MOScout Weekender: Long Out at IRS, Headed to Iceland - Hallway Sees Redistricting Special - Who Won the Week and more...

Long Out at IRS, Headed to Iceland

Former Missouri Congressman Billy Long was yanked from his position as the head of the Internal Revenue Service after just two months on the job.

NYTimes reports… Mr. Long, who had little background in tax policy beyond promoting a fraud-riddled tax credit, had clashed at times with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his brief tenure, three people familiar with the decision said. He also made high-profile mistakes, at one point last month telling tax practitioners that the agency’s all-important filing season would start late next year, a statement that the I.R.S. later said was premature. 

A gregarious and colorful personality, Mr. Long had tried to cultivate a connection with the depleted and demoralized I.R.S. work force. He visited I.R.S. locations around the country and repeatedly sent emails to all I.R.S. employees allowing them to leave work early on Friday afternoons.

On social media, Long says he’ll be the ambassador to Iceland…

Remington/MOScout Poll

No poll this week.

MOScout’s Hallway Index: New Map

I asked lobbyists, “Will Missouri have new congressional districts in place for the 2026 elections?”  21  replies…

RESULTS

1. Very likely… 42.8%

2. Likely… 38.1%

3. Unlikely… 19%

4. Very unlikely… 0%

Sample of Comments

·       Going to get tied up in court.

·       In Missouri, Trump gets what he wants.

·       There are no rules anymore and even the Republicans that know this is wrong no longer have the will to stand up against anything that jeopardizes THEIR political career.

·       It’s really unclear how anyone could believe in this environment the Governor and Legislature aren’t going to redistrict. Kudos to folks like Chad Perkins for taking a mature attitude toward this, but this is happening. The only question is whether the court will reject a new map.

·       I’m torn. On the one hand it’s terrible public policy and could likely screw Republicans in the long term. On the other, the current GOP loves bad public policy and screwing themselves. So I’m saying somewhat likely.

·       Depends on what Texas does.

·       My only hesitation is the courts. The legislature will def pass something.

·       Bloodbath between current Republican congressmen/woman and candidates.

·       I think it’s basically a done deal.

·       Until the Republican primary voters take it back, Trump has all the power, And when you have all power you generally get what you want.

Who Won the Week?

Brian Williams – Between the Page indictment and an increasing hot primary in his Senate district base, it’s an auspicious start for Williams’ County Executive campaign.

Melanie Stinnett – Lassos the support of Cindy O’Laughlin as Republican leaders try to give her a primary-free path to Senate 30.

Kurtis Gregory – No one gets a congressional seat without a fight, but if rumors about the map are to be believed, he’s well-positioned for the fight.

Laura Holloway – Missouri Municipal League’s deputy director was tapped to take over the powerful interest group this fall.

Find a downloadable version here.

Gubby Appts

Governor Mike Kehoe announced new appointments to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board…

·       Nicole Barrett, of Stockton.

·       Bridget Foster, of St. Louis.

·       Stefanie Kaiser, of St. Peters.

·       Monica Walker, of Stewartsville.

$5K+ Contributions

Missouri Realtors PAC – $6,700 from Will Clark.

Missouri Realtors PAC – $6,100 from Cynthia Fox

Missouri Realtors PAC – $5,200 from Jeremy Schneider.

Birthdays

Happy birthdays to Lyndall Fraker and Christopher Till.

Sunday: Cheryl Lynne Dozier, Mindy Mazur, Gary Nodler, Jason Grill and Jerry Hobbs.