MOScout Weekender: Gamble Schlemeier Split on VLTs - Meet Rubicon Alliance - Hallway on Comebacks and more…
Gamble Schlemeier Split on VLT
Earlier this month around Election Day, lobbyist Bill Gamble deregistered for PENN Entertainment, a longtime casino client of the Gamble Schlemeier. The next day, he registered for J & J Ventures.
J & J has been pushing for the legalization in Missouri of its products, video lottery terminals (VLTs). Casinos, concerned about the rise of “gasinos” (“it will turn every gas station into a mini casino”), have opposed the effort.
Conflicts of interest are nothing new among contract lobbyists. (I have actually seen a lobbyist testify on opposite sides of the same bill for two different clients.) Some firms will establish firewalls and take both sides of an issue.
But Gamble Schlemeier, one of Jeff City’s top lobbying firms, with over 100 clients, has never embraced that practice.
It will be remarkable to see Jorgen Schlemeier and Gamble, one of the most successful partnerships in the Capitol, on opposite sides of the issue next session.
Meet Rubicon Alliance
Adding to the intrigue of Gamble’s move is the emergence of a new firm of which Gamble is the Managing Partner. Rubicon Alliance (see the website here) says it offers “strategic advocacy and government affairs solutions… From legislative strategy and lobbying to research, communications, and multi-state coordination, we provide tailored support to help organizations strengthen their voice and achieve their goals.”
The website describes the firm as a “network‑driven model… Independent lobbyists gain access to major clients, operational support, political access, and a statewide team—while keeping full control of their own businesses.”
In addition to Gamble, Troy Stremming (Senior Partner) and David Barklage (Strategic Partner) are listed as partners.
· Coalition members: Charles "Andy" Arnold, Andrew Arnold, Dave Berry, Eric Bohl, Tom Dempsey, Doug Galloway, Liz Henderson, Sly James, Rod Jetton, Jane O'Toole, Dean Plocher, Jonathan Ratliff, Ryan Rowden, Scott Rupp, Erin Schrimpf, Trent Watson, and Joni Wickham.
Scharf in the Spotlight
Politico profiles Will Scharf. Read it here.
Scharf hails from Missouri, where he served as assistant U.S. attorney in the Eastern District from 2020 to 2022. He launched a bid in 2024 for Missouri attorney general, losing to incumbent ANDREW BAILEY. ED MARTIN, the president’s pardon attorney, included Scharf in a list of lawyers he called the “Missouri Mafia,” including himself, who are in Trump’s orbit both on Capitol Hill and inside the administration.
MOScout’s Hallway Index: Comeback?
I asked lobbyists, “Which losing Senate candidate is most likely to make a political comeback?” 20 replies…
RESULTS
1. Steve Butz… 0%
2. Tricia Byrnes… 5%
3. Hannah Kelly… 10%
4. Ed Lewis… 0%
5. Brad Pollitt… 0%
6. Curtis Trent… 55%
7. Rudy Veit… 5%
8. Someone else… 25%
Sample of Comments
· [Someone else] None of the above these were not heavyweights in the first place.
· Curtis was the victim of a poorly run campaign. Super talented guy with a bright future.
· Bill Eigel.
· As much as Byrnes is soliciting it, Trent makes a comeback as a lobbyist sooner rather than later.
· None of them.
· Does this mean “in the political arena” or does it mean actually elected to office? I don’t see any of those on the list running for office - perhaps a county office? (Byrnes) Lobbying - if that is counted as “political” then Trent.
· [Trent] Brilliant guy. Huge downgrade coming.
Who Won the Week?
House Democrats – The new $1 million labor-backed Will of the People PAC gives Democratic legislative candidates something they have often lacked: a serious outside organization prepared to play offense in selected races.
Will Scharf – The former Missouri attorney general candidate is being elevated from White House staff secretary to White House counsel.
Rosetta Okohson – The St. Louis Democratic operative ran Jake Zimmerman’s late starting, come from behind St. Louis County Executive campaign.
Scott Charton – Charton developed and promoted key messages for his longtime client Missouri Realtors in crushing Amendments 4 & 5, including the viral slogan, “Trust Yourself. Politicians Don't.”
Missouri State Parks – While Amendments 4 & 5 sunk, Amendment 1 soared, winning more than 80% of the vote, renewing the parks-and-conservation tax.
Find a downloadable version here.
Gubby Appts
Governor Mike Kehoe made several appointments…
· Jessica Deadmond, of Troy, was appointed to the Missouri Workforce Development Board.
· Kirsten Persley, Ed.D., of Kansas City, was appointed to the Missouri Charter Public School Commission.
· Dr. Elizabeth Bowman, of Farmington, was appointed to the Drug Utilization Review Board.
· Kyle Brane, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Missouri Board for Respiratory Care.
· Angela Collins, of Sikeston, was appointed to the Board of Therapeutic Massage.
· Rosella Schad, of Holts Summit, was reappointed to the Board of Geologist Registration.
· Mark Welker, of Cape Girardeau, was appointed to the Crime Laboratory Review Commission.
· Michael Purol, of Monroe City, was reappointed to the Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Professional Landscape Architects.
$5K+ Contributions
Real Action PAC (pro-Christ) - $25,000 from MCR PAC.
Real Action PAC - $20,000 from Sports Betting Alliance.
Asclepius PAC - $750,000 from Missouri State Medical Assn.
Patients First PAC - $750,000 from Missouri State Medical Assn.
Missourians for Fair Governance - $30,000 from Missourians for Fair Taxation.
Putting People First PAC - $10,000 from MCR PAC.
Missourians for Fair Taxation - $41,454 from Missourians for Fair Governance.
Progress PAC - $12,500 from Laborers’ International Union of N.A. Local No.42.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Rep. Rodger Reedy, and Jason Norton.
Sunday: Rep. Rudy Veit, Randy Wright, Crystal Quade, Jesus Osete, and Sue Meredith.