MOScout Daily Update: $1.5M to MedEx - Anti-Wulff Ad in Senate 23 - Anti-Rehder Ad in Senate 27 - YAL Endorsements and more...

Dark $$$ to MedEx Campaign

The Medicaid expansion campaign received a huge contribution over the weekend.  The North Fund contributed $1.5M.

The North Fund is about as dark as dark money gets.

·         The DCist notes: “The online footprint for North Fund is practically nonexistent, and registration paperwork similarly leads to dead ends.”

·         Colorado Sun reached a spokesperson apparently: “[A] North Fund spokeswoman wouldn’t say where the group’s money comes from — just that it ‘partners with committed community leaders to help make our country a more just, fair and equitable place.’”

What It Means

The MedEx campaign has been steadily recording large contributions.  With this additional $1.5M, their ads already on the airwaves, and new endorsements announced seemingly every week, they have all the momentum with three weeks left.

Senate Primaries Getting Rough

If the latest batch of ads are any indication, we’re in for a rough and tumble final stretch in Republican senate primaries across the state.

·         In Senate 23, Sen. Bill Eigel appears to be trying to define his primary opponent Eric Wulff first.  His ad (see it here) attacks Wulff for defending a client accused of child pornography, and for voting to raise taxes as a school board member.

·         In Senate 27, Rep. Kathy Swan’s ad hits Rep. Holly Rehder for missed votes.  See the ad here.  She employs the Trumpian tactic of creating a nickname “No-Show Holly” while attempting to tie Rehder to Biden and Sanders on voting rights, and McCaskill on PDMP.

YAL Endorsements

Young Americans for Liberty made their Missouri endorsements. YAL’s “Operation Win at the Door” means these candidates will get volunteer to go door to door, knocking thousands of doors.

·         Senate 29 – Mike Moon

·         House 9 – Tina Goodrick (St. Joseph’s, Solon termed).

·         House 33 – Chris Sander (Harrisonville, Pfautsch termed).

·         House 56 – Michael Davis (Belton, Bondon for senate).

·         House 62 – Chris Beyer (north of Rallo, Hurst termed).

·         House 115 – Ryan Jones (DeSoto, Gannon termed).

·         House 116 – Bryant Wolfin (Farmington, Wright running for re-election).

·         House 130 – Bishop Davidson (Republic, Messenger termed).

·         House 143 – Jaret Holden (Salem, Pogue termed).

·         House 148 – Will Perry (Sikeston, Rehder termed).

·         House 156 – Brian Seitz (Branson, Justus termed).

Dems Ding Parson on Mask

The governor attended the Cattlemen’s Annual Steak Fry, declining to wear a mask.  The press release: “Governor Mike Parson's refusal to wear a mask or social distance at campaign events is reckless, dangerous, and puts Missourians at risk. The governor's failure to follow his own advice and wear a mask isn't just hypocritical — it's an abdication of leadership…”

And one MOScouter worried about the governor’s own safety: “Not a single face mask. Not one, in conversations and in line when not eating and drinking… An older crowd full of co-morbidities, including the 65-year-old governor, who has had cardiac issues…”

Jobs as Crime Deterrent

With the governor mulling a special session focused on crime, some worry it will devolve into election year “tough on crime” pandering. But if data suggests that unemployed ex-cons are highly likely to commit new crimes, might Parson seek to include in his crime package measures that would raise the odds of successful re-entry, especially for parolees w/ high recidivism risk and/or a history of violent offenses?

Former Sen. Jeff Smith is featured in a recent column by Tony Messenger (see it here) looking at efforts to connect former offenders with employers.

Help Wanted

American Council of Engineering Companies of Missouri (ACEC) seeks President/CEO. “Under the direction of the ACEC-MO Board of Directors (the Board), the President and CEO has broad responsibility for managing the association and implementing plans, policies and procedures adopted by the Board.”   See the ad here.

Lobbyists Registrations

Randy Allen terminated his lobbyist registration.  He retired from the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce this month.

New Committees

ShowMeJeffCO PAC was formed.  Its treasurer is Chris Eldridge.

Mike Carter formed an exemption committee to run for lieutenant governor as a Republican.

$5K+ Contributions

Missourians for Healthcare - $1,500,000 from North Fund (Washington DC).

Missourians for Healthcare - $88,000 from North Fund (Washington DC).

Missourians for Healthcare - $16,538 from Missouri Hospital Association.

Majority Forward - $100,000 from CHIPP Political Account.

Patriot PAC - $50,000 from CL PAC.

Brattin Brigade PAC - $50,000 from CL PAC.

Table Rock Conservative PAC - $25,000 from CL PAC.

Truth in Campaigns - $10,000 from Simmons Hanly.

Birthdays

Happy birthdays to Rep. Scott Cupps, Brent Lasater, Tim Meadows, Jeff Craver, Gary Marshall, Cory McMahon, and Jeff Howell.