Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Future of Lobbying
Politico’s Influence ran a piece yesterday on the future of lobbying (from a DC perspective). Here are excerpts with the takeaways. Send me your thoughts on the future of lobbying in Missouri.
First, Shoe leather lobbying isn't going anywhere: Old fashioned shoe leather lobbying may not have the high-tech glamour of advocacy delivered via Twitter, Snapchat or UAV, but I contend it’s still the most effective methodology of communication with policymakers and staff.
Second, Public servants at heart: Several downtowners sent notes about how many lobbyists would like to go back up to the Hill – it’s just that many can't afford to do so… To me it says what we all know – we are all public servants at heart. And the chance to get back in the game, and serve people, comes again when we have the means to do it for all the right reasons…
Third, It's a changing world, people better be ready: While many firm heads feel like their business model is solid, they know that it is becoming a brave new world… [M]ove away from the sole reliance on shoe leather lobbying… provide communications, public relations, public affairs and digital/social media services in addition to traditional lobbying - both as stand-alone services and as part of integrated campaigns…
Hawley on the Hunt?
Tipster: Potential insurgent GOP AG candidate Josh Hawley is “making the round in St. Louis before the holidays, meeting with folks with solid conservative credentials (and large donor networks)…”
Bough Gets Judgeship
Kansas City attorney Steve Bough who was a major player in Kansas City Democratic politics was confirmed as federal judge last night. Read Kraske here. He says the confirmation was in danger at various points.
52 Candles
Pre-session Party… “You are invited to Senator-Elect Dr. Bob Onder's Birthday Party!
Where: The Grand Cafe
107 East High Street
Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
When: Tuesday, January 6th from 4:00-5:30 PM”
Senate Bits
Sen. David Pearce’s SB 3 seeks to expand the state’s ban on using a cell phone while driving to include all drivers. The language keeps Blackberries in state statute: As used in this section, “[hand-held] electronic wireless communications device” includes any [hand-held] cellular phone, palm pilot, blackberry, or other mobile electronic device used to communicate verbally or by text or electronic messaging, but shall not apply to any device that is permanently embedded into the architecture and design of the motor vehicle.
No mention of iPhones anywhere in state statute. Just saying…
Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal is in the countdown to her weigh-in. From Facebook: “For two years now I've made significant changes in my life to become healthier. While there have been ups and downs, I have stayed focused on my objective. Losing 100 pounds was not and will never be easy. However, getting beyond that loss is an even tougher mission. On December 31st, I will weigh in to see my improvement. Anyone that knows me also knows I will only weigh myself 2-3 times a year. So this is a big deal...”
Is Sen. Eric Schmitt’s SB 5 a back-door way to force consolidation among St. Louis County’s many municipalities? In the Post-Dispatch article about the County’s court mess, there are some who think if municipalities could only take in 1-% of their revenue through traffic tickets (as Schmitt’s bill mandates) then many of the smaller municipalities would be unable to fund their operations and be forced to consolidate.
eMailbag: Another Way
“Why doesn't the state just eliminate the ability for small cities to have municipal courts? They don't have any constitutional provision granting them the authority to conduct them. Say that only cities in excess of 10,000 people can have municipal courts. Would probably eliminate almost all of the problems, even in St. Louis County!”
Bits
Committeewoman Marie Ceselski worries that the Ferguson Commission could get distracted from the essential issues by sound-bite “facts.” Read it here.
From Ferguson to St. Louis City Hall, a modern day love story… “And when they get arrested, you try to get arrested with them.” Read it here.
Meanwhile the kids in suburbia think it’s cool to bring guns to school? Once more, with feeling: too many guns. Read it here.
Missouri Times moves into TV Land. Publisher Scott Faughn will host a weekly Sunday morning program on television called “This Week in Missouri Politics.” Read it here.
The freshmen legislators’ tour came to my neighborhood last night. They dined two blocks from my house and on a kind invitation I dropped by to see the scene. What did I see? In a word: fear. Brave faces, but with two of the legislators who started the tour now down with the flu, that bus they’re riding in is looking like a silver mobile incubator. How many more will fall? Look to your right, look to your left…
eMailbag: Are Term-Limits Making Us All Cynical?
“Prediction: If it looks highly likely that legislation or a ballot measure that includes a waiting period for legislators before they can lobby will be enacted, a slew of legislators will leave--maybe even some before they have something firm lined up.”
Help Wanted
“The Twenty-Second Circuit Judicial Commission (city of St. Louis) is accepting applications for a circuit judge vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Michael David… Applicants who previously applied for the circuit judge vacancy created by Judge Thomas Grady’s retirement need only send a letter requesting their previous application be transferred to the current opening… The members of the Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit Commission are: Judge Angela T. Quigless, chief judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District; Steven L. Groves; Rita L. Burlison; and Tiffany Mapp Franklin.” See it here.
Lobbyist Registrations
Erin Luper added National Rifle Association of America.
Brian Daniels added National Association of Tobacco Outlets.
Craig Stevenson added University of Missouri.
$5K+ Contributions
Citizens to Elect Kurt Schaefer Attorney General - $5,001 from Lewis & Clark Ozarks Mountain Forum.
Friends of Tom Schweich - $10,000 from Steve Roodman.
Citizens for Steve Stenge - $10,000 from Thompson Coburn LLP.
House Republican Campaign Committee Inc - $5,001 from Citizens for Rocky Miller.
Happy Birthday
Happy birthdays to former Reps. Talib El-Amin (44), Barney Fisher (67), and Sam Komo (45), and Kristian Starner.