About All Those Very Flattering Things I Said And Did...

Sometimes politicians have to worry about some of the icky things they've done in their past.  But Sen. Bill Stouffer's biggest problem in his prospective campaign against Rep. Ike Skelton may be all the very nice things he's said and done for Skelton.

For instance, Steve Kraske in the Star notes this morning that Stouffer was the State Senator who sponsored the resolution naming a bridge after Skelton.  At the time, Kraske points out, Stouffer said "Skelton has been and continues to be an outstanding model for his constituent work and for his years of dedicated service for our military."

In fact, Stouffer has said the bridge renaming was the least he could do and said he was personally honored by the opportunity to sponsor the legislation.

In 2005, Stouffer sent a number of press releases to constituents about his leadership in honoring Skelton.  His June 27, 2005 release:

Senator Stouffer Legislation Naming Ike Skelton Bridge to Be Signed
Highway 13 Missouri River Span To Be Called ‘The Congressman Ike Skelton Bridge’

JEFFERSON CITY – Senator Bill Stouffer, R-Naption, announces that on behalf of Governor Blunt, Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder will sign Senate Bill 233 into law tomorrow June 28 at 1 p.m. The bill, sponsored by Senator Bill Stouffer, names the new Missouri River bridge linking Ray and Lafayette counties “The Congressman Ike Skelton Bridge.” A ribbon cutting ceremony June 25 marked the official opening of the new structure.

“It’s been an honor and privilege to facilitate this project,” Stouffer said. “Ike Skelton has been and continues to be an outstanding model for his constituent work and for his years of dedicated service for our military.”

Congressman Ike Skelton has been serving the 4th Congressional District, which covers Ray, Lafayette and Saline counties, since 1977. The Lexington native’s district encompasses Stouffer’s state senate district.

The new four-lane bridge is set parallel to an aging two-lane iron bridge that has been ferrying Highway 13 traffic over the Missouri River between the two counties since the 1920s.

Some 25 percent of the participants in a public bridge naming campaign held last fall suggested that Ike Skelton be commemorated as the new bridge’s namesake. Stouffer included a provision in Senate Bill 233 that allows a highway or bridge to be designated after someone who is still living.

Like many in the region, Stouffer feels this tribute is the least the state can to do to celebrate Skelton’s achievements. “I feel naming the new Missouri River bridge in his honor would be a fitting tribute.”

Stouffer's March 9, 2005 release:

Senator Bill Stouffer’s Legislation Honors Ike Skelton Approved by Senate
Highway 13 Missouri River Bridge to be ‘Congressman Ike Skelton Bridge’

JEFFERSON CITY – State Senator Bill Stouffer, R-Napton, received Senate approval yesterday for a bill to designate a bridge located on Missouri Highway 13 “Congressman Ike Skelton Bridge.” The bridge is located between Lafayette and Ray Counties.

“Congressman Skelton has served the citizens of Missouri for many years,” Stouffer said. “His commitment merits recognition, and I believe naming a bridge over the Missouri River in his honor would be an appropriate dedication.”

Skelton, a Lexington native, has served Missourians in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1977 and is the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. Portions of Congressman Skelton’s 4th Congressional District encompass Stouffer’s state senate district, including Ray and Lafayette counties, which share the Missouri River as a common border.

Under construction and set to open this year, the new four-lane bridge on Missouri 13 will replace an aging two-lane bridge over the Missouri River that has been in place since the 1920s.

Some 25 percent of the participants in a public bridge naming campaign held last fall suggested that Ike Skelton be commemorated as the bridge’s namesake. Stouffer agreed with the request and gladly volunteered to sponsor the legislation needed for the new designation. The bill will now go to the Missouri House of Representatives for consideration.

“It is an honor to be involved in this worthwhile project,” Stouffer said. “I look forward to the opening day of the Congressman Ike Skelton Bridge.”