MOScout Daily Update: Energy Policy to Center Ring - Thielemier Hangs Shingle - Kehoe Fundy - Luetky Fundy and more...

1 Big Thing: MO Energy Policy to Center Stage

More reader feedback on O’Laughlin, the Public Service Commission and energy policy…

·       Had to weigh in on the O’Laughlin/PSC content below, regarding the statement that “it’s not government’s policy that’s driving it…” While I agree there are vocal shareholders demanding clean energy, we shouldn’t overlook massive federal incentives to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars, contained in the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  The Biden Administration’s quest to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 will fundamentally change how we live and work, and federal policy is propping up the renewable energy industry. The worst part is that landowners will feel the brunt of this, as transmission line capacity will have to be expanded up to three times its current footprint to accommodate the influx of intermittent power being mandated by the federal government.

·       Misinformed, controlling government is the origin of advancing unreliable energy production policy.  Unfortunately, big business has bought into that “woke” crowd.  Time of use rates have never been economically feasible because of Missouri’s rightful commitment to reliable baseload generation.  Policies which lead to unwinding that Missouri’s strength are irresponsible…

What It Means

This issue has elicited sharp differences, and has all the making of being a hot topic next session.

·       Four of the five Public Service Commissioners are former legislators, and the fifth, Kayla Hahn, understands the building as well as any of them.  If any group should be able to talk down the legislature from doing anything rash on energy policy or PSC oversight, this should be the group.

·       But don’t be surprised if the issues of “time-of-use,” renewable energies, and “wokeness” are front and center at Hahn’s confirmation hearing.

Thielemier Hangs Out Shingle

Brad Thielemier, having left the position as the Missouri Troopers’ chief lobbyist, appears to be hanging out a shingle.

A new LLC was registered with the secretary of state’s office: JBT Consulting Group LLC.  See the paperwork here.

Kehoe Hits Ozarks

Tipster… Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe had a big fundraiser at Lake of the Ozarks late last week, with over a hundred in attendance and bringing in over $100k, which could be a record haul for an event at the lake for a gubernatorial candidate.

What It Means

The political consensus on Kehoe over-raising front-runner Jay Ashcroft has been “yeah but.”  Ashcroft’s name ID, and long-standing residency on the right side of the Republican political spectrum, have been assumed to be impenetrable.  But the greater gap Kehoe (and, at some point, Bill Eigel) make in fundraising numbers, the more an upset will seem a legitimate possibility.

Luetky Fundy

Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer has a fundraiser this week.  See the invite here.  He’s term-limited as a state senator. 

His future endeavors don’t seem to require campaign funds: he’s passed on 2024 races and is applying for the Supreme Court vacancy.  But one observer thinks he’s still building a war-chest to advance a leadership bid within the Senate Republican Caucus (assuming he doesn’t nab the SCOMO spot).

Nixon Exits Dem Party?

Post-Dispatch reports that former governor Jay Nixon is helping the third-party “No Labels” organization.  Read it here.

Former Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon is joining No Label’s effort to lay the groundwork for a moderate third-party presidential ticket in the 2024 election. The 67-year-old lawyer, a Democrat who left office in 2017, will serve as No Labels’ director of ballot integrity, giving the embattled organization another prominent ally amid escalating concerns from Democratic officials that the effort could unintentionally help Republican Donald Trump return to the White House.

Gubby Appt

Governor Mike Parson appointed Joshua D. Underwood as the Circuit Judge for the 34th Judicial Circuit. He will succeed the late Honorable William Edward Reeves.  

Prayers for Kreider

Please keep Jim Kreider, Missouri's last Democratic House Speaker, in your good thoughts. Friends of the long-time lawmaker from Christian County reported over the weekend that Kreider is receiving hospice care. Kreider was first elected after 1992 redistricting, becoming the first Democrat to represent Christian County since 1904. Kreider became speaker in 2001. He lost a 2002 State Senate race to Republican Dan Clemens. Catherine Hanaway became the first GOP speaker following Kreider after Republicans took control of the House.

$5K+ Contributions

JCDC Truman PAC - $10,000 from UAW Region 4 Midwest States.

United We Stand PAC - $10,000 from Union Station Kansas City.

Birthdays

Happy birthdays to Liz Henderson, Samantha Davis, and Rodney Gray.