MOScout Daily Update: STL GOP Central Committee Backs Sparks - Hughes to Hough - AIM Add Staff and more…
Quick Friday update…
STL County GOP Central Committee Backs Sparks
The St. Louis County Republican Central Committee passed a resolution supporting Rep. Justin Sparks for speaker over Speaker-designate Jon Patterson.
The resolution highlighted Sparks’ more conservative ratings from organizations, and also articulated a need to enforce philosophical discipline…
Whereas Republican officials in the Missouri House of Representatives who do not support—either through word, action, or vote--the planks and ideals of the Missouri Party Platform are a threat to the statewide brand, political credibility, and direction of the Missouri Republican Party.
What It Means
One Republican on Team Sparks called the vote surprising, “STL County Central Committee is arguably the most ‘establishment’ one in the state.” And while admitting that “this won’t likely affect the current Speaker’s challenge,” hopes that it is harbinger of “the days of slowing down/killing GOP priorities are over.”
Hughes Joins Hough Office
Lori Hughes is joining Sen. Lincoln Hough’s office as the new chief of staff. Hughes has years of experience in the building.
Why It Matters: As Senate Appropriations Chair, Hough is arguably the most, or one of the most powerful players in crafting the state budget. The recent consensus revenue estimate indicates a tight year ahead, and Hough’s former chief of staff, Pat Thomas, was hired by Senate Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin.
No Freshman Tour of Arrowhead
One MOScouter reports that the “Freshman Tour visited CPKC Stadium, home of the KC Current and first purpose-built women’s sports stadium in the world, and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The Tour was supposed to tour Arrowhead, home of the back-to-back Super Bowl Champion Chiefs, but had to cancel when the team asked for a significant payment for the tour.”
· This left some folks shaking their heads, “especially considering they may be asking the state for significant $$$”
AIM Adds Smith
Press release: Associated Industries of Missouri (AIM), the state’s oldest business advocacy association, announced Matthew Smith has joined the organization as Vice President of Government Affairs.
Smith previously held the position of Legislative Assistant for Congressman Eric Burlison in Washington, D.C. and was a member of then-Senator Burlison's staff in the Missouri Senate. He has experience managing political campaigns and a deep understanding of the legislative process and business issues.
Gubby Appts
Governor Mike Parson appointed Melissa Price Smith as the next St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney.
· Post-Dispatch reports on the “dueling” PA appointments. “Parson and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, both Republicans, sued Page and the county late last month, asking a judge to stop the county executive from naming the county’s next top law enforcement official. Bailey argued the governor has the power to appoint prosecuting attorneys under the Missouri Constitution. St. Louis County lawyers disagreed. They argued the county charter allows Page to nominate a replacement.”
$5K+ Contributions
Missouri Right to Life PAC - $24,000 from Vote No on 3 Political Action Committee.
Integrity PAC - $10,000 from Rex Sinquefield.
Lobbyist Registrations
Jerry Hobbs, Rowland Frederick Howard and Chris Darryl Kachingwe added Precision Body and Paint 2nd Chance Program.
Rowland Frederick Howard added Cole Kids Community Child Development Center.
Thomas Robbins, Brittany Hyatt Robbins, Ron Berry, Christopher Schoeman, Cassandra Allana Henderson, Garrett Webb, and Alec Rosenblum added Boys and Girls Club of Greater St. Louis.
Mike Filomena and Brian Rothery added Enterprise Holdings, Inc. DBA Enterprise Mobility.
Jason Snead added Honest Elections Project Action.
Victoria Paige Steen added Phelps Health.
Jake Silverman deleted Primary Marking System, Inc.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Jennae Neustadt, and Curt Dougherty.