August First Part I…

Today is the first Tuesday in August.  That puts us about one year from the 2024 primary election day…

Thielemier Hangs Out Shingle

Brad Thielemier, having left the position as the Missouri Troopers’ chief lobbyist, appears to be hanging out a shingle.

Kehoe OK With Abortion Exceptions

Kansas City Star reports that Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe said he “would consider approving legislation brought forward by the General Assembly that contains exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother.”

1 Big Thing: O’Laughlin Vows PSC Legislation

Senate Floor Leader Cindy O’Laughlin said yesterday that she intended to pursue legislation aimed at the Public Service Commission.

Luetkemeyer Applies to Join Supremes

Yesterday the Appellate Judicial Commission released the names of those applying to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court of Missouri. Several names will be familiar to folks around the capitol…

1 Big Thing: SinqueWatch

The next six months of the Republican statewide primary races will likely focus on fundraising.  And one question to answer is: Where will Rex be?

Koenig Announces

Sen. Andrew Koenig officially announced that he’s running for treasurer.

Riddle Questions MRL Endorsement Process

Former Sen. Jeanie Riddlesent a letter the leaders of the Missouri Right to Life PAC in an effort to let other supporters know of her disappointment “in what appears to be a flawed and very much ‘insider’ approach” to their endorsement process. 

Strong Jobs Report

No sign of a recession here in Missouri as the latest state jobs report came in strong again. 

1 Big Thing: MRL’s Increasingly Empty Agenda

Without talk of a pro-choice initiative petition, Missouri Right to Life would hardly have any reason to rally their troops.

MRL Endorses Ashcroft

Missouri Right to Life endorsed Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft in a surprise early endorsement. 

Christ vs Virvus?

Rep. Brad Christ tried to tangle with Virvus Jones, pops to St. Louis City Tishaura Jones, on Twitter but found himself “blocked.”

1. Political polarization.

2. Missouri and “21 century” industries.

3. Teacher pay by state.

4. GOP distrusts Higher Ed.

5. MO tipping.

6. STL and KC Dogs.

7. WFH = Wednesday Golf?

Remington / MOScout Poll: Dem Statewide

Survey conducted by Remington Research on July 12 and 13 with 661 likely 2024 Democratic Primary voters. MoE: +/-3.9%.

Q1: Possible candidates in the Democratic Primary for Senator are Wesley Bell, Lucas Kunce, and Karla May. If the election were held today, for whom would you vote?

Wesley Bell: 24%

Lucas Kunce: 31%

Karla May: 10%

Undecided: 35%

Dinkins Antes $100K

Rep. Chris Dinkins added $100,000 to her campaign committee yesterday as she announced she was considering running for Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s Senate 27 seat.   

More 2024 Talk

Tipster: Look for House Budget Chair Cody Smith to make an announcement about his statewide intentions (Treasurer!) today on Politically Speaking with the mighty Jason Rosenbaum.

Rehder Announces

Sen Holly Thompson Rehder announced she’s running for lieutenant governor.  This had been rumored for a while, but she made it official. 

May to Announce

Sen. Karla May will formally announce for US Senate today (3PM) in downtown St. Louis. 

1 Big Thing: Hot Button Issues Here to Stay

The next legislative session is still six months away, but it’s increasingly clear that it will likely again be dominated by hot-button cultural issues.

1. Kehoe Question.

2. Falling behind.

3. Heating up.

4-5. EV trends

6. Marrying later.

7. Donut shops.