The Tour of Missouri bicycle race is scheduled to go through Jefferson City this year, but Nixon is considering a $1.5 million cut to the tour, which is nearly 100 percent of the money the state has committed to give the 2009 tour. Organizers said if the cut takes place, it could force the cancellation of the September bicycle race. Nixon wants to identify the savings in the state budget, and the Department of Economic Development recommended the cut on Tour of Missouri this week in response to that request.

However, Republican Lieutenant Gov. Peter Kinder posted a statement on the tour's Web site calling for support of the event. Kinder said the tour has a great economic impact on the state, generating more than $60 million for Missouri in the past two years. Kinder also said he has requested a special meeting with the State Tourism Commission to see what options they have.

Nixon's spokesman said he will make a decision on the cut in the coming weeks.