New Abortion IPs Shake Up Fault Lines

The initiative petitions filed yesterday to weaken Missouri’s total ban abortion law may shake up what has become an entrenched issue for decades. 

First in MOScout: Holdens Backs Bell

Former Governor Bob Holden and wife Lori Hauser Holden are endorsing Wesley Bell for US Senate.

2024 Elections Loom Over Next Senate

The 2024 elections will loom over the state senate during this coming year.  Not only are their likely five Republican Senators running for statewide office (Eigel for gov, Thompson Rehder for LG, Rowden and Hoskins for SOS, and Koenig for Treasurer), it looks like there will primaries in every Republican seat.

IP Window Closing

Two years ago yesterday, Legal Missouri filed initiative petition 2022-059 with the secretary of state’s office.  It was ultimately voted into the constitution, legalizing recreational marijuana in Missouri.

1. Retirement.

2. Minimum wage.

3. Vegetarianism.

4. Gun feelings.

5. Death rates.

6. Nursing and residential care revenues.

7. UFO sightings.

Basye Questions Webber’s Military Record

Maybe someone check on former Rep. Chuck Basye…

See his exchange with former Rep. Stephen Webber. It’s a doozy.  

Don’t Count Hough Out?

It appears that Sen. Lincoln Hough (or someone for him) is polling for a possible lieutenant governor bid. 

Don’t Count Rowden Out

Senate Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, recently returned tanned and rested from his family’s summer vacation, is telling sources that he is strongly considering running for Secretary of State.

Bailey and Jones Square Off On Guns

St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura Jones announced she plans to try to outlaw certain firearms within the city limits…

Plocher’s In

House Speaker Dean Plocher is putting final touches on his plan to launch his bid for lieutenant governor. Sources close to Plocher say it will be late September.  

Scuttlebutt From GOP Summer Caucus

Here are a few rumors and tidbits from the Republican Summer Caucus last weekend…

1. Marriage.

2. Expenses..

3. 1%ers in Missouri.

4. Payday loan rates.

5. Public health threats.

6. Presidential felonies.

Q1: From what you have heard about Hunter Biden’s legal troubles, which best describes your reaction?

Hunter Biden is the target of a political attack: 19%

No one is above the law: 64%

Not sure: 17%

Governor’s Ham Breakfast Rundown

The sold-out ham breakfast made it clear Governor Mike Parson is still the undisputed king of the state fair and of Missouri’s ag community.

Getting Sued Works Just As Well As Suing?

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, lacking the power to sue folks, has taken the opposite tack.  He’s been sued.  And generating free media just the same. 

Simmons Vows Return

Former Rep. John Simmons is plotting a comeback.   He was ousted by Rep. Kyle Marquart in 2022 in an upset. 

Trump’s Latest Indictment

The State of Georgia issued an indictment last night of Donald Trump and many of his inner circle for their efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. 

Does it matter? 

1 Big Thing: ESG “Woke” Investing? Or Smart Investing?

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has found himself embroiled in a lawsuit over his new rules dealing with ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) investments.

Analysis: TOU Rates Impact Largely Benign

According to a presentation before the Public Service Commission yesterday, Evergy’s new “time of use” rates would not bring the cataclysmic change in rate-payers’ bills that some opponents have imagined.  In fact, the vast majority would see rates stay largely the same or drop under the new system.

Jobes to Bean

Sen. Jason Bean will have a new Chief of Staff for next session. Bean has tapped Tucker Jobes who is extremely well liked and well respected in the building.