Ashcroft Announcement

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft announced today that he’s running for governor. 

Election Results

·       In St. Louis… Rep. Rasheen Aldridge won his bid to become a St. Louis City Alderman.

·       In Jefferson City… Brad Bates won re-election to the Jefferson City School Board, and Mark Schwartz won his City Council race.

Election Day

Municipal elections are happening now across the state today. 

Ads Target GOP Resistance to Tort Reform

The Missouri Civil Justice Reform Coalition is rolling out ads (seven of them in all, aimed at different Republican senators) for opposing tort reform.

1. The economy continues to be a key concern for Americans.

2. College less likely to be seen as a viable path forward, economically.

3-6. And we’re on the cusp of historic shifts…

Huge End-of-Quarter Checks

On the last day of the fundraising quarter two statewide candidates recorded huge checks into their PACs.

Bowlin Plunks Down $100K on Senate Race

In the hot Senate 15 Republican primary, Jim Bowlin, mayor of Wildwood, tossed in $100K of this own money.  Today is the last day of the fundraising quarter.

Senate Debates IP Reform

The Senate spent several hours debating the House version of initiative petition reform.  It was filibustered by Dems and laid over for future debate.

Budget Bits

The House perfected the state budget yesterday.  They got a late start and wrapped up around 10:30PM. 

Garrison to ADFL

Tim Garrison on Facebook says he “excited to get to work as Senior Counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, the world's largest legal organization protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, marriage and family, and the sanctity of life…”

Budget Week in the House

The House is expected to work through the budget bills on Tuesday.  The budget has become a flashpoint between the House and the governor’s office. 

1. Fed as backstop.

2. Aging population.

3. Robots coming.

4. And drones.

5. And scams.

6. And cyberwars?

7. But not green energy projects?

Survey conducted Remington Research Group March 22, 23. 1,478 likely 2024 November Election voters. MoE: +/-3%.

Q2: Do you approve or disapprove of Mike Parson’s job as governor of Missouri?

Approve: 48%

Disapprove: 35%

Unsure: 18%

1 Big Thing: Ugly Senate GOP Primaries Ahead

Regardless the cause: it looks like we’ll be in for another rowdy round of primaries in 2024.  Buckle up.

1 Big Thing: Eruptions on Senate Floor

On the Senate floor yesterday, Sen. Bill Eigel got hot at Sen. Mike Cierpiot for “killing” his bill through “a trapdoor committee.”

Cody Cuts

Yesterday, Budget Chair Cody Smith walked the committee through his recommendations. One of the big shockers was deep cuts to the proposed early childhood initiatives.  Smith zeroed out the $56 million for pre-kindergarten expansion, and the $78 million for childcare subsidies. 

Senate Filibuster, House Sprints

The Republican legislature wasted no time, tackling a number of their remaining priorities.

The House perfected the controversial “landfill” bill, tax cut bill, and sports betting bill.  And the Senate immediately returned to their debate on transgender issues.  That led to a filibuster which proceeded through the night and is ongoing right now.

And we’re back from a 3-day weekend….

Bozarth to Treas Office

Tipster says that Ray Bozarth is joining the State Treasurer’s office.  He’s the new chief of staff. Bozarth was previously State Deputy Director for US Senator Josh Hawley.

Where Things Stand At Midpoint

It’s surprising, given the lack of open conflicts how very few major issues appear to have an easy path to passage…