MOScout Daily Update: Richey Proposes Weaker Speaker - Hoskins, Plocher Signal 2024 Plans - Supreme Watch - PSC Watch and more...
1 Big Thing: Richey Outlines Speaker Plans
Rep. Doug Richey, who running to succeed Dean Plocher as Speaker, proposed a series of “reforms” to the Office of the Speaker which would curtail some of that office’s expansive power. See the document here.
Among his promises…
Vice Chair Selection: I will entrust the Speaker Pro Tem and Majority Floor Leader with the responsibility of appointing Vice Chairs for non-budget, standing committees.
Independent Whip: I will acknowledge the independence of our Majority Whip. The Whip will be free to whip legislation without needing my approval.
Fast-Track Republican Bills: Republican bills, clearly reflecting the platform, will move rapidly through a referral process that values efficiency and collaboration. All other bills will advance as usual.
Why It Matters
· The consensus in the building is that Floor Leader Jon Patterson will be the next speaker. That’s been the House’s succession ladder in recent years.
· But Richey’s proposals are an indication that he’s tapping into some discontent that the Speaker’s Office has become too powerful within the institution of the House. And Patterson, to show he’s not deaf to these concerns, might be inclined to offer some reforms as he advances his candidacy.
More Statewides Announce
Ahead of the start of tomorrow’s Lincoln Days, two more Republican legislators announced they would be statewide candidates in 2024…
Sen. Denny Hoskins: I’ve been in the legislature for 15 years and made a lot friends across the state. People in Johnson County are encouraging me to consider running for state office and I’m going to continue to talk with folks statewide. I plan an announcement later this spring.
· Hoskins, a Certified Public Accountant, would seem to be suited for the state treasurer position, but he’s keeping his options open as of today.
· Republican consultant Brett Dinkins dinged Hoskin on Twitter for coordinating with his PAC.
Speaker Dean Plocher: Dean Plocher is receiving encouragement and support from Missouri’s business and community leaders to run for Statewide office and is laying the groundwork to run for Lt. Governor in 2024. An official announcement will likely come after the legislative session. Speaker Plocher will remain focused on serving the State of Missouri as the Speaker of the House…
· The statement notes Plocher’s strong COH start… Plocher has a combined $1.2m cash-on-hand, as of the latest MEC campaign filings.
What’s Next
With the it’s who we haven’t heard from: Sens. Tony Luetkemeyer and Holly Rehder, and Budget Chair Cody Smith.
Where GOP 2024 Stands
Governor
Jay Ashcroft
Bill Eigel
Mike Kehoe
Lieutenant Governor
Dean Plocher
Holly Rehder?
State Treasurer
Vivek Malek (incumbent)
Denny Hoskins?
Cody Smith?
Secretary of State
Caleb Rowden
Shane Schoeller
Attorney General
Andrew Bailey (incumbent)
Will Scharf
Supreme Watch: Medium List
One MOScout tipster says we should be watching the SCOMO appointments…
· Chief Justice Paul Wilson highlighted the two upcoming vacancies on the Missouri Supreme Court. The appellate judicial commission now consists of three Republican-appointed lay members.
· Here are some potential candidates for these spots: Cory Atkins, Becky Borthwick, Tom Chapman, Michael Gardner, Ginger Gooch, Jennifer Growcock, Matt Hamner, Chris Limbaugh, Shaun Mackelprang, Jesus Osete, Jalilah Otto, John Sauer, and Cris Stevens.
· Gov. will likely pick a southerner for one of the two, but the other spot is a toss-up.
PSC Watch
Meanwhile, among those watching for the governor to make appointments to the Public Service Commission, a consensus seems to be emerging: don’t hold your breath.
Folks think the most likely course of action will be recess appointments sometime this summer.
Republican Advance Priority Bills
Rep. Lane Roberts’ anti-crime bill and Sen. Andrew Koenig’s Parents Bill of Rights bill both were perfected in their respective chambers yesterday.
· Wit another week about done, Republicans have largely avoided the in-fighting that has characterized previous sessions and managed to advance their agenda.
Help Wanted
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Lobbyists Registrations
John Bardgett, Jacqueline Bardgett, Mark Habbas, and Chris Roepe added Insurance Auto Auctions.
Mark Coulter added Lewis County Port Authority.
Jonathan Dalton added Build Senior Living, LLC.
Noah Devine added Kansas City Action Fund.
Ellie Marr added Ellie Marr.
$5K+ Contributions
Collins-Bey 4The New 12th Ward - $5,100 from Darron M Collins-Bey.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Jered Taylor, Larry Davis, and Ryann Summerford.