MISSOURIANS AT NATIONAL HELM OF THE GOP

What an exceptional honor for Missouri that two top leaders of the Republican National Committee are from our state -- one of them from Cape Girardeau.

Jack Oliver was named deputy chairman of the RNC. At age 32, he's a rising star in the Republican Party, a fifth-generation Missouri lawyer and former national finance director for President George W. Bush's campaign.

Oliver has earned a reputation as an amazing fund raiser, helping collect some $90 million during the 18 months of seeking donations before the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia last year.

But locals know him as something more: an honorable man with a reputation for seeing things through.

In the hands of Oliver and Missouri Republican Party chairwoman Ann Wagner, who was named RNC co-chair, the Republican Party will have able guidance.