MOScout Daily Update: Clemens in Senate 14 - Williams Announces - Deaton Eyes STC Changes - O’Laughlin for Stinnett and more…
Quick Friday update…
Senate 14: Clemens Joins the Scrum
Rep. Doug Clemens is jumping into the Senate 14 race. He’s term limited. He joins John Bowman, Joe Palm, Rep. Raychel Proudie, and Shante Duncan in an increasingly crowded Democratic primary to replace Sen. Brian Williams.
Keep an eye on the racial component here…
· Clemens is the first white announced candidate in a field with four African Americans. 2020 voting population of Senate 14 was 47.8% Black and 41% White.
Senate 30: O’Laughlin for Stinnett
Senate Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin joins Governor Mike Kehoe and House Floor Leader Alex Riley in becoming the next big GOP player to support Rep. Melanie Stinnett in the Republican primary to replace Sen. Lincoln Hough. Republicans are lending their names early with hopes of keeping Brian Gelner out and avoid a primary that could put the seat in jeopardy.
Deaton Eyes STC Changes
Missourinet reports on House Budget Chair Dirk Deaton eying “reforms” to the State Tax Commission.
“We’re going to look at the State Tax Commission in this next session,” said Deaton.” I think there’s going to be reforms there. There need to be. But you know, property taxes generally have been and continue to be out of control…”
What It Means
Speaker Jon Patterson’s push to rein in property tax is increasingly looking like it will involve the STC.
Williams Announces
Sen. Brian Williams announced yesterday that he’s running for St. Louis County Executive.
“I have a proven record of working with others and turning bold ideas into results,” said Senator Williams. “As County Executive, I will continue my work of focusing on building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous St. Louis region where every neighborhood has the chance to thrive.”
· Speaking to one Williams supporter yesterday, they feel good about his prospects in this race, though they note “there’s still a lot of time between now and the election.” Williams is well-positioned, but it’s impossible even now to know what the field will eventually look like.
Smith Fundy
Congressman Jason Smith had a monster fundraiser in Cape Girardeau this week, pulling in more than $125,000. With 150 well-heeled attendees – and former Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder, State Treasurer Vivek Malek and Lloyd Smith spotted in the crowd – it might have been the most successful Republican fundraiser the county’s seen…
Holloway Takes MML Reins
Stephi Smith reports that Missouri Municipal League Executive Director Richard Sheets is retiring. “Laura Holloway, deputy director, will take over the role as executive director starting Oct. 1, Sheets said.”
· He doesn't intend on leaving the business forever, though, as he will continue to serve in an advocacy role. "I'm not going away completely. You're going to still see me at the Capitol doing a little work around the halls," he said.
Osete Sworn In
Yesterday Harmeet Dhillion swore Jesus Osete into his position as Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Trump Administration. Notable Missourians in attendance included Jennifer Bukowsky, Marc Ellinger and Jerry Hunter.
Gateway Not Selling
After my blurb yesterday about an entertainment production facility that looked a lot like Gateway Studios being for sale, I was told that the listing was bogus.
Gateway CEO, Trey Kerr says, “We are up and running and business has never been better with much more to come! We are always interested in talking with qualified and interested investors, BUT Gateway Studios is not for sale”
· The link to the listing post went dead and one reader speculated it was a fishing attempt. “They try to create potential buyers for a company and then approach the business and say ‘look who I have that are interested in buying your company.’ ”
$5K+ Contributions
HBS MO State PAC - $12,500 from Altria Client Services (Richmond, VA).
Missouri First - $12,500 from Altria Client Services LLC (Richmond, VA).
Lobbyist Registrations
Derek Coats added JWY Holdings, LLC.
Birthdays
Happy birthday to Shawn Furey, Casey Millburg, Greta Bax, and Robbyn Wahby.