MOScout Daily Update: Ashcroft: J’Accuse! - Poll: MO Voters’ Split Between Pols and Policies - Willard Winds Down and more…

Quick Friday update… I’m off for Labor Day weekend.  See y’all on Tuesday.

Ashcroft: J’Accuse!

On Wednesday morning’s Gary Nolan show Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft said that “money” was behind governor’s emergency rule that he rejected. 

What it’s about is there was a rule, an emergency rule, that was promulgated by the governor. And I have a responsibility under state statute to make sure that that emergency rule meets several conditions.
When I read that rule, I couldn’t see how it met those conditions. I actually sent questions directly from statute saying, “How do you meet this requirement? How do you meet this requirement?” The agency was unable to explain how they met the requirement, so I was forced to reject it…

I would suggest someone follow the money and I think you’ll see why it’s such a big deal by the governor… It sure seems like Steve Tilley is trying to get a monopoly on this business. And if he wants to do it legally that’s for him to do, but to attack me for following the law is pretty reprehensible.

Listen to it here (Wednesday August 28 show, about 18 minutes left in the 9AM hour).

·       It feels like the next four months could be The Ashcroft Untethered Show.  Stay tuned…

SLU/You Gov Poll: GOP Statewide Sweep Ahead

Missouri Independent yesterday reported on a St. Louis University/YouGuv poll which showed Missouri voters pretty much where they’ve been for the past decade.  They’re favoring the big policy questions put before them by center-left activists, while consistently voting right/center-right for their statewide officials.

Here are the toplines (see the poll here).

·       Amendment 3 (Abortion): 52% Support, 34% oppose, and 14% not sure.

·       Proposition A (Minimum Wage): 57% Support, 30% oppose, and 14% not sure.

·       Governor: 51% Mike Kehoe; 41% Crystal Quade; 3% other; 6% not sure.

·       Lt. Governor: 51% David Wasinger; 37% Richard Brown; 1% other; 11% not sure.

·       Attorney General: 51% Andrew Bailey; 38% Elad Gross; 1% other; 9% not sure.

·       Secretary of State: 54% Dennis Hoskins; 36% Barbara Phifer; 1% other; 9% not sure.

·       Treasurer: 52% Vivek Malek; 38% Mark Osmack; 1% other; 10% not sure.

This is vexing for Democrats – that they can win on the policies, but still lose on the politics.  It seems to indicate how much the national brand has been tarnished in Missouri, and undercuts Democratic statewide candidates. 

Willard Transition

Press release: Governor Mike Parson today announced that effective September 1, 2024, his Chief of Staff, Aaron Willard, will step back from his day-to-day duties and assume the role of Senior Advisor to the Office of Governor in a part-time capacity. Mr. Willard has served as Governor Parson's Chief of Staff since the Governor was sworn into office in June 2018...

In his converted role, Mr. Willard will continue to advise Governor Parson on matters as they relate to the function of the Governor's Office, the Executive Cabinet, and the pending gubernatorial transition after the November 5 General Elections.

Why It Matters

While Governor Mike Parson, with his recent action on unregulated cannabis products, promises to run through the finish line, this is the clearest signal that his “Team 57” is starting to look beyond January.  

Anti-A3 PAC Formed

Vote "NO" on 3 was formed.  Its treasurer is Jim Cole; its deputy treasurer is James C Thomas III.  Amendment 3 is the pro-choice ballot question.

Lobbyists Registrations

Derek Crawford added Altria Client Services LLC and its Affiliates-Philip Morris USA Inc., John Middleton Co., U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co., Helix Innovations LLC, and NJOY, LLC.

Steven Tilley, Thomas Robbins, Brittany Hyatt Robbins, and Chris Schoeman deleted Legal Missouri 2022, Everstream Solutions LLC, Health Pals Company LLC, Zoellner Construction Company Inc, and Seashore Rhythm LLC.

Steven Tilley, and Thomas Robbins deleted Gardner Capital, Inc., Flint Hills Resources, SRG Global, and Native Agtech Inc.

Brittany Hyatt Robbins and Christopher Schoeman deleted BRB DB Holdings Inc.

Brittany Hyatt Robbins deleted Native Agtech Inc, and Ernst & Young LLP.

Alec Rosenblum deleted Zoellner Construction Company Inc, and Seashore Rhythm LLC.

$5K+ Contributions

Democratic Governors Association - Missouri - $40,000 from Democratic Governors Association (Washington, DC).

American Dream PAC - $40,000 from Lynn Thompson.

American Dream PAC - $25,000 from AGC of MO PAC.

Majority Forward - $10,000 from Ameren Missouri.

Birthdays

Happy birthdays to Jason Hancock, Louis Hamilton, and Stephen Gregali.

Saturday: Chris Koster and Chris Carter Sr.

Sunday: Rachael Klarich and Brian McCallister.

Monday: Phil Christofanelli and Amy Pridmore.

MOScout Schedule

I’m be off for the long Labor Day weekend.  See you Tuesday!