under the table. Callin' em' like I see em'! Don't hate the player, hate the game!
Pam,
When Jay recorded Boss Hogg, I thought it was hilarious. I even defended him for it, because Mr. Jones needed to be exposed. Having said that every time Jay opens his mouth he exposes himself as an undesirable person that doesn't deserve to be anywhere near a position of power.
I really don't care whether Purcell is
Democrat, Republican or neither, but his promise to leave the Republican party, in whose primary he is participating, one week before the election, brings his character into question. Clint Tracy has the best chance, in my opinion, of defeating Purcell.
I have made a decision on my future campaign plat form: I work well with others. I will be a yes man when it fills my pockets and benifits the party before the citzens. I enjoy backroom deals. I support strong arm tatics. And am against being fair, open, and transparent. I call myself Republican but am truly a RINO and I endorse dirty politics. Based on what I have seen from thr Republican Commitee of this county. HMM Sounds pretty dang true to me.
B_O_B, It sounds as if you have an interest in seeing things change for the better, like many of the poeple who are rallying around their respective candidate choice. It doesn't sound as if you have the same amount of hatred for Mr. Purcell as others who have posted on the various articles recently and in the past. I applaud you for making an unemotional choice based on what you believe will be in the best interest of our county.
Pam:
Out of all due respect, you're just wrong. Jay is a joke with anyone who has been affiliated with him in Cape politics. He has federal (Tom Shculte) aids writing letters against him.
He's a joke. He doesn't do anything but try to bait you people with the "good ol boy" talk. He has a GED for god's sake. Please elect somebody that has an IQ over 90
The fact is that we all want our leaders to be honest and the news media to do their job. Unfortunately, that has not been the case and both are a joke. I'm tired of all the games being played by political parties and the Southeast Missourian isn't worth the paper it is printed on.
I remember when....Republican E C Younghouse was appointed County Commissioner by Ashcroft. Dem. Ron Fischer appointed County Commissioner by a Dem.Gov., and Presiding Commissioner Gene Huckstep switched parties from Dem to Rep. It happened before....it will happen again. Its what the end results are to make our County Government better and honest....WE NEED TO KNOW if there is dishonesty that is like a cancer...It takes guts to speak out...and stop it. Clear the deck and man the power.
I agree with Pam. Jay Purcell MUST be elected this Tuesday. I have become a victim myself of dirty politics in this county ! It truly exist. I contacted many including the Cape Police Dept, Sheriff Jordan, and Morley Swingle. Swingle's office was in agreement that I was a victim of a felony act UNTIL they realized the person who commited the crime was in the immediate family of someone they chose to protect. I contacted Jay before all this mudslinging toward him started and I can ASSURE everyone reading this JAY PURCELL was the only person who spoke to me professionally. No one else did !! How would you like to be in my place - a business person who has had $12,000 stolen from her company - papertrail exist - person has admitted and the police dept won't even let you fill out a statement and the one you hand delivered is now gone ?? This could happen to you if it happened to me. Now I ask, you do you want having your back JAY PURCELL or a puppet such as Clint Tracy ? I say without a doubt, JAY PURCELL. I am moving forward with an OUT OF STATE attorney to get justice because I can't any other way. The politics here are an embarrassment, not because of Jay Purcell. Just ask anyone with any knowledge of the SB40 board. They came to Jay Purcell just like I did. We could not get help anywhere else. I did not know Jay Purcell before I made the phone call but I did know the others but blood is apparently thicker than water. I wonder what position the SB40 board would be in right now without Jay Purcell - that is reason enough to see this man elected. I feel JAY PURCELL MUST BE ELECTED. Do you want to elect one person who will represent an elite few or one person such as JAY PURCELL who represent all citizens fairly. PS - my story is not finished-I have enlisted out of state help to arrive to Cape shortly to help me seek my justice. I had no other choice.
Cape Citizen,
what in the world would Jay or the Commissioners have to do with YOUR LEGAL ISSUES? If someone has done you wrong than I suggest a civil suit. Jay can't help you, he has his own to deal with.
If Morely refused to prosecute a possible felony than I suggest you contact the States Attorney's office.
Wolf, I agree with you for once.
Dear clkv you prejudiced jerk. My daughter has a GED. And now she has a bachelor's degree, and a master's degree, and in a few weeks she will begin law school at an Illinois university.
Jay may be a bad person, but a GED is not an indicator of that.
Purcell is like Sarah Palin....you either love him or despise him.....We will see who wins Tuesday...
Morley will deny this allegation and say that somebody stole that person body and the returned it. just like him saying someone stole his moms or wifes car and went on a joy ride wrecked it and put it back in the drive way.
Cape Citizen,
Jay Purcell has no use in handling this issue other than to point fingers at everyone else to blame to take the attention off of himself and make him look like the good guy. Jay creates controversy and when he can't handle it he cries and whines about other political figures in the county trying to take the heat off of himself. Jay just man up and take it. You're a clown and belong in a circus. Im sure you will have plenty of people pointing you in the direction of your next career after Tuesday is over and you lose... traveling with the circus.
Yeah, Boss Hogg, Larry Bock and Koeper never created controversy, LOL.....Oh brother
Total self absorption - that goes for every single person that has engaged himself in this buffoonery.
Attention All Democrats and all other informed voters:
Don't forget to request a Republican ballot on Tuesday...
Vote Jay Purcell!
If Jay loses Tuesday...he will still run for reelection in 2012...get ready for this all over again!!! :(
But talk is someone's wife did go for a drunken joy ride - hit another car - and fled the scene. And it was all neetly covered up.
thiS isnoT aboyut jay
To the members of the Cape County Republican Party: I noticed that Rock Finch (who I like) and his wife Rachel are the committee people in precinct #1. My question is this: Why did you support Mr Finch as an independent candidate against Purcell in 2008? This seems to go against your very reasoning. That should be unbecoming of the party. You folks simply amaze me with your holier than thou back stabbing attitude. Hypocricy at it's best. I will not hold my breath waiting for an answer from any of you.
I guess name calling is legal on the blog again... or is it because they called Jay a name(... Snake) and not the GOP???
It because nobody said that the Rino GOP is backed by the RUST GOOD OL BOY NETWORK.
I asked this question yesterday and have yet to see a straight forward answer to an easy question.
If Jay Purcell is this self serving ego maniac whose only motive is to further his own position and agenda why would he bring to light all of the issues he has? I will use for example:
1) The sale of county land to one of Jones friends at way below market value?
2) The SB40 Board abuses allowed by Jones for the last 15 years involving millions of dollars of tax payer property that has been allowed to go improperly titled to VIP Industries. Purcell was approached by members of that Board appointed by Jones because when they questioned fiscal practices they were threatened and intimidated by the man who appointed them.
3) The illegal filing of an easement by two Commissioners after the land owner ( a citizen of Cape County ) refused to sign it.
4) Former Cape Mayor Jay Knudtson is being sued in Federal Court for abuse of power while Mayor of Cape Girardeau. In an earlier statement Knudtson stated that Jay Purcell must be eradicated, This paper gave that plenty of coverage but has yet to report a single sentence on this suit much less the circumstances surrounding the alleged hit & run involving members of Morley Swingle's family which was investigated by Swiingle himself. Again no mention by this paper.
There are several more examples of controversial topics that Purcell has been involved in. To my knowledge Jay has not benefitted either financially or politically by any of these actions but quite the contrary. I will repeat my previous statement. If Jay was everything his detractors say he is why didn't he just shut up and play along and then he could have assumed the throne that is current being held by the original egomaniacal self-serving bag of pomposity that we lovingly refer to as "Boss Hog"? Sorry folks it just doesn't add up.
