Monday, February 2, 2015
Why Kander Runs
KC Star’s Steve Kraske hopped on the rumor (Jason Kander mulling at the US Senate race) I mentioned Friday with a brief article about it. Read it here.
Despite Kraske’s contention that Kander will decide by summer, I have a few people indicating that Kander has decided, and might be closer to announcing in the summer.
Kander is a serious threat to incumbent US Senator Roy Blunt.
Kander will raise the requisite amount to be competitive. He has a story to tell – young, Jewish, veteran – that should find national money. And Kander has Zweifel-like discipline. He’ll work and work and work, and raise the money he needs.
In Missouri, a credible candidate with enough money automatically puts a statewide race in play. And with apologies to the gurus and grand strategists of the world, it will come down to the political environment of 2016 to determine who prevails. If it’s a Democratic year, it’s Senator Kander.
Kander’s decision to jump makes sense if you consider that its possible Missouri will have two-terms of Chris Koster ahead. Waiting in the secretary of state’s office for a shot in 2024? That makes no sense, so you see an opening for a coin toss race that takes you DC while you’re in your thirties… you leap.
Poll Cross Tabs
See the cross tabs from this week’s MOScout poll in the Special Reports section here.
Hearings of Interest This Week
MONDAY
House Government Oversight and Accountability Committee
12:00 PM in House Hearing Room 7
The various ethics reform bills of Reps. Caleb Rowden and Jay Barnes will get a hearing. These bills include limits on gifts from lobbyists, reporting of out-of-state lobbyist expenditures, and a one-year waiting period before legislators can register as a lobbyist.
House Workforce Standards and Development Committee
12:00 PM in House Hearing Room 5
Right to work bills will be heard.
TUESDAY
Senate Seniors, Families and Children Committee
8:15 A.M. in SCR 1
Sen. Eric Schmitt’s SB 174 - Establishes the Missouri Achieving a Better Life Experience Program. “Under this act, a person may make tax-deductible contributions to an account established for the purpose of financing the qualified disability expenses of a beneficiary.”
Senate Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee
1:00 p.m. in SCR 1
Sen. David Pearce’s SB 145 – “This act requires health benefit plans to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders.”
Sen Jamilah Nasheed’s - SB 44 – “This act makes it an unlawful employment practice for a public or private employer with at least six employees to inquire into or consider the criminal record of an applicant before the applicant has received a conditional offer of employment.”
WEDNESDAY
House Health Insurance Committee
8:30 AM in House Hearing Room 4
Rep. Holly Rehder’s HB 130 – “Establishes the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Act.”
Bits
Politico asks if “pot is the new gay marriage” noting that several states, Missouri included, have initiative petitions in the pipeline to deal with marijuana. Read it here.
Governing Magazine lists the top five reasons that speakers may be prone to corruption… Read it here.
Today’s Events
From Mary Scruggs’ indispensable events calendar:
Missouri Electric Cooperatives Legislative Reception – Capitol Plaza Hotel, Jefferson City – 5:30-7:30 p.m.
MTIA Reception & Dinner –Jefferson City Country Club.
Reps. Justin Alferman, Justin Hill and Travis Fitzwater Reception – Gumbo Bottoms, Jefferson City – 6-8 p.m.
Lobbyist Registrations
Jeffrey Kipping added Prestige Powers.
James Durham and Jennifer Durham deleted Enterprise Holdings Inc.
Sam Wiles added Mercy.
Paul Lewis added Paul Lewis LLC.
$5K+ Contributions
UAW Region 5 Midwest State Politial Action Committee - $6,000 from UAW Region 5 Exchange Account.
Missourians for Koster - $10,000 from Sheet Metal Workers Local 36.
Missourians for Koster - $10,000 from Ironworkers Political Education Fund.
Missourians for Koster - $25,000 from Red-Card Systems LLC.
Friends of Tom Schweich - $10,000 from Rodger Riney.
Slay for Mayor - $10,000 from Thompson Coburn LLP.
Citizens for Will Kraus - $10,000 from Lewis & Clark Leadership Forum.
Missourians for Koster - $10,000 from James B Nutter Sr.
Missourians for Koster - $50,000 from UAW V Cap.
Happy Birthday
Happy birthdays to Reps. Elaine Gannon (62) and Diane Franklin (59), Jim Foley (51), Otto Fajen (52), former Rep. Steve Hodges (66) and former secretary of state Judi Moriarty (73).