Thursday, February 18, 2016
Gosen Resigns
Rep. Don Gosen resigned yesterday. Papers reported the circumstances of his resignation as “under a cloud,” because he didn’t address the reason simply calling it a “personal matter.” Go to JohnCombest.com to see how different reporters wrote about the news.
Gosen’s Resignation Letter
Mr. Speaker:
I write this letter to inform you of my resignation from the House of Representatives as State Representative for the 101st District effective immediately. I have appreciated the opportunity to serve the people of the 101st District.
Sincerely,
/s/ Don Gosen
State Representative - District 101
After Gosen
Tipster: Darby Arakelian had been considering running for Rep. Don Gosen’s seat when he was termed out in 2018. She's certainly a possibility to run for his seat this year.
And
Who gets Gosen’s chairmanship of the Select Committee on Insurance. One building dweller thinks Rep. Kevin Engler might get it. The current vice-chair is Rep. Rebecca Roeber. But that’d be a pretty big promotion for the freshman to get a select chairmanship.
House Perfects Union Paycheck Bill
The House perfected HB 1891, the so-called paycheck protection bill. Rep. Dave Hinson offered an amendment to excluded first-responders. It was adopted.
Observer: The speaker had a great day. Handled a crisis (Gosen), asserted his strength and got 107 on paycheck with a couple of absences that might help on an override.
MEDA Preps PACs?
Three new political action committees were started. The phone number on the MEC registration appears to be that of the Missouri Energy Development Association (MEDA). The PACs are: Missourians for Affordable Renewable Energy, Missourians for Reliable Energy, and Missourians for Affordable Electricity.
From the looks of it, MEDA is prepping to be active – supporting or opposing – some of the many initiative petitions that have been circulating relating to the energy industry and renewable energy.
Blake Chips In
In the large contributions, Brightergy’s CEO, Adam Blake, plunks down a cool $150K into their campaign committee Missourians for Renewable Energy, as they press for their version of the renewable initiative petition.
Rumorville: Axiom for AMEC?
One source says that Jeff Roe’s Axiom Strategies is likely to running AMEC’s political operations on the ballot initiatives related to the renewables.
Trump Spokeswoman: Roe Killed Schweich
In the increasingly feisty presidential race between Donald Trump and Ted Cruz, a Trump spokeswoman said that Cruz’ campaign manager caused a candidate in Missouri to commit suicide because of his attack ads. See it here.
Senate Starts Revolving Door Debate
The Senate started its work on ethics reform, but didn’t get too far yesterday. HB 1979, being handled by Sen. Bob Onder, would put a “waiting period” between serving as a legislator and registering as a lobbyist. There was the start of debate, but there was no clear resolution before it was laid over for future debate. We’ll see, but not a promising start.
MO Dem Party Changes
Rumor is that Kristen Self will be exiting her position as campaign director for the Missouri State Democratic Party. We’ll see….
And
Crystal Brinkley, the party’s executive director, is taking a leave of absence to work on Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
Revenues Sturdy
At the half-way point this month, state revenues are looking sturdy. Though these numbers are volatile and could reverse themselves. Strong sales tax revenue have pushed the year-to-date number to a +4%.
Jami: Time to Act on Body Cameras
With the mother of Michael Brown in the capitol, Sen. Jamilah Nasheed pushed for legislation to require body cameras in Missouri’s biggest cities. See it here.
Pull Quote: “It would have given me the truth. It would have answered a lot of unanswered questions,” McSpadden said. “And as far as the privacy issue or the money issue, neither of the two is greater than saving a life. Neither.”
Lampe for Zimmerman
Rep. Sara Lampe is hosting a Springfield fundraiser for Dem AG candidate Jake Zimmerman, on Tuesday. “Jake Zimmerman and I worked together when we were both State Representatives. He was widely recognized as a leader in ethics reform, championing legislation designed to prevent those with power from gaming the system. I know he will continue to fight for fairness and equal justice as Attorney General….” On the host committee: Dr. Stephen Adams & Randall Doennig, Kris Barefield, Howard Cavner, Dan & Margy Chiles, Lynn & Kathy Chipperfield, Dave & Elisa Coonrod, Jack & Carolyn Hembree, Roger Malarkey & Al Miller, Mark McQueary, Matthew Patterson, H. Wes Pratt, Ralph Slavens, and David & Vicky Trippe.
