This morning at the Missouri delegation breakfast, delegates heard from Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Jay Nixon as well as Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. 

Nixon addressed attendees by talking about what a great year it has already been, as he has "retired" a Republican Governor in Matt Blunt, a Republican Treasurer in Sarah Steelman, and is poised to retire a "George Bush, John McCain supporting Congressman" in Kenny Hulshof.  

Nixon went on to tell a now-familiar story about how he got his start in public service while he was a child in the home of his two public servant parents.  Nixon then reiterated a much touched-upon theme of the week, by seizing on the importance of this election and of electing Barack Obama.­

Cleaver roused the crowd with a story of a trip to western Kansas during which a non-accommodating cafe waitress refused him any more sugar for his tea, instead telling him to "stir what he's got."  Cleaver reminded Missouri Democrats that they already have much in their favor in 2008, with great Presidential and gubernatorial candidates and with a strong wind at their backs.  He told them in order to win all they need to do is "stir what they got."  

Both men were greeted with warm standing applause.