MOScout Daily Update: Eigel Explores Target Races - Osete Endorsements - September Revenue - Torch Hearts Kehoe and more…
Breaking… Eigel Eyes Future
Sen. Bill Eigel is making moves that show he’s considering his political future – specifically running in 2026.
· Eigel formed an exploratory committee with the Federal Election Commission to run for Missouri’s Second Congressional District. See the filing here. That’s seat is currently held by Republican Ann Wagner.
· Additionally, look for an exploratory committee with the Missouri Ethics Commission to run for St. Charles County Executive. The current incumbent, Steve Ehlmann, has said he won’t be running for another (sixth) term in 2026.
Eigel exceeded expectations in the gubernatorial primary, taking 32.5% against the winner, Mike Kehoe’s 39.4% and beating the early favorite, Jay Ashcroft’s 23.2%. After that strong performance many wondered what his future would be, with some speculating that he’d wait in the wings and try a one-on-one primary with Kehoe in 2028.
Rather, this news means that Eigel could be back in the mix soon – though not in route to Jefferson City.
September Revenues Show Growth
According to the Daily Revenue Reports, September ended with state tax receipts inching upward. Revenue grew by 2.8% compared to September 2023.
That’s the first positive month of the new fiscal year, and it brings the fiscal-year-to-date number to -4.4% compared to last year.
Folks were watching September carefully because it included a quarterly tax payment. And although income tax was positive for the month, the overall number is lackluster.
What It Means
· If this trend continues in the coming months, I’d expect another cautious consensus revenue number in December.
· Weak revenues could impact next session’s agenda – including any package for sport stadiums.
Money Watch: Torch Hearts Kehoe
Mike Kehoe recorded $400,000 in large contributions on the final day of the September fundraising quarter. He’s the favorite in the gubernatorial race – leading in the polls. The biggest check was $250,000 from Torch Electronics the company behind many of the “grey” gaming machines across the state.
First in MOScout: Osete Rolls Out Endorsements
Former Deputy Attorney General Jesus Oeste is releasing his first round of endorsements today. He’s running for Circuit Judge in Boone and Callaway counties, the only contested Circuit Judge race in Missouri. See the release here.
Among the big names: Former governor John Ashcroft, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt, Congressman Mark Alford, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, Treasurer Vivek Malek, Attorney General Andrew Bailey, Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, LG candidate David Wasinger, Congressional candidate Bob Onder, and Sens. Sens. Rusty Black, Travis Fitzwater, Denny Hoskins, Caleb Rowden, and Curtis Trent.
New PACs
Foundation for Liberty was formed. It’s a PAC to support Rep. Philip Oehlerking. Oehlerking’s House 100 is a swing district currently ranked #7 on MOScout’s PowerRankings of districts which may flip.
Lobbyists Registrations
Jay Hahn and Ryan DeBoef deleted Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, and Missouri Prime Beef Packers, LLC.
Doug Stone added Arnall Golden Gregory LLP.
$5K+ Contributions
American Dream PAC (pro-Kehoe) - $250,000 from Torch Electronics LLC.
American Dream PAC - $50,000 from Carrollton Grow Operations LLC.
American Dream PAC - $50,000 from Good Day Farms.
American Dream PAC - $20,000 from Elevate Missouri.
American Dream PAC - $12,500 from Robert Blitz.
American Dream PAC - $10,000 from OXG, LLC.
DougPac (pro-Beck) - $50,000 from United Association Political Education Committee (Annapolis, MD).
Independence Leadership PAC - $60,000 from Doug PAC (pro-Beck).
HOMEFRONT PAC (pro-Webber) - $7,600 from Alliance for Progress LLC.
417 PAC (pro-Trent) - $7,600 from Another Viceroy PAC.
Missouri Leadership PAC (pro-Riley) - $23,000 from Another Viceroy PAC.
Buck Up PAC (pro-Allen) - $10,000 from Rex A Sinquefield.
JAK PAC (pro-Knight) - $17,740 from H-PAC (pro-Houx).
Vote "NO" on 3 - $100,000 from Theresa Archer.
Missourians for Constitutional Freedom (pro-choice IP) - $21,837 from American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri, Inc.
Missourians for Healthy Families & Fair Wages (higher minimum wage) - $25,000 from Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action.
Citizens For Missouri Courts - $10,000 from Steven Groves.
A Better Missouri Political Action Committee - $12,700 from Anheuser-Busch Cos.
MO Society of Anesthesiologists Political Action Committee - $20,000 from Western Anesthesiology Associates, Inc.
Physician Led Anesthesia Care PAC - $10,000 from Western Anesthesiology Associates, Inc.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Congressman Eric Burlison, Reps. Jamie Burger, Aaron Crossley, and Jeff Knight, Braxton Payne, Dallas Ernst, Maddie Green, and David Zevan.