MOScout Daily Update: Hanaway Reaction - Sander v Wilson - Polling IP Changes - Soybean Concerns - MOChamber Hire and more…
Reaction to Hanaway
There was generally praise among Jeff City folks for the selection of Catherine Hanaway to be the next AG…
· Hanaway was a better US Attorney than either Callahan or Jensen. She was well liked by career prosecutors and handled the office well. If she acts like the AG is a job rather than a performance like the last three guys, she will actually do a good job.
· Hanaway will bring a steady hand to the AG’s office, and hopefully moves it away from what Hawley, Schmitt, Bailey made it. A lawsuit factory to generate headlines. That said, Agriculture groups cannot be thrilled that Kehoe picked the lead counsel for Grain Belt expansion.
But one veteran warned… Bailey's resignation as Attorney General is Monday, September 8th… that gives her critics three weeks of free fire to point out the record she has amassed during more than 20 years in public office as well as her work as an extremely well-paid private attorney for interests at times at odds with Bailey's AG office
And indeed there seems to be no shortage of Twitter critics…
Sanders Fundy
It would appear that former Rep. Chris Sander is having a fundraiser next month. He’s moved since losing his primary last year. His committee now has him running in the Republican primary in House 106, which is currently held by Republican Rep. Travis Wilson.
· One reader: Travis has never seen a tax credit he didn’t love…he always votes for them. If Sander can explain how tax credits cost Missouri taxpayers’ money and that they’re different than tax cuts, this could be a real tussle.
Clarkston Nelson Nab 5-Year JCity Contract
News Tribune reports that among its business on Monday night, the Jefferson City Council approved “a $222,000 contract with Clarkston Nelson LLC for legislative consultant services for five years.”
IP Changes Afoot?
Someone’s polling potential changes to the initiative petition process…
There continues to be talk that some Republicans – especially Freedom Caucus members – would like to piggyback on the expected redistricting special session to add changing the IP process. Their argument is that the 2026 legislative session is already going to be a trainwreck so just “rip the band aid off” and do everything you want now.
· I’m told that Sen. Adam Schnelting is spearheading the move for the FC.
Soybean Concerns
The American Soybean Association sent a letter to President Donald Trump expressing concern over his policies. See the letter here.
Over the past five years, China has imported an average of 61% of the world’s available soybean supplies – more than the rest of the world combined. Historically, the U.S. was the provider of choice for Chinese customers. However, due to ongoing tariff retaliation, our longstanding customers in China have and will continue to turn to our competitors in South America to meet their demand, a demand Brazil can meet due to significantly increased production since the previous trade war with China… Soybean farmers are under extreme financial stress. Prices continue to drop and at the same time our farmers are paying significantly more for inputs and equipment.
· Soybeans are Missouri’s #1 agricultural crop.
MO Chamber Hires Political Director
Press release: The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pleased to welcome Hallie Higgason as the organization’s first-ever political director.
· Most recently, she served as chief of staff for a consulting firm in Oklahoma City, where she managed employees, accounts and operations for state and federal races. Higgason also has experience providing strategic guidance on political messaging, voter engagement and fundraising.
Missourians for a Single Market
In the large contributions (below) Missourians for a Single Market received $50,000 from Shaman Botanicals, LLC.
Missourians for a Single Market is working for an initiative petition to “consolidate regulations with the goal of creating parity between the hemp and marijuana sectors.”
· Jeremy Cady is the treasurer for the committee.
Trump Endorses Alford
President Donald Trump endorsed Congressman Mark Alford on Truth Social. I don’t think Alford had any primary worries, but this closes the door if there were any.
· Alford’s district will have some big changes if Missouri implements a 7-1 map. This endorsement shows that “being a team player” has benefits.
FanDuel Partners With StL City SC for License
BetMissouri reports that FanDuel has partnered with St. Louis City SC “after losing out on an untethered Missouri sports betting license Friday morning.”
Missouri sports betting apps are scheduled to go live by Dec. 1, a stipulation in the voter-approved constitutional amendment. If a sportsbook wants to begin taking bets on the launch date, then it must submit its application for a tethered license by Sept. 12. Since FanDuel filed for an untethered one, the company will only need to amend that application, include updated documents and partnership information.
Finding New Ways to Praise Trump
Lobbyist Registrations
Kyna Iman and Lynne Schlosser added Missouri Council on Aging.
York Wilson added Strategic Workforce Development.
Curtis Petersen added Hickok Homes, LLC.
Joe Bruns, Tony Dugger, Andy Foley, Jim Foley, Chris Liese, Craig Redmon, and Scott Swain deleted Safer St. Louis, LLC.
Tony Dugger deleted Stand Up Missouri.
$5K+ Contributions
A Better Missouri Political Action Committee - $18,698 from Anheuser-Busch Cos.
Missourians for a Single Market - $50,000 from Shaman Botanicals, LLC.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Trent Watson, Stacey Newman, Rose Windmiller, and Chuck Gross.