MOScout Daily Update: What Trump Tariffs Mean for MO - Winton Promotes Thelemaque, Adds Thompson - Lovasco Wants to Lobby - Bailey for FBI? and more…
Trump Tariffs Could Dent MO Economy
President-elect Donald Trump announced that he planned to impose 25% tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico. A trade war, with those countries reciprocating in kind, would be bad news for the Missouri economy.
From the Office of the United States Trade Representative…
Canada and Mexico are Missouri’s top trading partners.
And farmers would be at the front lines if a trade war erupts…
WPG Promotes Thelemaque, Hires Thompson
Press release: Winton Policy Group is pleased to announce Jessica Petrie Thelemaque as Vice President of Operations and Client Services…As Vice President, Jessica will take on the operational role essential to the legislative and regulatory success of Winton Policy Group clients. She will also oversee client communication to ensure we remain accountable and transparent with those who trust us with their needs in Jefferson City.
· Winton Policy Group is also excited to announce that Matt Thompson, will be joining Winton Policy Group as Vice President of Legislative Services. Matt has a well-earned reputation for professional excellence, as evidenced by the trust placed in him by Missouri’s legislative leaders. His experience ranges from statewide, congressional, and state legislative campaigns to Missouri House, Congressional, and Missouri Senate leadership roles. His intuition and awareness make him one of the best strategists in Jefferson City, and his work ethic makes him a perfect addition to the Winton Policy Group team.
FYI: The Winton Policy Group has about 40 clients, including Fortune 500 companies FedEx and Pfizer, and some of Missouri’s biggest players: BJC, St. Louis County, and Missouri Foundation For Health
Bailey for Feebee Director?
Axios reports that Attorney General Andrew Bailey is back in the mix for a Trump Administration job. This time: Director of the FBI.
· We’ll see what happens, but even the chatter will kick-up speculation about who Governor-elect Mike Kehoe would tap for AG.
From November 13 update when we last covered this ground: Here’s a quick starter list of choices…
· Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer – Obviously his departure would shake-up the Senate leadership.
· Former Sen. Kurt Schaefer – He ran for the position back in 2016. Plus, Schaefer’s close with the Sinqeufields who it happens gave Kehoe’s PAC millions.
· Or Kehoe could make history and appoint the first female Attorney General. Perhaps give a promotion to Deputy Attorney General Kelly King?
Lovasco Sues to Overturn 6-Month Wait
Post-Dispatch reports that “Rep. Tony Lovasco, a St. Charles County Republican, filed a constitutional challenge Friday to a 2016 law barring lawmakers and statewide elected officials from registering to become lobbyists until after a six-month cooling-off period.”
· “The Missouri legislative session runs from January to May of each year, so (the ban) will prevent plaintiff from lobbying during the first legislative session following the end of his public service,” the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court notes.
· “Plaintiff faces the prospect of lost income, missed opportunities for professional advancement, civil penalties, criminal conviction and penalties, the cost and expense of defending himself, and public embarrassment if MEC takes official action to enforce (the ban,)” the lawsuit notes.
Chinn to Stay At Ag
Press release: Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of Chris Chinn as Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA). “Director Chinn knows Missouri agriculture, and I am proud to have her on our team as we expand our ag industry and support the farmers who feed, fuel, and clothe the world,” Governor-Elect Kehoe said. “As first-generation farmers, Claudia and I are proud to work alongside Missouri’s farm families to contribute to our state’s $93.7 billion ag industry.”
· Takeaway: Chinn, who started under Eric Greitens, has earned the confidence of three very different leaders of Missouri.
Burlison Fires On ATF
Congressman Eric Burlison says Congress should “abolish the ATF, defund its operations, and reallocate its legitimate responsibilities to existing agencies that respect the Constitution.”
From tragedies like Waco and Ruby Ridge to the disastrous Operation Fast and Furious, the ATF has repeatedly abused its authority, leading to unnecessary loss of life and the erosion of public trust. Rather than protecting citizens, the ATF has targeted law-abiding gun owners, small businesses, and American freedoms, often acting as a tool of anti-Second Amendment bureaucrats.
Greitens Pops Up In the News
A story broke last night about Boris Epshteyn, someone in the Trump entourage, offering to “promote” administration-wanna-bes to Trump – for a fee (“We’re not Communists after all.”)
Enter Eric Grietens…
In a sworn declaration submitted to Trump's transition team and obtained by ABC News, former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens said that he contacted Epshteyn following the election to mention his interest in serving in Trump's administration, and -- despite the absence of an explicit offer -- Greitens said that Epshteyn's "comments and demeanor suggested that he might entertain offering a position in the administration in exchange for financial consideration, but such an offer would happen in subsequent discussion."
$5K+ Contributions
Freedom and Liberty PAC (pro-Nicola) - $10,000 from MO Republican Attorney/s For Civil Justice PAC.
Lobbyist Registrations
Andy Blunt and Jay Reichard added Apollo Global Management Inc.
Tamitha Rene’ Ague deleted The Covering.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Jamie Corley, JaCinda Martin-Sutherland, and Jane Dueker.
MOScout Schedule
After tomorrow’s update, I’ll be off the long Thanksgiving weekend. (State offices are closed Friday, by the way).