Friday, September 25, 2015
Sweating for a 1.57 Return?
Pensions and Investing Daily reports that “Missouri Local Government Employees’ Retirement System, Jefferson City, hired Bridgewater Associates to run a $100 million portable alpha portfolio, said Brian Collett, chief investment officer, in an e-mail.” See it here.
But what’s eye-catching is the last paragraph… “Separately, the pension fund reported a return of 2.16% in the fiscal year ended June 30, 59 basis points above its policy benchmark.”
I’m no pension expert, but shouldn’t we aim a little higher???
When Change Comes
It’s said that change only comes when people see that it’s in their self-interest to change. Cynical maybe, but it does make me wonder if incumbent legislators will look at Hawley’s $500K Humphreys money, and Grietens’ $500K out-of-state check, and re-evaluate their position on campaign contributions limits.
These checks show how no-limits allows political outsiders/novices leap one of the normal barriers of incumbency – raising money – relatively quickly.
And for Republicans who complain about their propensity for destructive primaries, the no-limits environment may again be a culprit as it allows political consultants to bring a candidate/client into the field on the basis of a single financial benefactor.
Carnahan Mulls Bid
Former congressman Russ Carnahan says he’s been receiving “encouragement” from folks to run for lieutenant governor. Some of the encouragement is coming from folks already on the statewide ticket.
We’ll see….
MO GOP Hearts Mitt
Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney headlined a Missouri Republican Party fundraiser last night. FOX News has the story here.
NYTimes: Nixon’s Legacy Tied to Ferguson
New York Times explores how Ferguson may be the defining event of Governor Jay Nixon’s tenure. See it here.
Pull Quote: In many ways, Mr. Nixon’s legacy on Ferguson is at stake in his dwindling time at the Capitol. The governor faced criticism from protesters and the police in the turbulent days after Michael Brown, an unarmed black 18-year-old, was fatally shot by a white Ferguson police officer in August 2014. Various groups complained that Mr. Nixon did not do enough to protect property, that his call for a “vigorous prosecution” of the officer who shot Mr. Brown was biased against law enforcement, or that he did not do enough to rein in a police response to nightly protests that many saw as overly militarized.
Calling Women
November 6-7: Pipeline to Public Office… The Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life is offering its bi-annual workshop: "Pipeline to Public Office," at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. This program begins on Friday night with a reception and panel discussion by women office holders. Saturday's workshop topics include: developing a winning campaign plan and budget, targeting likely voters, overcoming fundraising anxiety and mastering the ask, and getting voters to the polls. Communications - including public speaking and social media - will also be discussed. Whether you are an aspiring candidate, or just want to learn more about campaigns, the Pipeline is for you. For more information, visit here.
New Committees
FHSD Team was formed as a political action committee. It appears to be a vehicle to support future tax increases in the Francis Howell School District. The treasurer is Michelle Walker. She’s quoted in this news article.
Help Wanted
Public Service Commission seeks policy advisor to Commissioner Maida Coleman. “This position requires advising decision-makers in various areas of utility regulation, including traditional rate of return issues, legislative and consumer-related issues, and federally mandated changes to the telecommunications, energy, electric, natural gas, and water and sewer industries… The annual salary for this position is $76,259…” See it here.
eMailbag on Humphreys Money
Apparently Sen. Kurt Schaefer's RTW switch didn't do him any good with Humphreys...
Today’s Events
From Mary Scruggs’ indispensable events calendar:
Rep. Kevin Engler Golf – St. Francois Country Club – Farmington – 8AM.
Lobbyists Registrations
Noel Charshe deleted Aegerion Pharmaceuticals.
$5K+ Contributions
Koster for Missouri - $10,000 from Baron and Budd PC.
Koster for Missouri - $10,000 from The Driscoll Firm PC.
Koster for Missouri - $18,500 from Mark Gardner.
Property Casualty Insurers Association of America Political Account - $7,567 from Property Casualty Insurers Association of America.
Friends of Todd Richardson - $10,000 from David Steward.
Missouri Senate Campaign Committee - $10,000 from The Doe Run Company.
Friends of Jeff Roorda - $5,001 from Jeff Roorda.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rep. Bryan Spencer (48), Katie Reichard, Gordon Reel (46), and Jeff Roe.
Saturday: Reps. Penny Hubbard (62), Lauren Arthur (28) and Justin Hill (37), former Rep. Walt Bivins (76) and Michael C. Reid (69).
Sunday: Rep. Becky Ruth (51), Richard Middle-age Moore (38), and Paul Wagner (46).