This afternoon the Governor sent out a press release [1] purporting to be about consumer precautions on services related to winter storm clean-up.  In truth, the Guv's volley couldn't be less motivated by protecting Missouri citizens.  

Here are the header and the opening:

Gov. Blunt Urges Missourians to Protect Themselves, Report Price Gouging in Aftermath of Winter Storms

          JEFFERSON CITY – Gov. Matt Blunt is urging Missourians to use extreme caution when hiring workers to help clean up debris after the devastating ice storms. ­

Matt Blunt says, right at the top, that folks should "report price gouging" and then goes on to give some more specific advice:

Verify the service provider’s credibility by contacting your local Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau; and report unfair practices to your local Better Business Bureau or local county or city collectors offices.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau?  Seriously? 

One imagines that if Matt Blunt really was serious about protecting Missourians from price gouging connected with the latest winter storm he would suggest they call someone who, you know, could actually do something about gouging.  Like maybe the Attorney General who can prosecute the price gougers [2]?

Of course, the Governor is not serious about helping Missourians "protect themselves" from price gouging.  He's serious about politics, and politics alone.  That's why he is telling them to call the Better Business Bureau instead of someone who'll enforce the law.