Presidential Primary.

The Missouri presidential primary is tomorrow. This is Missouri’s third presidential primary, the other two were held in 1988 and 2000. According to Jasper County Clerk Ron Mosbaugh this year’s presidential primary will cost Jasper County no more than $75,000 and the County is reimbursed by the state.

"Actually we have already received the check," said Mosbaugh.

Registered voters in Carthage can vote Tuesday at their respective poll locations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Secretary of State Matt Blunt is predicting that 23 percent of the state’s 3.6 million registered voters will go to the polls Tuesday. Blunt is encouraging all Missouri voters to participate in the presidential primary.

There are ten Democratic candidates including front runners Wesley Clark, John Edwards, Howard Dean and John Kerry. There are three Libertarian candidates and three Republicans including George W. Bush.

The final results will be reported to respective parties by February 20th.

I don’t know ‘bout the other counties in the state, but I’m sure Jasper would rather have the $75,000 than a presidential election. Oh, I know a certain portion of that money gets put into the local economy, but most is just poured down the political drain. State wide, the number must be enormous for puttin’ on a show for a mention in the news. "Missouri nominates so-and-so."

When it comes down to it, the Missouri primary doesn’t really mean much. In all likelihood, there will be less than 15,000 voters get out in Jasper County. That’s five dollars a head in cost to the state.

Why not just take out an ad on a national broadcast sayin’, "Missouri will support whoever ever’one else nominates." Then spend the rest of that election money on somethin’ that makes a difference.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing

THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Dishwasher Tips

Q: When the dishwasher is running, water droplets leak from around the door. Is this normal in older washers (i.e., condensation), or is the seal broken? — Lacy T., Valdosta, Ga.

A: Water leaking around the door of a dishwasher is most likely caused by a worn or cracked gasket. However, the door itself may be at fault, too — and in older models both these problems may be evident.

Find out by inspecting the gasket for cracks, warping or other damage. (If it’s gunky or moldy, wipe it down with a vinegar-water solution first.) A gasket that shows signs of deterioration must be replaced. Find the correct replacement by 1) looking up the dishwasher model number on the Internet, 2) calling the manufacturer or dealer with the problem, or 3) by removing the gasket and taking it to the home-improvement store to find a match.

To remove the gasket, turn off electrical power at the main circuit and remove the bottom dish rack. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws (or pry up the tabs, if those are used) and to help detach the gasket from the door.

Check the door catch as well. If this is loose, leaks can occur around the top and upper sides of the unit. Readjust the catch by loosening its retaining screws, repositioning the catch, and tightening the screws.

Q: My dishwasher won’t drain all the way at the end of a wash cycle — water is still pooled in the bottom when I open the door. How can I fix this? — John L., Reno, Nev.

A: The first thing to check is the drain hose leading from the bottom of the dishwasher to the sink drain. If the hose is damaged or has a kink or clog in it, replace it.

Turn off the electrical power at the main circuit and cut off the water supply to the dishwasher. Remove the dishwasher’s lower panel by taking off its fasteners — either retainer clips or screws — and lifting it away.

The drain hose is the clear or opaque plastic tube clamped to the pump assembly. This tube runs from the dishwasher to the underside of the sink, where it’s attached to either the sink drain or, if you’ve got one, the garbage disposal.