You have the entire republican machine, all the media outlets and most of the Chamber of Commerce throwing everything at Jay but the kitchen sink and he is still gaining ground. Seems that someone left the gate open and the cattle have found their way to the voting booth. Last I looked this is a Democracy in which every citizen gets a vote for the person they feel will best represent their interest. I will cast mine for Jay Purcell on Tues. August 3rd.
a vote for Purcell is a vote for a step backward....it takes three commissioners...does anyone think the other two with ever work with this guy?? we need a total change....all three need to go, start fresh....or the cycle continues...
Well said. So Mr. Rust can accept a challenge and actually report the truth or are you going to give us a lame excuse like KFVS 12 did to the SB40? I believe if you look at the pro and cons I and others see Jay as a Pro and the rest as cons.
Wow!!, the more and more I read howdydoody's post the more he sounds and reads like JAY PURCELL.
Is that possible?? (:
its a conspiracy Greywolf lmao that was a good one though
Greywolf: FYI I have never met Jay in person nor have I ever been to a function he was part of. I am not Jay Purcell. However, it has been said brilliant minds think alike.
Why does jaybird keep bringing up stuff about people he isnt running against? To throw you off his game. BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH GO AWAY JAY, JUST GO THE H----- AWAY!
I'm with the Republican Party on this one. Jay Purcell says he is going to leave the party if elected.
Seems to me to be reasonable for the party to go ahead and say good-bye before the election...
this shows you how sad the party has become, this will get me out to vote for jay
The party left Purcell in 2008 when they supported one of their committemen (Rock Finch) to run against him as an independent. Finch lost...Purcell won.
The fact of the matter is that Jay Purcell decided on his own to leave the party. He made that announcement in a youtube video and also at a debate with the other commissioner candidates at the farm bureau last week. The party did not kick him out or asked him to leave; Mr. Purcell did that on his own. The Republican party is just accepting what Jay Purcell has decided to do and nothing more. If Jay wants to be labeled as an independent then he has the freedom to do so.
Doesn't matter, Jay has way more support than any candidate running and they can't remove him from the republican ballot.
Plus imagine all the democrats who are going to love taking a republican ballot to vote for Jay, LOL.
Our County Commissioners are the biggest joke. This race has shown no different.
Unfortunately, without solid leadership from the other candidates...Purcell could win this thing. I, too, was glad that Jay outed some of the back door 'good ole' boys' stuff...but I'm just so tired of him. And, I'm not even a republican! I was a bit shocked to read that he had kids...because his own behavior is SO childish. He reminds me of my teenage daughter...he doesn't know when to shut up. She too can make a good case...but never shuts up long enough for you to think and come to a well thought out conclusion. Just drama....drama....drama till I say THATS ENOUGH...and the answer is now NO! (I do love my daughter though). Unfortunately Jay...I don't love you, and it is time for you to just SHUT UP and GO AWAY.
Purcell is bad for the county. He needs to go.
clkv
A GED? So what does that prove? Some of the most successful men I know in THIS area don't even have that. BTW....How successful are you? Probably not at all....
Call him what you want but he has exposed corruption that will only grow if you keep letting it happen or who know you may be profiting from it.
I pity the person whose views are swayed by the rhetoric found in the comments section of The Missourian. Whatever happened to civility in the public discourse? All of the vitriolic comments only serve to inform the reader more about the true nature of the author of those comments, than the fabric of the issue. Clear and concise reasons why you're for or against Mr. Purcell can be made without hyperbole and maliciousness.
clkv
I know none of the horses in this race nor do I care to know them. However, condemning one because he has a GED is not the most brilliant statement one can make.
Abraham Lincoln's formal education consisted of about 18 months of schooling, but he was largely self-educated and an avid reader. (Wikipedia) I believe his IQ most likely above 90.
When you evaluate one's IQ from behind a keyboard, it speaks volumes about how you approach issues. Perhaps the pot may be trying to create a kettle to call black. Just saying!!!!
