MOScout Weekender: Treasurer Talk - Hallway Sees DeSantis in 2024 - Poll on Senate Pre-Files - WWTW and more...

More Treasurer Talk

Chatter continues as folks wonder who Governor Mike Parson will ultimately pick to be the next state treasurer.  MOScout readers have told me recently…

·       Sen. Holly Rehder is in the mix, but she would NOT run against the governor’s pick in 2024.

·       Also under discussion is “safe” pick Rep. Cody Smith.  Like Scott Fitzpatrick, Smith is the House Budget Chair and presumably already up to speed on the state’s financial situation and processes.  Smith has strong fundraising capacity – if he were to make a 2024 run.

·       And one reader tips that Sen. Sandy Crawford is still being considered, but that she’s interested in fulfilling the role for two years and not interested in running a statewide campaign in 2024.
Everyone still think we get a decision before Christmas.

Remington/MOScout Poll: Senate Pre-Files

Survey conducted December 13 through December 14, 2022. 757 likely 2024 November Election voters participated in the survey. Survey weighted to match expected turnout demographics for the 2024 November Election. Margin of Error is +/-3.3% with a 95% level of confidence. Totals do not always equal 100% due to rounding. Survey conducted by Remington Research Group on behalf of Missouri Scout. Find the full results here.

I will read you and handful of proposals offered in the Missouri Legislature. After hearing each proposal, please indicate if you support or oppose that proposal.  

Q1: SB 236 prohibits health care providers from providing gender transition procedures to any minor, or from referring any minor to another health care provider for such procedures. Do you support or oppose this proposal?  

Support: 41% 

Oppose: 34% 

Not sure: 25%  

Q2: SB 240 changes the conduct of primary elections.  Under current law, primary election voters are able to take a ballot from any political party.  This bill would allow voters to only take a primary election ballot of the political party with which they are affiliated. Do you support or oppose this proposal?  

Support: 32%  

Oppose: 52%  

Not sure: 16%  

Q3: SB 283 prohibits health benefit plans from imposing a co-pay of more than $30 for a 30-day supply of a prescription insulin drug. Do you support or oppose this proposal?  

Support: 59% 

Oppose: 18%  

Not sure: 23%  

Q4: SB 317 earmarks 2% of net general revenue collections each year to widen, improve or maintain Interstate 70. Do you support or oppose this proposal?  

Support: 53%  

Oppose: 24%  

Not sure: 23%  

Q5: SB 330 prohibits the manufacture, sale or possession of assault rifles. Do you support or oppose this proposal?  

Support: 37% 

Oppose: 50%  

Not sure: 13% 

MOScout’s Hallway Index: On 2024

I asked lobbyists, “Best guess Republican presidential nominee in 2024...” 20 replies…

RESULTS

1. Ron DeSantis… 55%

2. Donald Trump… 10%

3. The field (someone else)… 35%

Sample of Comments

·       Youngkin

·       More and more “regulars” are sick of Trump.  His grip on the party and his faithful followers is fading.

·       Watch Tim Scott

·       Foreign affairs not domestic will rule the day. Tom Cotton or Mike Pompeo.

Who Won the Week?

Criminal justice reform –The Lamar Johnson case is in the headlines, Reps. Shamed Dogan and Tracy McCreery were Dr. Phil talking about the Patty Prewitt case… The issue is having its moment. 

Senate Republicans – The positive vibes are there.  Everyone’s talking a good game. We’re about a month away from seeing if they have indeed learned to live with each other.

Josh Hawley – Hops from one populist issue to the next.  This week, it’s going after TikTok by banning it from government employees’ smart phones. 

Rodney Gray – Polsinelli’s top lawyer/lobbyist announces he’s retiring.   Every lobbyist dreams of getting out before their third read…

Find a downloadable version here.

Gubby Appts

Governor Mike Parson announced two judicial appointments…

·       Joshua B. Christensen, of Springfield, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 31st Judicial Circuit.

·       Kaiti Greenwade, of Willard, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 31st Judicial Circuit.

$5K+ Contributions

American Dream (pro-Kehoe) - $10,000 from Hulett Chevrolet.

American Dream - $10,000 from Reed Automotive Group.

The Madison PAC - $12,000 from Blue Cross and Blue Shield Kansas City.

Birthdays

Happy birthdays to Kristian Starner, Talibdin El-Amin, Sam Komo, and Barney Joe Fisher.

Sunday: Mike Grote, Merri Berry, Kevin Elmer, Derrick Good, and Dennis Fowler.