MOScout Daily Update: Ashcroft Roams Beyond SOS - Senate Faces First Test - Schmitt Hires - Gregory Calls for Doubling Police Force and more...
Quick Friday update…
1 Big Thing: Ashcroft Expands His Range
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is increasingly involving himself in policy matters beyond the realm of the secretary of state’s office. It could be positioning for his expected 2024 gubernatorial run.
· Ashcroft’s speech at the opening of session was wide-ranging, championing educational choice and truth in sentencing.
· Ashcroft testified at the recent hearing on transgender issues.
· And testified again yesterday on Rep. Lane Roberts’ crime bill. “I think there are a lot of great things in this bill…”
Why It Matters
This isn’t entirely new. Ashcroft was a behind-the-scenes player in the Republicans’ intra-party redistricting battle last year.
· And that episode showed that Ashcroft doesn’t always coordinate with Republican leaders or move in lockstep with their plans.
Senate To Start Debate Next Week
The honeymoon period could be coming to an end in the Senate.
The few early potential bumps – passing the rules, some folks not getting chairmanships – have been navigated calmly and without drama.
But next week we’ll see the start of floor debate. It’ll be the first test for how the body handles conflict and compromise.
Second on the perfection calendar is Sen. Andrew Koenig’s Parents’ Bill of Right bill, which includes anti-CRT language…
Gregory Makes Official Announcement
Former Rep. David Gregory officially announced his bid for Senate 15, emphasizing crime as a centerpiece of his campaign, and proposing that St. Louis County double its police force.
Press release: “We can’t afford anymore soft, do-nothing Republicans. It’s time to get bold and drive home the conservative agenda. We’re coming… We’re coming for criminals. It’s time for violent crime in St. Louis County to end. We can start by doubling the police force.”
Meanwhile
Some readers think that recently-announced rival Mark Harder will prove a tough opponent for Gregory…
· I laughed out loud at the idea that Harder is unknown in the district – most of which is in his Council district where he's won 3 times…
· Is the Gregory supporter drunk? Harder has half that district. More people know their local officials and Gregory just moved in…
· Gregory’s strategy was to raise money and support early in order to keep people out of the race. Clearly not working.
Meet Metrc
In the lobbyists’ registrations (below) Andy Blunt added Metrc as a client.
Metrc provides information technology for Department of Health and Senior Services system of medical and recreational marijuana regulation.
DHSS is extending Metrc’s contract, without bid, because “any disruption in application and tracking services in the middle of licensing will have a uniquely harmful effect under Missouri’s law.”
See the Single Feasible Source explanation here.
Schmitt Announces Staff
Press release: U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt announced key staff hirings in his office…
· Jimmy Peacock will serve as Chief of Staff. Peacock previously served as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, and managed her successful campaign against Abby Finkenauer. Prior to that, Peacock worked as Special Assistant to Ed Gillespie during his gubernatorial race and to Senator Marco Rubio in his Senate office.
· Ashley Schulte will serve as State Director. Schulte previously served as Digital Director for Chairwoman Elise Stefanik and as a digital strategist for the Republican Governors Association, while also working as a consultant for The Prosper Group. Schulte resides in Kansas City, Missouri.
· Meghan McCann will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff. McCann recently served as a Special Assistant to the President for Presidential Personnel in the Trump Administration and previously worked in the offices of Representatives Ann Wagner and Billy Long. McCann is originally from St. Louis, Missouri.
· Andrew Dziedzic will serve as Legislative Director. Dziedzic served as Chief of Staff in the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office under Schmitt, served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Attorney General’s Office under Schmitt, and also served as Policy Director for the Schmitt for Senate campaign. Dziedzic is originally from St. Charles, Missouri.
· Chris Nuelle will serve as Communications Director. Nuelle served as Senator Schmitt’s Press Secretary during his tenure as Attorney General, and previously served as Communications Director for the Missouri Republican Party. Nuelle is originally from St. Louis, Missouri.
· Marianna Deal will serve as Senior Advisor for External Communications. Before serving as Communications Director in the Attorney General’s Office, Deal spent several decades at public relations firm Fleishman-Hillard as a corporate and crisis counselor for major businesses and organizations, and also served as Press Secretary for the late Congressman Bill Emerson. Deal is originally from Sikeston, Missouri.
· Justin Smith will serve as Senior Advisor. Smith previously served as Chief of Staff and First Assistant Attorney General to Schmitt in the Attorney General’s Office. Before that, Smith worked for the law firm Shook, Hardy and Bacon, and previously held several positions in state government, including at the Missouri Department of Agriculture. He and his family reside in New Bloomfield, Missouri.
Help Wanted
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District seeks Manager of Public Affairs. “Provides leadership and manages the daily operations of the public affairs staff; directs, develops and motivates staff to meet objectives that assist in achieving the District's strategic business plan; Plans and directs development and communication of information designed to keep public informed of District programs, accomplishments, or point of view; prepares and distributes comprehensive reports and media materials/press releases and represents the District directly before general public as chief spokesperson; arranges for and conducts public contact programs designed to meet District objectives; promotes goodwill through such publicity efforts as speeches, exhibits, films, tours, and question/answer sessions; represents the District during community projects and at public, social, and business gatherings… Salary: $77,300.00 - $118,900.00 Annually…”
Green Complaint Dismissed
The Missouri Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint against St. Louis Board of Aldermen President Megan Green. Read the dismissal here.
Lobbyists Registrations
Tom Dempsey and Dave Berry added Intralot, Inc.
Gunnar See added County Commissioners Association of Missouri.
Andy Blunt added Metrc; and deleted Waymo LLC, A.T. Still University, Accenture LLP, Autoreturn, and Elara Caring.
John Bardgett, Jacqueline Bardgett, and Chris Roepe deleted Lathrop GPM LLP.
$5K+ Contributions
Missouri Alliance PAC (pro-Patterson) - $10,000 from Charter Communications.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Jill Schupp, Dan Guenther, and Tracey Joyce.