MOScout Daily Update: MEC Says No 2nd Term - Avery Jumping In? - West Targeted? - Ellebracht Gets Appt - Muni Elections Heat Up and more...
MEC: No 2nd Term
Jake Kroesen reported that that Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman has decided not to run for re-election.
Coleman raised eyebrows last year when she purchased a Central West End home, so this isn’t a huge surprise. But it could be a pretty big deal in terms of the 2026 primaries and therefore the 2027 legislative session.
· First, in terms of the horserace, this opens the door for a lot of folks who weren’t thinking about this seat. A Jefferson County activist, David Robertson, had already declared and started an insurgent campaign. This is actually bad news for him. Rather than running to Coleman’s right, he’ll now probably face a crowded field.
· Every state rep in JeffCo will look at this race. That includes even freshmen rep, with one lobbyist telling me that Rep. Cecelie Williams “would make a great Jeffco senator.”
· But the first to jump in will be former Rep. Jim Avery. He’s a trial attorney now. (Sen. Nick Schroer works at his firm). And could have the backing of Freedom Caucus allies, as he’s a close ally of former Sen. Bill Eigel. He could raise some serious money which might dissuade others after their initial look at the race.
Why This Matters
While the Freedom Caucus has been playing nice in the Senate this year, many believe this is a strategic retreat rather than a long-term change.
A more combative FC could return next year ahead of the 2026 Senate primaries. That’s because term limits were already promising to make a half-dozen Republican seats ripe for the Freedom Caucus competition. If the FC can win those seats, they’ll take a run at leadership spots, or at the very least a larger role in the chamber.
· MEC’s Senate 22 now adds one more to the list (which includes Senate 6 Bernskoetter, Senate 8 Cierpiot, Senate 16 Brown, Senate 18 O’Laughlin, Senate 28 Crawford, Senate 30 Hough, and Senate 34 Luetkemeyer)
West Wonders If He’s Being Targeted
On social media Rep. Richard West wonders if his business has drawn the attention of regulators after his recent voter in the legislature…
Municipal Elections Heat Up
Municipal elections are two weeks from today and things are heating up…
· In Columbia, mayoral challenger Blair “Murph” Murphy launched an endorsement ad from a Mizzou parent whose daughter was among three innocent bystanders wounded in the crossfire. See it here.
· In Kansas City, independent expenditures from Blaque KC are supporting their endorsed candidates, Tanesha Ford and Bruce Beatty, for school board.
· In St. Louis former Rep. Donna Baringer is focusing her challenge to incumbent Comptroller Darlene Green on reports that Green only comes into work one or two days a week.
And in the St. Louis Mayor’s race, social media went wild as incumbent Tishaura Jones showed up at a Cara Spencer event…
Dems Stick With Aune
House Dems were ho-hum yesterday after their Monday caucus, seems the Oust Aune fizzled out...
Hispanic Day in the Capitol
The Missouri Immigration Policy Coalition and Hispanic Leaders Group are having a joint lobby day in Jefferson City today. It’s worth noting the critical importance of immigration plays in providing a sufficient workforce. From yesterday’s Bloomberg article, it’s a top issue for businesses….
eMailbag on WWT, Childcare & Cuts
WWT was part of the team that delivered an untested and dysfunctional childcare data system. Where’s the accountability for WWT’s shortcomings? Did they get that contract because of favoritism? Childcare centers went out of business and providers were financially strained. Now we have a chance to improve the payment policies and help providers, and [House Budget Chair Dirk] Deaton is cutting that money. Doubt WWT is feeling any pain.
Help Wanted
Sportradar, a global sports data and technology company, is hiring an entry-level Licensing & Regulatory Compliance Analyst.
“This role is a great fit for someone interested in government affairs, as it involves tracking legislation, supporting state licensing efforts, and ensuring regulatory compliance across the country. It’s a solid entry point into the intersection of policy and the growing sports betting industry.”
Gubby Appts Former Reps
Governor Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of two former state representatives as well as five others…
· Former Rep. Mark Ellebracht was appointed to the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole.
· Former Rep. Rodney Schad was appointed to the State Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority.
· Mason Bell, Marcy Hammerle, Michael Pfander, and Christopher Rohlfing were appointed to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board.
· Jeremy Manley was appointed to the State Board of Mediation.
$5K+ Contributions
HealthPAC - $10,000 from Government Services PAC.
Citizens for a Safe Columbia PAC - $30,000 from Missouri Law Enforcement For Good Government PAC.
PULSE PAC - $10,000 from Missouri Leadership Forum.
Lobbyist Registrations
Bev Ehlen added Liberty Link Missouri.
Henrio Thelemaque added Jewish Vocational Service of Kansas City.
Jeffrey Altmann deleted Elevance Health and Its Affiliates dba Anthem, Inc.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rep. Mark Matthiesen, Erica Choinka, Jason Holsman, Doug Libla, Chris Sander, Robert Cornejo, and Saundra McDowell.