MOScout Daily Update: GOP Sen's Fall Caucus - Music Industry Incentives Ahead? - Roberts Raises $$$ - Passing of a Mentor - McCracken Weds and more...
Look at this happy guy…
Flotron McIntosh lobbyist David McCracken is marrying Isabel Pastrana at 6:30PM tonight at the El Dorando Resort in Cancun Mexico. David and Isabel met in grade school and reconnected several years ago.
The wedding was postponed a year due to Covid travel restrictions. The wedding party included Kit Crancer, Zach Brunnert, and Jamey Murphy. (Kit and Zach couldn’t make the trip though) and Judge Mike Colona signed the official wedding license.
Still Sore Senate GOP Caucus
Republican Senate’s “fall caucus” this week showed signs that there are still hard feelings from last session. Here are nuggets I heard…
· Sens. Denny Hoskins and Paul Wieland are still upset, with both voicing frustration about the way the Graves confirmation was handled and about the end of the session.
· Divisions remain. There’s a chasm between the “regular” Republicans and the Conservative Caucus on issues, but even the CC is not “lockstep” on every issue.
· A majority of the caucus backs the notion of a 6-2 congressional map. But not everyone. Among those pushing for the more aggressive 7-1 map is Sen. Bill Eigel.
Roberts Raises $50K
Sen. Steven Roberts had a bustling fundraiser last night, reportedly raising over $50,000. Roberts isn’t up for re-election until 2024, but smart politicos never stop raising money – especially with redistricting adding uncertainty into everyone’s future. A war-chest is never a liability.
Big Development Eyes EcoDevo Legislation
Post-Dispatch reports on a huge new music and production facility being built in St. Louis County – and eying incentives for the industry.
· Gateway Studios already has the attention of some of Missouri’s top political leaders, who showed up Thursday for a ceremony marking the start of construction of its 32-acre campus and hotel complex on Spirit Commerce Drive in Chesterfield.
· Attendees at the groundbreaking included Gov. Mike Parson, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, House Speaker-elect Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, and other legislators from beyond Chesterfield. Also present was influential lobbyist John Bardgett, whose client list includes the St. Louis Cardinals and Anheuser-Busch.
· Gateway Studios in August hired Bardgett and four lobbyists from his firm. Kerr said the company is hoping to win support for an incentive program tailored to the music production industry. Pennsylvania has its own program for the industry, which helps draw production companies and acts to the state.
· The governor’s presence and the number of legislators who attended Thursday indicated some political support. Plocher said he was unaware of any specific legislation for the industry, but he said “this is the type of stuff I think we can get behind.”
Passing of A Mentor
David Winton posted a poignant note on Facebook about the passing of his mentor Len Lieberman. Here is an excerpt…
Some of you know how I ended up in Jefferson City, but for those that don't it was just being in the right place at the right time. My first job was at the Jewish Federation in St. Louis back in 1992. Beth and I were just married and I was trying to figure out how not to starve on $26K per year.
Not long after I started an opportunity opened up to fill responsibilities for government affairs (which was pretty rudimentary and no pay increase) and so before I knew it I told my boss that I was the person for the job. With no real knowledge, experience or other skills that would qualify me for this job I embarked on a journey that has been my life's work for almost thirty years.
As I tried to figure out how not to utterly fail I was introduced to Len Lieberman who, at the time, was a leader in the Jewish Federation movement and an incredible lobbyist with a national reputation for effectiveness and character. Len was the guy that showed how lobbying for non-profits should be done. His impact was great for the interests he represented; however, I would argue his greatest impact was mentoring so many young professionals of which I was fortunate to be one.
From my first trip to Springfield in 1992 I spent hours talking with him and learning over more than five years. From there we became colleagues and friends, but I can honestly say I never stopped thinking of him as a mentor. His role in my development was meaningful and lasting.
Throughout the years I have sent many young professionals in the non-profit world to Len's door and of course he was there with open arms. We all have people who have helped us along the way, but Len was a true mentor and more importantly he was inspirational. His passing extinguishes a dim light in me, but the guidance, wisdom and counsel he instilled will always be there.
See Lieberman’s obituary here.
eMailbag on Map
There is high GOP risk in a 6-1-1 or 7-1 map, not just in future elections but in getting a map through the Senate without blowing up the session. Plus Cleaver can work with Republicans and his seniority gives the state more clout in DC, so why make life tougher for him?
Lobbyists Registrations
Catalyst added HopSkipDrive.
Alicia Schmitz added Anheuser-Busch.
$5K+ Contributions
House Democratic Campaign Committee - $5,150 from Peter Merideth For Mo Progress.
Lincoln PAC - $10,000 from Supporters of Health Research and Treatments.
Birthdays
Happy birthday to Ray Reed.