Friday, February 27, 2015
Schweich Suicide
Yesterday was truly shocking. No one saw it coming. Auditor Tom Schweich appeared to be his usual self just days ago at Lincoln Days. And now he is dead by his own hand.
The senselessness was heightened by reports – one from AP’s David Lieb (see it here) and another from Post-Dispatch’s Tony Messenger (see it here) – that he was right up until his suicide apparently making plans for afternoon. Messenger references an ongoing tussle Schweich was having with newly elected Missouri Republican Party Chair John Hancock; And Schweich was famously thin-skinned for a politician. Yet it seems incomprehensible that it should end this way. It just doesn’t make sense.
See all the coverage by going to John Combest’s website.
Nixon to Appoint
Governor Jay Nixon will fill the vacancy by appointment. There’s no indication that Nixon has considered his options yet. But one name mentioned in Dems circles is Treasurer Clint Zweifel who enjoys a good reputation for competence and integrity. (In that scenario, Nixon would then have the vacancy of the Treasurer’s office to fill.
Schweich Campaign Account
Another issue is the disposal of Schweich’s campaign account which had $1 million on-hand according to the last filing. The treasurer is Joseph Passanise.
$5K+ Contributions
Greitens for Missouri - $25,000 from Jeffrey and Susan Stuerman.
Citizens for Steve Stenger - $10,000 from Leehar Distributors Inc.
Greitens for Missouri - $25,000 from Mark and Paula Bobak.
Missouri American Water Employees Political Action Committee - $25,000 from Missouri-American Water Company.
AGC of MO PAC - $6,000 from Fabrick CAT.
Today’s Events
From Mary Scruggs’ indispensable calendar listing:
Saturday: McDonald County Lincoln Days – River Ranch Resort – Noel – Noon.
Lobbyist Registrations
Kit Crancer added Center For Diagnostic Imaging.
Mike Deering added Missouri Cattlemen's Association.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rep. Mike Lair (69), and Doug Crews.
Saturday: blogger Randy Turner (59).
Sunday: Harry Gallagher.