Friday, August 29, 2014
Barnes on Ferguson Committee
Rep. Jay Barnes opines that a potential interim “Ferguson Committee” should limited in its scope. Read it here.
Pull Quote: It would be wildly inappropriate and an invasion of the separation of powers for a legislative committee to take fact testimony on the Michael Brown shooting. We have a branch of government designed to adjudicate individual fact controversies, and it’s not the legislature. It’s the judiciary… The proper role of the legislature in the Michael Brown shooting is limited to state law and policy. For example, it would be entirely appropriate for the legislature to examine the hiring practices of law enforcement agencies in majority-minority communities, education reform, racial profiling, traffic court abuses in St. Louis County municipalities, police use-of-force justification statutes, militarization of police forces, best practices for riot responses, and as I wrote last week the best way to ensure that investigations and potential prosecutions of police conduct are free from even the appearance of a conflict of interest. Support for “limited government” isn’t just a catch-phrase for reducing taxes. It also means each branch should stay in its own lane. The President shouldn’t pursue a “pen-and-phone” agenda to bypass Congress. The courts shouldn’t legislate from the bench. And the legislature ought not play judge and jury.
Roe’s Moment?
Ted Cruz hires Jeff Roe for 2016 run. Read the Washington Examiner article here.
Pull Quote: To help the Tea Party-affiliated senator manage his role as a national leader and prepare for a possible White House run, his political shop has added Jason Miller as a digital and communications advisor, Jeff Roe to offer organizational guidance and help run Cruz’ more nationally focused operation and Lauren Lofstrom to handle national fundraising…
Is this what Roe has been looking for? His “career move?” A “Rovian position” with a viable Presidential. But one observer wonders if a Presidential campaign (even one in-waiting) will require Roe to drop any other major efforts. That is, when you sign on for the big-time roles, they expect and demand all your time. And so… does he drop Catherine Hanaway, or her him while he goes whale-hunting for the White House?
Follow-Up on Amendment 1 Recount
It looks like Wes Shoemyer and Dan Klinesorge agreed to a waiver that allows an exception in the recount procedure for local election authorities.
Challenge on Teacher Tenure Question
From the opponents’ press release: Earlier today, the legality of Constitutional Amendment 3… was challenged in court. The lawsuit claims Constitutional Amendment 3 is unconstitutional because it changes more than one part of Missouri’s Constitution…. Protect Our Local Schools is a coalition of parents, teachers, principals, superintendents and school boards that formed to defeat unfunded mandates and a political take-over of our local schools in Missouri. We are working to defeat Constitutional Amendment 3, which treats students like numbers and takes local control away from parents, teachers, and school districts and hands it over to Jefferson City politicians…
Stream On Message?
From a Democrat: “Rick Stream had his kick off for County Executive at Mike and Liz Gibbons’ home in Kirkwood on the 26th. There were over 120 people in attendance – mostly local supporters and of course Sen. Eric Schmitt. Jim Talent kicked off the speeches and while he was on the windbag side talking about all sorts of unrelated stuff, Stream was impressive. In the past, I have found Stream struggle to stay focused and on message. Tuesday night he was completely the opposite. Focused on change in the county, cleaning up the 9th floor AND reaching out to Independents and Democrats who are looking for the same thing. I have been pretty cynical about a Republican winning county wide but I got to tell you, Rick’s message is right on and I think it is a real possibility.”
eMailbag: House 150 Poll OK
“Walter Dearing has a very high name ID. Whoever said that poll was skewed must be in Jeff City, not in the bootheel. Even Republicans have written off their candidate down here and most don’t even know the R name. Just drive down HWY 25 and you can plainly see by the signage who has 1000 signs and who has 0…”
Byrne Passes
Long-time Kansas City lobbyist Mary Byrne passed away. See the Legacy obituary here.
“She made an unsuccessful bid for a seat on the Jackson County Democratic Committee, but later said that losing the election was a blessing because it opened up a long and successful career spanning four decades as a lobbyist for the City of Kansas City to the Missouri State Legislature. Mary was a people person who rarely turned down a cocktail, a card game, or a trip to a casino… Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 30, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 W. 103rd, Overland Park, KS where friends may call from 9-10 a.m.”
Fundraising Calendar
Today’s fundraising events from Mary Scruggs’ indispensable events calendar:
Rep. John McCaherty Dinner & Auction – Andre’s West, 211 S. Old Hwy. 141, Fenton –6:30p.m.
Lobbyist Registrations
From the Gate Way Group website:
Rodney D Gray, Tami Holliday, and Susan Henderson Moore deleted Enterprise Holdings Inc, The Doctors Company, Interact, and NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company
David Michael Jackson added American Congress of Obstertricians and Gynecologists Missouri Section.
Phillip Schnieders added Altria Client Services Inc.
$5K+ Contributions
Property Casualty Insurers Association of American Political Account - $48,453 from Property Casualty Insurers Association of America Political Account.
Missouri Senate Campaign Committee - $10,000 from Sater for Senate.
Missouri Senate Campaign Committee - $10,000 from Romine for Senate.
Missouri Senate Campaign Committee - $10,000 from Bob Dixon for Senate Elect Committee.
Missouri Senate Campaign Committee - $25,000 from Citizens to Elect Mike Kehoe.
Missouri Senate Campaign Committee - $7,500 from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas City PAC.
Missouri Senate Campaign Committee - $10,000 from Doug Libla for Senate.
Gregory K Allsberry For Judge - $7,963 from Gregory Allsberry.
Citizens for Steve Stenger - $10,000 from Mallard LLC.
Citizens for Steve Stenger - $12,500 from McBride & Son Management Co.
Citizens for Steve Stenger - $10,000 from Home Building Industry Political Action Committee.
Citizens for Steve Stenger - $10,000 from Leehar Distributors Inc.
Rusty Aton Campaign Committee - $5,500 from Rusty Aton.
Happy Birthday
Happy birthday to Jack Atterberry.
Saturday: KC Star’s Jason Hancock, Slay’s Stephen M. Gregali and St. Louis City lobbyist Lou Hamilton.
Sunday: Attorney General Chris Koster (the big 5-0).
MOScout News
No MOScout on Monday – Labor Day….