Politics

Immigrant advocacy groups in Missouri say that while they are pleased the US Supreme Court struck down most of a controversial Arizona immigration policy, they remain concerned about a provision that had the support of the justices.

The five-to-three ruling on Monday allowed Arizona law enforcement officials to check the papers of anyone they suspect is in the country illegally. Opponents say that will lead to biased policing.

With the United States Supreme Court's decision on healthcare expected to come on Thursday, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon broke with his party on Monday over a key part of the legislation.

Speaking with reporters in St. Louis, Governor Nixon sounded more like a Republican when asked about the impending decision.

Referring to the Affordable Care Act as the “Washington Healthcare Law” Nixon spoke out against the key ingredient of President Obama’s signature legislation—the so-called individual mandate requiring people to purchase health insurance.

Republican businessman Dave Spence has been touting his record creating jobs while campaigning to become Missouri governor. Yet records obtained by The Associated Press show Spence's business had to repay $75,000 of incentives to New York after not meeting a job target.

The failed business venture occurred in the mid-2000s. Spence's campaign says New York was a poor place to do business and that Missouri is in similarly poor shape under Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon.