Burlison Announces in CD7

Sen. Eric Burlison declared himself a candidate for CD-7. The announcement came one day after his colleague, Sen. Mike Moon, jumped into the race. They join Dr. Sam Alexander in the Republican primary. And former Sen. Jay Wasson is said to be calling calls and lining up support for his bid as well.

Moon Announces in CD7

Sen. Mike Moon announced that he’s running in CD-7 to replace Billy Long, who’s running for US Senate.

COVID Hospitalizations Starting to Ebb?

The good news this morning is that we may have seen the peak in COVID hospitalizations.

New IP Petitions

New initiative petitions continue to be filed with the Secretary of State’s office.

1. Schmitt goes after school masks, where partisan divide is widest.

2. What states “get” versus “give” the federal government.

3. How state use road funds. Expansion / maintenance mix.

4. Nursing home staffs still shrinking.

5 and 6. Missouri’s Ag industry versus our healthcare industry.

7. Roman emperor deaths.

MOScout’s Hallway Index: No Special Session Impact

I asked, “How will no special session on redistricting impact next session?”

1. Increases likelihood of early session PQ… 4.5%

2. Increases conflicts between Republicans… 59.1%

3. Increases horse-trading with other legislation… 22.7%

4. Not that big of a deal; there's always drama in the building anyway… 13.6%

Flags to Half-Staff

From OA: By order of the President, U.S. and Missouri flags at all government buildings statewide will be flown at half-staff effective immediately and should remain lowered until sunset on August 30, 2021 in honor and to pay our respects to the U.S. service members and other victims killed in the terrorist attack on August 26, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Martin, Loudon Make Jan 6 Records Request List

The January 6 Committee made a request yesterday for records of contacts between the Trump White House and outside groups.

On that list of requests are two folks with Missouri roots…

· Ed Martin, former chief of staff to Governor Matt Blunt and now head of the Schlafly Eagles.

· Gina Loudon, wife of former state senator John Loudon.

Schmitt Continues Anti-Mask Crusade

Attorney General Eric Schmitt filed suit against the Columbia Public Schools calling their mask mandate arbitrary, capricious, and unlawful.

The move drew a response from the White House: "We've seen, including recently I think today or yesterday in Missouri, additional steps taken that in our view put more kids at risk. The president thinks that's completely unacceptable."

Gregory’s Police Support

Auditor candidate David Gregory’s PAC – Show Me Growth PAC – recorded a large contribution of $10K from the St. Louis County Police Association.

According to the state’s dashboard, Missouri’s ICUs remain full of COVID patients.

1. Confidence in institutions, by party

2. Death penalty use, by state

3. Senate Splits

4. New inflation era emerging?

5. Marijuana uses over 50 years.

6. Tech salaries, by state

7. Experience required.

8. The hidden story.

Parson Says No Redistricting Special

AP reports that “Missouri Gov.Mike Parson on Thursday said he won’t call lawmakers back to work this year to redraw the state’s congressional districts, setting up a compressed timeline for candidates running for the U.S. House in 2022.

$400M for Rural Broadband Plan

Press release: During a press conference at the Missouri State Fair hosted by the Missouri Farm Bureau, Governor Mike Parson announced plans to deploy more than $400 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to increase broadband internet access, adoption, and assistance statewide…

Walsh Passes

Rep. Sara Walsh, on Twitter this morning, shares news of the death of her husband, Steve Walsh.

Bruce Enters CD-4

Kalena Bruce is announcing she’s running for the 4th Congressional this morning.

According to her campaign press release, she’s “a mother, cattle farmer, and business owner… a 5th generation farmer who lives in Stockton, Missouri, with her husband, Billy, and their daughter.”

Missourians in the ICU with COVID remains near record highs according to the state’s dashboard. But they haven’t moved meaningfully higher in the past few days, bringing hope that this wave may be cresting.

Parson For Fitz

Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick has landed a big endorsement in his bid to become state auditor: Governor Mike Parson will be a special guest at his fundraiser next month in St. Louis County.

Franklin County Snubs Schatz

The Franklin County Republican Central Committee passed a resolution that they will “provide no further material or financial support for any future campaigns or political endeavors, undertaken by Senator Schatz.”

MO COVID ICU Hits Record High

According to the state’s dashboard (see it here), there are now more Missourians in Intensive Care Units because of COVID than at any time previously.

This morning the number hit 689, breaking the old record set on December 23.