Thursday, May 24, 2012
The $100K Mystery Continues
Yesterday I thought we had a motive for David Humphreys to write a $100K check to Auditor Tom Schweich in a non-election year, but Spence Jackson, Schweich’s spokesman, called to inform me that Schweich does not write the fiscal note on the SJR 51 – the court plan change. That’s because the legislature already did it.
So it’s back to the conspiracy dart board…
A Scandal for Everyone
KTRS’ McGraw Milhaven questioned why Kathleen Burkett, a St. Louis County Councilwoman, won a license office, and it set off a round of press releases. The anti-Nixon campaign emailed that it was a case of Nixon’s administration engaged in pay-for-play. The anti-Koster campaign emailed that Koster was complicit by not investigating. The anti-Dooley critic emailed that she was a Dooley supporter… Read KTRS’ story Here.
The Other Scandal
Sam Murphy, Nixon’s communications director, called a fraternity that had hung a Dave Spence banner on its house to tell them they might get into trouble. There are really three separate scandals here:
First, that the governor’s communications director has nothing better to do with his time than police fraternity house’s for violations to their non-profit status.
Second, that when contacted by the media the communications director said, “I am not going to comment on actions I took, if any, in my personal capacity.”
And third, that the fraternity folded. I mean if you’re not willing to cause a little ruckus when you’re in college when the heck are you going to be willing to stand for anything?
Pull Quote from Frat Boys: “We have bigger fish to fry.… If there’s a problem with jeopardizing our non-profit status for our foundation, certainly we don’t want to mess with that.”
CBS News: Missouri to Use Michael Jackson Drug
“The same anesthetic that caused the overdose death of pop star Michael Jackson is now the drug of choice for executions in Missouri, causing a stir among critics who question how the state can guarantee a drug untested for lethal injection won't cause pain and suffering for the condemned.” Read it Here.
And for your weekend BBQ small talk
Will all the chest-thumpers who “stand with the church” on life issues when it involves birth control, do the same when to comes to the death penalty? That is, it’s always morally unacceptable for a society with the means to incarcerate individuals for life to kill them instead.
Missouri Ethics Consent Order on Wilson, Griesedieck
The Missouri Ethics Commission handed down its rulings on Roger Wilson and Edward Griesedieck. This was the financial shenanigans of Doug Morgan that brought the feebees into the hunt.
Both were fined $2,000. Read Wilson consent order Here. Read Griesedieck consent order Here.
Bits
KC Star reports that Mike Talboy will go to work for Burns & McDonnell. Read it Here.
Sarah Steelman picks up some St. Charles endorsements. Read it Here.
The latest Jason Holsman campaign – in Senate 7 – update says that his team has already 6,000 doors.
eMailbag
Clearing out the eMailbag ahead of the long weekend… “You may have noticed a few payments to one of Mike McGhee’s companies at his home address for ‘advertising.’ That is for that stupid car he had in the Capitol basement yesterday.”
Lobbyists’ Principals Changes
From the Pelopidas website:
James C. Bowers, Jr. added Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Barry Special Partners, Della Lamb Community Services, and Acme Sign Inc.
Mark S Bryant added Wal-Mart Stores Inc, and American Water.
Patricia R. Jensen added Acme Sign Inc, and Gipson’s Apple Market.
Aaron G. March added Karbank RealEstate Company LLP, and Clariter Group.
Michael White added Gipson’s Apple Mart.
Richard D Watters added Christian Healthcare Inc; and deleted Vintage Gardens Assisted Living, Mackenzie House LLC, Bickford Senior Living, Selec Medical Corporation, Provision Living at Webster Groves, Brookdale Senior Living, Landmark Hospital of Joplin, Jefferson Regional Medical Center, Poplar Bluff Medical Partners LLC, McCrite Plaza at Briarcliff LLC.
$5K+ Contributions
Missourians for Responsible Lending - $5,662 from Metropolitan Congregations United for St. Louis.
Give Missourians a Raise - $5,662 from Metropolitan Congregations United for St. Louis.
Friends of Ellen Brandom - $25,000 from Ellen Brandom.
Clean Water STL - $50,000 from Anheuser Busch Companies.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to former Rep. Sam Page (47), Rep. Jake Hummel (36), Gregg Christian (32), and Byron DeLear (46).
Friday: Rep. Tim Jones (41), Rocket Group’s Gus Wagner (41), Beacon’s Bob Duffy (67), MO Budget’s Amy Blouin (43), and former Rep. Ed Emery (62).
Saturday: AMEC’s Chris Weber (the big 3-0!), and Students First’s Lea Crusey (31).
Sunday: Sen. Bob Dixon (43), Rep. Jeanie Riddle, former Rep. John Burnett, and Scott Leiendecker (36).
Reminder
No MOScout tomorrow – but there will the Weekly Summary and “Who Won the Week” – and no MOScout on Monday (Memorial Day).