Monday, April 16, 2012
Another Brick in the Wall
Rep. Ryan Silvey lays another brick in the wall with the State Fraternal Order of the Police joining in the parade of endorsements he’s picking up. Silvey’s becoming the consensus candidate for Senate 17. It’s a pretty amazing achievement considering he’s been budget chair in a time of chronic state shortfalls.
Budget Blowback
The front page of today’s Post-Dispatch: Missouri May Slash Children’s Services. Read it Here.
There’s a chance that when the budget hits the Senate floor it will be a real ugly mess. According to one observer, Appropriations Chair Kurt Schaefer may find himself divested from the budget which would leave budget open to amendments on the floor as it has traditionally never been. “His leadership completely threw him under the bus… (Conservative senators’) recommended cuts are less about being thought out and more about hitting the number to balance. I really don’t believe (Schaefer) is committed to any of it. When leadership threw in the towel on tax amnesty, they screwed him hard.”
Judge Checkmates Sinquefield’s Tax Plan?
Rex Sinquefield’s plan to eliminate the state income tax and replace it with an expanded sales tax took a big hit on Friday when yet another judge derailed yet another petition initiative. Read it Here.
Travis Brown, Sinquefield’s lead lobbyist/strategist, issued this statement: “This ruling disrespects Missouri’s balanced budget amendment and the General Assembly’s role with this measure. We had hoped that any opinion on the dispute over the growth future of Missouri would in fact be written by the Judge, not just the opposing trial attorney. We are reviewing the errors contained in the Judgment and will review all of our options, including appealing this decision to the appellate courts.”
Court Plans Sit in Judiciary
After wasting over a million dollars on an initiative petition which failed to get enough signatures, those advocating a change in the Missouri Court Plan are trying to get there legislatively.
But three SJRs sponsored by Sen. Jim Lembke have languished in the Senate Judiciary Committee, as the clock on session continues to tick down. SJR 41 would make judges elected; SJR 42 would model the state judicial process on the feds, mandating senate confirmation of gubernatorial appointees; and SJR 51 would change the composition of the appellate commission.
The National Review weighs in Here.
Because Republicans outnumber Democrats 5-2 on the committee, its failure to move demonstrates the divisions within Republicans on the issue. One source says that it is Sens. Eric Schmitt and Bob Dixon who are joining with Democratic Sens. Joe Keaveny and Jolie Justus.
Judiciary Committee meets tonight after adjournment.
Wilson Follow-Up
Folks remain saddened by Roger Wilson’s guilty plea.
Writes one observer: “To many, Wilson is seen as a man without personal wealth who was faced with terrible options: going bankrupt defending himself against whatever the feds threw at him in their frustration at being unable to snag bigger culprits, and without Doug Morgan to cross-examine and show to be a crook and a liar...or waving a white flag and pleading guilty.
Cleaver Not Mad at What’s Their Face
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver speaking about the lieutenant governor’s race at the James Kirkpatrick Heritage Dinner said, “I’m not mad at the people running against Susan (Montee) in the primary. I don't even know who they are.” See it Here.
Bits
Congressman Sam Graves to divorce. Read it Here.
Rumorville: former Rep. Mike Vogt will be dropping out of Senate 1…
23 days left of legislative session….
Congressman Roy Blunt co-sponsors a bill to collect an internet sales tax at the federal level. Read it Here.
Congressional candidate Ann Wagner raised another $260K. Um, the race is over, you can stop pinching people for money…
Peter Kinder raised $226K, has $1.276 million on-hand.
Today is quarterly reporting day. Full run-down tomorrow.
Lobbyists’ Principals Changes
From the Pelopidas website:
Katie Bray Barnett added Best Friends Animal Society.
Zachary Brunnert and David McCracken added Cody Computer Services Inc.
Thomas J Irwin added Civic Progress.
Peter G Sortino added Washington University in St. Louis.
Gregory Vaughn added Obstruction of Due Process Center LLC.
A Louis Vaughn Sr added Office of Citizens Concerns Headquarter, and Obstruction to Due Process Center LLC .
Gina Overshiner and Michelle Windmoeller added Pednet Coalition Inc.
Lobbyists’ Registration Exegesis
Tom Irwin is the long-time brain of Civic Progress, a club of St. Louis’ biggest companies. He was in the Capitol a few weeks ago helping push the HB 1504 which would allow a sales tax increase to go to the voters to fund improvements to the Arch grounds.
Peter Sortino was also in the building for the same hearing. He was president of the Danforth Foundation. But since that organization has been winding down, he’s now at Washington University, working on special initiatives in the Chancellor’s Office.
$5K+ Contributions
Missourians for Responsible Lending - $5,015 from Center for Responsible Lending.
Missourians Against Costly Mandates - $29,348 from Empire District Electric.
Missourians for Health and Education - $18,763 from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Inc.
Missourians for Responsible Lending - $8,050 from Missouri Jobs with Justice.
Give Missourians A Raise - $8,041 from Missouri Jobs with Justice.
House Republican Campaign Committee Inc. - $6,000 from Friends To Elect Bill Lant.
House Republican Campaign Committee Inc. - $6,500 from Friends of Eric Burlison.
Missourians for Koster - $5,186 from Democratic Attorneys General Association
Slay for Mayor - $25,000 from Thompson Coburn LLP.
Birthdays
Happy birthday to St. Louis alderman Shane Cohn.