MOScout Daily Update: The Hit on Plocher - Drury Backs Pereles - Big Names for Osete - A Different Bernsy and more...

The Hit on Plocher

An op/ed in The Heartlander lists votes of Speaker Dean Plocher’s that “should give pause to any conservative voter.” It’s likely we’ll be hearing more about these votes as the Republican primary heats up.

·       He voted for SB 262, which increased the state gas tax by a whopping 75%. This move directly contradicts the conservative principle of fiscal responsibility.

·       Plocher supported SB 672, a bill that subsidized government-favored workforce programs. While workforce development is essential, it must be done without expanding government and increasing taxpayer burden.

·       He also voted for SB 631, a bill that critics argue weakens election integrity by expanding absentee voting. Conservatives are rightfully concerned about the integrity of our elections and the need for secure voting processes.

Read the column, entitled “Plocher looks to gather support from moderate Republicans in election bid,” here.

·       On pro-Holly Thompson Rehder commented: “beautiful headline.”

eMailbag: School Stance Leadership Killer?

Agree on the list of impressive Freshmen Republicans. Cameron Parker is very talented but anti Ed Reform. There hasn’t been an anti-education reform Majority Leader, Speaker, or Budget chair in at least a decade, and it’s unlikely that there will be in the future.

Osete Quarter

Jesus Osete filed his October quarter as he embarks on his campaign for judge.  He raised $22,875.  There were lots of big names on report.  Among them: John Ashcroft, Katie Sinquefield, Michael Ketchmark, Jerry Hunter, Will Scharf, David Wasinger, Mark Gaertner, Jen Bukowsky, and Scott Bethune.

·       Osete was general counsel to Jay Ashcroft and deputy solicitor general in the AG’s office under Eric Schmitt.

Moon, Brattin “Cautionary Tales?”

The Hallway Index (MOScout’s informal survey of lobbyists) pointed to Sen. Rick Brattin as the most vulnerable incumbent Republican.  He was two representatives running against him (Reps. Mike Haffner and Dan Houx).  Also listed is Sen. Mike Moon, as there are rumors of Christian County candidate to emerge.

That prompted one reader to comment: “Both Moon and Brattin used their free rides to run for Congress and lost. A cautionary tale?”  The implication being that you shouldn’t you’re your current position for granted as your ambition calls you to higher office.

With Congresswoman Cori Bush taking heat for her stand in the Israeli-Palestinian war, I’m sure there are a couple pols in her area wondering whether its worth taking a shot at her in 2024.  But sometimes a “free pass” isn’t free.

A Different Mike Bernskoetter

Sen. Mike Berskoetter chastised Missourinet, after they mistakenly identified him as the DWI suspect involved in a car accident over the weekend.

 ·       For the record, there are like 1000s of Bernskoetters in Mid-Missouri…

Haffner Endorses Irwin

Rep. Mike Haffner is endorsing a successor. 

Press release: State Representative Mike Haffner, who announced his bid for State Senate District 31 last week, has officially thrown his support behind Captain Bill Irwin for House District 55. Haffner's endorsement underscores Irwin's dedication to upholding the conservative principles that have defined Haffner's own legacy.

·       You’d expect a big primary in a safe Republican district like his, but perhaps this will helps freeze out folks looking at the race.

Drury Backs Pereles

Last week, I passed over an item in the large contributions that deserves a bit more attention.

Drury Development sent $5,200 to the Fearless PAC.  Fearless is the PAC of Joe Pereles, the Democratic candidate in Senate 15.

Senate 15 is one of the top targets for Dems this cycle, and they think their candidate gives them a good shot at it – especially while Republicans have a hot primary bubbling.

The fact that Pereles is being backed by the uber-Republican Drury family is no small feat.  Pereles worked for Drury, and must have won their confidence as someone who would do good work in Jefferson City.

Hardin to Library Board

Buddy Hardin, who ran unsuccessfully for state representative last year, was appointed to the St. Charles City-County Library Board.  See the release here.

County Executive Steve Ehlmann recommended Hardin for the position, calling him a “pro-family activist.” “I nominated Buddy Hardin for the position,” Ehlmann said, “because he’s not afraid to express his opinion. He’s been in the arena. But he knows how to do it with appropriate tact.”

Sticky Fingers in Polk County

Springfield News Leader reports that “a longtime Polk County official has been accused of shoplifting from a local business. Court records indicate Polk County Public Administrator Barbara Davolt was issued three separate municipal violations relating to thefts at a Bolivar Walmart that police say occurred during the months of July and August. The citations were filed Sept. 14, but details of the alleged offenses were not included.”

Lobbyists Registrations

Jasmine Wells deleted all of her clients.

$5K+ Contributions

Believe in Life and Liberty - BILL PAC - $10,000 from Illinois Cafe and Service Company (Des Plaines, IL).

Birthdays

Happy birthdays to Rita Heard Days, and Antonio French.