MOScout Daily Update: Haffner Hint? - Trump's No List - Fitz on Carlson - Ruth Appt Reaction and more...
Haffner Hints?
Rep. Mike Haffner was not at the Republican House Caucus leading to speculation about his future. Haffner is one of three representatives running for the leadership position of Majority Leader. But as one rep said, “If you’re running for floor leader, you show up at caucus.” That’s leading some to think maybe he’s shifted his sights to a congressional bid. It’s been rumored before that he could jump into the CD-4 race.
And… the Facebook ads he’s spending money on right now are all aimed at national politics – Anti-Biden, Anti-Cori Bush etc. Take a look here.
· If it’s true, it’s good news for Rep. Jon Patterson as it gives him a head-to-head match-up Rep. Hannah Kelly.
· And it signifies how much the congressional races remain in flux.
Also From Caucus
The prevailing mood among GOP House members is wary resignation that whatever their wish list may be, its fate is tied to whether the state of the Senate. They can pass a zillion conservative bills, but to get the governor’s desk it has to go through the other chamber, and there’s not a great deal of optimism about that right now.
The subtle power shift is underway as Speaker Rob Vescovo enters his final year. More eyes are watching speaker-designate Dean Plocher…
Don Jr Event In Jeopardy?
Missouri Independent reports that the conservative Defense of Liberty group cancelled their event featuring Donald Trump Jr., after their payment processor severed their relationship. However, the bank then backtracked, calling their move a mistake, seemingly putting the event back on track. Read the article here.
And
State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick jumped on Tucker Carlson to express his outrage at the bank, JPMorgan. “As long as they’re going to discriminate against… about 60% of Missouri…they’re not going to be able to do business with the state of Missouri.”
Reaction to Ruth Appointment
Readers react to news that Rep. Becky Ruth is in line for an appointment to the Office of the Child Advocate…
· This is completely outrageous. The complexities of the child welfare system are immense. From the courts on down, it takes years and years to begin to understand how it all works… It’s truly shameful - politics at its worst and the victims will be innocent little children. Parson had all the potential to be a decent Governor and has thrown it all away. I couldn’t be more angry about this.
· Let me get this straight, as Knodell is testifying to lawmakers Tuesday that he would work to address his agency's plethora of "tears in our safety net", the administration makes plans to replace the well-respected, long serving Director of Office of Child Advocate, who is has real world experience that makes her extremely competent at that thankless job, with a real estate agent that doesn't even serve on any committees in the General Assembly that pertain to children's issues? Children's advocates from both sides of the aisle should be outraged at this move.
· If Ruth is out, Mary Elizabeth Coleman will benefit most as the only woman left in the race…
Trump’s Two-Name No List for MO
Brian Hauswirth, News director for KSSZ, tweets: “Missouri Congressman [Billy Long] traveled to Mar-a-Lago on Monday to meet with former President Donald Trump. Congressman Long tells me former President Trump told him there are two candidates in the race he will not endorse… Congressman Long is not naming the other two GOP primary candidates.”
McCloskey Not Polled
Interesting nugget about a US Senate poll in the field... It asked about favorable and unfavorable on Republican primary candidates, and Donald Trump and Joe Biden, and head-to-head match-ups against a generic Democrat.
Unmentioned in the whole poll: Mark McCloskey. It appears with his campaign failing to gain traction, he’s being written off as a factor…
New Committees
Mo Coalition for Video Lottery PAC was formed. Its treasure is Janie H Arnold. The PAC uses the PO Box and the phone number associated with Arnold & Associates. They represent J&J Ventures, an Illinois video lottery producer which has been eying Missouri.
$5K+ Contributions
Home Builders Association of Greater KC-PAC - $5,125 from Home Builders Assoc of Greater Kansas City.
House Republican Campaign Committee, Inc - $10,000 from Republic Services, Inc.
Birthdays
Happy birthday to Randy Dunn, Brandon Ellington, Charlie Puyear, Danny Powell, and Tim Person.
MOScout Schedule
No Weekend editions this week.