Tuesday, April 14, 2015
D-Day for Auditor Announcement?
Two different folks indicated that they believe Governor Jay Nixon is set to announce his new State Auditor choice as early as today.
The current favorite appears to be St. Louis Comptroller Darleen Green. See her official biography here.
Green has forged a reputation over the past couple decades in St. Louis as an unassuming yet serious public official, lacking in the usual showmanship of her more political peers.
The pick would help Nixon with two constituencies (women and African Americans) that have often felt neglected by the governor.
While there were some who argued that the governor should appoint a Republican (given that Democrats didn’t even file a candidate for the position last November), observers were unanimous that any such GOP appointment would be political malpractice by Nixon. Aside from the powers of the auditor’s office, putting a Republican into a statewide office could create a potent challenger for Democrats down the road 2018 and beyond.
St. Louis Fall-Out
If it is Green, it would be great news for Mayor Francis Slay. The mayor appoints replacements in the case of vacancies in the city. Green, herself was appointed to the job by Mayor Freeman Bosley when Virvus Jones resigned. The comptroller holds one seat on the city’s powerful Board of Estimate and Apportionment. It’s a three-member board. The mayor has one vote; and by appointing Green’s successor, he’d be able to install an ally as a crucial second vote.
Zimmerman’s Quarter
St. Louis Assessor Jake Zimmerman is expected to have a pretty huge quarter reported: $435,000 raised. This should outstrip Sen. Scott Sifton if the large contributions are any indication. Skeptics will point to the infusion of Zimmerman’s own cash - $200K from himself and another $50K from family. However, cash – regardless of its source – works the same way when it comes to winning campaigns, and one assumes there will be plenty of checks from Zimmerman’s long-standing supporters as well rounding out the quarter’s top-line.
Carson for Greitens
In the large contributions, Eric Greitens lands a $5K contribution from Dr. Ben Carson’s USA First PAC. See the website here.
Thampy for Bradshaws
Eapen Thampy, advocate for marijuana reform, announced on Facebook that he is endorsing Brad Bradshaw for Lieutenant Governor. “Brad is the first serious statewide political candidate to support marijuana law reform in Missouri.”
Help Wanted
Former state senator Tom McCarthy’s law firm seeks associate. “Solid academic credentials as well as strong writing and analytical skills along with a strong work ethic and effective communication skills are necessary.” See the ad here.
Today’s Events
From Mary Scruggs’ indispensable events calendar:
Rep. Joe Adams Reception – Missouri Truckers Assn., 102 E. High, Jefferson City – 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Lobbyist Registrations
Andy Hung added Ubertechnologies, Inc.
Bryan Miller and Sarah Wolfe added The Alliance For Solar Choice.
$5K+ Contributions
Contreras for Treasurer - $5,001 from Michael Haverty.
Greitens for Missouri - $5,001 from USA First PAC.
Greitens for Missouri - $10,000 from Sol and Meryl Barer.
AGC of MO PAC - $6,000 from Fabick CAT.
United Union of Roofers Waterproofers & Allied Workers Political Education & Legislative Fund of MO - $10,000 from United Union for Roofer Waterproofers and Allied Workers Political Ed & Leg Fund.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to former Rep. Brad Robinson (49), and Lori Hatton Rasmussen.