Carnahan also said that in the war against terrorism, the war against drugs should not be forgotten.

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At a Jefferson City news conference, the Missouri Public Interest Research Group called on Carnahan to vote to protect the Artic National Wildlife Refuge, implement tight pollution controls on fossil fuel-fired power plants and raise vehicle fuel standards.

In a later interview, Carnahan said a federal Clear Air Act was in the best interest of the U.S. and the environment.

Holden flew on state planes 29 times in the second half of last year, compared to 75 times in the first six months of his term, according to state flight records.

In January's quarterly financial disclosure, Holden's campaign reports debts nearly equalling assets -- with a net of just $50.66.

Holden's campaign coffers are extremely low for an incumbent governor. A couple of Republican political strategists say it is perhaps the lowest for a Missouri governor since the Civil War, which some lawmakers say could be indicative of Holden's current appeal.

Harlan will be forced out of the House this year and Graham in two years due to term limits. The Senate seat that both want is currently occupied by Ken Jacob, who will be forced out of that chamber in 2004.

This bill was passed with an emergency clause, meaning it required a 2/3rds majority vote to pass and it will go into effect as soon as Governor Holden signs it.

A main argument for passing the bill was that people with certain medical conditions need tinted windows - a concern which was not addressed in the existing legislation. The new bill will allow people with such medical conditions to tint their windows to more than 35% light translucence if it is prescribed by a doctor.

The award was determined by a national panel set up as part of the multi-state agreement.

The Senate President Pro Tem, Peter Kinder, who has been questioning the state's contractual agreement with the attorneys said that the 48 lawyers who worked for the state will end up getting an average of $2.3 million each for just five months work.

According to the Division of Budget and Planning, the state economy is estimated to see an increase in the rate of growth in 2003.

General revenue is projected to increase by $150 million from the 2002 fiscal year. If accurate, this could mean a 2.3 percent positive rate of growth from 2002 to 2003.

The bill would bring Missouri in compliance with federal regulations and allow the state to spend $10.4 million in federal transportation funds on construction and maintenance. If the state does not become compliant by Oct. 1 those funds must be spent on highway safety.

Planned Parenthood says it is outrageous that the state's attorney general has hired a private lawyer to argue the state's case. The organization says this is a waste of taxpayer's money.