Thursday, November 5, 2015
GOP Gubby Debate
I did it. I spent an hour and half yesterday watching and listening to Tuesday night’s Republican gubernatorial forum. You too can do it. The video is here. I had a few people email asking my impressions, who won etc…
I didn’t think there were any terrible gaffes or obviously winners. This crop of Republican candidates are all very clear, articulate and polished (though moderator, Sen. Mike Kehoe, was the clear crowd favorite). Eric Greitens has the thinnest policy background. For example, his answer to the problem of building out rural broadband was to assume that others have figured it out and to say that we need to study and implement their best practice. It sounded like a nice place-holder answer for any area he hasn’t studied himself.
Catherine Hanaway was the only candidate who either hasn’t decided her “message” or didn’t stick to it as doggedly as the others. Sen. Bob Dixon is for freedom and liberty, over and over. John Brunner emphasized he’s the businessman, who can, Perot-like, get under the hood. Greitens is the outsider. And Peter Kinder has the proven track record – both in conservative causes and in winning elections. Hanaway knows the issues, but didn’t leave an impression of who she is.
And
The Greitens file keeps growing. Here’s the latest internet bit, on him speaking at a global warming forum. Really nothing shocking here, just not the behavior of your average Missouri Republican is all. See the video here.
The Politics of Hair?
Daily Kos has a post on Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal and her hair…. See it here.
Martin on Congressional Liars
Here’s excerpts from Ed Martin’s latest email blast….
One week ago, I traveled to Washington, DC for meetings that were scheduled a few months ago… To a person, these members of the United States Congress complained about the oehner-Obama secret budget deal that ha been released just a day or two arlie… fter lunch last Wednesday as I sat in more meetings with members, I suddenly realized what was happening: the United States Congress – the House in this case - was preparing to execute one of their classic lies to the American people: the old bait-and-switch vote. Here's how it worked: just after 3 p.m. EST, there was a vote on the floor of the House with all of the Republicans in the House except 29 voting to advance the "Rule" for the Boehner-Obama secret budget deal… At just after 5 p.m., the House voted on the Boehner-Obama secret budget deal. 138 Republican members of the House changed their vote from just a few hours ago and voted against the Boehner-Obama secret budget deal.
Let me be clear: the reason the Republican voted OR the Boehner-Obama secret budget BEFORE voting against it was so they could come home to you the American people and tell you that they voted against a very bad bill…. It is always a surprise when men and women of good will are dishonest. We conservatives believe the truth matters and that men and women of good will are abiders of the truth… I flew home to St. Louis last ednesday evening and my stomach sank, not just from a bumpy flight, but because I knew something was dramatically wrong in our nation.
All the best.
And
Some folks believe Martin’s move earlier this year from St. Louis City to St. Louis County is a prelude to a congressional run in 2018 if Congresswoman Ann Wagner chooses to run for US Senate.
Bits
Politico reports that Republicans in the US Senate are mulling changes to their filibuster rules. Sen. Roy Blunt is in the mix. See it here. Pull Quote: A group assigned by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is poring through arcane procedural precedent to see what rules changes are possible. Led by GOP Sens. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Roy Blunt of Missouri, the five senators on that task force want to offer some ideas for rules reforms while ensuring that minority rights are still protected.
From the Senate website, it looks like Heidi Geisbuhler is leaving the Majority Caucus staff and will work in Sen. Ron Richard’s office, while Heidi Kolkmeyer will leave Richard’s staff and join the Majority Caucus staff.
The House Intern Policy will get a hearing today. Alex Stuckey has the story. Read it here.
Fail Better. Washington University is starting a new short web series on the benefits of failure. See the first one, featuring 2004 Congressional candidate Mark Smith here.
Fred Parry filed a committee to run for Boone County Commissioner. See it here.
Help Wanted
Missouri State Public Defender seeks Trial Attorney/Assistant Public Defenders. Basic Function: Provide legal representation to indigent clients charged with criminal offenses facing the possibility of incarceration…
Current Openings:
- Bolivar — Accepting applications through November 11
- Cape Girardeau (Jackson) — Accepting applications through November 11
- Farmington — Accepting applications through November 18
- Poplar Bluff — Accepting applications through November 18
- Troy — Accepting applications through November 11
Dellwood seeks City Adminsitrator. “The City of Dellwood is pleased to announce the recruitment and selection process for its next City Administrator. The City of Dellwood is a 4th class City located in North St. Louis County with a diverse population of approximately 5,200 individuals. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen are seeking candidates who are visionary, personable, energetic, strong leaders and demonstrated experience working with diverse communities. The next City Administrator can expect to work closely with elected officials who are cohesive and dedicated to moving the City of Dellwood forward… Candidates interested in applying for the position should submit their resume and cover letter, along with contact information for three work-related references by November 20, 2015 to Mayor Reggie Jones at rjones@cityofdellwoodmo.com.”
Lobbyists Registrations
Jacqueline Bardgett added St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission.
Kenneth Dobbins deleted Missouri Innovation Corporation, Southeast Missouri University Foundation, and Southeast Missouri State University.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Conservation’s Aaron Jeffries, Brad Ketcher, Angie Postal, and Jessica Hodge.
Congratulations
To Minority Leader Jake Hummel and Sarah Martin who announced on Facebook they are infanticipating.