MOScout Daily Update: Ashcroft's Reverse Schmitt Strategy - Senate 27 Names - Why Plocher Should Look at SOS and more...
1 Big Thing: Getting Sued Works Just As Well As Suing?
Much has been made about Eric Schmitt’s use of the attorney general’s office during his tenure to “generate headlines” and advance bis political career by suing various entities – school boards, China, the Biden Administration, Twitter etc…
The same phenomenon has been occurring under Andrew Bailey’s leadership. It’s one of the benefits of that office.
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, lacking the power to sue folks, has taken the opposite tack. He’s been sued. And generating free media just the same.
· He’s been sued for his ESG rules.
· Sued for his library rules
· Sued for his ballot language on the pro-choice IP.
And he’s fundraising off his lawsuits…
Driving the Day: Governor’s Ham Breakfast
It’s a political ritual. 8AM this morning, the Governor’s Ham Breakfast happens at the State Fair in Sedalia Missouri. Potential statewide rivals circle one another, and chat up other pols…
Plocher’s Next Move
During session, Team Plocher said that there’d be announcement – presumably about an LG bid – after session. But months having passed with no kick-off, and some folks are starting to wonder if the plan is still in place.
One observer thinks that Speaker Dean Plocher would be better served to reconsider the situation – and maybe look at secretary of state.
His thinking…
· “Being SOS is worth 100x the earned media of being LG, so why run for the lesser office?” If you assume the next step is a stepping stone, go for the bigger stone.
Plus, his advantages in the LG’s race are transferable to the SIS race…
· With Sen. Caleb Rowden seemingly out, Plocher would start with a money advantage, and have – from the speaker’s office – the best fundraising platform of the SOS candidates.
· He would be the only STL/St Charles candidate in the race against two candidates from the western side of the state.
Senate 27 Names
With Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder running for lieutenant governor, I’d expected a crowd of folks to jump at the chance to run for her senate seat.
So far, it’s been pretty quiet.
Rep. Chris Dinkins started an exploratory committee. I’m told she’s been taking in campaign contributions at a healthy clip. But otherwise, there hasn’t been a lot of talk…
· I’m told that Rep. Barry Hovis is eyeing a run for commissioner, not state senate. And Rep. Jamie Burger appears to be focused on running for House Floor Leader instead of the senate seat.
· That leaves Rep. Rick Francis as someone who may hop in.
· And Jacob Turner who had already declared he was running against Thompson Rehder.
JC Moves
· Jonathan Yelton has joined the governor’s office as deputy general counsel. He was previously with the attorney general’s office.
· Kyerra Johnson-Massey has joined Sen. Angela Mosley’s staff. She was previously with the Department of Social Services.
MO Jobs Numbers
The Missouri labor market remains robust. There are now over 3 million Missourians working. The July report shows Missouri non-farm payroll employment increased by 6,900 jobs in July with the private side creating all the jobs. “Government employment was unchanged over the month.”
· Missouri’s unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Lobbyists Registrations
Richard McIntosh, and David McCracken added Delta Extraction LLC.
Shawn Rhoads added MNJ Tech LLC.
Jake Silverman added Retail Energy Advancement League.
$5K+ Contributions
Real Action PAC - $8,000 from Missouri Law Enforcement for Good Government PAC.
Majority Forward - $10,000 from 36 Political Fund – State.
Birthdays
Happy birthday to David Berry.