Monday, June 12, 2017
Buzzing Around
Two stories that were taking up a lot of text and twitter bandwidth over the weekend….
Ashcroft Selling Out? Former Attorney General John Ashcroft (pops to Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft) landed a big contract from Qatar. From Reuters: Qatar will pay the Ashcroft Law Firm $2.5 million for a 90-day period as the country seeks to confirm its efforts to fight global terrorism and comply with financial regulations including U.S. Treasury rules, according to a Foreign Agents Registration Act, or FARA, filing on Friday with the Justice Department…
The Ashcroft firm was hired to do a compliance and regulatory view of Qatar's anti-money laundering and counterterrorist financing framework, Sullivan said in an email. "Qatar is confident that the review and analysis will confirm that Qatar has significant measures in place to prevent and detect efforts to launder funds and/or to use its financial systems to finance terrorist organizations," he said.
One reader’s take: $2.5 million for 90 days = $28K daily = about the average annual pay in many Missouri counties…
Ayers Dissing Gretiens? And a twitter account popped up – allegedly of someone following Trump aide Kellyanne Conway around at a party eavesdropping. See it here. For Missourians the most interesting of the tweets was… Also @nick_ayers was there. He loudly complained about @EricGreitens, and said Greitens was an "Obama lover" and "pro-amnesty."
Pro-Life Session Starts Today
The second special session starts today with the Senate convening at 4PM. See their anticipated schedule here.
And
Speaking these special sessions, one Democrat wonders why the last special session bill hasn’t become law yet. After the special call, the legislature passing it in five days with an emergency clause, it was delivered to the governor last Monday, and still hasn’t been signed?
Axiom for Burns and McDonnell
Late last week Aaron Baker and Kristian Starner registered as lobbyists for Burns and McDonnell. It is my understanding Axiom registered as part of their pursuit of the new KC airport terminal. Burns and McDonnell’s existing Jefferson City team remains unchanged from previous years.
Jami Calls on Ruzicka to Resign
Statement from Senator Jamilah Nasheed: "After reading the article released this week that brought to light some truly sickening allegations against a member of the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole. In November 2016, Department of Corrections Inspector General Amy Roderick released a report detailing how parole board member Don Ruzicka and an unnamed (DOC) employee conducted themselves in a highly unprofessional manner while interviewing offenders seeking parole."
More on Mantovani
I wrote last week about Mark Mantovani’s contribution to Eric Greitens as causing confusion why he is running as a Democrat for St. Louis County Executive. A farther look at his donor history brings even more confusion…
$250 to John Kerry – August 6, 2004
$1,000 to Rudy Giuliani – September 27, 2007
$250 to Missouri Democratic State Committee – October 6, 2008
$1,000 to Jon Huntsman – August 17, 2011
$250 to Teresa Hensley – October 4, 2012
$250 to Teresa Hensley – March 29, 2012
$2,700 to Hillary Clinton – July 13, 2016
eMailbag on Weekly Poll
On last week’s poll: Interesting the poll question uses the term "pro-life," which is not neutral in polling world though it is part of the political and cultural vernacular… [According to] the AP Stylebook guidance, which pisses off all sides so perhaps it works: Use anti-abortion instead of pro-life and abortion rights instead of pro-abortion or pro-choice. Avoid abortionist, which connotes a person who performs clandestine abortions.
Help Wanted
Arthritis Foundation seeks State Director, Advocacy and Access. “The State Director, Advocacy and Access accounts for planning, implementation, and outcomes of programs for advocacy and health policy nationally. This position provides leadership and oversight to ensure targeted outreach to grassroots advocates, Arthritis Ambassadors with state government health agencies, elected officials and regional coalitions throughout the designated geography. State Legislation and Policy: Works with volunteers, advocates and members of the field based team to achieve national health policy and advocacy goals as set by The Arthritis Foundation. Builds coalitions with state based organizations to advance the Foundations’ advocacy goals….” See it here.
Lobbyists Registrations
Robert Dixon deleted Missouri Community College Association.
David Sweeney added Saint Louis University.
$5K+ Contributions
Boilermakers Local #27 Voluntary Fund - $10,000 from Nooter Corporation.
House Republican Campaign Committee Inc - $10,000 from Missouri Independent Bankers Association.
Birthdays
Happy birthday to Scott Charton.