Holden makes Texas-size news

Missouri Gov. Bob Holden is getting national name recognition, but it's nothing to brag about. Before leaving Missouri over Labor Day weekend, I had read about the Show Me State's show-off governor and his shameful January inauguration bash.

I knew the cost of his Romanesque gala exceeded $1 million, a Missouri record several times over. Missouri spent more than any other state on its gubernatorial inauguration this year.

But I didn't know the extent of the debt incurred and other Moulin Rouge details until I read the local newspaper in a hotel room in Dallas.

The Dallas Morning News of May 26 had this headline on an A-section page: "Pricey Missouri inauguration was mistake, governor admits."

Our first-term Democrat had released a 12-page summary of the financial details several days after The Associated Press asked for information, citing the state's open records law. The AP wrote a Jefferson City-based story, which was picked up by newspapers nationwide.

And why shouldn't it make national news. Consider: the total cost was put at $1.02 million, including $125,400 in public money; the inaugural committee is about $345,000 in debt; of the 16 other state inaugurals none exceeded $500,000 in cost.

"We spent too much money. I made a mistake," Holden later said.

The festivities featured heated tents that sheltered dancers on the Capitol lawn, a big fireworks display, a barbecue buffet, souvenirs, assorted galas and an invitation-only party emceed by actor Tony Randall. Reportedly, it cost at least $33,000 to fly in Randall, 81, and his 27-year-old wife.

Holden is going to need a lot of donations to cover the debts incurred by his royal crowning. Let's hope he doesn't solicit money at the same time he considers legislation important to lobbyists and special interests.