MOScout Weekender: Jetton Countersues - Cupps Trolls - STL Mayoral Poll - Hallway on Mayor’s Race - WWTW and more…
Jetton Countersues Miller
Post-Dispatch reports that Rod Jetton “is countersuing a former top House administrator, saying he has suffered significant emotional and mental anguish.”
Rodney Jetton, who was hired by former Speaker Dean Plocher during a high-profile 2023 staff shake-up, is asking a Cole County jury to award him damages in excess of $25,000 for “his loss of employment, employment opportunities and the loss of enjoyment of life” as a result of the actions of then-Chief House Clerk Dana Rademan Miller.
“Rodney Jetton has sustained embarrassment and public humiliation,” said the six-page lawsuit filed on Feb. 20.
Cupps Trolls Davidson
Rep. Scott Cupps, continuing his passive aggressive filing of bills to show his displeasure that Rep. Bishop Davidson was named vice-chair of the House Budget Committee, filed bills to rename state landmarks, all bridges and DESE…
SCOMO Suspends McGaugh
The Missouri Supreme Court suspended Judge Joe Don McGaugh for a year without pay, exceeding the recommendation from the Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline.
The Commission recommended a suspension of six months without pay. While the Court respects and appreciates the Commission and its ongoing investigation over a period of years and gives careful consideration to its recommendations, the Court believes the facts and circumstances of this case warrant harsher discipline to maintain the standards of judicial fitness.
Judge McGaugh contested none of the 12 counts the Commission alleged…
Remington/MOScout Poll: STL Mayoral Primary
Survey conducted February 26 through February 27, 2025. 416 likely Municipal Election voters participated in the survey. Survey weighted to match expected turnout demographics for the March 4 Election. Margin of Error is +/-4.9% with a 95% level of confidence. Totals do not always equal 100% due to rounding. Survey conducted by Remington Research Group on behalf of Missouri Scout. See the full results here.
The city of St. Louis uses approval voting. That means you can vote for as many candidates as you like. I will read you the names of the candidates for Mayor, please indicate if you will vote for that candidate.
Q: Michael Butler
Definitely vote for: 10%
Probably vote for: 14%
TOTAL FOR: 24%
Will not vote for: 50%
Undecided: 26%
Q: Andrew Jones
Definitely vote for: 7%
Probably vote for: 6%
TOTAL FOR: 13%
Will not vote for: 61%
Undecided: 26%
Q: Tishaura Jones
Definitely vote for: 26%
Probably vote for: 8%
TOTAL FOR: 34%
Will not vote for: 53%
Undecided: 13%
Q: Cara Spencer
Definitely vote for: 38%
Probably vote for: 13%
TOTAL FOR: 51%
Will not vote for: 33%
Undecided: 16%
MOScout’s Hallway Index:
I asked lobbyists, “What best describes your opinion of the St. Louis mayoral race?´21 replies…
RESULTS
1. A strong St. Louis is critical to the state… 33.3%
2. The right mayor could help St. Louis’ standing in Jefferson City… 23.8%
3. Doesn’t matter who mayor is. St. Louis gonna St. Louis… 19.0%
4. Something else… 23.8%
Sample of Comments
· Even when Spencer wins, St Louis will still be at odds with Jeff City unfortunately .
· Leadership always matters and leadership that understands the environment in which it’s called to led is much more useful.
· Stl CITY needs to be much stronger to be critical to the state. If they can get it together and ease the declining state revenue by becoming a stronger economic force through better public policy, they will have a lot more leverage politically here in Jeff City. I think the right mayor can do that.
· St. Louis is a failure both from an economic development standpoint as well as safety. It is the modern version of Detroit in the 90s.
· If T. Jones wins, STL gonna STL. If Spencer, she might claim a mandate of change.
· It feels like St Louis is a different country. Someone needs to fix that. They have a willing partner in Kehoe.
· The city is critical to the success of the state. Neither candidate has the skills needed to help the city and therefore the state.
· Something else? I would say all of the above. It seems like there is an entire industry that now revolves around the city, and to some extent the county, failing. Not sure if that’s real corruption or just the moral kind.
Who Won the Week?
Jason Groce – The chief of staff to Karla May gave an opening prayer at Rep. Steve Butz’ kick-off. Afterwards, Butz said that if he wins his Senate race, he’ll be keeping Groce on as his chief of staff.
Freedom Caucus – A smoothly operating Senate means that when they pick their battles – as they did this week with the pesticide bill – it’s met without last session’s gnashing of teeth.
Tony Luetkemeyer – The rumor that he has a shot at being the next US Attorney from the Western District seems to have legs. We’ll see…
House GOP Women – Headlined the House Republicans weekly press conference touting their bills to help Missouri families.
Find a downloadable version here.
$5K+ Contributions
YES for KC Kids - $25,000 from Civic Council of Greater Kansas City.
417 PAC (pro-Trent) - $6,000 from Big River Gaming LLC.
Together KC - $25,000 from Civic Council of Greater Kansas City.
Freedom Incorporated - $50,000 from MOCS Action.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays (Sundy) to Rep. Mitch Boggs, Rob Monsees, Buddy Hardin, and Titus Bond.