New IE PACs

Jamey Murphy is the treasurer of NOVA PAC, a new PAC for John Simmons. Simmons is running (unopposed) for re-election House 109 (Franklin County), potentially prepping for a Senate run in 2022 (Schatz termed). However, this is after redistricting so there’s a lot of unknowns.

1. STL City mobility increases.

2. STL County mobility increases.

3. St. Charles mobility increases.

4. Folks more confident they can protect themselves from COVID.

5. GOPers more than Dems.

6. Pro-life Dems and Pro-choice GOPers exist.

7. What shape economic recovery.

Senate 3

Q2: Candidates in the August 4th Republican Primary Election for State Senate are Kent Scism, Joshua Barrett and Elaine Freeman Gannon. If the election were held today, for whom would you vote?

Kent Scism: 19%

Joshua Barrett: 24%

Elaine Freeman Gannon: 23%

Undecided: 34%

Gov Says Special Coming

At his briefing yesterday, Governor Mike Parson spoke about a special session as if it’s happening for sure – even as he’s unsure of when it would be or what would be included in the call.

Harris as MRL Puppet-Master?

Some think casting James Harris as “MRL Whisperer” is a bit of a stretch. But Harris’ clients (Gannon, Swan, and Brattin) did indeed fare well with MRL PAC…

Rehder’s First Ad: American Dream

In Senate 27, Rep. Holly Rehder released her first TV ad.

It’s an edited down version of her announcement video, highlighting her biography.

“I didn’t want a life on welfare, I wanted the American Dream. So I worked, put myself through college, started a business…”

Justice’s First Ad: Liberals Crazier Than Sprayed Roach

In Senate 25, Eddy Justice has released his first TV ad. It’s memorable, and could create some buzz.

He calls himself a “hardcore conservative.”  The ad is hardcore.  It starts with a punch at “liberal geniuses” who want to “abolish the police.”  “They’re crazier than a sprayed roach.” 

COVID Flares Up

New fears are rising that the coronavirus is spreading more rapidly in new places in Missouri.

• The most likely impact will be to dampen the economic recovery.

1. Biden leads Trump with women voters

2. But not in Missouri.

3. COVID in SWMO

4. COVID in SEMO

5. Charter school opening / closures in Missouri.

6. Why charters fail in Missouri.

7. Labor force participation, Missouri.

8. Continuing claims for unemployment insurance, Missouri

MOScout’s Hallway Index: Special Session

Lobbyists expect a special session with 80% of them saying it’s either very likely or somewhat likely. 

May Unemployment Unch

Missouri’s May unemployment rate decreased a smidge from 10.2% in April to 10.1% in May. June will be the number to watch. Will the reopening of the economy have made a real dent in the number or are we in for a long slog?

Zimmerman On the Air

St. Louis County Assessor Jake Zimmerman goes on the air today with his first TV ad. He’s in the middle of a four-way Democratic primary for County Executive.

In the ad, a supporter, Registered Nurse Mimi Signor, addresses the camera. She first hits incumbent Sam Page (“you should know the facts about Sam Page…”).

Revenues Showing Some Bounce

At the half-way point in the month, state tax receipts are showing a little life.  That’s good news for budgeteers

Driving the Day: Back to Business Day

Today marks the end of the state restrictions related to the coronavirus. Local municipalities can keep their own, but it appears that many will follow the state’s lead.

Driving the Day: Voting Rights Before MO’s High Court

Before the Missouri Supreme Court (virtually, not actually before them) at 10AM this morning are arguments about the state of absentee voting. 

1. BLM Net Approval.

2. Missourian Apology.

3. “South Will Rise Again” in Jefferson City.

4. MO Continuing Unemployment Claims.

5. “V” Shaped Recovery Coming?

6. CIDs and TDDs.

Hickey Leaves Sierra Club

Long-time activist John Hickey announced on Facebook that he was splitting with the Missouri Sierra Club…

After more than ten years in leadership at the Missouri Sierra Club, I am no longer part of the chapter staff. The Chapter Chair and I disagree on the most effective way to achieve our conservation goals. That said, I continue to have deep respect for the membership, leadership and staff of the Sierra Club, and am proud of the accomplishments that we achieved over the last ten years….

June 16: BIB Day

Coming soon… Back in Business Day for Missouri. Governor Mike Parson said yesterday that Reopening Phase 2 was pretty simple: no more restrictions from the state.

Driving the Day: Reopening 2.0?

Post-Dispatch reports that the governor’s 3PM briefing today may include plans for “Reopening 2.0.” See it here.

Gov. Mike Parson is signaling that he is likely to lift coronavirus restrictions set to expire Monday. In a briefing in the Capitol on Tuesday, Parson said he would reveal his decision in the coming days.

Missouri Foundation for Health released a report that Medicaid expansion would “lead to large-scale economic growth. On a yearly average, Missouri would see a $2.5 billion increase in economic output (averaging approximately $16,500 per Missouri business), a $1.6 billion increase in gross domestic product, and a $1.1 billion increase in personal income. The personal income increase averages to more than $500 per Missouri household every year.” See it here.