Tour of Missouri back on track?

We're hearing tonight that Governor Nixon supports the Tour of Missouri and will not accept the initial suggestion of the Director of Economic Development, to include the Tour of Missouri in proposed budget cuts.

If this is correct, then the Tour will go on!

This is an initial report on a developing story, and definitely not officially confirmed, so stay tuned . . .

Meanwhile recently on the Tour of Missouri front:

• Mary Sanchez of the KCStar believes the proposal to cut Tour funds is "purely political".
  
• The Missouri Tourism Commission voted unanimously to continue funding for the 2009 Tour (shifting cuts to different programs).
  
• A Kansas City Star editorial supports the Tour
  
• Show Me Progress blog questions some of the criticism of the Tour, especially that from the Fired Up Missouri, which has consistently ridiculed the Tour.
  
• Mayor Slay of St. Louis came out strongly in support of the Tour.

In addition, here at MoBikeFed we have heard from many of you who strongly support the Tour and we understand the Governor's phone lines have quite literally been ringing off the hook with calls from supporters from all across the state.