Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Hartzler for Gov

Once upon a time, Catherine Hanaway might have dreamed of elbowing or easing Tom Schweich out of the race and having a free primary to face Chris Koster.  Now we have the makings for a free-for-all in the Republican gubernatorial primary.

We’ll see who all ultimately jumps in, but add another name to the possibilities… Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler.

Here comes the tipster… “Hartzler is starting to put out feelers for a bid for governor if there is more than one GOP candidate.  She has recently retained the Singularis Group to test the waters.  Her voting record could make her a factor in a multi-way primary.”

And for those connecting dots, Nathan Adams who was an advisor to Schweich, is listed as senior associate on the Singularis website.

So here’s the current list: Catherine Hanaway (in, but underwater for a while); Randy Asbury (in); Eric Greitens (all but in); John Brunner (expected to join); Mike Parson (mulling a bid); Mike Kehoe (weighing a bid); Dave Spence (possible, but no outward signs); Peter Kinder (unlikely, but his name keeps being mentioned).  I miss anyone?

Another “Her Dad is Wayne Baker” Follow Up

One reader thinks “there is a decent case to make that Keith Cheung violated the Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct and that Wes Dalton violated the Missouri Code of Judicial Conduct.”

Here’s his thinking:

As to Dalton, he may have run afoul of Rule 2-1.3: Avoiding Abuse of the Prestige of Judicial Office. The rule says that “A judge shall not abuse the prestige of judicial office to advance the personal or economic interests of the judge or others, or allow others to do so.” The comment under that section says “It is improper for a judge to use or attempt to use his or her position to gain personal advantage or deferential treatment of any kind. For example, it would be improper for a judge to allude to his or her judicial status to gain favorable treatment in encounters with traffic officials.”

Further, Dalton may have violated Rule 2-3.13(A): Acceptance and Reporting of Gifts, Loans, Bequests, Benefits, or Other Things of Value. The rule states “A judge shall not accept any gifts, loans, bequests, benefits, or other things of value, if acceptance is prohibited by law or would appear to a reasonable person to undermine the judge’s independence, integrity, or impartiality.” I think it is fair to say that the golf trip didn’t just appear to undermine Dalton’s independence and integrity, it actually undermined his independence and integrity.

If the above is correct, then Cheung seems to have violated Rule 4-8.4(f), “It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to . . . knowingly assist a judge or judicial officer in conduct that is a violation of applicable rules of judicial conduct or other law.” Cheung should be familiar with Rule 4-8.4 as he has previously been reprimanded for violating it.  See the Post article on that here.  And the Court letter.

Jami Unflips Wallingford

Sen. Jamilah Nasheed’s “ban the box” bill was reconsidered on a motion from Sen. Wayne Wallingford, who previously voted against it.  The bill moved out of committee.  Though with Sen. Doug Libla’s vehement opposition, it faces an uphill path on the floor.

Nasheed also had a hearing for her record expungement bill (hers is one among several) yesterday.  These bills are the cornerstones of Nasheed’s legislative agenda to help past offenders rebuild their lives.

Don’t Forget to Change the Name!

Buzz Feed has a story about the attorney general’s office re-using old Supreme Court filings to argue against a stay of execution.  No big deal I guess, what’s the difference really?... Just maybe remember to change the name!  If for no other reason because it’s the sort of things someone might make a TV commercial about if you’re running for governor.  See it here.

Koster Statement Ignores the Flubber

"As one who has carried a badge for most of my adult life, I share the outrage of every Missourian at the murder of law enforcement officer, Deputy Christopher Castetter.  Cecil Clayton tonight has paid the ultimate price for his terrible crime."

Raise Your Hand Forms

Raise Your Hand for Kids formed their campaign committee yesterday.  Erin Brower is the treasurer.  They also recorded their first large contribution (see below).  This effort and Clint Zweifel’s Missouri Promise are both vying to raise the cigarette tax – those for different causes.  Raise Your Hand would benefit early childhood, and the Promise would pay for higher education.

Smith Strolls

As readers know I rarely delve into the national scene, but Missouri Congressman Jason Smith gets a cameo (a walk across the stage really, no lines) in the opening scene of Politico’s story of Aaron Schock’s resignation.  Read it here.

Aaron Schock’s Tuesday began with a quiet early-morning stroll near the Capitol with his close friend, Missouri Rep. Jason Smith…

Bits

A Jeff City denizen tips that the KC Star’s lobbyist Roxsen Koch specializes in real estate, leading to speculation that the newspaper has some matter along those lines for which they’re working on a local accommodate.

According to Politico’s Influence, the Gephardt Group Government Affairs registered to represent Water Quality Association.

At yesterday’s White House press briefing, Press Secretary Josh Earnest gave a shout out to his alma mater, the Barstow School in Kansas City.  “MR. EARNEST:  Good afternoon, everybody.  I do see a fair amount of green in the room today, which is nice to see.  I’m wearing my green today not just to pay tribute to Saint Patrick but also to pay tribute to my alma mater back in Kansas City.  The boys’ high school basketball team won the state championship over the weekend, so they’re the AAA state champs in the state of Missouri.  So congratulations to Coach Thomas and the rest of the boys that made us so proud this year.”

Help Wanted

Rep. Rochelle Walton Gray seeks LA. “This is a highly responsible, professional administrative position providing general public information and office support to State Representative Rochelle Walton Gray of the 75th District. Duties include extensive contact and correspondence with district constituents and the general public, creating and maintaining calendars, coordinating and scheduling meetings, maintaining files and databases on a variety of legislative topics, and general office assistance… The salary range for this position begins at $2,257 per month.”  See the ad here.

Today’s Events

Powered by Mary Scruggs’ indispensable events calendar:

Reps. Rocky Miller, Shawn Rhoads, and Jason Chipman Reception – Prison Brews Side Bar, Jefferson City – 6-8 p.m.

Reps. Kurt Bahr, Andrew Koenig & Mark Parkinson Reception – Mo Credit Union, Jefferson City – 6-7 p.m.

Mayor Francis Slay's 60th Birthday at Bissinger's, 1600 North Broadway, St. Louis 5:30 - 7:30 PM.

Lobbyist Registrations

Rebecca Lohmann added Catalyst Group and all of their clients.

Daniel Engemann added Missouri Soybean Association.

Nicholas Christensen added Missouri Residential Care Association Dba Missouri Assisted Living Association, Missouri Fire Service Alliance, and Missouri Pharmacy Association.

Steven Tilley deleted Husch Blackwell LLP.

$5K+ Contributions

Greitens for Missouri - $10,000 from Terry Scariot.

Citizens for Jake Zimmerman - $10,000 from Thompson Coburn LLP.

Missourians for Koster - $10,000 from Ameren Missouri.

Missouri Farmers Care - $10,000 from MFA Inc.

Voters for Good Government - $35,000 from Freedom PAC.

Raise Your Hand For Kids - $16,000 from U.S. Eng. Co. Holdings.

Happy Birthday

Happy birthdays to Mayor Francis Slay (the big 6-0), Tod Martin, and Chris Howard.