Nixon pledges review of Mo. government if governor

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Democratic Attorney General Jay Nixon pledges a thorough review of every state office and program if he is elected governor.

Nixon says he will appoint a Performance Review Commission of private-sector executives, elected officials and senior-level state employees. They will look for ways to save money and make government more efficient.

Republican Gov. Matt Blunt made a similar campaign pledge four years ago. He appointed a 20-member Government Review Commission that came up with 84 recommendations on ways to restructure state government. Some of those suggestions were implemented.

Blunt is not seeking re-election his year. The Republican gubernatorial candidates are Treasurer Sarah Steelman and Congressman Kenny Hulshof.