Balmy, although Lincoln was probably the WORST president this Country has ever had a GED is nothing to make fun of at all! I have seen this test and I would find many questions very difficult. The fact that Jay Purcell has only a GED, HAS NOTHING to do with his politics or his abilities. Jay does not have my support but, he is NOT uneducated nor is he scholasticly ignorant.
I do have an education and I would probably find it difficult to pass a GED test today. Those here who make light of it should try taking it.
Abraham Lincoln's formal education consisted of about 18 months of schooling, but he was largely self-educated and an avid reader. (Wikipedia) I believe his IQ most likely above 90.
Lincoln read Wikipedia?
Seriously, don't cite Wiki as an authoritative source. It can be edited by any user in about 15 seconds to note that Lincoln and Jay Purcell were high school classmates.
Oh, I saw Jay P yesterday...heis so crooked that i couldn't see straight when i was looking at him
susie, try again. That didn't make sense.
IMO, no one really has a realistic chance to beat Purcell except Clint Tracy. Tracy and Purcell will finish #1 and #2, and it will likely be Purcell as #1.
Purcell has one chance to win this election and it was to run as a Republican, in a crowded field, and have all of the true Republicans split the vote. It would have been nice for a few of the candidates who have no chance of winning to back out and throw their support behind an electable candidate, but that did not happen.
Now a county with 2/3+ Republican will end up with a representation that is 2/3 non-Republican. Don't you love politics?
The county has been voting heavily republican but there's a lot of people locally that vote democrat but due to the lack of democratic candidates go ahead and pick up a republican ballot in the primaries and cross over in the general.
Enlightened One is 100 percent correct. Purcell would not win a 2-person race against Tracy, Daume, Hutson, and probably others. In fact, I don't think he decided to run until he saw it would be a crowded field. Smart move on his part. In this election, Purcell will probably win. And it will probably be with less than 35 percent of the vote. The crowded field will work in his favor.
This is also why the "anti-Purcell" campaign by local GOP insiders will probably be unsuccessful. Any increase in the anti-Purcell vote will be divided. But the anti-Purcell campaign will also inevitably remind some Purcell supporters to go to the polls, or encourage some folks to pull a GOP ballot who normally don't.
when will Purcell run for Governor...we need hope and change...hope and change...change...change...change
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWMSF60vt...
Eliminate the mud slinging and accusations from Purcell's repitoire and what do you have? Looking at the percentage of immature rhetoric in comparison to actual problem solving integrity, what have our tax dollars actually been supporting? Certainly not a very high Return On Investment (ROI). Hutson may not be getting a lot of publicity, but he is indeed the best person of character to represent the county in the best light possible. Actually represent the people. Purcell has brought the type of attention that makes Cape Girardeau a laughingstock of the state that nobody takes seriously. Newscasters in St Louis and Kansas City love making jokes about us to lighten up their broadcasts.
Indeed Enlightenen One and Redhawk,
that is why I will be voting for Clint Tracy tomorrow. Good luck to all the Candidates and I hope the turn out of voters is very high as well.
I voted for Tracy once and he didn't stay the course.
He quit and is coming home to rock the baby and hopefully double his salary.
But that's not the entire reason I'm not voting for him. I'm just voting for the better candidate, Jay Purcell.
Purcell has brought the type of attention that makes Cape Girardeau a laughingstock of the state that nobody takes seriously. Newscasters in St Louis and Kansas City love making jokes about us to lighten up their broadcasts.
-- Posted by SEMO56 on Mon, Aug 2, 2010, at 3:28 PM
Do you have any proof of this? Please post some links.
I did hear them making fun of us for being the leading candidate for a casino but that there is an organized effort to say NO to casino's in the Cape.
Chris Hutson.
If all of us who don't want Tracy or Purcell to win vote for him, then he'll win. Seems like the most rational & qualified candidate to me.
Just like Wayne Wallingsford.
Neither are in it for personal gain.
I looked on my ballot today....and couldn't find the candidate named "Lil Dips&i$"? So I voted for Clint Tracy...
Redshirt must be Boss Hog
12% is all he'll git!!!!!