MOScout Daily Update: Hough for LG?? - Butz PAC Formed - Christ Fundy and more...

Quick Friday update…

Don’t Count Hough Out?

It appears that Sen. Lincoln Hough (or someone for him) is polling for a possible lieutenant governor bid.  See the poll here.

The poll asks for favorable / unfavorable opinions of Hough as well as potential LG opponents Rep. Dean Plocher and Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder.

It asks the horse race question and then a series of “information” questions for example…

·       Lincoln Hough sponsored an infrastructure bill that provides 260 new or improved bridges, $100 million for rural roads and expands I-70 to 6 lanes statewide. Does knowing this make you more or less likely to vote for him?

·       Holly Rehder sponsored legislation to increase drug users’ access to clean needles for the purpose of slowing down the spread of bloodborne diseases, such as HIV. Does knowing this make you more or less likely to vote for her?

·       Dean Plocher supports efforts to make it more difficult for citizens to petition their government. Does knowing this make you more or less likely to vote for him?

And then re-asks the horse race question

Knowing what you know now, if the 2024 Republican Primary Election for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri were held today, who would you vote for?

Dean Plocher                                            

Lincoln Hough                                           

Holly Rehder                                             

Undecided                                                 

What It Means

If Hough jumped in, there’d be likely six (maybe more) sitting state senators running for statewide office in 2024.

That’s not a great dynamic for a productive legislative session.

Butz PAC Formed

BUTZ STL PAC was formed earlier this week.  See the paperwork here.

These independent PACs which don’t have to abide by candidate contribution limits are often a signal that a legislator is considering higher office.

So what’s in the future for Rep. Steve Butz? A state senate race, a St. Louis City mayoral bid, hopping on the Democratic statewide slate?  We’ll see.

Christ Raising $$$

Rep. Brad Christ had a big fundraiser this week at Sunset Hills Country Club where over 100 people stuffed envelopes in his donation basket, fortifying his war chest going into his first re-elect.

It was a healthy mix of folks, from childhood friends to constituents, caucus colleagues, and Capitol lobbyists. Rumor is that he raised $25K, which if true would be an impressive haul for a freshman.

Christ over-performed Trump’s 2020 number significantly in his district last year, and is showing he won’t be caught flat footed in 2024.

·       Biden won House 96 by 2.1% in 2020

·       Christ bested his Democratic opponent by 10%.

More on RAGA Drama

One source familiar with the governor’s AG appointment decision rolls his eyes at the Politico article saying that Will Scharf was “never considered for the appointment and didn't personally request an interview. It was widely understood that Scharf was one of the last Greitens staffers to hang on until the end after the resignation and a key part of the team who left the office in shambles as Parson took over.”

eMailbag on RAGA Drama

Is anyone else concerned that a bunch of politicos in DC are trying to pick our attorney general? How well has it worked out the other times we've had candidates handed down to us on high? Why does RAGA get a say in a primary at all?

eMailbag on Don’t Count Rowden Out

I spent two days with Caleb this week. His focus was all business. Given the level of engagement, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s preparing for a statewide run.

$5K+ Contributions

KC Neighbors for Progress (pro-Razer) - $8,000 from Invenergy Transmission LLC.

Birthdays

Happy birthdays to Josh Peters, and Candice Doenges–Lozano.