Springfield Rep. B.J. Marsh: "Jay Nixon will work across the aisle to get things done for Missouri families." 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Republican Rep. B.J. Marsh (R, Greene County - 136), a senior Member of the Missouri House of Representatives, today endorsed Attorney General Jay Nixon for Governor.  Rep. Marsh, who represents the Springfield area, cited Attorney General Nixon's commitment to making college more affordable and his record of working across the aisle to deliver for Missouri families as the key reasons for his endorsement.

Rep. Marsh released the following statement today:

"Times are tough, and families in Missouri are hurting.  Now more than ever before, we need a Governor who can bring this state together and get us moving forward again. I've known Jay Nixon for 20 years, and I know that he'll roll up his sleeves and get the job done, like he always has.  I'm supporting Jay Nixon for Governor because I know, without a doubt, that he will bring about the change our state needs. 

"As someone who is heavily involved at Missouri State University, I am particularly concerned about the ability of Missouri families to afford a college education. Tuition is skyrocketing, and too many students are graduating with tens of thousands of dollars of debt.  Jay Nixon has put forward a plan, called the Missouri Promise, to create a pathway for middle-class students to get a four-year degree and graduate debt free.  Jay Nixon knows we must help prepare our young people to compete in the new economy.

"Jay Nixon also understands that in order to turn this economy around, we must get serious about embracing science and technology. From life science to plant science to new energy solutions, Jay will fight to bring next generation jobs here to Missouri. That's the kind of leadership we need right now.

"For me, this election isn't about whether someone is a Democrat or a Republican. It's about electing the best candidate to move Missouri forward, and that's Jay Nixon.  People know that I tell it like it is. Here's the deal: Jay Nixon will work across the aisle to get things done for Missouri families. Enough said."

Rep. B.J. Marsh was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1988 and serves as the Chairman of the Special Committee on Tourism. 

Rep. Marsh is the latest in a series of Republicans and law enforcement leaders to endorse Jay Nixon for Governor. Other Republican leaders include: former Rep. Chuck Wooten of Springfield, Mayor Len Pagano of St. Peters and Lt. Colonel Ron Neubauer -- the former police chief of St. Peters.  Attorney General Nixon also has received the endorsement of two organizations that endorsed Gov. Matt Blunt in 2004: the Missouri State Fraternal Order of Police and the St. Louis Police Officers Association.