MOScout Daily Update: Sports Wagering IPs Filed - Dogan Unveils Endorsements - Parson EO - Docs for Alexander - Waller for House - WackoBirds and more....
Sports Wagering IPs Filed
After years of stalled legislative efforts, advocates for sports wagering have begun the initiative petition process.
Nine different versions legalizing sports wagering were filed yesterday with the Secretary of State’s office. All are constitutional amendments stating that “any entity licensed by the Missouri Gaming Commission may offer Sports Wagering in this state.”
The tax rate varies among the versions from 6.75% to 21%, though in every version the revenue would be split between education and infrastructure.
The IPs were filed by Stinson’s Alix Cossette. Find them here.
Shamed Unveils Endorsements
Rep. Shamed Dogan announced a slew of endorsements for his St. Louis County Executive bid. Among the names: Jim Talent, John Hancock, County Councilman Tim Fitch, House Majority Leader, Floor Leader Dean Plocher, Reps. Dottie Bailey, Bruce DeGroot, David Gregory, and Michael O’Donnell, former legislators like Jean Evans, David Klarich and Sue Allen, and bunch of mayors.
What It Means
The Dogan strategy is to focus on the general election and have no serious primary threat. Avoiding having to spend any serious money in the primary – or having to run too far right – is critical for a Republican to have a chance in the Democratic majority St. Louis County. These endorsements go a long way in showing Shamed has coalesced the support of conservative leaders as well as disenfranchised mayors throughout the county.
WackoBird-Gate
Politico reports… Republican Reps. Ann Wagner (Mo.) and Michael McCaul (Texas) were at an event at Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar on Capitol Hill last Thursday. Standing by the bar, a person in their group asked about redistricting in Missouri and said he hoped Wagner gets a more conservative district to help her win reelection. Wagner, a center-right Republican, responded skeptically: “Then you get those wacko birds,” she said….
Parson’s New EO
Governor Mike Parson issued a new executive order intended to oppose the Biden Administration’s vaccine mandates. Read it here. Its practical impact was immediately debated, and discounted or denounced by people from across the political spectrum.
· Minority Leader Crystal Quade: “The governor’s executive order appears carefully crafted to do absolutely nothing – except promote the attorney general’s latest frivolous lawsuit at taxpayer expense. If these two put as much energy into fighting the pandemic as they do into fighting those fighting the pandemic, Missouri would be in a much stronger position.”
· Sen. Bob Onder, in Post-Dispatch: “It’s a rare day that Crystal Quade and I agree.”
· Sen. Bill Eigel, on Twitter: “This covers the 50k state employees in the Executive Branch. What about the other 6.1 million Missourians that also need protection?? And how many of these state employees were being forced to get the vaccine before this EO?”
ROTO (Reminder of the Obvious)
· The vaccines are safe and effective.
· Getting people vaccinated is good for their health and good for the economy.
· Our leaders should be encouraging the 42% of Missourians over the age of 12 who aren’t fully vaccinated become so.
Alexander Touts Doctors’ Support
In CD-4, Dr. Sam Alexander announced the support of dozens of doctors.
Excerpt from letter of support: Sam Alexander MD has practiced in Southwest Missouri as an emergency room physician for over 30 years. We know he grasps the difficulties physicians face in this increasingly challenging business environment. He understands the implications of decreasing physician reimbursement on the quality of care we can provide our patients. He has endured the same frustration many physicians, like ourselves, have in dealing with insurance companies and burdensome regulations. He understands the need for tort reform.
I am asking that you join me and many others in the medical community in supporting Dr. Sam Alexander for Congress. You will be joining hundreds of others who are committing money, time and helping share his message to others.
What It Means
· First, it offers a glimpse of what may be a cornerstone of the campaign message: Alexander is uniquely qualified to improve the country’s healthcare system. Healthcare is consistently one of the more pressing issues facing America voters.
· Second, the doctors say that they’re committing money to the Alexander campaign. We’ll see if he’s able to tap into the medical community to bolster his campaign fundraising.
Tilley Hanger Deal Stalls
St. Louis Business Journal reports Steven Tilley’s purchase of air hangars at Chesterfield's Spirit of St. Louis Airport has apparently fallen through.
Bayer spokeswoman, Susan Luke, indicated the deal with Tilley hasn't closed… "As with the sale of any significant asset, not all accepted offers become final purchases for a variety of reasons," Luke said. "Bayer will not comment on the specifics of any previous offers, other than to say the company continues to speak with interested parties about the hangar but has so far not found a buyer."
Waller for House
Ken Waller, has announced he’ll run for House 114 where Rep. Becky Ruth is termed.
“I am excited for this opportunity to run for the Missouri House of Representatives. I am bringing my experience as the County Clerk and County Executive. I believe that this will allow me to present legislation that we protect our citizens voting rights and protect election integrity. I know I have big shoes to fill following Representative Ruth’s tenure, but I am up for the challenge and know I will get the job done,” said Waller….
During his tenure in Hillsboro, Waller has served as the First County Executive and the County Clerk. He is an active member of Victory Church in Pevely. He is a founding member of the Eastern Missouri Conservative Club and a member of the Elks Fraternal Waller will be running for the Republican nomination in the August primary.
New Committes
Scott Riedel formed a candidate committee, Riedel for State Senate District #16, to run for Senate 16 as a Republican. This would create a primary for Sen. Justin Brown. Riedel is a retired military chaplain. See the paperwork here.
Lobbyists Registrations
Amy Blunt added The Mayo Clinic.
Gamble & Schlemeier added M.A.R.C.H. Inc.
Tanya Rosin added Verizon Communications And Affiliated Companies.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rep. Mike Henderson, Cara Hoover, Chip Casteel, Ewell Lawson, and Gail McCann Beatty.
Saturday: Rep. Bruce DeGroot, Kyna Iman, Mark Parkinson, and Vince Schoemehl.
Sunday: Ken McClure.
MOScout Schedule
Taking the weekend off… No Weekender, No Sunday6. See you on Monday.