As I watch the crews breakdown the route barricades for the last time this week, I reflect on the amazing week we’ve had. My staff and I have worked for 2 ½ years to bring the Tour of Missouri to fruition, and in the blink of an eye it is over. Thanks to the support we received from the race sponsors, the host cities, and the enthusiastic spectators throughout the state, we have already begun work on next year’s race.

Day 4 (Lebanon to Columbia)
Ed. note: Originall drafted on September 14, 2007

I was in Lebanon for the start of Stage Four this morning joined by Governor Blunt and Senator Bond, as we kicked off the event. It was nice to see all of the school children out enjoying the festival. Who knows - maybe 10 years from now we will see one of those kids cycling in the Tour of Missouri?

Tour of Missouri – Day 3 (Branson Time Trial)

The weather in the Ozarks is fantastic and perfect for cycling. Thursday’s Stage Three is a pivotal point in the race where George Hincapie of the Discovery Channel Team can solidify his lead or let another racer from the breakaway group of yesterday snatch the Missouri Tourism Yellow Leader’s Jersey from his back.

The verdict is in, the inaugural Tour of Missouri is a major success! Here are what some of the folks are saying:

“The start today was phenomenal, it was the one of the most enthusiastic and biggest crowds I’ve ever seen for the first day of a first year race, and especially given it was on a Tuesday afternoon." -Sean Petty, Chief Operating Officer of USA Cycling, Quote from 2007 Tour of Missouri Stage 1 Press Conference

Tour of Missouri – Day 2 (Clinton to Springfield)
(Ed. Note: Originally drafted on September 12, 2007)

Tour of Missouri – Day 1 (Kansas City, MO)
(Ed. Note: Originally drafted on September 11, 2007)

As Lieutenant Governor, I have demonstrated a commitment to working with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to work to make a difference for all Missourians.

Last night, I made a strongly partisan remark while speaking to a Republican rally in Sedalia. And while it may be unusual for a politician to apologize for making partisan remarks at a party function, I feel obligated to make an unqualified apology.

With less than a month until the start of the inaugural Tour of Missouri occurs, I want to encourage you to get involved. There are many ways for you to join up with our exciting effort. Bring your family out to watch one of the top three professional cycling races in the United States and some of the top riders in the world, all in your backyard.

Hey everyone, Craig Arnzen here. I’m the newest addition to TeamKinder and I’ll be managing Peter’s social networking presence. That means I’ll be running Peter’s Facebook and MySpace profiles, not to mention our Kinder is Cooler Facebook group.

As I walked into a retail store earlier this week, I saw the stand near the front door that holds “the lists.” I’m sure you’ve seen them too. Most schools have their list posted informing parents what items they are recommending kids bring to school with them when they return in a few weeks. “Back to School” now has a new component in Missouri—one that is exciting for parents, tight budgets, and fiscal conservatives alike: the Sales Tax Holiday.