http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/ashcroftin_1736.mp3
Former U-S Attorney General and Springfield native John Ashcroft was in Jefferson City today for a ceremony that adds his name and image to the Hall of Famous Missourians. KSMU's Missy Shelton reports.
John Ashcroft has served as U-S Attorney General, U-S Senator, Missouri Governor, Missouri Attorney General and State Auditor.
He was U-S Attorney General when terrorists attacked the US on September 11th, 2001. He received praise from some and criticism from others for the Patriot Act that Congress adopted in the wake of 9-11.
It was House Speaker Rod Jetton who chose to induct Ashcroft into the Hall of Famous Missourians, located in the capitol building.
Jetton says it was Ashcroft who first sparked his interest in politics.
During the induction ceremony, John Ashcroft talked about freedom and politics.
He said freedom allows politics to exist.
Politics was on the minds of some when Ashcroft's induction was announced...A well-known democratic blog criticized Ashcroft's induction.
The crowd at the induction ceremony enthusiastically applauded the unveiling of a bronze bust of Ashcroft.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Ashcroft told reporters what he thinks of his bronze likeness, which wears a serious expression.
Asked what he hopes lawmakers think about when they look at his bust in the capitol building, Ashcroft said lawmakers will be too busy to notice his bust...but he added...
Ashcroft says he teaches at Regent University Law School, gives speeches around the country and runs a company called the Ashcroft Group, which is a business consulting firm.
The rotunda of the capitol was packed for the Ashcroft induction ceremony...Republican Senator Dan Clemens of Marshfield was there.
He credits Ashcroft with encouraging him to enter politics.
The bust of John Ashcroft is the work of a Columbia, Missouri artist.