MOScout Daily Update: First Thoughts on Census Data - Panik to NC - Franklin GOP Committee Snubs Schatz - Derges Trial Delayed and more...

First Look Census Data

The Census Bureau published population data yesterday, giving folks a first glimpse at how redistricting may unfold.  Here’s an interactive map you can use to eye the data.

First thoughts…

Overall, the data seems helpful for Dems.  And while Republicans won’t be losing their grip on Missouri anytime soon, the demographic shifts are generally not favorable for them…

Rural Missouri saw overall population losses while the urban and suburban areas generally gained population.

·         The Bootheel, in particular, suffered double digit declines (Dunklin -11.5%, Mississippi – 12.4%, New Madrid -13.3%, and Pemiscot – 14.4%).

·         Dem areas showed gains (Boone +12.9, Clay +14.1%, Jackson +6.4%, and St. Louis County basically flat at +.5%, with St. Louis City down only 5.5%.)

An early look at how the congressional map may change, from Missouri Mapmaker.

Missouri Congressional Districts, by population:

1st: 714,746 (needs 54,618)

2nd: 777,693 (over 8,329)

3rd: 804,485 (over 35,121)

4th: 777,217 (over 7,853)

5th: 788,305 (over 18,941)

6th: 781,005 (over 11,641)

7th: 792,419 (over 23,055)

8th: 719,043 (need 50,321)

·         One scenario these numbers flesh out: The 8th moving north and swallowing Jefferson County.  Meanwhile the 1st, also in need of more voters, would push into the Democratic areas of St. Louis County.  And that probably sends the 2nd farther into St. Charles.  We’ll see…

Panik to NC

Matt Panik, Missouri Chamber of Commerce’s vice-president of government affairs, is leaving Missouri.  He’s heading to North Carolina where he will take a similar role with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance (see their website here).

Before his time with the Chamber, Panik worked for then-Treasurer Eric Schmitt.

Franklin County Snubs Schatz

The Franklin County Republican Central Committee passed a resolution that they will “provide no further material or financial support for any future campaigns or political endeavors, undertaken by Senator Schatz.”

It cites Sen. Dave Schatz’ support for the gas tax as the reason for the declaration.

See the resolution here.

Ben Brown, who is running to replace Schatz in Senate 26, is the chair of the committee.

American Property PAC

For those who watch the $5K+ reports to track campaign contributions, one semi-regular occurrence is money flowing from American Property Casualty Insurance Association into their Missouri PAC.  For example, today (below) $82,688 is moving into the PAC, American Property Casualty Insurance Association Political Account.  It’s interesting because money doesn’t end up in Missouri political campaigns. 

Instead, the PAC here is used to distribute money to national political entities. 

·         On their July report, the largest contributions went to: Friends of Ron DeSantis ($50,000), GOPAC Election Fund ($50,000), Republican Attorneys General Association ($50,000), and Democratic Governors Association ($25,000).

·         On their April report, the largest contributions went to: Republican Governors Association ($85,000), Democratic Governors Association ($50,000), and Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) ($25,000).

Derges Trial Pushed to 2022

Missouri Independent reports on the trial date for Rep. Tricia Derges getting pushed back. Read it here.

·         A Missouri lawmaker indicted earlier this year for allegedly selling fake stem-cell treatments and fraudulently using federal pandemic relief funds has had her trial pushed back until June 2022. That means state Rep. Patricia Derges, R-Nixa, will serve yet another legislative session in exile after her party removed her from committee assignments and kicked her out of the GOP caucus following her 20-count federal indictment in February.

·         Her trial was supposed to begin on Monday. But her attorney asked the court for a delay because a witness for the prosecution suffered a stroke that prevented her from being able to testify. The defense needs to be able to “vigorously cross-examine the subject witness,” Derges’ attorney, Al Watkins, wrote in a motion asking for the delay. The motion noted that prosecutors were supportive of pushing the trial date back.

·         U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David Rush agreed, moving the jury trial to June 6, 2022.

Trans Opinion Piece

New York Times published a video opinion piece about transgender athletes.  See it here.  It’s an interesting personal account, about 5 minutes. “I want to urge both sides to please stop using this issue for your own politics and your podcasts.”

·         Rep. Doug Richey gets a flash of a cameo in the intro.

Gubby Appt

Governor Mike Parson announced the appointment of John Torbitzky to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.  Mr. Torbitzky will succeed Judge Mary Kathryn Hoff who retired on August 2, 2021…

$5K+ Contributions

American Property Casualty Insurance Association Political Account - $82,688 from American Property Casualty Insurance Association.

Legal Missouri 2022 - $22,500 from OXG LLC.

Birthdays

Happy birthdays to Aaron Baker, Edward Wildberger, and Tony Pousosa.

Saturday: Rep. David Griffith, Nancy Cross, Doug Moore, and John Loudon.

Sunday: Rep. Rodger Reedy.

MOScout Schedule

No Weekend editions.  See you Monday!