Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Herzog for Hawley
The Republican primary for attorney general looks like it’s going to evolve into a fair fight. Josh Hawley started late, in terms of dollars he was $1.4 million behind Sen. Kurt Schaefer at the beginning of this quarter. But yesterday a $25K check came into the Hawley coffers from big-money donor Stan Herzog. This after $500K from David Humphreys and family last week.
He still has catching up to do, but the willingness of some of the MO GOP monied elite to back him should make Schaefer nervous.
And
Probably good news for the Democratic nominee. Schaefer, in his state senate campaigns, showed an aptitude for tacking tot the middle for general elections. Hawley, so far, appears much more likely to allow himself to be boxed into far-right positions that will be problematic next November.
Carpenters for Hensley
In a surprise move the Carpenters put $50K into the Teresa Hensley campaign. Hensley, like Hawley, is playing catch-up with her primary opponent, Jake Zimmerman. But so far, Hensely hasn’t shown the big six-figure boosters that Hawley has.
Zimmerman’s voting record was consistently good for labor, so it’s a curious deposit into the race by the union.
Mizzou PP Controversy
Attorney General Chris Koster released his findings from an investigation into Planned Parenthood. He “concluded there was no evidence that the facility engaged in unlawful activity.” See the report here.
Following Koster’s release, Sen. Jamilah Nasheed called on MU Health Care to reverse their recent decision “to eliminate the ‘refer and follow’ privileges provided to a physician at the Columbia Planned Parenthood clinic… The University should be above politics, and instead focus on bettering our state through education, research, and medicine. If it is unprepared to do so, know that I intend to use my position on the Senate Appropriations Committee to examine ways to redirect funds to other organizations that are.” See her letter here.
On Twitter, Sen. Bob Onder took a different view: @BobOnderMO: Koster Planned Parenthood "investigation" covers 30 days. Wow--30 whole days! Investigation or whitewash?
Jeb in St. Louis
Presidential candidate Jeb Bush held a private fundraiser last night at the home of Stephen and Kimmie Brauer. In attendance: Kit Bond, Monica Combest, Sam Fox, Gregg Keller, Peter Kinder, Matt Jessee, Tim Jones, Jack Oliver, Dave Peacock, Harvey Tettlebaum, and Ray Wagner.
And
It’s said that Ted Cruz is coming through next week….
Revenues Stalling?
We’ll see how the final numbers shake out, but at the end of last week, the state’s September tax revenues were looking weak. Individual income tax receipts were actually negative, down 1%. If this becomes a trend, it will put pressure on the budget.
Prayers for Caskey
The Bates County Newswire reports: Senator Harold Caskey life flighted to Shawnee Mission Hospital. According to Kay Caskey, “Prayers are working!” Harold did not have heart involvement. A piece of toast had lodged in his wind pipe, impeding his ability to breathe. At this time, doctors are reducing his body temperature and keeping him heavily sedated in an effort to give his brain time to heal. Please pray for the Senator Caskey and his family during his time of recovery.
Gardner Serious About CA
Rep. Kim Gardner reported a $20K contribution over the weekend. It’s one more sign that she’s serious about the St. Louis City circuit attorney’s race. One politico reports that she’s been interviewing fundraisers and consultants…
Follow-Up on Korman
A reader sent me a note regarding Rep. Bart Korman’s campaign committee being for a gubernatorial run. Korman spoke about it to the Warren County Record last January. See it here.
Pull Quote: On paper, State Rep. Bart Korman is running for governor. But in reality, the Republican who represents Warren County isn’t. Korman filed a campaign document in November indicating he was running for governor as a tribute to a late friend who always could be counted on during the campaign season…
Following the November general election, candidates are required to keep their campaign committee organization open or close it. It was at that time Korman decided to honor Kenneth Kronk by filing an amended statement indicating he was running for governor. Kronk, who resided in Montgomery City and had been battling health issues, died Dec. 21. He was 68…
MEC Fines KC School Board Candidate
The Missouri Ethics Commission fined two candidates from the April 2014 school board election.
Melissa Robinson, running for Kansas City School Board, was fined $2,400 for a lack of “paid for” disclosure and incomplete finance reporting. See it here.
Breman Anderson, running for Hickman Mills School Board, was fined $2,700 for a lack of “paid for” disclosure incomplete finance reporting. See it here.
Bits
Y2K for Hospitals coming? Governing Magazine reports… The process of transitioning to a new catalog of codes across the entire United States will be difficult. Incorrect coding, extra tests on patients in order to get the precise code and software miscommunication with payers will likely cause delayed payments for hospitals. “Hospitals should anticipate about a month of cash flow loss at the beginning,” said Tyler Wallace, a health systems professional and founder of Rural ICD, a resource guide for smaller hospitals making the transition. But for rural hospitals, a month of cash flow loss is tough to sustain. See it here.
Reader reports that Mary Ann Drape yard signs are starting to pop up in the House 36 special election. She’s the Democrat running as an Independent that Republicans hope might open a hole for them to squeeze through and steal Kevin McManus’ seat. We’ll see….
eMailbag: Redistricting
Republican: The MO House and Senate districts aren't skewed, are they? I get that you could say the congressional ones are... I think the issues with districts is that the ones in rural Missouri aren't as concentrated for Republicans as the urban ones are for Dems. So, you have a cluster of 15% GOP districts in the cities and 55% GOP Districts in the rural areas... and you just can't draw a map that flattens that out, right?
eMailbag on AFP Ads
You know political ads are often puffery. But at 30 seconds in when they say millions flood to other states that would sort of mean you know 15% or so of the population has fled because of a lack of RTW. Maybe a little over the top…
Today’s Events
Powered by Mary Scruggs’ indispensable events calendar:
Rep. David Wood Golf – Rolling Hills Country Club – Versailles – 11AM.
Rep. Patricia Pike Reception & Art Exhibit – Nevada Country Club – Nevada – 5PM.
Sen. Kurt Schaefer Reception – STL Club, 7701 Forsyth Blvd. – St. Louis – 5:30PM
Raise Your Hand for Kids reception – Rallo Home, Town & Country – 5:30PM.
Lobbyists Registrations
Scott Penman and David Winton added Lenovo USA.
Brandon VerVelde added Asian American Hotel Owners Association.
$5K+ Contributions
Koster for Missouri - $5,001 from Dollar, Burns & Becker LC.
Hawley for Missouri - $25,000 from Herzog Contracting Corp.
Hanaway for Governor Inc - $25,000 from Herzog Contracting Corp.
Wieland Now - $10,000 from CHIPP Political Account.
Teresa Hensley for Missouri - $50,000 from CHIPP Political Account.
Greitens for Missouri - $5,001 from Bates & Associates Inc.
House Republican Campaign Committee Inc - $10,000 from Centene Management Company LLC.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Brad Jones, Rich Magee, and Hallmark’s Erin Brower.