Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Ethics Commission Fines Dems $10K
The House Democratic Campaign Committee was fined $10,000 by the Missouri Ethics Commission. This is the old committee which was replaced by the House Democratic Victory Committee, which was later terminated in lieu of the state apparatus leading the legislative campaigns. In hindsight, it appears the move from HDCC to HDVC was at least partially motivated by the sloppiness with which HDCC was run.
That’s the main takeaway from this report (see it here): a campaign committee which failed to have a rigorous treasurer making sure all the expenditures and contributions were correctly recorded and directed.
This particular saga involves the HDCC’s mail house for the 2012 cycle, Mad Dog Mail. Mad Dog invoiced HDCC $274,171. HDCC reported paying them $269,982. But it ends out that HDCC only actually paid them $148,102, and other sources paid Mad Dog another $62,314. Mad Dog was angry at being stiffed on approximately $60K and raised a fuss which ultimately led to the complaint. House Dems meanwhile asserted that not all the invoiced mail actually was delivered.
The MEC investigation though revealed other expenditures and contributions which weren’t accurately reported. And the general consensus among House Dems now regarding then-HDCC executive director Jody Murphy is “good riddance.” They are ready to move on.
And
Derron Black was fined $7,000 for a slew of mistakes including failure to report contributions and expenditures. The charges stem from Black’s 2012 bid for state representative (District 23) in which he lost (65%-13%) the Democratic primary to Randy Dunn. See the report here.
Ferguson Nights
Holder to Ferguson… Read Washington Post here.
Pull Quote: FERGUSON, Mo. — Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. will travel to this battle-scarred St. Louis suburb to oversee the investigation of the shooting death of an unarmed black teenager at the hands of a white police officer, the White House said Monday. Holder’s visit was announced as National Guard troops arrived in Ferguson to back up local and state police.
On Ferguson’s main street, Monday evening began with peaceful protests. But the night soon turned tense, as a line of police officers, many in gas masks, faced off against hundreds of demonstrators. People threw bottles at officers. Shots were fired. Police launched smoke bombs and flares. And demonstrators threw them back.
County Exec Race Impact?
Both Democratic nominee Steve Stenger and Republican nominee Rick Stream have kept very low profiles during the current unfolding of the Ferguson troubles.
It’s understandable from a political point of view. The situation is volatile and after watching Charlie Dooley be shouted down by protesters in the early days of the crisis, they might wary of wading into what looks like a no-win scenario.
But following the “politics of least resistance” also exhibits a stunning lack of leadership.
Stream’s candidacy has always assumed to be an uphill battle given the increasing trend in St. Louis County toward Democratic dominance. However supporters of the Stream cause cite two factors as pillars of hope. First, 2014 will be a low turn-out election. So the natural Democratic advantage won’t be as overwhelming as it would be in 2016. Second, the nasty Democratic primary which depleted the campaign account of Stenger, and divided the Democratic constituencies of labor and African Americans.
The on-going Ferguson unrest appears to have the potential to exaggerate these factors if disenchanted African American voters stay home in November – angry about Michael Brown, angry about the police response, angry at Bob McCulloch.
D’Abreu Opens Shop
As indicated in the lobbyists’ registrations (below), Shawn D’Abreu is launching a public policy firm. Here’s the announcement: August 15th was my last official day as the executive director of Missouri Centers for Independent Living (MOCIL). I enjoyed the work and I'm grateful the opportunity to serve. I wish Centers for Independent Living well in all their honorable endeavors.
After much consideration I've decided to launch my own firm. D'Abreu, Davis and Silk will work on public policy issues in the legislature and in the public square which I believe in: including healthcare, children/families/youth, economic development and community capacity building.
Fundraising Calendar
Today’s fundraising events from Mary Scruggs’ indispensable events calendar:
September 19-22 NCSL – Minneapolis, Minnesota – Missouri Night is tonight.
Rep. Todd Richardson Reception – JBucks Downtown, St. Louis - 5-7 p.m.
Lobbyist Registrations
From the Gate Way Group website:
Shawn D`Abreu added D’Abreu, Davis and Silk; and deleted Missouri Centers for Independent Living.
Scott Marrs added Missouri State University.
Janet M. Hirschman, Richard A McIntosh, David McCracken, and Francis E. Flotron deleted Edison Schools.
$5K+ Contributions
Missouri Senate Campaign Committee - $25,000 from Committee to Elect Ron Richard.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City Political Action Committee for Missouri - $75,000 from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City.
Citizens for Steve Stenger - $10,000 from Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers.
Citizens for Steve Stenger - $25,000 from CHIPP Political Account.
Wieland Now - $6,000 from Dempsey for Missouri.
Happy Birthday
Happy birthdays Rep. Donna Pfautsch, Kraus’ Mark Siettmann, Missouri Family Health Council’s Connie Cunningham, and Bryan Cave’s Tim O’Connell.