MOScout Daily Update: Hamra for Gov? - Rehder Announces - May Kicks-Off - Jami for Kehoe and more...
Rumorville: Quade Competitor?
One reader tips that “Crystal Quade is unlikely to have the D field to herself. Springfield businessman Mike Hamra is thinking hard about a gubernatorial run on Dem side… Has been calling around to Democratic donors and heavyweights over the past few weeks/months. Announcement likely to come in the fall.”
Harma is CEO of Harma Enterprises, which operates 194 Panera Bread, Wendy’s, and Noodles & Company stores in 11 states. See his LinkedIn profile here.
The case for Harma…
· Presumably would bring some self-funding to the race.
· Doesn’t have a voting record to attack.
· Could run as an outsider.
· Profile which could attract independent and moderate voters.
Rehder Announces
Sen Holly Thompson Rehder announced she’s running for lieutenant governor. This had been rumored for a while, but she made it official.
“I am running for Missouri Lieutenant Governor because I want to better the lives of all Missourians by unabashedly protecting sacred Christian and Conservative values. In both the Missouri House of Representatives and State Senate, I have built a successful track record of strong and consistent leadership. I am not afraid to rock the boat for the sake of my constituents. I am proud of my history that is filled with championing reforms and legislation that improves the lives of ALL Missourians – not just the chosen few.”
The tagline on her campaign is: Fearless. Conservative.
· Yesterday her PAC recorded a $10K contribution from Drury Development, but Rehder starts well behind declared LG candidate Dean Plocher in the money race. He has about $300K more in his candidate account, and $700K more in his PAC.
Coming Soon?
One MOScouter says we’ll be getting an announcement from Rep. Cody Smith launching his treasurer’s bid this week.
· That’ll be the first open challenge to incumbent Vivek Malek, though I also expect we’ll see Sen. Andrew Koenig join the fray relatively soon as well.
May Kick-Off
The mighty Jason Rosenbaum reports on Sen. Karla May’s kick-off for U.S. Senate yesterday. Read it here.
· State Sen. Karla May told reporters and supporters on Tuesday that she’s ready to bring a fighting spirit to the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, contending she’s the best candidate to take on U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley.
· Since falling short for her initial bids for the Missouri House, May has dispatched strong Democratic contenders in primaries. That includes her 2018 state Senate win where she defeated incumbent Sen. Jake Hummel. May noted that she’s been underestimated before — and those who dismiss her campaign do so at their own peril.
· May added that she is not concerned that her entry into the race will split the Black vote and help Kunce win. She pointed to her 2012 state legislative contest where she emerged victorious in a Democratic primary over a white candidate and another Black candidate.
Other Dems Eying 2024 Statewide
I’ve updated the 2024 spreadsheet. Find it here or through the link on the home page. It now includes…
· Rep. Richard Brown who has a committee formed to run for lieutenant governor.
· Lucas Johnson who has a committee and website to run for state treasurer.
· Rep. Alan Green who has a committee to run for secretary of state.
· Rep. Peter Merideth who has been rumored to be looking at secretary of state.
Jami for Kehoe
Former Sen. Jamilah Nasheed endorsed Mike Kehoe for governor yesterday. I love Jami, but an endorsement from a former St. Louis City state senator is exactly what Team Kehoe doesn’t need right now as they work for votes from the GOP faithful in their Republican primary.
· It reinforces the attack line from Sen. Bill Eigel that Kehoe is not a RINO, he’s a Dem!
eMailbag on Quade Dividends
Crystal Quade will have zero impact on competitive legislative races positive or negative. This is groupthink that's not based on any actual reality and it's stupid.
Lobbyists Registrations
Richard McIntosh added SHARC Energy Systems.
Kate Owen added DirecTV LLC, and Dish Network LLC.
Jay Hahn and Ryan DeBoef deleted Missouri Soybean Association.
Ryan DeBoef deleted Responsability.us LLC.
David Monaghan deleted Missouri Insurance Coalition.
$5K+ Contributions
Southern Drawl PAC (pro-Rehder) - $10,000 from Drury Development Corporation.
Conservative Leaders of Missouri - $45,000 from Torch Electronics LLC.
Missouri Senior PAC - $45,000 from Torch Electronics LLC.
Missouri Growth PAC - $45,000 from Torch Electronics LLC.
MO Majority PAC LLC - $45,000 from Torch Electronics LLC.
Missouri C PAC - $45,000 from Torch Electronics LLC.
Missouri AG PAC - $45,000 from Torch Electronics LLC.
Growth and Opportunity PAC - $25,000 from Drury Development Corporation.
A Better Missouri Political Action Committee - $22,500 from Anheuser-Busch Cos.
Living Well PAC - $25,000 from Missouri Associates of Rehabilitation Facilities.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Jay Ashcroft, Melissa Leach, and James Knowles.