Monday, February 13, 2017
No Love for Lincoln
Rep. Warren Love is no fan of President Abraham Lincoln. Seems he views trying to keep the United States in one piece, and outlawing slavery to be…. how would we say it in today’s language… federal government overreach. See screenshots of his social media posts here and here.
What’s Next?
Will the Black Caucus take issue with Love’s telling of the Civil War? How will Speaker Todd Richardson and team react if this blows up?
Law Enforcement Week in House?
It’s said that the House will move on Governor Eric Greitens’ law enforcement agenda this week. That includes the “Blue Alert” system and the increased punishments for folks who assault police.
And
With February 15 just days away, it might be time for all of us to brush up on the new House rules – specifically Rule 31… Any regular or special standing committee shall have the authority to introduce upon report a House Committee Bill. The chair of the committee or his or her designee shall be the handler of the bill. No committee shall introduce upon report ant House Committee Bill until February 15, and not after April 1. The number of House Committee Bills allowed to be introduced by a regular or special standing committee shall be limitedby the Speaker. The total number of House Committee Bills allowed to be introduced by all regular and special standing committees shall not exceed twice the number of regular standing committees.
MEC Issues Opinions on Amendment 2
The Missouri Ethics Commission issued a slew of opinions on the new campaign finance limits. See them here.
Among the questions and answers… If you raise the money for a local raise above limits can you use it for a state race? No.
Can a candidate committee make an independent expenditure on behalf of another candidate? Yes.
Does an LLC fit the definition of “corporation” under Amendment 2? Only if it elects to be treated as a corporation by the IRS.
Reisch Packs Heat at Library Meeting
Rep. Cheri Toalson Reisch apparently brought a gun to a town hall event – in a library – just in case things got out of hand? See it here.
Pull Quote: Another audience member who had a conversation with Reisch after the formal question-and-answer session said Reisch told her she had a gun in her purse at the meeting because she was fearful. "I don't think that's anybody's business" if I had a gun, Reisch said when a Tribune reporter asked about the conversation.
Hawley Rents Crash Pad
Jo Mannies pulls down the scoop. See it here.
Pull Quote: Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley says he has rented an apartment in Jefferson City, to end accusations from Democrats that he has been violating state law by commuting from his home in Columbia… Hawley, a Republican, reiterated Thursday to St. Louis Public Radio that he and his legal team remain convinced he was not breaking any laws, and that Columbia was close enough. He accused Democrats of conducting “a sideshow issue’’ to distract from more important matters.
Rep. Gina Mitten’s Statement
"In telling St. Louis Public Radio that he has finally established a residence in Jefferson City as state law requires, Hawley said he 'decided to call Democrats' bluff on this.' Hawley has it backwards. He claimed for weeks that the law didn't apply to him but now he's complying with it. Somebody blinked here, and it wasn't us."
Transition Continues
There were a number of Nixon folks canned in state agencies on Friday. It’s not clear that this was part of a concerted effort or more happenstance.
One rumor is that there was a deal between the outgoing Nixon administration and the incoming Greitens team to “protect” certain folks. It’s a courtesy that is not without precedent among changing administrations. It would appear that none fired fall in the “protected” list.
Let the Binge Watching Begin
Former Public Service Commissioner Kevin Gunn announces a series of web videos… I’ve spent much of my career translating complex—sometimes even arcane—matters into understandable terms. Creating understanding is essential for our society to work, so I’ve made it a cornerstone of my work as a lawyer, congressional staffer and state commissioner. The first season of Straight Answers focuses on Energy. Each of the episodes are short, lively and to-the-point. The goal is to make these complex concepts accessible to everyone.
The entire first season (5 Episodes) is now live on YouTube here.
Schmitt Does DC
Treasurer Eric Schmitt makes trip to Washington DC this week for a treasurers’ conference. But one source thinks he’ll be working on his national network, perhaps with meetings at the Capitol Hill Club.
AG Line of Succession
President Donald Trump’s February 9 executive order puts Western Missouri's US Attorney in line of succession as attorney general... See it here.
Section 1. Order of Succession. Subject to the provisions of section 2 of this order, the following officers, in the order listed, shall act as and perform the functions and duties of the office of Attorney General during any period in which the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, the Associate Attorney General, and any officers designated by the Attorney General pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 508 to act as Attorney General, have died, resigned, or otherwise become unable to perform the functions and duties of the office of Attorney General, until such time as at least one of the officers mentioned above is able to perform the functions and duties of that office:
(a) United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia;
(b) United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and
(c) United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri.
Overton Passes
From Kansas City Star: Woody Overton, a longtime Kansas City Democratic insider and aide to former U.S. Sen. Tom Eagleton, has died. Overton was known for years as a consultant and a veteran of Missouri politics who worked with both Democrats and Republicans. His retirement in 2015 was attended by Mayor Sly James, former U.S. Sen. Kit Bond, Kansas City Council members and City Manager Troy Schulte.
In an eight-year tenure in the 1990s as head of Kansas City’s General Services Administration, Overton oversaw construction of the federal courthouse downtown and a nearby transportation building.
He was also credited with the building of the Ilus W. Davis Civic Mall near City Hall, an FBI office and the Environmental Protection Agency headquarters, among other projects.
In 1992, Overton ran the Bill Clinton-Al Gore campaign in Missouri, a state seen as a must-win by the Democrats. Clinton carried Missouri by 10 points.
eMailbag: on HB270
The question on raising the age of marriage to 17 is intriguing. I wonder how many would favor raising it to 25? (That is the age that most neuroscientists would agree that males have matured and are less likely to behave impulsively; women of course mature much earlier. Unlike neuroscientists, however, most wives would put that age somewhere north of 50.)
Help Wanted
St. Louis County seeks Deputy Director, Department of Human Services. “Salary: $75,795-$119,974… This position works closely with the Department Director and the Division Directors to set operational policies, benchmark evidence-based best practices, develop and meet standards for outcomes and performance and fulfill the Department's pledge to the community to provide high quality services in a cost effective manner. The position manages complex day-to-day issues and projects and provides leadership by building effective teams and motivating staff to achieve the vision of the Department and the County…”
Lobbyists Registrations
Charles Patrick McLarney added McLarney Law Firm.
Rachel Treppler added Hahn O’Daniel LLC, and Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons.
Linda Barefoot added Purdue Pharma LP.
Jason Zamkus added The Teaching and Learning Foundation.
Ginger Steinmetz added MCEA, Bluebird Network LLC, and Johnston & Associates Inc.
Jeffrey Altmann added Viceroy Government Relations.
Thomas Chandler added Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
Sheryl Schmidt added Families for Home Education.
Robert Kelly added Convention of States Action.
Brett Dinkins added Missouri Department of Economic Development.
Janet Englebach deleted Missouri Eagle Forum.
Mike Grote deleted Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association, and Missouri Primary Care Association.
$5K+ Contributions
Committee to Elect Reed - $40,000 from TW Constructors LLC.
Lyda Krewson for Mayor - $7,500 from Douglas Albrecht.
Citizens for Steve Stenger - $40,000 from B & C Southwest Properties LLC.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Jay Nixon and Rep. Steve Roberts.