July Quarter: US Senate

Attorney General Eric Schmitt and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler led the field in fundraising while both Eric Greitens and Mark McCloskey’s numbers were uninspiring.

COVID 3rd Wave: Time for Message Discipline

The governor, and other Republicans, should be repeating with campaign-like messaging discipline that the vaccines are safe and effective, and that getting vaccinated is good for your health and good for the economy.

Rowden in DC

National Journal’s Hotline reports that Sen. Caleb Rowden was in DC recently meeting with the National Republican Congressional Committee about his potential 4-CD bid….

FYI

As of this morning…

· 39.7% of Missourians are fully vaccinated.

· Hospitalizations remain above the 1,000 mark with hundreds in ICU.

Parson’s Vetoes

Governor Mike Parson issued a few vetoes. The bills were approved by the lopsided numbers in the legislature.

1. Defund police messaging.

2. Eigel to airwaves

3. SWMO COVID

4. Edwards says 3rd wave is coming

5. Medical deductions

6. Confederate monuments

7. Old buildings

8. New arrivals

9. GDP vs happiness

10. Car alarm

Moon Against Vax Incentives

In a Facebook post, Sen. Mike Moon explained his views against incentivizing folks to get the COVID vaccine.

“The vaccines are experimental and should not be forced upon anyone (or luring individuals to take the unproven drug with monetary enticements).”

COVID Rages in SWMO

From the Twitterverse

· Eli Yokley tweets this amazing (in a bad way) statistic: Joplin, Mo., has the highest COVID-19 hospitalization rate in America.

· And over in Springfield, Fire Chief David Pennington tweets: This is a mass casualty event, happening in slow-motion. EMS resources are depleted, and the hospital systems are overwhelmed. Our community is in crisis.

Rex, Busch, Brauer Among Schmitt Supporters

Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s first fundraising report as a U.S. Senate candidate is “not only record-breaking, it will feature a who’s who of Missouri donors.”

Walsh Launches

Rep. Sara Walsh launches her 2nd Congressional bid today. Her announcement video starts with her story – hard work, family values – and moves to her platform – “finishing what President Donald Trump started.”

It’s entitled Defend the American Dream. Walsh says “the politicians in DC are wrecking our kids’ futures. The American Dream that I’ve lived is under attack.”

Walsh Preps CD-4 Bid

Rep. Sarah Walsh, in an email blast, teed up a Wednesday (July 7) announcement for her entry into the 4th Congressional District race. Incumbent Vicky Hartzler is running for US Senate.

Quick bits before a long weekend….

Breaking: Schmitt PAC Raises Over $1M

The SuperPAC allied with AG Eric Schmitt’s US Senate bid, Save Missouri Value, recorded over $1.25 million raised in their July quarter filing.

House Set to Pass FRA

The House Budget Committee passed out the Senate’s clean FRA bill yesterday

FRA Hearing in House

Today the House Budget Committee will hear the Senate FRA bill (11AM).Rep. Nick Schroer, who has been vocal about adding Onder-esque language, filed three bills yesterday.

Partisan Divide Inside MOScout Poll

Last week’s Remington/MOScout poll on various general issues showed a sharp partisan divide.

· Have you been vaccinated for COVID or do you plan to be? 48% self-identified as “very conservative” don’t plan to be vaccinated versus 10% of self-identified “progressives.”

1. TV series setting by state

2. How different countries set their minimum wage.

3. Union membership in Missouri

4 - 5. Rising gun violence.

6. Health insurance status of Missourians.

7. How far from a stoke center?

8. St. Louis faces a “hoops gap.”

9. Chess bump is enduring.

10. Prepping for the 4th

11. Derges support

12. We are not alone?

Senate Passes FRA

After a long day and night, the Senate passed the FRA renewal. It was a three-year renewal. And it included language that prohibited funding for “any abortifacient drug or device that is used for the purpose of inducing an abortion.”

Birthdays

Happy birthday to the mighty Jason Rosenbaum,

FRA Special Kicks Off

It wasn’t a particularly auspicious start to the special session. Senators were not in a conciliatory mood on the floor.