Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Nixon’s Gets New Knees

Governor Jay Nixon underwent a double knee replacement surgery yesterday.  See KY3’s story here. Who knew?  Probably not Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder.  One politico: “Common courtesy says you should tell Kinder when you are going under the knife, but I think they basically never tell him anything.  He likely read about it in the paper like the masses did…”

Tobacco Prepping for Cig Tax Fight?

Could be my imagination… but looking at the large contributions yesterday (see them at the bottom), it looks like “Little Tobacco” is starting to load up for the possible ballot fight to raise the cigarette tax.  That’s $150K in the bank today.

Meanwhile still no committee that I can find for “Missouri’s Promise,” the effort to use a tobacco tax increase for public university scholarships.

Large Contributions So Far This Quarter

As we enter the final week of the fundraising quarter, here are the current totals of $5K+ contributions reported for each statewide candidate for this quarter.  The number after that is their cash on-hand total from the previous quarter to give it some context.

Eric Greitens, powered by two extraordinary checks ($500K and $200K), is having a huge quarter.  It’s truly raising the ante on the Republican primary.

In the attorney general’s race, the cash on-hand figures from the long-standing candidates shows the uphill path of the two newcomers.

Governor

Eric Greitens (R) - $1,040,214; July COH: $1,135,070.

Chris Koster (D) - $508,000; July COH: $3,947,814.

Peter Kinder (R) - $120,102; July COH: $142,839.

John Brunner (R) – $75,105; July COH: $277,682.

Catherine Hanaway (R) – $20,000; July COH: $1,505,492.

Randy Asbury (R) - $0; July COH: $4,400.

Bob Dixon (R) - $0; July COH: $73,492.

Lieutenant Governor

Brad Bradshaw (D) - $115,005; July COH: $407,305.

Mike Parson (R) - $85,947; July COH: $726,729.

Bev Randles (R) - $5,001; July COH: $902,767.

Tommie Pierson (D) - $0; October COH: $23,941*.

*Rep. Tommie Pierson filed his October report on September 4.  The quarter ends on September 30.

Treasurer

Eric Schmitt (R) - $40,001; July COH: $1,783,440.

Pat Contreras (D) - $5,001; July COH: $55,335.

Judy Baker (D) – $0; new committee.

Attorney General

Josh Hawley (R) - $126,200; new committee.

Kurt Schaefer (R) - $42,392; July COH: $1,384,148.

Jake Zimmerman (D) - $30,001; July COH: $921,059.

Teresa Hensley (D) - $7,000; new committee.

Secretary of State

Jay Ashcroft (R) - $10,000; July COH: $60,643.

Will Kraus (R) - $10,000; July COH: $505,748.

Robin Smith (D) - $10,000; new committee.

English Gets Job Offer

Missouri Times reports that Rep. Keith English has received a job offer and won’t run for re-election in 2016.  See it here.

Pull Quote: “I was approached by a gentleman interested in putting me to work in Jefferson City,” English said. “It’s something I think I would really like to do. It doesn’t mean I can’t run for state rep. in the future, but I think I am going to take him up on this offer… It’s a conflict of interest to keep the job I’ve been offered and run for political office.”

If Ethics Were Actually Taken Seriously in Jefferson City…

He’s taking a job in Jeff City that conflicts with being a state Rep., but he’s not leaving the House and taking the job until after next session.  Doesn’t he own an explanation of what that job is and whether his actions next session might unduly benefit that organization?  How is the job a conflict of interest in 2017, but the offer isn’t now?

Bits: RTW Forces Taking No Time Off

“Just saw my first YouTube ad against Rep. Anne Zerr.  The one where she calls the Democrats rockstars that you lined to a few weeks ago... I was told Zerr is getting her own $500K against her, separate from David Humphreys $500K that went in early last week…”

“The Humphreys $500K is just the tip of the iceberg.  Potential primary candidates are already coming forth (I’ve had two contact me directly).  All the groups that worked on the RTW effort are already meeting and planning.  Finding 13 votes won’t be that hard….”

Bits

AG Chris Koster Contra Walgreens…  He says they’re playing with price tags.  See it here.

Who is Eric Greitens?  An introductory video.  See it here.  The karate chop picture has serious meme potential, by the way.

Spotted in St. Louis City, signature collectors working for campaign contributions limits and limits to new sales taxes…

China slowdown hurts aluminum demand, Noranda.  See it here.  It would seem like the likelihood for an ask for some sort of new relief package from PSC or legislature is increasing.

eMailbag on RTW Ripples

Lobbyist 1: “The Democrats were foolish enough to burn their house down over reproductive rights and gun issues and people left in droves. Now 12 to 15 years later it is fun to watch the Republicans burn their house down over one issue RTW.  Those that went to the Republican Party were labor Democrats that are for the most part conservative. The folks that voted against RTW are the same folks that vote with the "party" 80+% of the time.  Let's see if a Democrat is going to vote with them even 50% of the time.  The people they are pillorying don't need the party as much as the party needs them…”

Lobbyist 2: “Those folks” didn't call wayward Republicans Hillary Clinton. “Those folks” illustrated that on the issue of RTW they sided with Hillary Clinton and Jay Nixon which is entirely accurate...

And

Yogi Berra passes. The American baseball player/philosopher was born in St. Louis in the Hill neighborhood (See a NYTimes article here) … Washington Post prints some his most famous sayings here.

“It ain’t over ’til it’s over.”

“It’s deja vu all over again.”

“When you come to a fork in the road … take it.”

“Never answer an anonymous letter.”

 “You can observe a lot by watching.”

“The future ain’t what it used to be.”

“It gets late early out here.”

“If the world were perfect, it wouldn’t be.”

“If the people don’t want to come out to the ballpark, nobody’s going to stop them.”

“Pair up in threes.”

“A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.”

 "Always go to other people's funerals. Otherwise they won't go to yours."

Today’s Events

From Mary Scruggs’ indispensable events calendar:

Missouri Insurance Coalition Annual Convention – InterContinental on the Plaza, Kansas City.

Rep. Diane Franklin Golf – Old Kinderhook – Camdenton – 1PM.

Sen. Jason Holsman Reception – The Cashew, 2000 Grand Blvd., Kansas City – 5:30PM.

Lobbyists Registrations

Wade Hapgood added United Healthcare Services Inc.

David Rheaume added Salesforce.

Andrew Rothe added National Restaurant Association.

$5K+ Contributions

MO Petroleum Marketers + Convenience Store Assoc PAC - $50,000 from Xcaliber International LTD LLC.

MO Petroleum Marketers + Convenience Store Assoc PAC - $50,000 from LPC Inc.

MO Petroleum Marketers + Convenience Store Assoc PAC - $50,000 from Cheyenne International LLC.

Missourians for John Brunner - $5,001 from Integrity Home Care.

Missourians for John Brunner - $5,001 from Lawrence LeGrand.