Claire McCaskill endorses Katy Trail Connection to Kansas City; Blunt campaign unable to state position

Kansas City Star Columnist Mike Hendricks has challenged Missouri gubernatorial candidates Matt Blunt and Claire McCaskill to become champions for extending the Katy Trail to the Kansas City area via the "Katy Trail Connection".

The Missouri Bicycle Federation and the Greater Kansas City Bicycle Federation have been pressing the candidates for responses.

Here are the candidates' statements:

Claire McCaskill Time spent on the Katy Trail, is time worth remembering. I remain totally committed to the vision established for this tremendous project. Whereby, expansion is possible, I would encourage efforts that can link other areas of the state. As governor, I would point out the benefits of continuing important negotiations, and finding common ground to establish a much desired connecting route to Kansas City. Truly, Missouri's scenic pathway is only matched by its history, and I recognize the value in the work left to be done. Claire McCaskill Democratic Candidate for Governor / Missouri State Auditor Claire McCaskill's web site

Matt Blunt Representatives of the Bicycle Federation talked with John Hancock, Mr. Blunt's spokesman, several times. Because of the press of issues at the end of the campaign, Blunt's campaign was unable to craft a response on this issue in time for the election. However Hancock did indicate that Blunt is a "fitness fanatic". Now that the campaign is over, Mr. Blunt may have more time to consider his stand on the issue, and the Missouri Bicycle Federation will continue to pursue the matter. Matt Blunt's web site

Please note that the Missouri Bicycle Federation is a non-partisan organization which does not endorse candidates, but informs our membership about candidate's views insofar as they affect the mission of the Federation.