MOScout Daily Update: GOPers Against Tort Reform - House Perfects Police Takeover - Lavender for Senate? and more...
1 Big Thing: The Rise of Pro-MATA GOPers
It was an amazing sight yesterday. The Senate’s tort reform bill, SB 117 sponsored by Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, was greeted by a bipartisan filibuster.
The tort reform issue used an almost straight party vote in the Senate. While there were always Republican lawyers who hedged a bit, or helped in background negotiations to soften measures, it’s a new phenomenon to see a platoon of Republicans standing against a tort reform bill.
Among those on the floor yesterday: Sens. Rick Brattin, Ben Brown, Jill Carter, Bill Eigel, Denny Hoskins, and Mike Moon.
· One Republican texted me that this was “the Senate MATA purchased,” a reference to the many contributions that trial attorneys have made to PACs of various members.
· But Sen. Moon seemed to anticipate this, saying on the floor: “Some people will say we’re for trial attorney, no, we’re for people, they should have a chance for redress.”
I would note conservatism and trail attorneys are not necessarily ideological enemies. I remember Sen. Matt Bartle arguing that a robust court system is preferable to overreaching government regulations as a means for keeping business malfeasants and rogues in check. We just don’t hear that argument made much in Missouri.
House Perfects State Takeover of STL Police
After a long debate yesterday the House perfected HB 702 which, among other provisions, would place control of the St. Louis Police under a state board.
· Freshman Rep. Brad Christ made an outstanding showing on the floor. He kept his cool, refused to be baited during debate, and supported a few Democratic amendments to give his bill a bipartisan sheen.
· Minority Leader Crystal Quade acknowledged that this issue divides her caucus. Some rejecting it as government overreach after the state’s permissive gun laws have wreck havoc in urban cores; others welcoming anything that might work return sanity to STL streets.
· Rep. Donna Baringer let everyone know that St. Louis City residents are total bad-asses: unable to rely on cops, they’re stealing back their stolen cars…
Christofanelli Demolishes Kelley Bill
Yesterday in the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee, Rep. Phil Christofanelli left Rep. Ann Kelley sputtering after a simple line of inquiry.
Kelley’s HB 634 is one of the many Parental Bill of Rights bills being proposed this session. It includes the provision that “no classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties relating to sexual orientation or gender identity shall occur.”
Christofanelli asked if Martha Washington could be mentioned according to this standard.
Rumorville: Lavender for Senate?
Word is that Rep. Deb Lavender is seriously considering a run for state senate. She’ll likely make a decision after session.
Lavender is now serving her final term as a state representative. She ran for state senate in 2020, losing to Sen. Andrew Koenig (54% - 46%).
· The redrawn Senate 15 has become more Republican. But unlike 2020, there’s already a spirited Republican primary shaping up. And Dems are hopeful that a well-crafted reproductive rights IP will be on the ballot to provide a boost in suburban districts.
Shawan for Co-op Board
Press release: MO–Former State Representative Jeff Shawan has launched his campaign for the Ozark Border Electric Cooperative Board of Directors… Serving in the Missouri General Assembly from 2019 to 2021, Shawan formerly led the Butler County Emergency Management Agency…
Rodriguez New GC for Gov
Press release: Governor Parson announced that he has selected Evan Rodriguez, 28, to serve as General Counsel for the Office of the Governor effective March 1, 2023. Mr. Rodriguez joined the Governor's Office as Deputy General Counsel in April 2021…
· Immediately prior to serving as Deputy General Counsel for the Governor's Office, Mr. Rodriguez served as a Legislative Analyst for the Missouri House of Representatives. He joined the Missouri Attorney General's Office as an Assistant Attorney General directly out of law school. Mr. Rodriguez earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and a Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law.
Johnson Passes
Former Sen. Sidney Johnson passed away on February 24. “Sidney served the public in multiple elected positions including Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner, Missouri State Senator and Buchanan County Collector. In the Missouri State Senate he served as Assistant Majority Leader and chaired seven committees.”
Lobbyists Registrations
Meghan Travis Henderson added Healthcare Services Group.
Jeremy LaFaver added KC Recycle & Waste Solutions.
Chris Moody added Missouri Motion Media Association.
Jewell Patek added Pear Therapeutics Inc.
Ralph Bellar added Broadway Investments LLC, Corrigan Station LLC, D & J Realty Holdings LLC, Recovery Management Corporation, TWP Partners LP, Block 112 LLC, Streets of West Pryor LLC, RED Lee's Summit East, LLC, and University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Jim Moody deleted Great Circle.
David Sweeney deleted Deli Star.
$5K+ Contributions
Friends of SPS - $10,000 from Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.
Friends of SPS - $15,000 from SRC Holdings Corporation.
Northland Strong PAC - $20,000 from Kansas City Airport Parking, LLC.
Northland Strong PAC - $25,000 from Clarkson Construction Company.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rep. Mitch Boggs, Rob Monsees, Titus Bond, and William “Buddy” Hardin.