MOScout Daily Update: Greitens Rebrands - Hicks Strikes Back - REPACCMO Offers Vetting - Trouble in Kennett and more...
Greitens Rebrands
After lying low following his US Senate primary loss, it looks like Eric Greitens is shedding his political skin and rebranding himself. His twitter account has reawakened, with a string of self-help-ish sayings. They’re a bit like a ChatGPT mashup of Yoda and Tony Robbins. For example, “It is not enough to fight for a better world; One must also live a life that is worth fighting for.”
The website focuses on his books, and no MAGA rah-rah in sight.
In his bio, his public service is described in a scant 22 words: Greitens was elected Governor of Missouri in 2016. For his leadership as Governor, he was inducted into the American Academy of Achievement.
His athletic achievements get more ink: Eric is a sub-3 hour marathon runner and the winner of the Shamrock Marathon at Camp Fallujah, Iraq. As a boxer, he won two Oxford Boxing Blues and the Gold Medal at the BUSA National Boxing Championships. He holds a 2 nd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo, and was the USNTF National Black Belt Champion in Sparring. He is 1 st Dan in Hojutsu, the martial art of the firearm, and is a 3x Gold Medalist at the USA Track and Field National Masters Championships in the 4x100 and 4x400 Relay.
Hicks Strikes Back?
Word is that Rep. Justin Hicks has sued his primary opponent, Max Calfo, and Calfo’s campaign treasurer, Lindi Williford, for the release of the order of protection that was filed against him years ago.
The suit says that the public disclosure of private facts is a “flagrant disregard for the Rule of Law… disgraceful conduct masquerading as political discourse.”
REPACCMO Offers Vetting
Legislators received this offer to be vetted yesterday…
> From: Cyndia Haggard <chair@repaccmo.com>
> Subject: Opportunity to be Vetted by Members of the Missouri Republican Party
>
> To: All Members of the Missouri State Legislature, State-Wide Elected Offices, and Federal Elected Senators & Congressmen
> To: Known Challengers for Any of the Above Elected Offices
>
> As you have undoubtedly heard, members of the Missouri Republican Party are vetting candidates for the 2024 election cycle. This is in response to voter anger with our party. I don’t have to tell you voters are fed-up. We allow people to file as Republicans without any questions asked, only to then watch many of them sell us out to lobbyists, special interests, and the never-ending appeasement of the Democrat Party. It’s time to say enough and take back our party. Real Republicans who are trying to do the jobs they asked for shouldn't be saddled with fighting fake Republicans just because the party allows anyone and everyone to file. We want to help true Republicans be successful.
>
> Therefore, we are vetting candidates for office who wish to run under our party's ticket. If you received this memo, and if you are seeking any state or federal elected position in the 2024 election cycle, we invite you to participate in our vetting process.
· One veteran Republican fumes… “The arrogance of this woman knows no boundaries-- along with her lack of general knowledge. She didn't live in Missouri when we were fighting to gain these majorities…”
Burlison Endorses Hudson
Congressman Eric Burlison endorsed Rep. Brad Hudson for Senate 33. The nod comes following news that the incumbent, Sen. Karla Eslinger, isn’t running for re-election.
Burlison previously represented Senate 20, but the western part of Senate 33 is in his congressional district.
· The eastern part of Senate 33 is in the 8th Congressional District. No word from Congressman Jason Smith if he has a favorite.
MCN Throws Another Punch
Former Rep. Maria Chappelle Nadal released a 1000+ word statement about the “dehumanizing treatment” she suffered while working for St. Louis County Councilwoman Rita Heard Days.”
“The egregious treatment and violations I faced should not be allowed to exist in silence, especially at a workplace our taxpayers provide for their public servants and government workers… The truth needs to come to light for change.”
Bush in House 50
Rep. Doug Mann – who announced he won’t be running for re-election – endorsed Gregg Bush to succeed him.
· Bush’s twitter bio says he’s a registered nurse and union member.
· The district is safely Democratic; Biden won it by 18 points in 2020.
Trouble in Kennett
Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick announced that his office will perform thorough review of the operations and finances of the City of Kennett in response to claims of fraud.
“Because of the whistleblower complaint we were able to work with the city to do an initial investigation that found the claims of fraudulent activity to be credible. The city then formally invited us in to conduct a performance audit that we hope will give city officials a full understanding of what happened…”
· Kennett is represented by Sen. Jason Bean, and Rep. Cameron Parker.
Gore Announces Re-elect
Post-Dispatch reports that Gabe Gore “is running for a full term in 2024, roughly six months after he took the helm of an understaffed, dysfunctional city prosecutor’s office… Gore took over in May following the abrupt resignation of St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner, who was facing a lawsuit seeking her removal and an effort from state legislators that would have stripped her of most of her power.”
Citizens for Gabe Gore was formed. I expect we’ll see a couple of monster fundraisers full of St. Louis civvies to ensure his re-election is well-funded. It feels like a start of a political career, but as a Democrat from St. Louis City, the paths are limited. Next stop: federal judicial appointment? We’ll see.
· Citizens To Elect Kimberly Gardner still had $97,983 cash on-hand as of its last filing.
Lobbyist Registrations
Catalyst added MyLand Inc.
Matthew Hortenstine added MO Coalition for Video Lottery LLC, J & J Ventures, J&J Ventures Gaming LLC, and J&J Ventures Gaming of Missouri LLC.
Jay Reichard added Othram.
Andy Blunt and Jay Reichard deleted NOMI Health and Securus Technologies Inc.
Gamble & Schlemeier deleted Christian Horizons, and PACE KC.
Rodney Hubbard deleted James E Farrell and Associates.
$5K+ Contributions
Majority Forward (Senate Dems’ campaign committee) - $100,000 from Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Missouri-Kansas Area PAC.
Missouri Senate Campaign Committee - $10,000 from Anheuser Busch Companies.
Committee for Liberty (pro-Ashcroft) - $7,500 from John Lichtenegger (Leadville, CO).
MO Bankers Association - $10,000 from Central Bank.
Missouri Optometric Association PAC - $20,000 from Missouri Optometric Association.
The Madison PAC - $40,000 from Blue Cross and Blue Shield Kansas City.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Kiki Curls, Nick Maddux, Rodney Hubbard, and Churie Spreng.