Friday, August 31, 2012
Tilley Launches Strategic Capitol Consulting LLC
Former speaker Steve Tilley registered as a lobbyist yesterday. His first clients were Fred Weber and Supermarket Merchandising. It has been reported that Noranda is also a client, but it appears he won’t be lobbying for them, rather providing political consulting.
After his years as floor leader and speaker in the House, Tilley is uniquely qualified to understand the intricacies of the House rules – slots from committees, exemptions for slots etc.
He also has better relations with the current House members than his predecessors did when they left. Ron Richard was criticized for his inconsistent, confusing leadership style; Rod Jetton exit amid a fire-swirl of near mutiny surrounding his involvement in the Plaster village law; Catherine Hanaway was considered by some to be too concerned with her own statewide race.
Tilley by contrast had generally good relations with members of the Democratic caucus having led a kinder, gentler majority. He was good about avoid strong-arming members for votes. Of course this behavior was made much easier by their historic 106 vote majority – which he helped build.
With the graduation of some House members to the Senate – for example, Rep. Ryan Silvey, and Reps. Jamilah Nasheed and Jason Holsman (two Democrats who were committee chairs under Tilley’s regime) – Tilley’s relationships extend to that chamber as well.
Koster Exits Health Care Debate
In a brief statement on his decision not to appeal the recent court ruling on Robin Carnahan’s ballot summary language, Attorney General Chris Koster said, “Judge Greene’s summary more accurately reflects the legislative intent than does the Secretary's proposed language. My job is to call balls and strikes in an impartial manner. The argument is over.”
Poll-fusion
After two polls – one by Rasmussen, the other by Mason-Dixon – showed Sen. Claire McCaskill opening a wide gap on Congressman Todd Akin, yesterday Public Policy Polling released a poll saying that McCaskill and Akin were still neck-and-neck.
This is their second poll reaching that result since Akin’s rape-gate debacle.
Lobbyist Registrations
From the Pelopidas website:
Heath C Clarkston and Harry Gallagher added Trans Union LLC.
Kent Gaines added Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern MO, Air Methods Corporation, Edison Schools Inc, Capegemini, Allen C. Harper, GC Services Limited Partnership, Cerner Corporation, AOC Solutions, Inc., Cody Computer Services Inc, AON Risk Services of Missouri Inc, Control Technology and Solutions, Ashbritt Inc, Coventry Health Care, Bethesda Health Group, Adam Puchta and Son Wine Company, and Donald K Anderson Jr.
Steven Tilley added Strategic Capitol Consulting LLC, Supermarket Merchandising, and Fred Weber Inc.
Registration Exegesis
From the client list that Kent Gaines registered, it looks like he’s now helping out McIntosh and Flotron.
$5K+ Contributions
Connect KC - $8,732 from Connect KC.
Missouri’s Future - $11,000 from Strong Garner Bauer P.C.
UTU-PAC - $14,000 from United Transportation Union PAC.
Cash Commentary
Tomorrow is the deadline for the 30-Day Reports which will be filed next week.