MOScout Daily Update: "Tax Hike Mike" - Fleischmann to Primary Amato? - Who's Pushing Who on Gardner Spot and more...

1 Big Thing: “Tax Hike Mike”

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft revealed his #1 attack on Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe with a scorching release yesterday.  They’re going to label him “Tax Hike Mike.”

While he doesn’t have a lead in any poll, he does lead all candidates in the number of times he authored or voted for tax increases on Missourians.

Gas Tax: Mike Kehoe has consistently supported increases in the gas tax

In 2015, Tax Hike Mike voted in favor of a 3.5¢ per gallon increase for diesel and 1.5¢ increase for unleaded.

In 2016, Tax Hike Mike voted for SB 623, a 5.9¢ per gallon increase.

In 2018, Tax Hike Mike endorsed and campaigned for Prop. D, a 10¢ per gallon increase, saying “It is right thing to do.” Voters rejected Prop. D 54-46%

In 2021, Tax Hike Mike supported an even larger 12.5¢ per gallon increase, circumventing voter approval.

Sales Tax: Mike Kehoe authored legislation to increase the state sales tax.

In 2013, Tax Hike Mike authored SJR 16, raising the sales tax 1% and generating $8 billion over 10 years.

In 2014, Tax Hike Mike authored HJR 68, a constitutional amendment to increase the sales by 1% and generating $7.8 billion over 10 years. The largest tax increase in Missouri history, it was rejected by voters 59-41%.

What It Means

Obviously higher taxes are a real spot of vulnerability in a Republican primary. 

·       The Mike Kehoe we all know would reasonably explain why roads matter and you have to pay for them. But that’s harder to do in 30 seconds. And the issue will put him on the defense.

·       Furthermore, unlike pretty much any other legislator who has had to vote for a tax at some point, Ashcroft’s lack of a voting record is a strong advantage here.

And

Along with Kehoe’s kick-off yesterday, his campaign released an introductory video.  See it here.

It traces his humble childhood, to building businesses and farming to family and public service.  It’s a well-done video. But…

·       Where’s the red meat?  No mention of guns or abortion!

Gardner Exits

Kim Gardner unexpectedly turned in her formal resignation yesterday, well ahead of the June 1 date she had previously announced as her last day. KSDK reports that the governor’s general counsel Evan Rodriguez was sworn in as an interim city prosecutor.

·       From KSDK, gubernatorial timeline: Parson's senior staff on Tuesday interviewed five of the 18 people who applied for the appointment. Parson is expected to interview three of those candidates Wednesday and make an announcement on his pick Friday.

·       Parson met with Mayor Tishaura Jones yesterday. Per Jones statement, she urged the governor to appoint a “caretaker for the office who can make much-needed changes without the distraction of re-election politics in 2024.”

·       Tipster: The judges of 22nd circuit has telegraphed to the Governor that they along with Mayor Jones want tough-talking Judge Mike Noble appointed. Black Clergy and Sen. Karla May are betting on Judge Paula Bryant who can bring calm to the courthouses. Sheriff Vernon Betts, a very close ally of the Governor and considered the leader of moderate Democrats, and along with law enforcement leaders are supporting Sen. Steven Roberts.  

1 Good Thing: Regional Cooperation

In the wake of the collapse of the St. Louis City Prosecutor’s Office, the city’s neighboring counties are stepping up to offer help.

St. Louis regional prosecutors have been in communication and pledged to work together in a collaborative effort to assist the Governors appointee in a regional effort to pitch in and provide expertise and legal advice in any manner we can.

The regional advisory group is also willing to assist the interim prosecutor in any legal way, shape or form as directed by the Governor or Attorney General.

Participating prosecutors: Joseph McCulloch - St. Charles County​, Wesley Bell - St. Louis County, Matthew Becker - Franklin County, ​​Mike Wood - Lincoln County, Kelly King - Warren County​​​, Trisha Stefanski - Jefferson County.

JeffCo Drama

EJ Fleischmann filed a committee to run for House 113.  See the paperwork here. Fleischmann is the current legislative assistant to Reps. David Casteel and Cyndi Buchheit-Courtway.  He’s also the former LA to Dan Shaul.

And he’s be primarying Republican Rep. Phil Amato.

·       MOScouter: I expect this will stir up a bit of drama amongst the Jeff Co delegation. To have two members’ staffer running against one of their own colleagues….

Schmitt $$$

PunchBowl News reports that U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt recently “hosted NRSC Chair Steve Daines and raised $400,000 for the Senate GOP’s campaign efforts… He also recently fundraised with Daines in New York.”

eMailbag: 3 Cheers for May

The reform of child custody in judicial proceedings, which was a Gov. Parson stated priority, was accomplished by Sen. Karla May. The bill that passed was her SB 35.

$5K+ Contributions

MILA PAC - $67,750 from SF of Missouri, LLC.

Lobbyists Registrations

Sharon Geuea Jones added St. Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, Inc.           

Jewell Patek added RedMane Technology LLC, and Herzog Tomorrow Foundation.

Victoria Ariel Hooker deleted all her Hemphill clients.

Birthdays

Happy birthday to Doug Funderburk.