MOScout Weekender: Bernskoetter for Commish - Hallway Split on HJR 73 - Who Won the Week and more…
Quick Bits
· Bernsy for Commish: Sen. Mike Bernskoetter said he would run for Cole County presiding commissioner next year. Read it here.
· School choice: Show Me Institute argues school choice can help parents decide if a four-day or five-day school schedule works better for them. Read it here.
· St Chuck fight: Missouri Independent reports on accusations between Rep. Michael Costlow and his nemesis Max Calfo. Read it here.
· Immigration: Catholic bishops of Missouri issued a statement on immigration. “We urge our elected officials at every level [to pursue] comprehensive immigration reform that secures our borders while offering a just and merciful pathway for those who are already part of our communities.” Read it here.
· McCloskey Watch: Couple sues hotel after getting walked in on. “The Sperrys began engaging in the physical act of love when two men entered their suite…” Mark McCloskey reps them. See the suit here.
MOScout’s Hallway Index: HJR 73
I asked lobbyists, “Now that we have the approved ballot summary, do you think HJR 73 will win approval from the voters next year?” 22 replies…
RESULTS
1. Yes, it will pass… 45.5%
2. No, it won't pass… 54.5%
Sample of Comments
· [Yes] And thankfully we still have bridges into Illinois.
· Voters know how they are going to vote prior to showing up to the polls on these type high level politically and emotionally charged issues - therefore I think when big $$ and the “no” side are aligned, that is a tough environment in which to prevail.
· Such a long runway for the no campaign to get their message out about what’s actually in this.
· The language is good for supporters, but the opposition will be better funded. Unlikely to pass.
· [Yes] They’re getting pretty good at confusing the people dumb enough to vote for them.
· [No] Only because it will have the shit beat out of it
· If it passes, it's only because of the trans ballot candy. Otherwise, a majority of voters are not typically inclined to support stripping long-held civil liberties.
Remington/MOScout Poll
No poll this week.
Who Won the Week?
Scott Leiendecker – His purchase of Dominion significantly grows his business. And it’s an opportunity for the voting machine industry to reset politically; Leiendecker is trusted by public officials on both sides of the aisle for being accessible, open, honest and transparent.
Anti-Gray Machiners – A couple of legal rulings seem to have Torch Electronics on defense. Could this add to pressure for a grand compromise next session?
Pro-lifers – I think the Hoskins-penned ballot language is about the friendliest they could hope for, while overturning the vote of the people.
People Not Politicians campaign – Pulled in another $500,000 check. They’ve raised at least $1.9 million in less than a month. The referendum has a tight timeline, but it appears they’ll have ample financial resources to make a run at it.
Find a downloadable version here.
Gubby Appts
Governor Mike Kehoe appointed Lindsay G. Gravett, of Lancaster, as Circuit Judge in the First Judicial Circuit.
$5K+ Contributions
Friends of Bill Ellis - $25,000 from William Ellis.
Conservative Justice for Missouri PAC - $5,900 from Altria Client Services LLC (Richmond, VA).
Real Action PAC - $76,431 from Mike Rayner.
MO Six PAC - $10,000 from PENN Enterprise Inc (Wymossing, PA).
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rep. Jamie Ray Gragg, Deb Lavender, Jay Hardenbrook, and Jeanne Kirkton.
Sunday: Alex Cypert, Rick Francis, Jeff Mazur, and Ken Menges.