MOScout Daily Update: Butz and Baringer Back May - Why Abuse Claim Could Hurt Greitens - Kehoe Lands AgBiz Support - Waiting on Hough and more...
Senate Perfects Sexual Assault Bill
The Senate perfected Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s SB 775 after adding compromise language from Sen. Rick Brattin on preventing sexually explicit books in schools.
· The Senate has tied its session streak for two normal days in a row!
Baringer and Butz Back May in Senate 4
Rep. Steve Butz wishing to “squelch any speculation” a potential Senate 4 run says, “I am singularly focused on winning re-election in the 81st District. I believe there is no substantive comparison to be made between myself and my primary opponent and will continue to demonstrate that as a lifelong resident of south city and a competent hard worker both in district and in Jefferson City the voters will validate my record in the upcoming election. In addition, Sen. Karla May has my full endorsement and I have hers. Together we will work tirelessly for our respective districts and the best interests of our city.”
Likewise, Rep. Donna Baringer says: While it is an honor to be approached by so many constituents and St Louisans and asked to run for state Senate, I will not run against a Democratic incumbent. State senator Karla May and I have spoken and I know she has filed again to continue representing the fourth senatorial district for another four-year term. I am confident in her ability to continue providing a strong voice for St. Louis and its people, values, and priorities in the upper chamber, and I hope to continue working with her on issues that matter to my constituents.
Meanwhile I will run for my fourth and final term in the house. If the voters of the 82nd house district once again honor me with the privilege to represent them, I will continue to utilize my in-depth knowledge of city issues to support legislation that will help St. Louis grow and prosper and oppose anything that would negatively impact city residents.
What It Means
May is consolidating support among the elected officials and potential rivals in the new Senate 4.
· There’s still no word from Rep. Peter Merideth who last month told folks he was undecided about whether to run for a 4th term. The redrawing of Senate 4 may have complicated those considerations.
Sheena Rebuts Ex-Husband’s Claim
Sheena Greitens tweeted out a rebuttal to Eric Greitens’ claim that her court filing in their custody case was politically motivated.
I stand by my sworn statements. I did not discuss the contents of my affidavit with anyone other than my counsel and, after the affidavit was filed, my immediate family. My only interest is what’s best for my two children, and for the last four years, I have gone to great lengths to keep these family matters private to protect them. I am not interested in litigating this matter anywhere other than the courtroom…
The Case for Why This Hurts Greitens
One politico explains why this could be more damaging to Greitens than past scandals…
· There are definitely a key group of supporters that will stay with him no matter what, but I think a lot of his support is soft and name ID based.
· Some people who will overlook infidelity pretty easily, but this paints a nasty picture.
· I think this keeps him from getting Trump’s endorsement and, perhaps most importantly, it requires national groups/organization/the party to get more engaged to ensure he doesn’t win.
Waiting on Senate 30
Seven days left for candidate filing, and we’re still waiting for Sen. Lincoln Hough to file for re-election in Senate 30. I’ve made subtle inquiries and have been told there’s no great surprise is in the works.
Meanwhile, Rep. Crystal Quade hasn’t filed to run for re-election for her House seat, presumably waiting on Hough. If he didn’t run for re-election for whatever reason, she might make the bold move. Senate 30 tilts slightly Republican (Parson won by 3.7% in 2020, though McCaskill won by 1% in 2018), but could be won by a hard-working Dem with name ID – if it were an open seat.
We’ll see…
Kehoe Announces Another Endorsement
Lieutenant Mike Kehoe landed another endorsement to be the state’s next governor. The Missouri Agribusiness Association made their endorsement public yesterday.
This is his fourth big endorsement (Cattlemen, police officers, and Soybean Association have all endorsed him).
· It’s becoming a trend for Kehoe: running hard at 2024, positioning himself well in that gubernatorial race.
Hartzler Unveils Ag Supporters
Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, running for US Senate, unveiled her “Farmers and Ranchers for Vicky Leadership Team.” It’s a tour de force of her team’s grassroots organizing, featuring dozens of agriculture names from across the state. See the release here.
The leadership team consists of agriculture leaders from every corner of Missouri who will lead the campaign’s agriculture coalition. If elected, Hartzler would be one of the only farmers serving in the U.S. Senate. Charlie Kruse, long-time former President of Missouri Farm Bureau (1992-2010), will serve as Chairman of Farmers and Ranchers for Vicky.
COVID Hospitalizations Sink to New Lows
Everyone knows this, but it still feels good to put the chart up…
New Candidate Filings
As expected, Rep. Rusty Black withdrew from running for House 7 and filed to run for Senate 12 (Hegeman termed).
Doyle Justus filed to run in House 41 (Troy) as a Republican, making this a 3-way primary. This is a safe Republican district.
M. Rene Yoesel filed to run in House 42 (Warrenton) as a Republican, creating an open seat primary. This is a safe Republican district.
Jenna Roberson filed to run in House 63 (Wentzville) as a Democrat. This is a safe Republican district.
Bob Mahacek filed to run in House 92 (South St. Louis County) as a Republican, taking on incumbent Democrat Michael Burton in this lean Democrat district.
Kyle Kerns filed to run in House 94 (South St. Louis County) as a Democrat, taking on incumbent Republican Jim Murphy, in a lean Republican district.
Brad Banderman and Brian Pickard filed to run in House 119 (Franklin County) as Republicans, creating a 3-way primary in this safe Republican district.
$5K+ Contributions
Legal Missouri 2022 - $25,000 from Mocann Trade PAC.
Page PAC - $10,000 from McBride & Son Management LLC.
BNSF Railway Company RAILPAC Missouri - Federal Committee - $35,000 from BNSF Railway Company RAILPAC.
Lobbyists Registrations
Brittany Hyatt Robbins added Concordance Academy of Leadership.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Jacqueline Bardgett, and Tom Loehner.