MOScout Daily Update: Anti-CLEAN's Pitch to Black Caucus - House-Parson Budget Spat "Small Difference" - What's Next for Lembke? and more...
Scoop: Anti-CLEAN To Pitch Black Caucus
Word is that folks opposing CLEAN Missouri are taking their case to the Black Caucus. Their pitch – the redistricting changes in the proposal would negatively impact the number of African Americans elected to the General Assembly.
Democrats have charged that the previous redistricting process has resulted in maps with fewer Democratic districts than there should be. The hallmark of these maps is overwhelming Democratic (70%+) districts in the urban areas, and marginally majority (55%) Republican districts in the suburbs.
However, if a fundamental change in these maps is to lower the Dem majorities in the urban districts by stretching them into the suburbs, that would likely lower African American populations, and make it harder for insure black representation for those districts.
House-Parson Spat = Small Disagreement
From a top House Republican…. “I agree with your second commenter: if Republicans can stick together, we will thrive. That starts by not making senseless and unnecessary vetoes in the first place. It shouldn't be expected that the legislature be a 2nd tier branch of government that answers to the executive. All of this aside, this is a small disagreement and neither the governor or legislature should allow it to be a reason to not work together electorally and on good policy moving forward….”
Scooplette: Trump Rally to Be Rescheduled
One Southeastern source tells me that plans are already underway for the rescheduling of President Donald Trump’s planned rally in Cape Girardeau. Stay tuned…
And
Press release: State Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City, today filed a Senate Resolution calling on Congress to require every presidential candidate to undergo psychological screening. This action follows lies told by the President this morning on social media. “America lost citizens and I lost family in the deadly hurricane that struck Puerto Rico less than one year ago,” Sen. Chappelle-Nadal said. “This morning, the President lied about those deaths. Mr. President – my uncle’s death is not a fiction, it is one of nearly 3,000 heartbreaking examples of a reality you refuse to acknowledge. That’s why, to ensure that our nation is led by people who can comprehend reality, I have filed a Senate Resolution requiring presidential candidates to undergo a mental health screening. Americans living with mental illness must have access to the care they need, including those serving in our highest office.”
The Talk
As Sen. Rob Schaaf makes his final exit, talk is turning to the future of his chief of staff, Jim Lembke. Months ago, some had assumed that Lembke would stay in his position – if Harry Roberts succeeded in his Senate 34 bid. However, with Tony Luetkemeyer winning the 34 primary, that scenario has evaporated. That led one Senate side observer to tell me perhaps Lembke could find a spot on the staffer of another incoming senator, like Eric Burlison.
The counter argument here is that a freshman senator wouldn’t necessary want the “baggage” associated with Lembke and his past battles. We’ll see…
Bits
From Politico (see it here): Fox News’ latest MO poll… Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill held a slim lead over Republican Josh Hawley, 44 percent to 41 percent, with 6 percent supporting another candidate and 8 percent undecided. McCaskill's favorable ratings are close to even, with 48 percent viewing her favorably and 49 percent unfavorably; Hawley is viewed favorably by 47 percent of voters, and unfavorably by 44 percent. Trump's approval was also close to even: 49 percent of likely voters approve of the job he's doing, compared to 48 percent who disapprove.
KRCG’s Garrett Bergquist reports that a “appoints Derek Spencer as interim Moniteau County prosecutor following Ann Perry’s resignation. Perry was appointed 8 days ago after Shayne Healea resigned following a guilty plea… Spencer is currently an assistant prosecutor in Cole County. That office says he’s worked there since 2016. Spencer will fill the seat through the November election…”
Gina Loudon gets some twitter love from President Donald Trump. See the Washington Post article here.
eMailbag on Who Should Be Senate Approps Chair
“[Sen. Dan] Hegeman is much better suited to stand up to Fitzpatrick and run the budget. He has incredible staff and with his years of service at the county and state level he has the experience…”
MOScout Weekender Preview
Coming tomorrow…
MOScout’s Weekly Poll – Remington Research survey results for the Senate 8 match-up between Republican Sen. Mike Cierpiot and Democrat Hillary Shields; Hallway Index – Find out how lobbyists are handicapping the Senate Floor Leader race; Who Won the Week and more…
New Committees
Missouri Voter Project PAC was formed. Its treasurer is Mary Anne Sedey.
Steve Korsmeyer formed a candidate committee (Citizens To Elect Steve Korsmeyer) to run for Cole County Clerk as a Republican.
$5K+ Contributions
Citizens for a Prosperous 34th Senate District - $10,000 from Friends of Mike Cunningham.
Teamsters Local Union No 688 Political Action Committee - $9,758 from DRIVE Committee.
Property Casualty Insurers Association of America Political Account - $31,851 from Property Casualty Insurers Association of America.
Find the Cures - $15,000 from Bradley Bradshaw.
Franklin County Democrat Club - $7,686 from Franklin County Youth Fair.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Gene McNary, Don Hinkle, and Jon Dalton.
Saturday: Rep. Holly Rehder.
Sunday: Nicole Brown, Jim Kottmeyer, and Joan Bray.