Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Rumors, bits, and more bits….
Leara Hits the Road
Rep. Mike Leara is serious about his bid to win the speaker pro tem race. He’s taking off on something like a three-month road trip around the state. All summer he’ll be putting miles on the car meeting with members of his caucus and campaigning for Republicans in battleground districts.
The biggest knock on Leara has been that with the speaker (Tim Jones) and floor leader (John Diehl) from St. Louis County, the House GOP Caucus might be reluctant to add member from that region to the leadership team. Leara’s betting that hard work plus a personal touch can overcome that reservation.
And
Along with that same desire for geographic parity in power positions, it’s possible that Rep. Rick Stream will not ascend to the Budget Committee chairmanship and instead that role will be given to Rep. Tom Flanigan.
Rumorville or “We’ll See…”
Tilley for AB?
The rumors about Speaker Steve Tilley’s future continue to run. A tweet this morning from former Nixon staffer Jeff Mazur is the first public mention I’ve seen of the latest rumor – that Tilley has lined up Anheuser Busch as his first client of his future consulting business.
“@jmaz: Never realized before that the ascendancy of a Missouri political figure has "booze lobbyist" at its apex, but it makes sense.”
All rumors at this point, but if rumors are believed, Tilley won’t finish his term, instead launching his new career at some point this summer. We’ll see…
Nixon for Non-Partisan Court Plan?
It’s said that Governor Jay Nixon may jump out in front and lend his name to the opposition to the court plan change. It could be a reflection of the broad coalition that the opposition has been building (note Supreme Court Justice William Price, a John Ashcroft appointee, added his name on Monday). Or as one observer warily offered, “Maybe he has polled the thing.” We’ll see…
Rumorville: SEMO To Gain Additional Funds?
It’s said that amid last session’s legislative impasse between Speaker Steve Tilley and Sen. Jason Crowell, Tilley was able to secure a commitment from Governor Jay Nixon to add more money to SEMO’s pot later in the fiscal year, perhaps even exceeding the original amount that the dispute was over. We’ll see…
Bits
Mark Your Calendar
Friday at 10:30 am, at the appellate court in downtown, Rep. Jamilah Nasheed will get her hearing to try to remain on the ballot. Smart money says she will prevail.
Buffet Bites Into Lee
The St. Louis Business Journal reported yesterday that Warren Buffett bought another $2 million in Lee Enterprise stock bringing his stake in the Post-Dispatch parent company to 3.2%.
Name ID?
In last night’s NAACP Freedom Fund Fellowship Dinner, the program’s “Acknowledgements and Special Thanks” section inluded a thanks to “Congressman Lacey.” That’s Lacy Clay we presume.
Romney to St. Louis County
Robocalls hit St. Louis County and City residents last night heralding a Mitt Romney campaign event scheduled for tomorrow. See Post-Dispatch article Here. Two of the people I heard from are well established Democrats, meaning they’re using rather ill-defined lists. But the larger questions are: Is it the first sign that Missouri is becoming more competitive? Or just statewide Rs whipping for partisan impact?
Clock Ticking on GOP PSC Nom
Governor Jay Nixon’s recess appointee Steve Stoll faces a six month tenure if Nixon doesn’t appoint an acceptable Republican for the other Public Service Commission vacancy. Stay tuned.
All Aboard! Gravy Train Leaving the Station
Attention law firms, investment houses! St. Louis voters approved nearly $1 billion in new Missouri Sewer District bonds last night. (Read it Here). Everybody come and get your piece from average Janes and Joes who will now pay more, longer.
Endorsements
In Senate 5, CWA Local 6355 endorsed Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford, an indication perhaps of further erosion of progressive and labor support away from incumbent Sen. Robin Wright Jones.
In House 77, Rep. Jamilah Nasheed has endorsed her former rival Kimberly Gardner. Gardner is in a three-way primary in that heavy Democratic district.
In House 87, Rep. Stacey Newman nabbed the endorsement of liberal poster-boy and publisher Ray Hartmann in her death-match with Susan Carlson.
eMailbag
Depends What Your Definition of Rampant Is
“Highly ironic that Renew Missouri has started a front committee named Missourians Against Rampant Rate Increases....this is the same group that told voters in 2008 their initiative would cost at most 1 percent, then sold the PSC that it was really about 11 percent, then trampsed into Cole County Circuit Court with the same claim only to have a judge reject their two-faced argument. Is 11 percent a rampant rate increase?”
Lobbyists Registrations
From the Pelopidas website:
Edward DeDomenico added Halcyon Asset Mangement LLC.
Shirley Breeze deleted Missouri Women’s Network.
James P. Gamble deleted Missouri Growth Association, and Property Assessment Review.
Hank Monsees deleted Monsees & Associates, and Hank Monsees.
Mary Mosley deleted Missouri Women’s Network. And MO National Organization for Woman
Carole Ouimet deleted Comprehensive Health Management Inc.
Jewell D. H. Patek deleted Patients First Health Care, Smokers Outlet, John Bardgett & Associates Inc., Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and Patients First Community Hospital.
$5K+ Contributions
Missourians for Health and Education - $9,000 from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
Emersons Missouri Responsible Government Fund - $11,500 from Emerson Electric.
MO Republican Party - $10,000 from ATT.
MO Democratic State Committee - $5,450 from Missouri House Democratic Campaign Committee.
United Food & Commercial Workers Local #655 Elect Political Action Fund - $6,237 from United Food & Commerical Workers Local #655 Elect Political Action Fund.