MOScout Daily Update: Valentine Endorsements - "Trump Won" Pledge - May Revenues Soar - CC's Leadership Path and more...
First in MOScout: Valentine Rolls Out Endorsements
Trudy Busch Valentine, running for US Senate, will roll out her endorsement list this morning. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver headlines the list. Others include…
State Senator Lauren Arthur
State Representative Ashley Aune
Mayor Yolanda Austin
State Representative Donna Baringer
State Senator Doug Beck
State Representative Steve Butz
Former St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley
Freedom Incorporated
Former Congressman Dick Gephardt
St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green
Former Governor Bob Holden
St. Louis City 14th Ward Alderwoman Carol Howard
State Representative Keri Ingle
Former St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson
State Representative Ian Mackey
State Representative Tracy McCreery
St. Louis City 16th Ward Alderman Tom Oldenburg
State Representative Wes Rogers
State Senator Jill Schupp
Former State Senator Scott Sifton
Former Mayor Francis Slay
2nd District At-Large Legislator Crystal Williams
Pro-Trump = Pro-Big Lie?
Former President Donald Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election results is making “The Big Lie” a way for Republicans to prove that they’re most pro-Trump than their primary opponents.
ROMO (Reminder of the Obvious): This is not good for our country – or democracy.
One Republican consultant: In the 4th congressional district, Only RINO’s believe Trump lost…
CC’s Path to Leadership
In Jason Hancock’s article about Senate infighting (see it here) Jim Lembke says that the 100 PAC is trying to back candidates that will vote for different Senate leadership.
“Our hope,” Lembke said, “is that the candidates we support in these races will be supportive of new leadership next year that is going to do big Republican reforms.”
With the disclaimer that the Senate can be a mercurial creature and Republican Caucus votes in the past have seemingly taken unforeseen turns, it’s hard to see how the Conservative Caucus wins a leadership race.
Even if they run the tables in the August primaries, they’re still a clear minority in the Senate Republican Caucus.
Additionally, their tactics last session have hardened the resentment among many members of the so-called Regular Republicans.
I haven’t heard of any challenge to Sen. Caleb Rowden’s expected ascent to the Pro Tem position. The CC’s path to leadership change would focus on the Floor Leader race. And in that race, the Conservative Caucus would need to offer their bloc of votes in return for some promises – floor time for their priorities.
· Of the folks mentioned to run for Floor Leader, Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer probably has the best relationship with the Conservative Caucus and would be the most likely to receive their support.
· Another possibility would be if Sen. Andrew Koenig sought a leadership position. He’s a member of the CC, but acts as a bridge to the wider Republican Caucus and often eschews their divisive tactics.
May Revenues
State tax receipts in May were once again strong, rising 46% above the same month in 2021. They were powered by higher individual income tax receipts.
State revenue is up 13% over last year for the fiscal year-to-date, with Jim Moody noting in his report that we have already – with one month remaining – exceeded the consensus revenue estimate.
What It Means
If Governor Mike Parson line-item vetoes anything in next year’s budget it’s not because of money.
Next Abortion Battlefield?
Axios reports on a possible next battlefield if Roe is overturned… sanctuary cities (blue cities in red states). Read it here.
· Some local officials in liberal enclaves within red states say they won't help enforce bans on abortion if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade.
· The big picture: Cities have a "wide range of powers they can draw on to try to safeguard and expand access to reproductive health care, including abortion," said Andrea Miller, president of the National Institute for Reproductive Health, an organization that supports abortion rights.
· That's an echo of the "sanctuary cities" that don't aid in federal immigration enforcement.
New Committees
Freedom Principle MO Missouri First PAC was formed. Its treasurer is Allen McDonnell. See the filing here.
Lobbyists Registrations
David Frantze added Arabia Salvage, LTD and Steamboat National Museum.
Jake Silverman added Micron Pure LLC.
Brian Bernskoetter deleted Chemistry Council of Missouri, and Curaleaf.
Tom Dempsey deleted Regional Strategies.
Fran Flotron, David McIntosh, and David McCracken deleted United For Missouri.
Derek Leffert deleted Missouri One Call System, Inc.
Will Marrs and Kelli Richardson deleted Burch & Associates.
Carol Mitchell deleted Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Bill Stouffer deleted Drivewyze Inc.
Casey Wasser deleted Dish Network LLC, DirecTV LLC, and Parents Bill of Rights PAC.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Dean Dohrman, Dick Burke, and Chris Lonsdale.