MOScout Daily Update: Beck Asks Chamber PAC to Rethink GOP Support - Cupps in Court - Biggest Surprises So Far - Border War Coming? and more…
Beck to Chamber: Freedom Caucus is Not Your Friend
Some Dems are using their response to the Missouri Chamber’s PAC candidate questionnaire to take aim at the Freedom Caucus, and ask the Chamber to reconsider their support for Republican candidates. Sen. Doug Beck writes “[D]espite years of supporting the Republican supermajority– the Missouri Chamber of Commerce is facing new opposition in the Missouri State Senate… So let me now address the elephant(s) in the room: The Missouri Freedom Caucus. Freedom Caucus members have undermined, blocked, and disparaged the Missouri Chamber of Commerce at every turn.”
Read Beck’s full response here.
· The Missouri Chamber of Commerce has a real favorability problem in the Missouri Senate, and if the Freedom Caucus continues to win Republican primaries your problem will get worse. That is why the Number One priority for the Missouri Chamber Political Action Committee should be to reduce the number of Freedom Caucus members in the State Senate.”
· Senate Democrats have been the last line of defense against the chaos that has overtaken the Capitol, and Senate Democrats are often the deciding factor (and deciding votes) for the passage of any priority identified by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.
And
Rep. Rob Sauls, running in Senate 11, also sent a similar message to the Chamber. See it here.
Top Five Drebes Surprises
I often wait until after Election Day to consider what I got wrong. I’ve already been surprised by numerous development this cycle. Here’s what has surprised me most so far…
1. No free for all in 3-CD. I figured when Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer announced his retirement that we’d end up with four or five strong candidates running in the Republican primary. Most politicos dream of going to DC someday, and the opportunity doesn’t arise very often. However, after a lot of folks floated their names, most didn’t pull the trigger. And we’re basically looking at a one-on-one duel between former Sens. Bob Onder and Kurt Schaefer.
2. No Eigel pivot. On the day that Sen. Bill Eigel announced his exploratory committee, I would have bet substantial amounts that he would end up running statewide – for some other office. The fundraising lift for governor makes it hard for a legislator to successfully run. Down ballot races are where legislators usually end up. I was wrong. Eigel had his aim on the governor’s mansion the whole time.
3. Malek’s money. I had no idea that Vivek Malek had the wherewithal to pump millions into his campaign account. There are lots of skeptics who point out that Missouri’s rural voters have no experience voting for an immigrant. But his money lead is so enormous, he may be able to pull off the historic run.
4. Ashcroft didn’t lock up the GOP primary. When the gubernatorial race was just taking shape, I felt that Jay Ashcroft would be able to coast to the Republican gubernatorial nomination. I assumed his last name, and his clear vocal support for a conservative agenda would bring a flood of money from folks ready to “back the winner.” But Kehoe undermined the air of inevitability, winning early endorsements and dominating the money race.
5. Quade got a primary. Democrats all acknowledge the difficulty in winning a statewide race. Missouri’s swing to red has been swift and hard. When Minority Leader Crystal Quade stepped up to run, and articulated her path – abortion and Ashcroft on the ballot – I figured she’d unite the Dems behind her. And she has cleaned up all the endorsements from the stalwart Dem constituencies. But she didn’t clear the field. She has a serious challenger in businessman Mike Hamra.
Cupps in Court
Cupps Farm (half-owned by Rep. Scott Cupps) is due in court today for a hearing on a debt owed to MFA Incorporated.
The judgement (see it here) appears to be a bit over $60,000.
· There’s a second suit from Deere as well against Cupps Farm for another debt.
Tuesday: Opening Offensive in Border War?
Will this week be the opening salvo of a new “border war” with Kansas over the prize jewel Kansas City Chiefs?
KCTV reports on the Kansas state legislature’s special session starting today. Though the governor’s proclamation (read it here) doesn’t mention incentives to lure the Chiefs, that seems to be on the agenda of some Kansians.
Kelly said the Legislature will reconvene on Tuesday, June 18, to pass responsible, sustainable tax relief for all Kansans. “When legislators return for a special session on Tuesday, I look forward to working with them to swiftly deliver responsible, meaningful tax cuts for all Kansans,” Kelly said.
· The special session could also be used by legislators to discuss STAR bonds that could help bring one -- or both -- of the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals across state lines in the future.
New Committees
Fire Fighters for Kehoe was formed. It’s a political action committee. See the filing here. Its treasurer is Stephen Davis.
Lobbyists Registrations
Ryan Mahoney added Apple Inc.
Steven Tilley, Thomas Robbins, Brittany Hyatt Robbins, Christopher Schoeman, and Alec Rosenblum added True Level Investment.
$5K+ Contributions
The 100 PAC - $25,000 from Believe in Life and Liberty (pro-Eigel).
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Sen. Lincoln Hough, Rep. Michael O’Donnell, Sam Licklider, and Barbara Fraser.
MOScout Schedule
No MOScout on Wednesday (Juneteenth).