Monday, April 27, 2015
Parson Announces He’ll Announce
Over Twitter Sen. Mike Parson says that he’ll soon be saying he’s running for…
@parsonforsenate: The speculation ends Thursday, April 30th @ 5:00. See you at the Bolivar High School gym! #PositivePolitics #OfficialAnnouncement
Dixon In??
With Parson diving in Thursday, and the assumption that both John Brunner’s and Eric Greitens’ exploratory committees find what they’re looking for, we’ll be at five by week’s end (adding in Catherine Hanaway and Randy Asbury), or will we be at six? Suddenly Sen. Bob Dixon’s name is floating from numerous places.
Usually I only put one question mark in the headline, but Dixon gets two because it’s hard to see his path. He’s seemingly moderate, with his relationships with the key Democratic constituencies of trial attorneys and labor. Moderates don’t win primaries.
However perhaps the calculation is simpler than I am divining. In a crowded field, Dixon comes from southwest Missouri, one of the vast reservoirs of Missouri Republican primary voters. That fact alone puts his candidacy in play?
We’ll see….
Intern-gate?
Rumors are hot and heavy over the reason behind Missouri Southern State University suddenly sending its legislative interns home from the Capitol. The university has been mum on the reason (Read Virginia Young’s story here; Read Eli Yokley’s story here), and in the absence of official information speculation always fills the gap.
In particular the rumors involve the treatment of one of the female interns. And if there’s any legs to the story that bridges the gap between rumor and reality, it could be an explosive issue.
The real reporters are on the hunt… here’s Young’s tweet seeking clues… “@VirginiaYoung: If you have info that would help explain @mosolions pulling its interns, please email me at vyoung@post-dispatch.com...”
eMailbag: Poll’s Weighting Underestimates Koster #
This polling is not weighted properly at all. It has Republicans with a 5% pluralit; it underestimates African American turnout; and undercounts Democratic performance in both Columbia and Kansas City. Not to mentions it is a presidential electorate which will help turnout among Democrats. This all equates to an even larger Koster margin in all those "hypothetical" races for Governor.
Galloway To Be Sworn In Today
“You are invited to attend the administration of the Oath of Office on Monday, April 27 at 3 p.m. in the State Capitol, Room 121 as Nicole Galloway is sworn in as Missouri State Auditor….”
McElyea Promoted
From the in-box: I have been promoted to Director of State and Local Government Relations for the The Coca-Cola Company. I am now assisting our bottling partners and local public affairs team in managing campaign and policy issues for the East region, from Maine to Puerto Rico. I will continue to manage our relationships with key national and regional political organizations, as well as continue to assist in my home state of Missouri. I will remain based in New York City. Gary McElyea
Jami End of Session Celebration
I guess celebration is the new fundraiser…
End of Session Celebration
FOR STATE SENATOR JAMILAH NASHEED
Tuesday May 12th | 12:30PM - 3:30PM
MCTA Building 223 E. Capitol Ave. Jefferson City, MO 65101
Light Appetizers, Desserts and Refreshments Provided
Nasheed continues charting her re-election path. Even though she has no visible primary opponent, the shifting alliances of St. Louis City politics can make for a tricky landscape and she’s not taking anything for granted.
Help Wanted
Missouri Public Service Commission seeks Litigation Attorney. “The candidate selected for this position will manage all stages of complex case litigation and trial practice before all levels of courts and federal agencies. The successful applicant will have detailed knowledge of the Missouri rules of evidence, civil procedure, and trial practice. Experience in public utility regulation is preferred, but not required. The annual salary is $70,902….” See the ad here.
Today’s Events
From Mary Scruggs’ indispensable events calendar:
Reps. Kathryn Swan & Glen Kolkmeyer Reception – Gumbo Bottoms, Jefferson City – 7PM or upon adjournment, whichever is later.
$5K+ Contributions
Freedom of Road Riders PAC - $6,000 from Freedom of Road Riders.
Citizens for a Better Columbia - $10,000 form Shelter Insurance.
MO State Council of Firefighters PAC - $25,000 from International Association of Fire Fighters.
Committee in Support of Public Education - $11,377 from The New Media Firm.
Missourians for John Brunner - $5,001 from Larry Petersen.
Monarch Firefighters for Public Awareness - $6,053 from Professional Firefighters of West St. Louis County (Flower Fund).
IMPAC KC - $11,457 from Friends of Theresa Garza.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rep. Tony Dugger and Labor Director Ryan McKenna (42).