Friday, April 18, 2014
Minority Leader Race
One puzzle for Senate Democrats is who can step into the big shoes of Sen. Jolie Justus when she’s termed out. They’ve got about six months to figure it out. Right now the two leading contenders appear to be Sens. Scott Sifton and Paul LeVota.
Some think that if Sifton is serious about a 2016 attorney general bid, then that would disqualify him from leading the caucus as he would focus on traveling the state and raising money. Others wonder whether LeVota could transform his persona from his more confrontational style, honed in his tenure as House Minority Leader, to the more conciliatory necessitated by the Senate Dems’ super minority position.
Others mentioned: Sen. Kiki Curls, and Sen. Joe Keaveny – who has seniority…
One Eye on the Calendar
Four weeks left… Monday constitutes the legislature’s “Easter Break.” So next week is shortened to a three-day Tuesday to Thursday affair. Then there’s three more weeks, one of which may be eaten by finalizing passage of the budget.
What’s moving? Missourinet reports that the legislature will try to get their criminal code revision to the governor’s desk next week. Read it here. And the transportation tax seems to have risen on the priority list in the Senate as other big issue stumble.
Peace on the Third Floor Follow-Up
Sen. Eric Schmitt received a public thank you from Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal for his part in helping bring the peace between her and Rep. Jason Holsman….
Nixon Withdraws Nominees
Governor Jay Nixon withdrew two nominees: Joseph Carroll, Democrat, for the Missouri Ethics Commission, and Kent Eminson, Democrat, for the Conservation Commission.
Seals Withdraws
As expected Allan Seals withdrew in House 61, leaving Justin Alferman as the sole Republican nominee in that district. This is the Dave Schatz seat.
2014 Bits
In Senate 24, One observer notes that Dave Spence’s $5K contribution to Jack Spooner came after Jay Ashcroft filed. I had suggested that Spooner might retreat from the race realizing that he was entering a dogfight, but perhaps “Spooner is indeed preparing for battle.”
In the St. Louis County Executive’s race, Steve Stenger received the St. Louis Labor Council endorsement. This continues the trend started six months ago of labor abandoning the incumbent, Charlie Dooley.
Small quarters from Reps. Noel Torpey and John Mayfield, both in competitive districts this cycle. Mayfield only raised $4,350 and has $7,033 on-hand; And Torpey only raised $1K; but he has does have $73,074 on-hand.
Help Wanted
“The Office of Attorney General has an opening in its Jefferson City office for an Assistant Attorney General in the Labor Division. The attorney will primarily practice workers’ compensation defense for claims filed by state employees and will also defend the State of Missouri's Second Injury Fund… Applicants who graduated in the top 30% of their law school class and who have two or more years’ experience in the practice of law are preferred. EOE.”
eMailbag: Soft Ball, Hard Feelings
“Since you have dedicated so much ink to the softball tournament, there should be some level of public shaming on your part regarding the fact that the winning team INTENTIONALLY WALKED not one but TWO batters in a charity softball tournament!”
$5K+ Contributions
Missouri Early Voting Fund - $10,000 from Reliant Care Management Company LLC.
Missouri Early Voting Fund - $100,000 from Priorities USA Action.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Reps. Nate Walker (62) and Mike Colona (45), Amanda Good (35), and Charlie Hinderliter.
Saturday: Bill Stouffer (67), former Reps. Bert Atkins (59), Sylvester Taylor (48), and Jean Peters-Baker, and Patrick Werner (43).
Sunday: lobbyists Chris Moody and Chris Roepe (33).
Congratulations
To Rep. Rick Brattin and his wife, with Athena Elizabeth Brattin, on the birth of Hannah Raelyn Brattin… 5lbs 10ozs.