Friday, September 20, 2013
Friday bits…
Schaefer Follow-Up
Why Schaefer Jumped
One Republican operative says that Sen. Kurt Schaefer jumping in early makes sense because… “it’s what he wants to do.” With Speaker Tim Jones already in the attorney general space, Schaefer could have gone elsewhere if all he wanted was a statewide slot. But he’s really only interested in AG.
Jones Reaction
However Speaker Tim Jones tells folks he’s not backing off. He will be running for attorney general – even if an official kick-off is years away. And Jones is the favorite in a one-on-one primary with Schaefer for several reasons…
First, Jones comes from a much larger base of votes. West St. Louis is a mine of Republican primary voters. Mid-MO not so much.
Second, Jones works politics like a crazed maniac, traveling all across the state on a weekly basis.
Third, Jones has more organic fundraising. Even if Schaefer’s recent $500,000 contribution brings them to near-parity, Jones has strong on-going fundraising operations. Look for a six-figure number from the Jones October quarter. It should raise his cash on-hand to the $750K area.
Schmitt Watch
No word from the Sen. Eric Schmitt camp. He’s also been mentioned for attorney general and would be a serious candidate. But seems to be keeping his powder dry right now.
Cunningham: Schaefer Orchestrated War on Women
Former Sen. Jane Cunningham unloaded on Sen. Kurt Schaefer over twitter yesterday for his role in the redistricting process which eliminated her seat…
Got to be a joke that Kurt Schaefer sees himself as AG candidate in Republican primary. He orchestrated the War Against Women in MO Senate.
@matt_tharp Ask Kurt Schaefer why there are 0 Republican women (24 R men, BTW) in the MO Senate. He made it happen.
Kurt Schaefer and Jay Nixon made sure that redistricting eliminated the district of the only Republican woman who could still be serving.
Put Gun Docket on the 2014 Agenda
There’s some movement to put the “gun docket” proposal on the legislative agenda for 2014. It appears to have the bipartisan backing: Democratic Sen. Jamilah Nasheed and Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt. See it here.
UFM Robos
From a robo-poll from United for Missouri...
1) Do I think that the $400 million surplus should be (a) returned to taxpayers, (b) invested in K-12, (c) saved for a rainy day?
2) Should teachers be allowed to use taxpayer funds to lobby the legislature?
3) How do I feel about national spending/debt - tax more, tax less, an even amount, etc?
4) How often do I talk about politics to family and friends?
Bits
Rep. Tom Flanigan explains the budget process on his blog… see it here.
This week’s “Politically Speaking” podcast features an interview with Senate Pro Tem Tom Dempsey. Listen to it here.
Post-Dispatch seeks religion reporter. See it here.
Several folks saying that if County Executive Charlie Dooley decided not to run after all, they’d expect Assessor Jake Zimmerman would jump in at that point…
Lobbyist Registrations
From the Pelopidas website:
Mark H. Levison added Microgrid Solar Energy LLC.
David Weiskopf added Natural Resources Defense Council.
David Winton deleted Bristol Care Inc.
$5K+ Contributions
Citizens for Torpey - $5,001 from Chipp Political Account.
Lewis & Clark Ozarks Mountain Forum - $15,000 from Peter Herschend.
Committee for Research Treatments and Cures - $10,000 from Husch Blackwell LP.
Birthdays
Happy birthday (Saturday) to former Rep. Roman LeBlanc (42); and (Sunday) to David Willis.