MOScout Daily Update: Gardner Replacement Talk - Tracking 2024 - Gregory Refunds - Abortion IP Talk and more...
Gardner Replacement Talk
With Governor Mike Parson set to make his appointment for the new St. Louis City Prosecutor tomorrow, here’s the latest gossip…
· Tipster: “A surprise interview was given to Gabe Gore of the Dowd Law Firm,” with another source confirming that Gore has “buzz” and “many in the biz community pushing him.”
· But Mayor Tishaura Jones might not be supportive of Gore. “The Dowds prosecuted her father Virvus for federal crimes when he was removed from his office as St. Louis Comptroller.” Jones said to be backing Judge Michael Noble.
MOScout Tracking 2024
I’ve started filling out my 2024 Tracker spreadsheet. Find it at the top right corner of the homepage. Or here.
I’ll add House races, and more names and columns to it as the cycle progresses. Right now, it’s just a run-down of everyone who’s rumored in statewide and state senate races, as well as cash on-hand figures.
· I’ve separated the state senate races according to their partisan lean, with three in the “Battleground” category. Once again it looks like most of the action will be in the primary elections in August (2024).
Gregory Refunds
Show Me Growth, the pro-David Gregory PAC, has $30,814 cash on-hand after issuing refunds to donors.
· A year ago, April 15, when Gregory was running for auditor, he received $50,000 from FM Roofing. But $27,460 of that contribution was returned on his 30Day After report, and the remaining $22,540 was refunded on the April report.
· Similarly, Joe Patterson sent $100,000 to Show Me PAC on September 20, 2021. He was refunded $51,785 on the 30 Day After, and another $32,409 on the April report. Patterson’s still light $15,806 according to my math.
Plocher Fears Abortion IP
KCStar reports that “as Missouri girds for an anticipated fight at the ballot box next year over an amendment overturning its near-total abortion ban, some Republicans have begun saying they expect a majority of voters to support restoring access to the procedure… ‘I think we all believe that an initiative petition will be brought forth to allow choice,’ House Speaker Dean Plocher, a St. Louis Republican, said Friday. ‘I believe it will pass. Absolutely.’”
· The funny thing is: most Democrats I talk to are not optimistic about the IP’s chances. They fear that the proposal will ultimately be too far left to garner majority support from Missourians. Though they acknowledge that an incrementalist approach is less appealing to grassroots supporters who will presumably be tapped as volunteer signature collectors, threading that needle makes them nervous.
Senate Rules Change on the Agenda for the Interim?
Senate Pro Tem Caleb Rowden remarked in the press availability after session: This place only can operate in two or three different ways. We either all work well, really really well, and respect each other. We change the rules. Or we turn into the House.
· The potential rules changes, in this view, wouldn’t be to normalize PQs as the House has, but perhaps some restrictions to debate which is not germane to an underlying motion.
Quip of the Day
We've got a prosecutor who wants to be a nurse. A doctor who wants to be county executive.... maybe we just need more guidance counselors?
eMailbag: on “Tax Hike Mike”
Guess who supported big gas tax hikes in the 80s and 90s… John Ashcroft.
Help Wanted
ALIVE seeks Executive Director. “ALIVE provides emergency sanctuary and support services to adults and children impacted by domestic violence… As the Executive Director of ALIVE, you hold the ultimate responsibility for all aspects of the organization. As part of this, you will collaborate with Board members, Staff, Clients, Donors, and Volunteers in order to fulfill ALIVE’s mission.” See the ad here.
$5K+ Contributions
Committee for Liberty - $50,000 from August A Busch III.
Lobbyists Registrations
Scott Swain deleted My Missouri.
Birthdays
Happy birthday to Carolyn Kindle Betz.