Monday, July 14, 2014
Sources: Greitens A Dem?
As talk of Eric Greitens for governor has heated up, some Democrats have begun scratching their heads…
First, as I mentioned last week, there’s his odd appearance on a Francis Slay re-election flyer in the Democratic primary.
But also two Democrats have mentioned other political flirtations in his past. One former office-holder describes Greitens offering to help on a Democratic campaign.
And another says that Greitens explored running for US Senate in 2010… as a Dem. And, according to this source, when it became apparent that the party was unified behind Robin Carnahan in that cycle, he talked to national Ds, specifically the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee about a possible bid for Congress.
While this is one part funny: You’d have a former Republican running as a Democratic against a former Democrat running as a Republican in a Greitens-Koster match-up. It also urges caution for Republicans before they go ga-ga for a fresh face with a sterling resume… it’s not just the lines on a resume that need to be reviewed, it’s the space between the lines as well….
Nixon: Someone Like Me for Veep?
According to Politico, Governor Jay Nixon said that the “heartland” needs a voice in 2016. Read it here.
Pull Quote: Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon counts himself among the Hillary Clinton faithful, but he suggested Saturday that the field of Democratic presidential hopefuls could use a “voice in the heartland.”
“We feed, fuel and clothe the world. We’re the center of the rebirth of the auto industry,” the Democrat told POLITICO at a meeting of the National Governors Association. “That heartland voice of people that get up early, work hard, have solid values needs to be heard in Washington, D.C.”
But when asked whether he’s thinking he could be that voice from the heartland come 2016, Nixon dodged.
“I’m thinking about getting to lunch,” he said.
GOP Hit
The Missouri Republican Party, meanwhile, dinged Nixon’s trip, reminding folks that he pays for the dues to the organization out of the state budget…
“It’s important to remember that Governor Nixon’s leisurely trip to Music City today was made possible by his decision to take $200,000 from the Children’s Division to pay National Governors Association dues.”
This ethically questionable practice was uncovered by Auditor Tom Schweich in 2012 and brought back into the spotlight this year when Missouri House Republicans discovered that the practice has continued.
“By choosing this funding stream and hurting Missouri’s most vulnerable, Governor Nixon has made it crystal clear that he cares more about himself than ensuring our children are protected from abuse and neglect…”
House 70: Nixon for Otto
This Thursday, Governor Jay Nixon will headline a fundraiser for Rep. Bill Otto. Otto won the district 52%-48% last cycle. As a swing district, it is on the list of necessary defenses this cycle, though it’s unclear how credible a candidate Republican Joe Corica will be.
Nixon’s help in headlining will likely add several tens of thousands to Otto’s campaign account.
House 68: Atkins Starting to Collect Signatures
Democratic anger at Rep. Keith English hasn’t subsided since his rogue vote to help the Republicans override Governor Jay Nixon’s tax cut veto.
Former Rep. Bert Atkins is tapping into that sentiment. I reported a few weeks ago that Atkins was calling donors declaring that he was in. But now the rubber hits the road, as it’s time for action. Atkins and volunteers will spend the next two weeks before the deadline collecting signatures for an Independent bid. He needs 2% of number of votes in the last election. To my eye that comes out to about 360 signatures, should be an easy dig.
House 86: MCN Contra Adams
Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal launched an anti-Joe Adams website, reportedly sent mailers to the same effect to House 86 voters. See the website (No More Joe) here. It rips the former University City mayor over a number of issues.
Adams is one of four Democrats vying to replace the late Rory Ellinger. He ran in a state senate primary in 2010 which Chappelle-Nadal won. Adams placed last in that primary.
Chappelle-Nadal raised money in anticipation of a primary opponent this cycle, and finding herself unopposed has been willing to deploy her resources in various Democratic primaries. I’m Dems would love to see it used to go to Dems facing tough general elections, i.e. Jeff Roorda in Senate 22 and Jill Schupp in Senate 24…
House 110: Call Him Rep. Mathews
Democrats failed to file a candidate on Friday in House 110. That combined with no Republican primary opponent means that Kirk Mathews gets a free pass and will be sworn in as a state representative in January. Reminder: Mathews is a board member of Missouri Club for Growth, and the father-in-law to political consultant Dave Hageman. Look for him to be a potential star in the freshman class. And – hailing from Speaker Tim Jones’ district underlies another core strength which could propel him into leader in the coming years – a safe district with good fundraising prospects…
July Quarter Start
A few early quarters… tomorrow is the deadline.
