Thursday March 17, 2016
Senate Thaw
Yesterday the Senate continued its thaw with actual debate of a bill, albeit Minority Leader Joe Keaveny’s bill. It’ll be helpful to end with a somewhat normal day, so that when they reconvene after Spring Break on Tuesday March 29, they aren’t still in complete trench warfare mode.
And
From yesterday’s Journal: President Pro Tem Richard requested unanimous consent of the Senate to suspend Senate Rule 16 and Senate Rule 96 for the purpose of allowing the press to remain at the press table for the remainder of session, which request was granted.
Carnahan Kick-Off
Two weeks from yesterday Russ Carnahan will have his lieutenant governor kick-off. Right at the quarter’s end… Wednesday March 30, 5:30PM at Gallery 400 on Wash Ave in downtown St. Louis.
Lueky Goes Star Wars
From Politico’s Morning Money: M.M. hosted a panel at the ABA conference on Wednesday that generated some controversy when Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.), a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, said people needed to "find a way to neuter" Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), whom he called "the Darth Vader of the financial services world." Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.) rebuked the remarks: "His comments about Elizabeth Warren using the words 'neuter' and 'Darth Vader' are very misplaced because she speaks for a lot of people.'"
Warren responded on MSNBC's "All in with Chris Hayes": http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=750d1b59cc3bee98df050456b9bcffb968e26ef853adda9551628a928a37915b
Blunt Not Meeting Garland
See a Washington Post article here about Republicans’ decision to not hold a hearing on President Barack Obama’s Supreme Court nominee. But some Senate Republicans are doing courtesy meetings. It appears Sen. Roy Blunt is not.
The MO Dems press release: Senator Blunt claimed today that he’s too busy to meet with the new Supreme Court nominee – but a quick review of his upcoming schedule shows that he has plenty of time to meet with the Washington lobbyists funding his campaign.
Roden Disappointed in Ellington
On Facebook Rep. Shane Roden writes: Disappointed in one representative tonight. A simple naming of a section of highway to rename Highway FF in Audrain County in memory of Trooper James Bava and he was the one sole no vote. The continued disrespect of our law enforcement by this state legislator is uncomprehenable… His name is Brandon Ellington
Source: Someone Polling Term Limits
Received polling call about extending term limits to Congressional members. Poll was pretty tame except for making the argument that MO passed term limits in 1992 and it was unfair that Congress didn't play by the same rules as the Mo Leg.
Also asked how a MO LEG candidates’ position on term limits for Congress would affect my vote.
Atkins Again
Former Rep. Bert Atkins filed to run as a Democrat in House 68. This is where Rep. Keith English forgoing re-election to take a job with a “gentleman.” English beat Atkins in 2012 in the Democratic primary. Atkins is the second Democrat to file for the seat.
Dogan Gets Challenger
Nancy Craig filed to run as a Democrat in House 98. The current incumbent is Republican Rep. Shamed Dogan. It looks like Craig is a retired teacher. House 98 is a safe Republican seat.
eMailbag on Greitens’ Donor Controversy
A handful of thoughts.
1) "innocent until proven guilty" That's criminal law. This is a contract dispute.
2) It doesn't sound like Goguen is denying the relationship or a majority of the underlying facts. It's whether or not the petitioner is due the remaining 75% under the terms of the contract. So, back to point one.
3) I'm not sure what Child Exploitation laws have to do with this. Was Hanaway suggesting that the woman was underage?
Help Wanted
Washington University’s Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement seeks Assistant Director for Campus and Community Partnerships. “The Assistant Director oversees partnerships and communications with non-profit and civic organizations in the St. Louis region. The Assistant Director also leads Institute initiatives, events, and relationships at the University-wide level, managing educational and engagement programs for administration, staff, faculty, and community partners. This position will be the primary Gephardt liaison with other university-wide institutes that engage the community, fostering communication, coordination, and impact…” See the ad here.
Today’s Events
From Mary Scruggs’ indispensable events calendar:
Sen. Gina Walsh Breakfast Reception – Bone’s – 7:30AM.
Spring Break Begins Upon Adjournment.
Lobbyists Registrations
Katherine Casas and Dave Berry added Renovate America Inc.
Jeff Grisamore added Mallard Haven LLC.
Brent Hemphill and Kristian Starner added Missouri Retailers Association.
$5K+ Contributions
Greitens for Missouri - $5,001 from Travis Liebig.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Joe Maxwell, Tom Self, Todd Smith, and Earl Simms.
Friday: Mayor Francis Slay, and Tod Martin.
Saturday: Kim Becking.
MOScout News
I’m taking a long weekend. No Update tomorrow; no Weekly Summary or Who Won the Week; no Weekly Poll. See you all Monday!