MOScout Daily Update: Special Session Called - Senate 5, 17, 19 Talk - Grover Hearts Eigel - Meet Wickham James and more...
Driving the Day
After a gathering at Rep. Steve Butz’ home last night, House Dems “summer caucus” kicks-off today in St. Louis.
And
Governor Mike Parson will also spend the day in St. Louis. See it here. He’ll meet with Beloved Streets of America, then get an update on the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, finishing with a tour of Plumbers’ and Pipefitters’ Local 562’ new training facility.
Parson Calls Special Session
As expected, Governor Mike Parson called a special session to run concurrent veto session next month. See the call here. Dems hollered that the issue – how many cars you can trade in – is hardly an emergency like ________.
2020 Senate Talk
Nothing firm here, just talk….
· In Senate 5, the expectation is that Rep. Peter Merideth won’t be running. It’s not 100% certain. But assuming he doesn’t – and runs for Assistant Minority Leader instead – look for Alderwoman Megan Green to enter. Currently it’s just a two-way race between Rep. Steven Roberts and Michelle Sherod.
· In Senate 17, Republicans are reportedly still looking for a candidate to run against Sen. Lauren Arthur. One name mentioned: Lydia McAvoy, Clay County Collector. Her twitter handle describes her as a “motorcycle mom.” And she apparently suffered an accident earlier in the month, breaking her collarbone and four ribs. Yikers!
· In Senate 19, Dems are said to be talking to women in hopes of recruiting a candidate who could hit incumbent Floor Leader Caleb Rowden on the Republicans’ HB 126. The best guess is that it won’t be a familiar name – neither former Rep. Judy Baker nor former house candidate Michela Skelton appear to be interested.
Follow-Up on Medicaid Enrollment
One insider pointed out that at no point has Speaker Elijah Haahr said he would not request a hearing on Medicaid enrollment. His statement only said that he first requested a personal report from Director Todd Richardson which he received. He summed up the finding and said nothing about the issue being done. “[You think] Any republican is afraid to put Richardson at the mic to defend the department? The question is why waste everyone’s time.”
Meanwhile
Former speaker Tim Jones calls for a MEC investigation hearing into the identity of an anonymous twitter account with 173 followers. See it here.
Grover Hearts Eigel
In Washington, DC Wednesday having lunch with anti-tax impresario Grover Norquist following the famed “Wednesday Meeting” of conservative elites were Sen. Bill Eigel, Jim Lembke, and Dave Hageman. Eigel believes he’s got a great story to tell to national conservatives on his tax-cutting bona fides and they’re looking for more ways to work together on Missouri legislation in the future. The lunch was brokered by Missouri’s Gregg Keller.
Trakas Accused by Read
Post Dispatch reports that “St. Louis County Councilman Ernie Trakas said Wednesday that his legislative aide has filed a sexual harassment claim against him. The aide, Annette Read, is on administrative leave, he said. Reached by a reporter, Read said she had no comment… Trakas, who carries out the council chairman’s role as presiding officer, said he told Read earlier this summer that he was firing her because he ‘wasn’t satisfied with her performance.” He said he agreed to a Sept. 1 separation date, at her request, as a “fair and collaborative way to give her plenty of time.’ In the past few days, he said, Read filed a complaint with the county’s office of personnel… Trakas said Read’s complaint was ‘retaliatory, in my opinion’ and ‘completely full of falsehoods. She’s retaliating because she’s being let go.’”
Read was a legislative assistant in Jefferson City for several years working for Paul Curtman.
Meet Wickham James Strategy
Mike Mahoney reports that former Kansas City Mayor Sly James and his former Chief of Staff Joni Wickham are starting new political consulting, public affairs & communications company, “Wickham James Strategies & Solutions.”
MOScouter: Wonder if they’ll register to lobby former local colleagues? Don’t get me wrong, they’re both smart and have had a good long run in the mayoral suite but James endorsed Jolie and the combined James/Wickham efforts couldn’t get her over the finish line in the mayor’s race.
Bits
· State Tech receives best in nation ranking. See it here. “The Linn-based school was recently named 2019's best community college by WalletHub, a personal finance website, out of a ranking of 710 colleges across the country. The ranking was based on three main categories — career outcomes, education outcomes, and cost and financing.”
· News Tribune reports that the Capitol restoration is 65% complete, and on track for a late 2020 finish. See it here.
Help Wanted
The St. Louis Regional Chamber seeks Public Policy Intern. “Supporting the Public Policy team on various projects; Assembling briefs on the Chamber’s current political positions; Research on policy issues…” See the ad here.
New Committees
Hy-Vee Employees Pac Federal Committee – Missouri was formed. Its treasurer is Heather Edwards.
$5K+ Contributions
Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS Missouri RPAC - $9,089 from Missouri Realtors PAC, Inc.
American Property Casualty Insurance Association Political Account - $80,510 from American Property Casualty Insurance Association.
Keep Government Accountable - $10,000 from Iron Workers Local No 10 Political Action Fund.
Vote 2020 - $25,000 from Missouri WIN.
Believe in Life and Liberty - BILL PAC - $75,000 from Rex Sinquefield.
Lobbyist Registrations
Shannon Cooper and Nancy Giddens deleted Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance Company.
Birthdays
Happy birthday to Glenn Burleigh.