MOScout Daily Update: The Trump Election Cycle - Banjo Hires Catalyst - Franks Fim Shortlisted and more...
2020: The Trump Election Cycle
Gerald Seib wrote yesterday in the Wall Street Journal about the incredible political divisiveness of President Donald Trump. See it here.
In the most recent Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, 91% of self-identified Republicans said they approve of the job President Trump is doing, while just 6% of Democrats said they approve. That 85-point gap is 20 points wider than the gap seen at this point in the presidency of Barack Obama, who was considered a polarizing figure himself. By contrast, the same partisan gap at this point in Jimmy Carter’s presidency was a mere 16 percentage points.
What It Means
· Trump will loom in primaries – even state primaries. Republicans will compete to the be most pro-Trump while Democrats will tack to the opposite side positioning themselves as anti-Trump.
· The general election will likely be a referendum on the president – with everyone else swept along in the storm.
· Talking about issues will be lost in the wind, unless it’s as a blowhorn concerning this divide. For example, talking about the border wall.
Banjo Hires Catalyst
I wrote a blurb yesterday about Banjo, a technology company that uses artificial intelligence to provide real-time information for public safety. Read an article about them here.
In the lobbyist registrations (below), they are being represented in Jefferson City by Catalyst.
Condolences
To Michelle Sherod on the passing of her husband, Ron Sherod. From Facebook: Right now, my heart his heavy. I have been blessed to have had Ron in my life for over 19 years. He was a kind and gentle person but also a loving husband, supportive father, a smart businessman and loyal friend to all who knew him. I will miss him dearly.
Five months ago I started my journey to be the next State Senator for the 5th District. Walking beside me was my beloved husband and best friend, Ron Sherod. Ron was my single greatest source of joy, wisdom and encouragement. Then, without warning, on September 30, Ron unexpectedly suffered a stroke, which kept him in the hospital and rehab for the past two months. I was never more in awe of him than I was as I witnessed his hard fought battle for recovery—not just for my sake and all the unrealized dreams we had yet to fulfill, but for the sake of his family and friends as well.
For the coming days and weeks, I respectfully ask for your patience as I grieve with our family over Ron’s passing. During this holiday season I want you to remember that life is precious. Hold your loved ones extra close and appreciate their presence in your life.
Franks Documentary Shortlisted
Waiting for Superman, a documentary about former Rep. Bruce Franks advanced to the Oscar Shortlist in the nomination process.
Bits from the In-box…
· So... now we are celebrating using taxpayer money to subsidize GM laying off only 10% of its missouri workers? The same $5mil a year we used to give GM to actually grow its workforce and retain all of its jobs? They sure managed to spin this one well.
· Mayor Quinton Lucas joined a PACKED fundraiser for Gov. Mike Parson with the KC Business and Civic Community at Union Station. Other attendees included Reps. Brenda Shields,Glen Kolkmeyer, and Sen. Dan Hegeman.
Help Wanted
Missouri Foundation for Health seeks Communications Strategist. “Reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Communications, the Communications Strategist is responsible for effectively informing and promoting the Foundation, its brand, people, work, and mission. This role will create and implement internal and external communications strategies that further the goals of the Foundation, while ensuring that the messaging on MFH’s work is consistent and engaging. The strategist will carry out daily communication activity, advise, and engage MFH staff across the Foundation on communications practices…” See the ad here.
New Committees
Woodrow Polston formed a candidate committee (Woodrow Polston Campaign) to run for House 40 as a Republican. The current incumbent, Republican Rep. Jim Hansen, is termed.
$5K+ Contributions
Conservative Future Fund - $10,000 from Daniel Coffman.
Lobbyists Registrations
Aaron Baker added Balchem.
Aaron Baker and Hannah Beers added Missouri Soybean Association; and deleted EDF Renewables, SpecGX LLC, and The ALS Association St. Louis Regional Chapter.
Catalyst added BANJO, and Cisco Systems.
Harry Hill deleted Missouri Highway & Transportation Employees Association.
Richard McIntosh added Gateway Gun Club.
Jonas Arjes terminated his registration. He had represented Taney County Partnership.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Kristian Starner, Talibdin El-Amin, and Sam Komo (the big 5-0).
Congratulations
To Dennis Rhodes, legislative aide to Rep. Aaron Griesheimer, on the birth of his son, Alexander Rhodes.