One reader took note of the check from the Mike Parson-aligned Unifying Missouri PAC to HRCC in yesterday’s list.  It was for $50K.  “That’s a huge number for a governor. Nixon never did that and Blunt helped a little after he decided not to run, but not even at that level.”

Of course the reader didn’t even compare to Greitens.

The PAC is not directed by Parson, but it’s interesting that “Team Parson” is making it a priority to protect the legislative majority right now, instead of increase their 2020 war-chest.

We’re in full-on fundraising season right now.

Tonight a firecracker is scheduled at State Treasurer Eric Schmitt’s house for Rep. Jean Evans.  On the host committee: Gregg Keller, Mike Gibbons, Sue and Mike Allen, Jeff Aboussie, David Winton, Todd Randall, Eldon Weinhaus, Nexus Group, MO Soybean Association, J&J Enterprises, Well Care, St. Louis Realtors, and Major Brands.

Tomorrow night, another humdinger…. This one at the home of Nick and Tyan Ragone.  It’s for Josh Hawley with special guests Jack Danforth, and Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe.  Others on that host committee besides GOP bundler Nick Ragone are Tony Terisgni, and Gregg and Lori Keller.

Welcome to the MOScout Weekender…

MOScout Weekly Poll

As we start to look to the general elections, I started with what’s considered to be the most competitive state senate seat – Jefferson County’s Senate 22.

Here are the toplines….

Q: Do you think Missouri is heading in the right direction or do you think it is going off on the wrong track?

Right direction: 41%

Wrong track: 38%

Unsure: 21%

Q: Do you approve or disapprove of Donald Trump’s job performance as President of the United States?

Approve: 52%

Disapprove: 43%

Unsure: 5%

House GOP Summer Caucus Talk

One of the purposes of this summer gathering is to start coalescing around legislative priorities for the coming year.

As has been noted before, while the Greitens drama was unfolding week by week, the legislature, under the direction of Speaker Todd Richardson and Senate Pro Tem Ron Richard, had a banner year.  So what’s next?...

Two big topics folks will be talking about: reworking the sales tax collection to include taxing internet purchases; and tort reform. 

House Republican Summer Caucus Talk

A big rumor making its way around yesterday, sending tremors through the political world – especially labor… Word is that MOChamber CEO Dan Mehan and businessman Greg Hoberock will be addressing House Republicans at their summer caucus this weekend.  While it’s unclear what they’ll say, they are slated to be “presenting on right to work.”  They could just be talking about how to “message” the landslide loss of the issue.  But some are nervous that they’ll be pitching the idea of re-passing the legislation….

Leadership Race Talk

I haven’t done full spreadsheets looking at leadership races yet.  However in conversations over the course of the last week a few consensus opinions are emerging among building denizens.

Sen. Caleb Rowden is now considered the clear favorite to win Floor Leader in the Senate; and Rep. Travis Fitzwater is expected to win the Pro Tem position in the House.

Additionally – this wouldn’t qualify as “consensus” – it does seem to me that Sen. Bob Onder is probably pleased with the Senate primary outcomes; it may have provided a nice boost to his Senate Pro Tem bid.

McDowell’s Residency Controversy

The Post Dispatch’s Kurt Erickson gets MOGOPers on the record saying that they support Saundra McDowell’s candidacy for auditor. 

That seems to be the new holding pattern among Republicans.  They are still mentioning possible replacements.   But there doesn’t appear to be any orchestrated coup coming now.  No, back-room sit-down with an offer McDowell can’t refuse.

That means we’ll wait for a lawsuit, and watch it work through the courts.

Curls for Minority Leader?

Kiki Curls has been privately encouraged to seek the Minority Leader position.  This comes on the heels of Karla May’s surprise win in Senate 4 which brings the African American representation to a record high in the Senate.  There will be at least four African Americans in the Democratic Caucus.  If Martin Rucker II succeeds in Senate 34, there could be five.

My source says Curls was lukewarm to the idea, not wanting to cause a rift in her relationship with the current Senate minority leader, Gina Walsh.

GOP Frets About Auditor’s Race

Republican politicos and operatives are warily eyeing the auditor’s race and considering if their nominee, Saundra McDowell, is too flawed to challenge the Democratic incumbent Nicole Galloway.   A half-dozen Republicans confirm to me that there’s talk afoot to seek her ouster.

The race has taken on extra urgency among Republicans because they fear the passage of CLEAN Missouri initiative will strengthen the role of the auditor as it relates to redistricting.

GOP Nominates Lunatic Fringe in House 15

Yesterday I was forwarded a research document about Steve West, the Republican nominee in House 15, that alleges that he “maintains several alter egos, most prominently ‘Jack Justice’, and operates an extremist website (www.sellingtruth.net).”