Senate 4: Behind the Scene Jockeying

Names mentioned as potential candidates: incumbent Sen. Karla May (obviously), former Sen. Jake Hummel, and Reps. Donna Baringer, Steve Butz and Peter Merideth.

Fitz’ End of Quarter BOOM

State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick has a huge event planned to close out the quarter at the end of the month. It’s at the home of GOP donor Gary Grewe, and features both Governor Mike Parson and Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe.

New State Senate Maps

The judicial commission released its “tentative senate redistricting plan” yesterday. It will be formally filed with the secretary of state’s office today and become the new state senate map. There’s a lot to digest here…

Dems Sue on Redistricting Impasse

A lawsuit was filed Friday declaring that “because the General Assembly and Governor have failed to enact a new congressional plan and the filing period is now open, this Court should adopt its own constitutional redistricting plan sufficiently in advance of the primary election that protects the rights of Missourians.”

Trump Cameos At Schmitt Fundy

Not an endorsement, one source says, but still a big night for Attorney General Eric Schmitt, holding a fundraiser at Mar-A-Lago. Former President Donald Trump dropped by and addressed the audience.

GOP Old Guard For Schatz?

Are the old guard Republicans beginning to push for Sen. Dave Schatz in the US Senate race? On the heels of this week’s news that KC GOP go-to Warren Erdman is leaning in for Schatz, yesterday the Schatz campaign sent a “save the date” for a March 31 event in St. Louis headlined by Governor Mike Parson.

Driving the Day: Soybean for Kehoe

Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe will announce yet another 2024 endorsement today. This one from the Missouri Soybean Association.

Erdman for Schatz

Making the rounds among Kansas City businesspeople yesterday was a letter from Kansas City Southern’s Warren Erdman introducing folks to Sen. Dave Schatz.

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is ho-hum about the need to draw new congressional maps THIS YEAR.

1. Yachts vs Arms

2. More Advice, Less Consent.

3-4. Voters’ concerns.

5. Americans moving less.

6. More Americans identifying as LGBTQ.

7. Babysitter wages.

Q: How confident are you in the integrity of Missouri’s elections?

Very confident: 45%

Somewhat confident: 37%

Somewhat unconfident: 10%

Very unconfident: 3%

Not sure: 4%

Cruz Ad for Schmitt

Texas Senator Ted Cruz has backed up his endorsement of Attorney General Eric Schmitt in the US Senate race with a 30-second ad.

Trafalgar Poll on MO Sen

Trafalgar Polling released a MO US Senate race poll.

It’s shows similar stratification that the MOScout/Remington polls have shown with Eric Greitens in the lead, followed by Eric Schmitt and then Vicky Hartzler. Billy Long, Mark McCloskey and Dave Schatz are all in single digits.

New Broadband Committee

Speaker Rob Vescovo created the Special Committee on Broadband and Infrastructure.Rep. Louis Riggs, who has been a leader on the issue in the House, was appointed chair.

Lew, Cash and Cayne Add $300K to RightPath

The RightPath PAC added another $300,000 to its coffers.This comes on the heels of $2.1 million raised two weeks ago.

Incumbent GOP Sens Get Primaries

I’ve been focused on the Senate Republican primaries in open seat where it seems the expansion or diminishment of the Conservative Caucus will be determined.

But there’s also another phenomenon occurring – several incumbent Republican senators running for re-election have a primary challenge.

1. Rural USA poll.

2. Aging population driving healthcare costs.

3-5. Trucks and roads.

6-7. China.

8-10. Tax credits

11. WFH.

Parson Hearts Bruce?

On the invite to an April 1 fundraiser, CD-4 candidate Kalena Bruce lists Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Theresa as “invited special guests.”

Legislative Update

The Senate had a second productive day.They passed Sen. Lincoln Hough’s SB 672 dealing with incentives and programs for workforce development.

Senate Passes a Bill!

Pro Tem Dave Schatz and recalcitrant Sen. Mike Moon made amends. They started the day on the outs, with Moon once against filibustering any business in rebellion against his being taken off committees. But this little cold war which has frozen the Senate for a week thawed after the two met in private.