JEFFERSON CITY - A deal that would give the University of Missouri system roughly $200 million for building construction fell through Thursday morning on a technical ruling.

Sen. Ken Jacob, D-Columbia, attempted to strike a deal Wednesday night that would have given the University of Missouri system roughly $200 million to help finance the construction of a hotel, convention center and performing arts center on the MU campus.

In return, Jacob would have dropped his opposition to a bill, which seeks to change Southwest Missouri State University's name to Missouri State University.

JEFFERSON CITY - Democratic gubernatorial candidates Claire McCaskill and incumbent Bob Holden are virtually tied, according to a poll released Thursday by the Kansas City Star.

The poll shows State Auditor Claire McCaskill narrowly leading Holden with a 28-26 percent lead among individuals who said they plan to vote in Tuesday's Democratic presidential primary. Because there is a 4 percent margin of error, the results are too close to call.

Forty-one percent of respondents said they were still undecided.

Of the Democrats and independents surveyed, more than half said they disapproved of Holden's job performance as governor. Nearly half of those questioned were not familiar with McCaskill.

JEFFERSON CITY - The agreement would allow Southwest Missouri State to change its name to Missouri State University, and it would give the University of Missouri extra money to help fund construction of a performing arts center, convention center and hotel on the MU campus.

JEFFERSON CITY - The House is ready to take a final vote on a bill that would close a corporate tax loophole on Gov. Holden's hit list. The bill is substantially different from Holden's recommendations, however.

JEFFERSON CITY - The Senate gave first round approval to a measure that would require a regulatory impact statement before the Natural Resources Department could impose a rule.

The vote split Democrats in the Senate with four Democrats joining the Republican majority in supporting the bill.

The measure requires one more Senate vote before going to the House.

JEFFERSON CITY - More money topped the list of recommendations Missouri's Transportation Department director presented to a joint session of Missouri's legislature Wednesday.

"It is time to make constructive plans for the critical transportation needs of this state," said Transportation Department Director Henry Hungerbeeler in the first State of Transportation address.

"We cannot leave our transportation system in worse shape than we found it and pass our problems on to our children and grandchildren," he said.

JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri Senate President pro tem Peter Kinder proposed a name change to Southwest Missouri State University, making it Missouri State University. The proposal met with some opposition in the Senate because some believe it would devalue the name of the University of Missouri. But Kinder says many MU alumns don't mind the change.

JEFFERSON CITY - Some Senate Republicans have expressed support for revenue increases to help balance the budget.

Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Jackson County, introduced bills that would increase gambling boat admission fees and court fees with the proceeds earmarked for education.

JEFFERSON CITY - A measure filed in Missouri's Senate would block the University of Missouri president from assuming the role of chancellor.

The bill was filed in response to MU President Elson Floyd's announcement of such a consolidate with the Columbia campus after the retirement of the current chancellor. Floyd has since said he does not plan on assuming both roles.

JEFFERSON CITY - A Missouri legislative panel was told Monday this it could take nearly $1 billion to adequately fund Missouri schools.

That figure is substantially higher than the package of tax increases being pushed by the governor.