Coach Fisher: Could Not Be More Excited
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Los Angeles Rams <info@rams.nfl.com <mailto:info@rams.nfl.com>>
> Subject: A letter from Coach Fisher
> To:
> We are tremendously proud to be writing our first letter to the great Los Angeles Rams fans who have placed a season ticket deposit. There is a significant amount of work to be done in the next few months as we prepare to kickoff this fall at the Coliseum, but we wanted to take a moment from our offseason preparations to both thank you for your deposit and give you a preview of what the Los Angeles Rams offseason will look like…
> On a personal note, I could not be more excited to be returning as the head coach of the Rams to the city where I was raised. From playing high school football in the valley to playing college football at USC, this is a wonderful opportunity for me and I can't wait to lead our team out of the tunnel at the Coliseum. I look forward to seeing you at our off-season events and at the Coliseum this fall. We will make you proud of your Rams
> Sincerely,
> Jeff Fisher
New Committee
Lee Smith started a campaign committee to run for House 73 as a Democrat. The current incumbent is Rep. Courtney Curtis. Smith ran for Ferguson City Council last year and there was some controversy after the election. See it here.
Rick Francis started a campaign commit (Friends For Francis) to run for House 145 as a Republican. The current incumbent, Rep. Shelley Keeney Taylor, is termed. Here’s the Southeast Missourians’ article on his announcement. “When I look at government, I see too much wasteful spending and too many regulations hurting our small business owners and farmers. I also see a lack of respect for local control of our schools and the rights and freedoms of individuals and businesses….”
eMailbag: On LaFaver
Republican: Losing Jeremy LaFaver is a loss for the Democrats and the Capitol. For the last three years, Jeremy has been one of the most effective voices in the building. He's a bridge builder on multiple issues and a force of nature when he opposes something. It's a sad day for all of us. He was the man.
eMailbag on Securas
That story about Securas tape recording inmates and attorneys is potential dynamite. A state contractor taping privileged conversation has the potential to result in convictions being thrown out…
Lobbyists Registrations
Jane Dueker added Laclede Cab Company and Noah Arc Foundation of Missouri.
Jeffrey Aboussie added Noah Arc Foundation – MO.
Michael Pendergast added The Laclede Group.
Jack Cardetti added Centerpointe Hospital, Jumbo Interactive Ltd, and OCM LLC.
Cheryl Compton added Missouri Association of School Administrators, Missouri Council of School Administrators, Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals, Missouri Association of School Business Officials, Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, Missouri Association of Rural Education, Missouri United School Insurance Council, Mo K-I Association, Missouri State High School Activities Association, and Missouri Council of Administrators of Special Education.
Simon Wlodarski added Bank of America Corporation.
Robert Kellman added Uber Technologies.
Steve Naert added Eli Lilly and Company.
Rodney Hubbard added Harris-Stowe State University, St. Louis Kansas City Carpenters Regional Council; and deleted Blue Bird Network, Carpenter`s District Council Of Greater St. Louis And Vicinity.
Jason Griffin added Lafarge North America Inc, Holcim (us) Inc, And Aggregate Industries Management Inc.
Robert Gregg Keller added Robert Gregg Keller - Missouri Century Foundation.
Terry Lynn Baker added American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest.
Sarah Willson added Missouri Hospital Association.
Stephanie Perkins added Promo.
John Fairfield added Foutch Brothers LLC, and KC for High Rail LLC aka KC4HSR.
Ward Cook deleted Grantham University, and Liberty Memorial Association.
Janet Lindstrom deleted Aegerion Pharmaceuticals.
Shanon Hawk deleted Taser International Inc.
$5K+ Contributions
Koster for Missouri - $100,000 from UA Political Education Committee.
Missourians for Peter Kinder - $25,000 from Lloyd Ivey.
Missourians for Renewable Energy - $150,000 from Adam Blake.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rep. Jeff Justus, and Rose Marie Hopkins.