MOScout Weekender: Dunn Back to JCity - Hardwick in Senate 16 - Schroerder to Team Kehoe? - Hallway on 2026 IPs - WWTW and more…
Scoop: Dunn Back to Building
Chris Dunn is set to return to the Capitol in a familiar role. Dunn will serve as House Budget Chair Dirk Deaton’s chief of staff. Dunn served in that position under Rep. Cody Smith before departing to Missouri Western State University where he was the president’s chief of staff.
· Dunn possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of the budget, and a seemingly superhuman patience to explain any particular line items.
Rumorville: Schroerder Headed to Team Kehoe?
News that Sandy Karsten would be retiring from the Public Safety Department started tongues wagging that Saint Louis Police Officers Association President Jay Schroeder could be tapped.
· The SLPOA made an early endorsement of Mike Kehoe – back in the summer of 2023 when Jay Ashcroft’s lead in the polls made him everyone’s favorite in the race.
· Schroeder would have expertise in one of Kehoe’s top pledges – helping reduce the crime and perception of crime in St. Louis.
Hardwick Jumps into Senate 16 Race
Rep. Bill Hardwick amended his committee to run for Senate 16. That’s where Sen. Justin Brown is term limited in 2026.
Rep. Hannah Kelly has previously announced her intention to run for that seat. And my “2026 Watch” spreadsheet has Rep. Don Mayhew as a possible candidate there as well, though he hasn’t made any public moves.
· It’s early to make pronouncements but… Hardwick would likely be the Freedom Caucus candidate in this race.
Remington/MOScout Poll
The MOScout poll will return next week!
MOScout’s Hallway Index: 2026 Ballot Questions
I asked lobbyists, “Which constitutional amendment would have the best chance passing if it reached the voters?” 19 replies…
RESULTS
1. Abortion ban - with exceptions… 47.4%
2. IP Reform… 0%
3. MODoT accountability… 47.4%
4. Replacing Nonpartisan Court Plan with judicial elections… 5.2%
Sample of Comments
· Nobody likes MODOT
· If Rs would propose a ban after 12 or so weeks with life and health exceptions and it would pass. However, they won’t and will just try to circumvent the voters, statutes and Constitution to placate 50% of R primary voters which represent around 10% of the electorate.
· [Abortion ban] All will be hell to make it through legislature to get on ballot.
· [Abortion ban] Not even close. Another big question is: will the abortion ban actually have exceptions in it?
· [Abortion ban] All depends on the ballot language really.
Who Won the Week?
Billy Long – He never waivered in his love of Donald Trump, even as the Don passed him over in his Senate bid. And his devotion paid off. Long will soon be boss to the 80,000 Internal Revenue Service employees.
Roy Blunt – The former senator will be inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians, with a bust in the Capitol.
Brittany Robbins – Appointed by Mayor Tishaura Jones to the Zoo Board. She’s now officially the coolest mom on her block.
Jason Kander – Featured in 60 Minutes for the daring rescue of nearly 400 Afghan allies.
Sam Graves – Received his waiver to remain Chair of Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Good news for Graves; good news for Missouri.
Find a downloadable version here.
$5K+ Contribution
Missourians for Constitutional Freedom - $21,579 from American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri, Inc.
MO Drive Fund - $40,000 from International Brotherhood of Teamsters DRIVE 25 (Washington, DC).
A Better Missouri Political Action Committee - $8,089 from Anheuser-Busch Cos.
Missouri Senate Campaign Committee - $15,000 from Oracle America Inc. (Redwood Shores, CA).
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rodney Hubbard, Nick Maddux, Kiki Curls, and Bree Bowen.
Sunday: Peter Herschend, Sarah Topp, Linda Rallo, John Brunner, Patrick Bonnot, and Don Soffer.