Incumbent GOP Sens Get Primaries

I’ve been focused on the Senate Republican primaries in open seat where it seems the expansion or diminishment of the Conservative Caucus will be determined.

But there’s also another phenomenon occurring – several incumbent Republican senators running for re-election have a primary challenge.

1. Rural USA poll.

2. Aging population driving healthcare costs.

3-5. Trucks and roads.

6-7. China.

8-10. Tax credits

11. WFH.

Parson Hearts Bruce?

On the invite to an April 1 fundraiser, CD-4 candidate Kalena Bruce lists Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Theresa as “invited special guests.”

Legislative Update

The Senate had a second productive day.They passed Sen. Lincoln Hough’s SB 672 dealing with incentives and programs for workforce development.

Senate Passes a Bill!

Pro Tem Dave Schatz and recalcitrant Sen. Mike Moon made amends. They started the day on the outs, with Moon once against filibustering any business in rebellion against his being taken off committees. But this little cold war which has frozen the Senate for a week thawed after the two met in private.

The Boy Who Cried RINO?

In what universe is Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler a RINO?In Eric Greitens’. The Greitens campaign has a webpage now calling his opponents “RINOs.”

Probably Not What Danforth Had In Mind

Thomas Schneider says he’s going to answer Jack Danforth’s call for an “Independent Republican” to run for US Senate.

House and Senate Off Today

Today is President’s Day. The legislature is not in session. They’ll be back tomorrow. House Floor Leader Dean Plocher, in a note to members, warns of another upcoming winter storm expected to arrive Wednesday or Thursday, but says he has no plans for another shortened week. Reps should plan accordingly, he writes, if they’ll need to stay an extra day until roads are cleared.

1. Hawley Bush security expenses.

2. Ag input prices skyrocket.

3-4. Polarization

5. Labor participation rates by age of children.

6. Dissatisfaction with immigration level.

7. Uber Ratings.

8. Butter.

Danforth Promises Independent Senate Candidate

Assuming that when Danforth pipes the bugle, a platoon will show up and fall in line (not a given), this is an absolute bombshell. It would suddenly put Missouri’s US Senate seat in play.

Bryant Announces in CD-7

Alex Bryant announced that he’s running for Congress to replace Billy Long.

Politico: Trump Told Long to Drop

Folks will be talking about the Politico Playbook article this morning (“INSIDE THE GOP’S MISSOURI CLOWN SHOW”).

Senate Meltdown Continues

The Senate reconvened yesterday to yet another fruitless session. After a week of the Conservative Caucus filibustering a vote on congressional redistricting maps, leadership decided to give that rest and try regular business.

RightPath PAC Raises $2M

RightPath PAC is a new political action committee, formed just last month.Yesterday it recorded over $2 million in large contributions.

Senate Standstill Continues

The Senate spent time over the weekend continuing their attempt to find a resolution to the redrawing the congressional maps.

1. “Outsiders” getting in.

2. Biggest subsidy packages.

3. No consensus on transgender rights.

4. MO Home values climb.

5. The New GOP Powerbrokers?

6. Electric cars market share (it’s going up).

7. Super Bowl Sunday is a dangerous driving day, folks.

Senate continues to spin wheels over redistricting map, will convene today again at 10AM.

Acrimony Grows Deeper in Divided Senate

Matters got even worse yesterday as the divided Missouri Senate lost another day without progress on the congressional redistricting map.

There were rumors of the capitol police being called to break up a fight between senators. That’s not true, but it represents the degradation in civility that’s occurred.

Senate Loses Another Day to Redistricting

Post-Dispatch’s Jack Suntrup does a good job capturing another day in the Senate lost to redistricting.

Senate Grinds Away At Map

The Senate finally adjourned around midnight, breaking without much to show in the way of passing a new congressional map. They will reconvene at noon. A few thoughts…