Blunt's staff prepares for a new governor
Gov. Matt Blunt has promised full cooperation with Governor elect Jay Nixon in making the transition to Nixon's takeover of the governor's office.
Blunt tells KRCG News his own staff is ready to work with Nixon's people.
He also says the budget staff within the Office of Administration is standing by to provide Nixon with the information he will need to prepare his first budget proposal, which must be presented to state lawmakers in January.
Despite a contentious relationship over the past two years, Blunt says he called Nixon Wednesday morning to offer congratulations to the Democrat for winning the governor's race over Kenny Hulshof.
Most capitol observers had anticipated a gubernatorial race between Nixon and Blunt.
That disappeared in February, when Blunt announced he would not seek a second term.
Unlike his predecessor, Nixon will not have the advantage of his own party controlling the legislature.
Missouri Republicans expanded their margin in the Senate by three seats following Tuesday's election to hold a 23-11 advantage.
The Democrats gained three seats in the Missouri House, but the Republicans still hold an 89-74 advantage there.
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