MOScout Daily Update: Hardwick Extends $$$ Lead - A5 Ballot Language Battle - MOFOP Endorses Challengers - Trump Losing Rural Support and more…
Hardwick Nets $50K from ‘Tilley PACs’
The PAC supporting Rep. Bill Hardwick received $50,000 from PACs related to clients of Steven Tilley’s lobbying firm, Strategic Capitol Consulting.
Clients with interests in the VLT debate had contributed to the PACs just weeks ago, and now those PACs are sending some money to the pro-Hardwick PAC, Missouri Enterprise Fund.
Hardwick sponsored legislation to legalize VLTs last session and is now running for Senate 16 where Sen. Justin Brown is term-limited.
Why It Matters
· Hardwick already entered the final months of his primary with a big money lead – this just extends it.
· It sends a message to other candidates in other races that the VLT lobby will support those who stand with them on their issue.
Rest in Peace
The Capitol community is reeling from news of the death of Matt Alsager. Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ statement: It is with profound sadness that I share news of the passing of Matt Alsager, who served as my chief of staff, but more importantly, was a dear friend. Matt was a loving husband and father, a professional of the highest order, and a friend to all. Matt brought a special light to this world, the absence of which will leave a permanent void. Michelle and I offer his family our deepest sympathies and will continue to hold them close in prayer.
MOFOP Endorses A Pair of Challengers
The Missouri Order of Fraternal Police has endorsed two candidates challenging Republican incumbents in House primaries.
In House 139, they’re backing Sandy Karnes over Rep. Bob Titus.
In House 154, they’re supporting former Rep. Travis Smith over Rep. Lisa Durnell.
· The police endorsement carries a lot of weight – especially in Republican primaries. These are both races to watch.
A5 Language Nearing End Game
On Friday, the Missouri Court of Appeals-Western District rewrote the ballot language for Amendment 5 (Kehoe tax plan).
Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:
• Require legislative phase-out of the individual state income tax based on revenue growth, and authorize the expansion of sales and use taxes;
• Curtail constitutional limits on taxing goods and services; and
• Require local tax rate cuts without reducing school funding if local sales tax revenue increases?
The proponents of A5 have filed an appeal with the Missouri Supreme Court. It’s expected that SCOMO will decide whether to take the appeal this morning.
· If it declines to take up the appeal, that’ll be a win for the opponents, who – by standing pat – have signaled that they are satisfied with this language.
Hancock on Kehoe on the Ballot
Missouri Independent’s Jason Hancock writes that “Mike Kehoe’s name will not appear on the Aug. 4 ballot. But it would be hard to look at Missouri’s August primary and say the governor is not, in some meaningful way, on it.”Read it here.
· He cites Amendment 5, the first step to implementing Kehoe’s bold tax plan, as well as his interests in some Senate Republican primaries.
Less Trumpy Rural
The Brookings Institution looks at President Donald Trump’s falling support in rural America. Read it here.
· While the reduction in his job approval among the new supporters he attracted in 2024 has been widely discussed, his fall among longtime Republicans in rural areas has gone largely unnoticed. But it has been substantial, and its consequences could be significant…
· Consider the findings from a recently released Fox News analysis. Among rural voters overall, Trump’s net job approval (approval minus disapproval) fell from +20 in early 2025 to -14 in May 2026.
· Among white rural voters, his net approval fell from +27 to -6…
· The breakdown by issue suggests that the economy lies at the heart of rural Americans’ retreat from the president.
What it Means
I think Missouri’s rural legislative seats are far too red for Democrats to make a play for – even if disenchantment with Trump is beginning to build.
This news still brings a troublesome impact for Republicans. Unenthusiastic Trumpers could make mustering Republican votes for A4 and A5 harder this August.
‘Healthy SNAP’ Pushed Back
Press release: The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) announced an updated implementation timeline for the Healthy SNAP initiative, establishing a new official launch date of February 15, 2027. This intentional extension ensures that DSS can continue to collaborate with stakeholders and retail partners to deliver an effective and sustainable program from day one…
Originally slated for an October 2026 rollout, shifting the launch to early 2027 allows the state to thoroughly incorporate feedback from local grocers, agricultural partners, and community stakeholders… To ensure a smooth transition, DSS will be providing retail partners with a comprehensive product identification list. This resource enables merchants to update their inventory databases and point-of-sale (POS) systems well ahead of the implementation deadline.
Gubby Appts
Governor Mike Kehoe made several new appointments…
· Jennifer (Beth) Houf was appointed to the Children’s Trust Fund Board.
· Rachel Beushausen was appointed, and Craig Stevenson was reappointed, to the Missouri State Foster Care and Adoption Board.
· Alice Fuerst was appointed to the State Oil and Gas Council.
· Drew Lock was appointed to the State Soil and Water Districts Commission.
eMailbag on Medical Price Transparency
If prices went up after becoming more transparent, it does not mean we shouldn’t do it. It means that market forces are broken, and we need to fix that, then you will see price reductions.
Withdrawals
· Landon Keen (Republican) withdrew from House 142 and endorsed Jeff Brown. Brown and Royce Tuck are the two remaining Republicans vying to replace termed Rep. Jeff Knight.
· Janay Mosley (Democrat) withdrew from House 68, leaving incumbent Rep. Kem Smith unopposed.
Lobbyist Registrations
Steven Tilley, Thomas Robbins, Christopher Schoeman, and Caleb Rowden added Morph LLC.
$5k+ Contributions
Protect Majority Rule Missouri - $100,000 from Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action.
American Dream PAC (pro-Kehoe) - $20,000 from Jared Hill.
Missouri Enterprise Fund (pro-Hardwick) - $10,000 from Conservative Leaders of Missouri LLC.
Missouri Enterprise Fund - $10,000 from Missouri AG PAC.
Missouri Enterprise Fund - $10,000 from Missouri C PAC.
Missouri Enterprise Fund - $10,000 from MO Majority PAC.
Missouri Enterprise Fund - $10,000 from Missouri Growth.
Missouri Growth PAC - $7,500 from Property Assessment Review.
Missouri Senior PAC - $120,000 from New Day Healthcare.
Missouri AG PAC - $120,000 from New Day Healthcare.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays Sen. Stephen Webber, Tricia Workman, and Ray Wagner.