Senate 24: Robb Hick raised $51,125 ($50K from himself); spent $4,338; and has $46,776 on-hand.
Senate 34: Sen. Rob Schaaf raised $73,225; spent $15,180; and has $163,003 on-hand.
And
It’s said that in House 90, Democrat Deb Lavender will show $115K on-hand. That’s Rep. Rick Stream’s district. He’s termed, and Dems think the swing district is poised to turn Democratic this cycle.
MO GOP for Hutchinson
Missouri’s heavy Republican donors are gathering Wednesday at the home of Dave and Suzie Spence for a fundraiser for Arkansas gubernatorial candidate Asa Hutchinson.
On the host committee: Oliver J. Bell, Gayle & Fred Palmer, Kimmy & Stephen F. Brauer, Duane Simpson, Cindy & Tim Drury, Jeanne & Rex Sinquefield, Michael D. Harrold, Suzie & David Spence, Jerry M. Hunter, Thelma & David L. Steward, Ray T. Wagner.
Randoms
Post-Dispatch’s Virginia Young does a good profile of the Republicans running in Senate 24. Read it here.
NYTimes editorial today jabs the Kansas Brownback tax cuts. Read it here.
Rex Sinquefield, meanwhile, writing on Forbes’ website says that it’s “hasty” to judge the tax cuts based on this year’s revenue shortfall. Read it here.
And – the final day for Nixon to veto bills from the legislature. Read the AP’s story here.
Help Wanted
Senate seeks Writer. “The Missouri Senate is seeking a strong staff writer who would be required to prepare press releases, speeches, newsletter articles and other legislative publications under close deadlines and must also have experience in publication layout. Salary range, based on experience, begins at $30,000 annually. Ideal candidates will have a degree in journalism or a closely related field and/or a minimum of three year’s experience as a writer. Experience with the legislative branch or the ability to understand and quickly learn the legislative process is preferred.” See the ad here.
Fundraising Calendar
Today’s fundraising events from Mary Scruggs’ indispensable events calendar:
Sen. Mike Parson Golf – Silo Ridge Country Club, Bolivar.
Lobbyist Registrations
From the Gate Way Group website:
Rachel Anderson added University of Missouri Flagship Council.
$5K+ Contributions
Citizens for Porter - $20,000 from Craig Porter Development LLC.
Free and Fair Election Fund - $50,000 from Herzog Contracting.
Missouri Farmers Care - $100,000 from Missouri Soybean Association.
Maria Chappelle-Nadal for School Board - $20,000 from Citizens for Maria Chappelle-Nadal.
Realtors Political Action Comm MO - $24,820 from Natinoal Association of REALTORS.
Friends of Jerry Fenstermaker - $10,000 from Jerry Fenstermaker.
Parson for State Senate - $15,000 from Forest Lucas.
Missourians for Safe Transportation & New Jobs Inc - $10,000 from Robertson Contractors Inc.
Missourians for Safe Transportation & New Jobs Inc - $15,000 from Cretex Concrete Products.
Missourians for Safe Transportation & New Jobs Inc - $25,000 from New Prime.
Schupp for Senate - $10,000 from Supporters of Health Research & Treatments.
Missourians for Koster - $25,000 from Pyramid Home Health Services.
Connect KC - $10,000 from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.
Connect KC - $25,000 from Stacy and Witbeck Inc.
Connect KC - $25,000 from CHIPP Political Account.
A Better Missouri with Governor Jay Nixon - $12,000 from Health Systems Inc.
Friends for Jeff Messenger - $8,888 from Realtors Political Action Committee.
Friends of Rick Stream - $10,000 from James McDonnell III.
Patrons for Lyle Rowland - $10,000 from Realtors PAC.
Friends for Paul Fitzwater - $5,932 from Realtors Political Action Committee MO.
Notes on Money: Realtors Vs MCFG?
It looks like the Realtors are backing the four incumbents targeted by the Missouri Club for Growth.
Happy Birthday
Happy birthday to game-changer David Winton (46).
Congratulations
To A.J. Bockelman on his marriage to Jeromie Scott Jarreau.