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Secretary of state launches political attack on Dems

JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri Secretary of State Matt Blunt used a convention of the state's leading business organization to launch his political attack on the state's Democratic administration.

"We need to have an administration that confronts challenges and faces them head on, not one that attempts to deny they exist," Blunt said at the annual legislative session of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.

Blunt charged that Gov. Bob Holden has not responded well to the state's anemic economic climate and outlined priorities similar to what chamber officials said they would pursue during the next legislative session. Among the issues, restructuring the worker's compensation system and unemployment insurance system took center stage.

Blunt said overhauling both systems would improve Missouri's regulatory competitiveness with other states, and help retain jobs and businesses, although he did not specify how the systems would be changed.

While criticizing state agenices' ability to manage their operations, Blunt said his office had worked diligently to improve citizens' accessibility to state information through technology. He also said his office reduced its workforce by 10 percent.

Although Blunt hasn't officially declared his candidacy, he has a little under $2 million raised for his campaign.