State briefs 1/30/08

Edwards touts health care, economic policies

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards says he wants universal health care, a quick end to the Iraq war and economic policies geared toward helping the working and middle classes. The health care plan proposed by the former senator from North Carolina would cost $90 billion to $120 billion per year. He proposed funding that by rolling back tax cuts for those earning more than $200,000.

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Huckabee calls Missouri a must-win primary

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee said Tuesday that he must win Missouri's primary next week if he is to have a chance at the Republican nomination for president. After winning the Iowa caucuses, Huckabee has lagged behind Republicans Mitt Romney or John McCain in subsequent states' primaries. To regain momentum, Huckabee said he must do well in the Southern and Midwestern states, particularly Missouri.

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Kansas gov. endorsing Obama for president

EL DORADO, Kan. -- Democrat Barack Obama intensified a serious effort Tuesday to win what has been a safe Republican state and picked up Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' endorsement for his White House bid. For Obama, it was another in a string of high-profile endorsements in the past two days, following those from Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.; his son, Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I.; and Caroline Kennedy, daughter of President Kennedy.

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Romney plans Missouri campaign stops

JOPLIN, Mo. -- Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney plans to hold two campaign stops in Missouri on Saturday. Details are still being worked out, but Romney plans to speak in St. Louis and either Joplin or Springfield. That's according to state Rep. Bryan Stevenson of Webb City, who is working on the campaign of the former Massachusetts governor.

-- From wire reports