MOScout Daily Update: McDowell Runs Local - Veto Sess Fundys - Sifton For Court Packing - MEC on TX Law and more...

McDowell Goes Local

It would be a bit of a come down for some people to run for auditor, then governor, and now… board of directors of Lake St. Louis Community Association. But hey, you’re called to serve, you’re called to serve.

More on Williams

One insider offers observations about Sen. Brian Williams and his congressional ambition.  I think Brian is waiting on redistricting but all signs point towards more of his district and St. Louis County being in CD1. Lacy Clay did win in St. Louis County vs Cori Bush… Williams would be a good candidate to get a unique coalition to support him. His work to pass actual criminal justice reform measures will be a good talking point. He will be able to raise more traditional money while Bush's strong suit is her online fundraising and she now has a national profile.

Rumorville: Adams Eyes Senate 14?

Tipster says that Rep. Joe Adam’s is calling supporters to run for Williams’ senate seat “whether or not Williams runs for Congress”… He believes he can beat Williams heads up because Clay is not around to carry Williams to victory again….

Jeff City Fundys

Veto Session is next week, and invites are circuiting.  Here are a couple I’ve seen…

·         Sens. Jason Bean, Justin Brown, Lincoln Hough, Tony Luetkemeyer, Cindy O’Laughlin, and Holly Rehder at lobbyist Rich AuBuchon’s house Monday night.

·         Senator Dr. Bob Onder, Tuesday 5-6:30PM at The Grand Cafe

And then…

The following week Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe and Sen. Hough are hitting St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield with events hosted by the auto dealers. See an invite here.

While this comes on the heels of the successful gas tax, there’s a broader business agenda these two supported: solutions for technology problems, supporting workforce development and keeping mandates off businesses.  

Sifton for Court Packing

Press release: As the U.S. Supreme Court's vote on Texas’ terrible new anti-choice law made clear last week, the Trump-packed Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade next year. To prevent this, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Scott Sifton is calling for the Senate to increase the number of justices on the Supreme Court.

“The truth is Mitch McConnell stole two seats on the Supreme Court, first by blocking President Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland and then by breaking his own rule and rushing through the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett just weeks before the 2020 presidential election,” said Scott Sifton….

What It Means

Sifton takes an aggressive stand, one that’s much more popular with the party base than with regular Americans.  Sifton’s persona is thoughtful and sometimes overly-intellectual.  Not a bad thing for Democrats, but perhaps this is more of a “fighter” stand, and may help generate some excitement for his campaign.

MEC on TX Law

Press release: State Representative Mary Elizabeth Coleman commends the United States Supreme Court’s decision allowing the Texas Heartbeat Act to go into effect.

“While legal challenges continue, I applaud the life-affirming decision of the Supreme Court to

allow the Texas Heartbeat Act to move forward, but the fight for life continues. As an architect of Missouri’s HB 126, I am confident that the 8th Circuit en banc review will uphold the Missouri Stands For the Unborn Act. Furthermore, I commit that the first bill I will file in the upcoming session will ensure Missouri's unborn receive the same protection as the unborn in Texas.”

Coleman looks forward to working with State Representative Nick Schroer, State Representative

Adam Schnelting, and State Senator Andrew Koenig, fellow architects of the 2019 “Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act.”

What It Means

While the main action of HB126 continues through the courts, we will see some follow-on action dealing with abortion next session.  With some spirited Republican primaries in 2022, folks will be happy to show where they stand with some votes.

Schmitt Makes Play For Both Wings

Jeff Fox is one of the hosts for a big Eric Schmitt fundy coming up.  See the invite here.

Fox writes to invitees: “If the Democrats win control of the Senate there will not be a bullhead to contain a number of the liberal policies that the current administration is trying to push through Congress.  Missouri is critical to holding the Senate.  With the retirement of Senator Blunt our seat is in play… Eric is from St. Louis, has won a statewide seat, has great name recognition, and most importantly is a balanced Republican…”

·         We’re at the stage where folks see what they want in their candidates, and Fox seems to be ignoring FoxNews Schmitt and remembering Kirkwood state senator Schmitt.  As one MOScouter says, “You can’t be a member of both the Fox and Trump wings of the GOP.”

Gubby Appts

Governor Mike Parson announced the following appointments.

·         Sidney Conklin, of Huntsville, was appointed to the Coroner Standards and Training Commission.

·         Brendon Fox, of Rolla, was appointed to the Coroner Standards and Training Commission.

·         William Harlow, of Marshall, was appointed to the Coroner Standards and Training Commission.

·         Daniel Heavin, of Troy, was appointed as the Lincoln County Coroner.

·         Colton Marti, of Curryville, was appointed as the Pike County Coroner.

·         Randy Nace, of Webb City, was appointed as the Jasper County Coroner.

New Committees

NEMO Leadership PAC was formed.  Its treasurer is Amber Watson.

$5K+ Contributions

A Better Missouri Political Action Committee - $19,610 from Anheuser-Busch Cos.

Missouri Leadership Forum - $15,000 from Sellenriek Construction, Inc.

Missouri Leadership Forum - $15,000 from Drury Development Corporation.

House Republican Campaign Committee, Inc - $15,000 from Cheyenne International LLC.

JW Leadership Fund (pro-Wiemann) - $10,000 from Missouri Soybean Association.

JW Leadership Fund - $6,500 from Western Shamrock Corporation.

Committee for Liberty (pro-Ashcroft) - $25,000 from August A Busch III.

Ozark Gateway Leadership PAC (pro-Cody Smith) - $10,000 from Systems Services, Inc.

Citizens to Save Hazelwood & Fire Services - $5,686 from Save Our Fire.

Birthdays

Happy birthdays to Megan Price, and John Quinn.