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Missouri taxpayers' property turned over to John Kerry for rally

The Missouri State Administration turned over almost half of capitol grounds to Democratic Control for the John Kerry rally. Megan Clarke reports.

The only way onto the front of the State Capitol was a ticket from the Democratic Party. While the tickets were free, people wanting to walk on capitol grounds, which is public property had to ask the Democrat's permission first.

Missouri Democratic Party Spokesman Jim Gardner says Republicans use the same protocol.

However, Missouri GOP's Paul Sloca says he understands using security, but his party hasn't roped off the state capitol for any Republican campaign.

THE MISSOURI CAPITOL IS OWNED BY THE PEOPLE OF MISSOURI. ANY ONE WHO WANTS TO GET TO THE CAPITOL SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET TO THE CAPITOL.

Gardner says he is unsure about how many tickets were available for the public.

What is public property at the State Capitol was made Democrat territory for the Kerry Campaign. Megan Clarke reports.

Almost half of the State Capitol grounds were roped off to the public by the Democratic Party.

Anyone who wanted to walk on this public property needed to request a ticket from party.

Even a Republican State Senator had to wait in line for his right of passage.

Missouri Democratic Party Spokesman Jim Gardner compared the State Capital to National Parks.

IT'S NOT LIKE THERE WAS ANY CHARGE FOR THEM. IN THAT RESPECT, WHENEVER YOU VISIT A NATIONAL PARK YOU HAVE TO GET A TICKET OR SOMETHING TO GO ONTO THAT LAND.

Gardner says the party did not discuss whether or not people with anti-Kerry or Bush t-shirts would be allowed in.

The Missouri State Administration turned over taxpayers' property into Democratic land for the Kerry campaign. Megan Clarke reports.

Anyone who wanted to walk in the front of State Capitol grounds, needed a right of passage from the Democratic Party. Almost half of the Capitol grounds were closed off and the only way in was a free ticket from the Kerry campaign.

Missouri Democrat Spokesman Jim Gardner compares the State Capitol to the National Parks.

IT'S NOT LIKE THERE WAS ANY CHARGE FOR THEM.

While Kerry supporters were able to display signs, Bush supporters were not allowed to bring signs onto the barricaded capital property.