Thursday, October 26, 2017
Q&A #1: How’s Senate 8 Special Shaping Up?
Short answer: Odd bounce outcome less likely.
After initial enthusiasm that the entrance of Jacob Turk would split Republican votes and deliver Senate 8 into Democratic hands, the current thinking among those watching is that Rep. Mike Cierpiot is looking stronger every day.
Republicans are convinced that Hillary Shields has a natural ceiling well south of 50%. They’re plan has been to keep Turk from becoming a spoiler. To that end, they’re playing up the collusion between Shields’ camp and Turk’s. And their message has been fortified by Kansas City Star reporting about the help that Turk received from Democrats to get his name on the ballot. See clever signage here Republicans are using to play up the Shields-Turk alliance.
Holsy: Greitens Might Be Good Gov If…
KCStar’s Jason Hancock writes about Governor Eric Greitens’ trip to Iowa. See it here. Sen. Jason Holsman gets the central quote of the story. This is the narrative that Dems are building: a governor who wants to be something else.
Pull Quote: The perception that Greitens isn’t focused on Missouri has also contributed to some of his ongoing squabbles with state lawmakers…. “If Eric Greitens put as much time into governing as he does campaigning, he might actually be a good governor,” said state Sen. Jason Holsman, a Kansas City Democrat.
And
Hammering this message is the MO Dems statement on Greitens appearing in an Illinois political ad… “In the latest example of Governor Greitens caring more about out-of-state politicians and wealthy campaign donors than working Missourians, the Missouri Democratic Party is highlighting that Greitens recently focused his attention on shooting a TV ad…”
Greitens Lands Swiss Re Jobs
The Department of Economic Development press release says “Last week, Governor Eric Greitens visited the global headquarters of Swiss Re, a global reinsurance firm, in Zurich, Switzerland. Today, Governor Greitens announced that Swiss Re plans to relocate its Overland Park, KS operations of about 400 jobs to Kansas City, MO in late 2018.”
For some reason it reminded me of this old SNL skit….
Herzog Against St. Joe Tax Increase
In the large contributions (below) are the latest big checks that Herzog Contracting has sent to Supporters of a Better SJSD. This brings his total to $40K in contributions to the campaign which is opposing a property tax increase for the St. Joseph School District. The election is a week from Tuesday.
Hawley Steers Clear of Senate GOP Civil War
Washington Post reports that “allies of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell declared open warfare on Wednesday against Stephen K. Bannon, the former White House chief strategist and leader of an insurrection aimed at defeating mainstream Republican candidates in next year’s midterm elections. More than a year ahead of the 2018 congressional contests, a super PAC aligned with McConnell (R-Ky.) revealed plans to attack Bannon personally…”
The good news for Missouri Republicans is that Attorney General Josh Hawley has remarkably been able to court support from both sides of the brewing battle.
Push Forward
Push Forward, a PAC formed recently, was created to support Rep. Josh Peters, according to the paperwork submitted to the Missouri Ethics Commission.
New Committees
Dave Griffith formed a candidate committee (Dave Griffith For State Representative) to run for House 60 (Barnes seat) as a Republican. Griffith is executive director at American Red Cross.
Today’s Events
From Mary Scruggs’ indispensable calendar:
Rep. Nick Schroer Meet & Greet – 25 Guenther Blvd. – St. Peters – 5PM.
Rep. Bruce DeGroot Reception – Tilley/Schneider’s home – Chesterfield – 5:30PM.
$5K+ Contributions
Supporters of a Better SJSD - $10,000 from Herzog Contracting Corp.
Supporters of a Better SJSD - $10,000 from Herzog Contracting Corp.
KC Transportation Transit and Tourism Committee (KC3T) - $35,000 from Heavy Constructors Association Industry Advancement Fund.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Jennifer Bukowsky and Lauren Hieger.