MOScout Daily Update: Anti-McDowell IE - Phillips to Parole - The Anti-CLEAN Humphreys Ask - Another MO SEN Poll (Tied) and more...-

Anti-McDowell IE

Keep Government Accountable recently released a 15-second spot blasting the Republican auditor candidate, Saundra McDowell.  Using press clippings, it calls her a “train wreck” of a candidate and recites her financial troubles.  See the video here.

Former Public Service Commissioner Kevin Gunn is the treasurer for Keep Government Accountable.  See the paperwork here.  According to the October campaign finance report, it has $126,000 on-hand.

Here were its donors on its latest report: Pipefitters Local Union 533 Volunteer Political Fund ($15,000), McBride & Son Management LLC ($10,000), Robert Blitz ($5,000), Hallmark Cards Inc ($1,000), and David George Mook LLC ($250).

And

Post Dispatch endorsed Nicole Galloway.  See it here.

“There simply is no contest in the Nov. 6 Missouri race for state auditor. We endorse incumbent Nicole Galloway as the only candidate with the experience and expertise to keep the auditor’s office running in the efficient, businesslike and exemplary way… In the wrong hands, this office could actually help incompetent or corrupt officials fleece taxpayers. Galloway’s closest competitor, GOP candidate Saundra McDowell, shows high potential to implode from her own mountainous legal and financial problems... McDowell did not respond to our multiple interview requests. In the years we’ve dealt with Galloway, she has never sidestepped a question or turned down an interview request. Her office sets the standard of transparency…”

Phillips to Parole Board

The press release:  Governor Parson appointed Don Phillips to the Board of Probation and Parole. Prior to his appointment, Phillips was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, serving as a State Representative for Stone County and parts of Christian and Taney Counties (District 138). He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2010… Before serving as at state representative, Phillips was a state trooper for 28 years with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, retiring with the rank of Sergeant. Born in St. Louis, Phillips resides in Kimberling City with his wife. They have two daughters and four grandchildren.

What It Means

In some ways it means very little.  Phillips is term-limited and three months away from the end of his legislative career.

But in one respect it is very significant.  Together with the appointment of Robert Cornejo, this signals that Governor Mike Parson values legislators, that he will consider them for plum jobs.  Making these kinds of appointments early in a gubernatorial reign are important.  They can “inspire” loyalty later in the session as legislators who covet a feet-on-the-desk job want to stay on the gov’s good side.

Also

Phillips was vice-chair of the House Impeachment Committee.  If Jay Barnes gets the AG appointment, the conspiracy theory dogs will be running loose.

The Talk: Humphreys and anti-CLEAN

Word is that David Humphreys was asked to contribute “7 figures” to Missourians First, the campaign to oppose CLEAN Missouri.

Why he’ll give: If changing the redistricting process ultimately brings Dems back in control of the legislature, they could unwind all the advances made on Humphreys’ agenda.

Why he won’t give: it’s a popular proposal and taking a lead role in funding its opposition will open him up to more criticism.

Drebes guess: he gives.

New US Senate Poll

New MO Senate poll has Claire McCaskill and Josh Hawley tied.  See it here.

From Sabato’s Crystal Ball… “During the recent battle over Brett Kavanaugh’s ultimately successful confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court, McCaskill voted no on his confirmation. The poll asked respondents whether McCaskill’s vote made them more or less likely to vote for her: 44% said they were much more likely (31%) or somewhat more likely (13%) to vote for McCaskill because of her opposition to Kavanaugh, and 46% said they were much less likely (39%) or somewhat less likely (7%) to vote for her, a split that mirrored the overall horse race. About nine in 10 Democrats (89%) said they were much or somewhat more likely to vote for McCaskill because of her vote, more than eight in 10 Republicans (83%) said they were much or somewhat less likely to vote for McCaskill over opposing Kavanaugh, and independents split 43% in the total more likely group to 36% in the total less likely group. Given that this poll showed the race as effectively a tie, similar to other recent polls, and because of the sharp partisan divisions and mixed independent feelings on the perceptions of McCaskill’s Kavanaugh vote, it’s hard to draw firm conclusions about a Kavanaugh effect clearly benefiting either candidate from these findings.”

What It Means

The Kavanaugh confirmation process didn’t move any partisans.  Both sides are hoping it will help with turnout.  This is a turnout election, and in this year that looks like good news for Dems.

Next Session Issues: Early Childhood

I wrote yesterday about the various education issues swirling ahead of next session.  There’s also the issue of early childhood funding.  While nothing firm has emerged, there is interest in various corners – from the State Board of Education to the second floor – in putting money into early childhood. 

A full-blown universal pre-k would be a mammoth lift – hundreds of millions of dollars, perhaps even $1B.  But a pilot program or an incremental start will probably generate serious discussion.

The biggest sticking point will be: who can access the money?

As last summer’s flare-up in Kansas City showed (see an article here), traditional educators are skittish about designs which include private providers with state money.  It is, for them, a camel’s nose of a voucher program, and draws fierce opposition.  And so the issue can easily devolve into education’s typical trench warfare: free market vs incumbent.

Help Wanted

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society seeks Executive Director.  “This position is to be located in St. Louis, Missouri.  The executive director engages community leaders in achieving Society priorities -- most importantly, in raising funds. She or he must passionately communicate about the Society's mission, research, services, advocacy and strategic plans and priorities. This position requires a deep understanding of the communities in the assigned territory and an ability to engage with and influence a wide range of people….”  See the ad here.

Lobbyists Registrations

Jorgen Schlemeier added Swope Health Services.

Eapen Thampy deleted Access Dental & Dentures.

$5K+ Contributions

New Approach Missouri - $43,500 from New Approach PAC.

MR PAC - $23,250 from Schnuck Markets, Inc.

Find the Cures - $15,000 from The Law Office of Eric M. Belk, P.C.

Find the Cures - $5,005 from Strong Garner Bauer P.C.

Chouteau PAC - $25,000 from American Democracy Alliance – Ridgely PAC.

Missourians for Patient Care - $12,302 from Missourians for Patient Care.

Committee for a Healthy Community - $14,232 from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

Missouri Energy Development Association Political Action Committee - $33,333 from Ameren Missouri.

Lathrop Gage Consulting Political Action Committee - $11,500 from Missouri Time Sales Service Inc.

Catalyst PAC - $10,000 from Comprehensive Health Management Inc.

Chouteau PAC - $25,000 from Missouri Alliance for Freedom Grace River PAC.

Missouri Senate Campaign Committee - $25,000 from Sater for Senate.

Missouri Senate Campaign Committee - $10,000 from Right Choice Managed Care Inc.

Uniting Missouri PAC - $25,000 from Carolyn and Sharo Shirshekan.

House Republican Campaign Committee Inc - $19,090 from Friends for Travis Fitzwater.

Birthdays

Happy birthdays to Kenny Rothman, former Rep. Jeanne Kirkton, Jamala Rogers, and Jay Hardenbrook.