Johnson Out of CD-4

Ryan Johnson announced Friday that he was ending his brief bid to become the next congressman of the 4th Congressional District.

Bunten Moves Up

Brian Bunten been elevated to Regional Vice President for UnitedHealth Group External Affairs, managing the team of in-house lobbyists in the Central U.S.

Poll on Anti-ESA IP

A poll – paid for by school choice advocates – shows that a proposed initiative petition to end the legislature’s new Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program faces resistance from voters.

Greitens Contra McConnell

Eric Greitens says he won’t support Mitch McConnell for leadership if he becomes a US Senator.

CRT and DEI Hot Buttons

A new group, MO Equity Education Partnership, has formed in the ongoing battle over school curriculum.

Greitens Hit Previewed?

The US Senate Republican primary is starting to look cookie-cutter. It looks like all the candidates will claim to be tremendous Trump supporters and will accuse their opponents of being soft on China.

1. Where Afghan refugees are headed.

2. Presidential popularity.

3. Changes in turnout among demographics by cycle.

4. Women governors

5. Online sales.

6. State mottos.

Q1: Possible candidates in the 2022 General Election for St. Louis County Executive are the republican Shamed Dogan and the democrat Sam Page. If the election were held today for whom would you vote?

Shamed Dogan: 30%

Sam Page: 49%

Undecided: 21%

More on Messy Senate Session

Fallout continues over the messy Senate Veto Session that played like an episode of “The Real Housewives of the Missouri Senate.”

Dems’ Dream Session

The Senate session yesterday was the fulfillment of Democratic hopes and dreams for next session.

Plocher Elected Speaker-Designate

The House Republican Caucus unanimously selected Rep. Dean Plocher to be the speaker in January 2023. No surprise here.

Veto Session Eve

Lots of fundraisers in Jefferson City tonight ahead of tomorrow’s Veto Session.But before that, there will be several hearings today as lawmakers use the occasion to prep some issues for next session.

Hottest Fundraiser?

On MOScouter correctly observes: “Looking at the fundraisers for Tuesday night, with Floor Leader Dean Plocher being the presumptive next speaker the House, the one fundraiser every lobbyist should be at is his at Bar Vino, 5PM.” Co-hosted, by the way, with Rep. Dan Houx and Jeff Knight.

1. License to Work.

2. Parson vs Trump in MO.

3. How COVID Hurt Kids.

4. Domestic Violence.

5. Building Out EV Infrastructure.

6. Vax Trends in MO.

7. Pujols.

Baringer for Auditor?

Word is that Rep. Donna Baringer has been asked by MO Dem Party to consider running for state auditor.

Biden Announces Employer Mandates

The big news event yesterday was President Joe Biden announcing COVID vaccination mandates.

Gregory Gets Firefighters

Rep. David Gregory is announcing today two more big endorsements for his campaign to become auditor.

Jeff City Fundys

Veto Session is next week, and invites are circuiting. Here are a couple I’ve seen…

· Sens. Jason Bean, Justin Brown, Lincoln Hough, Tony Luetkemeyer, Cindy O’Laughlin, and Holly Rehder at lobbyist Rich AuBuchon’s house Monday night.

· Senator Dr. Bob Onder, Tuesday 5-6:30PM at The Grand Café.

Vaccination Mandates from Business

Gallup polling shows a trend among Americans, losing patience with the unvaccinated.A majority now favoring businesses requiring vaccinations to go to office (56%), take a plane (61%), stay at hotel (53%)…

August Budget Numbers

August state tax receipts were 3% below August 2020 numbers.That brings the year-to-date number to -22.5% or $483 million below last year’s collection.