These endorsements demonstrate Smith’s broad support across crucial sectors, emphasizing his dedication to public safety, pro-life principles, and community service. The Missouri Fraternal Order of Police and the State Trooper’s Association have praised Smith’s support for law enforcement and his commitment to policies that strengthen Missouri’s security.

“Our members go to work each day knowing they may not return home to their family. Therefore, we rely on elected officials who understand the unique challenges facing every law enforcement officer and who are committed to effective public safety solutions in Missouri,” Jay Schroeder, President, Missouri Fraternal Order of Police.

Missouri Right to Life’s endorsement shines a light on Smith’s staunch pro-life stance and his dedication to protecting society’s most vulnerable. “We take great care in choosing candidates to support in elections,” said Dave Plemmons, MRL Chairman. “In addition to survey responses and pro-life involvement in the community, we also consider past pro-life leadership, sponsorship and voting records in the Missouri legislature both in committee and on the floor.”

Responding to these endorsements, Representative Smith expressed his gratitude and commitment to serving as State Treasurer. “I am honored to receive the endorsements of such esteemed organizations,” Smith said. “Their support signifies trust in my ability to manage our state’s finances with integrity and transparency. I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure politicians know that we can tighten our belts as a state and return tax dollars to taxpayers instead of a bloated bureaucracy. I have a record of doing that in the Missouri House, and I will continue that commitment as State Treasurer.”

For more information about Representative Cody Smith’s campaign, please visit codyformissouri.org.

The post Press Release: Representative Cody Smith’s Campaign for Missouri State Treasurer Continues Momentum appeared first on The Missouri Times.

This is Gov. Parson’s second  statewide appointment in the last month. He appointed his General Counsel Andrew Bailey to serve as the next Attorney General, as current Attorney General Eric Schmitt ran for and won the U.S. Senate seat left open by Sen. Roy Blunt.

“A proud Republican and a strong capitalist, his conservative values are unimpeachable. And we know he will work hard every day to safeguard the people’s money and trusts,” Parson said during the announcement.

The position of Treasurer became vacant when the current Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick ran and won the race for State Auditor this past November. Fitzpatrick beat Dr. Alan Green and will replace Nicole Galloway, the only Democrat to hold statewide office in Missouri.

The treasurer serves as Missouri’s Chief Financial Officer. They are in charge of the state’s budget and other finances. The office also manages the state’s wealth of unclaimed property, which can reach into the value of a billion dollars.

Perhaps one of the office’s biggest responsibilities is maintaining the state’s bond rating. Currently Missouri holds the coveted Triple A bond rating, something that many states do not have. Now Malek will step into the position.

“I believe that Missouri needs a steady conservative hand in the Office of Treasurer and I will work every day to make sure taxpayers money is invested wisely and protected in the most prudent ways possible,” Malek said.

Malek came to Missouri from Rohtak, India to attend graduate school at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. There he received a Masters in Business Administration and later he received his JD/LLM from the University of Illinois College of Law. Now he lives with his wife and three children in Wildwood, Missouri.

“I can attest with strong conviction that the American dream is alive and well because I have lived it right here in Missouri,” Malek said.

Malek has over 15 years of experience practicing law in Missouri. His firm, Law Offices of Vivek Malek, specializes in all forms of immigration law. The firm has an office in St. Louis as well as one located in Fresno, California.

This will be Malek’s first time in public office but he is no stranger to Parson. In 2020, Parson appointed Malik to the Southeast Missouri State Board of Governors.

During the announcement, Malek stated that he would run for the position in 2024.

Kelton Turner

Kelton is a 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies. He is a native of mid-Missouri and likes to write politics at both the state and federal levels. Kelton joined the Missouri Times in April 2022

www.themissouritimes.com

The post Parson appoints Vivek Malek as Missouri’s next State Treasurer appeared first on The Missouri Times.

Tomorrow at 3:00 Governor Parson will select the next State Treasurer. If I had to guess there are four choices that the Governor has considered.

Carrie Almond –  President of the National Federation of Republican Women from Chillicothe. She has served as Treasurer of Livingston County and executive vice president of Citizens Bank & Trust, a highly successful northern Missouri bank.

Holly Rehder – The current state senator has long been rumored as a potential statewide candidate, and was the runner up for the post four years ago. She has political experience, fundraising experience, and is the one candidate who is the least likely to field a primary opponent.

Vivek Malik – A St. Louis attorney who specializes in immigration law. He was appointed to the Southeast Missouri Board of Curators in 2020 by Governor Parson.

Kalena Bruce – A cattle farmer and accountant who ran for congress last cycle. She has a lot of political talent and ran with the endorsement of Governor Parson. She performed outstanding in the only debate and has been rumored as a top candidate for the position from the start.

Ray Wagner to Bailey’s AG Office 

In a huge get for Attorney General Designee Andrew Bailey Ray Wagner is coming to the office to be his Senior Advisor and Chief Counselor to the Office of Attorney General. Wagner has a long history in state government beginning in the Ashcroft administration as well as being a long history of being an advisor to the most powerful politicians in the state.

Jesus Oeste to Bryan Cave 

Jesus Oeste General Counsel to Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is leaving the office to rejoin Bryan Cave
Leighton Paisner LLP. He will be in the Jefferson City office. Oeste has clerked for Supreme Court Judge Zel Fischer as well as working in the Attorney General’s Office under Eric Schmitt and more recently Ashcroft. He is also one of the smartest people in state government.

If you have time take a minute and watch my conversation with now DOR Director Wayne Wallingford. It’s the 50th anniversary of the Linebacker II mission that ended the Vietnam War and that he flew the most combat missions in. Its at: twmp.tv 

Scott Faughn

Scott Faughn is the publisher of The Missouri Times, owner of the Clayton Times in Clayton; SEMO Times in Poplar Bluff; and host of the only statewide political television show, This Week in Missouri Politics.

The post TWMP Column: Treasurer Selection Day  appeared first on The Missouri Times.

Scott Faughn

Scott Faughn is the publisher of The Missouri Times, owner of the Clayton Times in Clayton; SEMO Times in Poplar Bluff; and host of the only statewide political television show, This Week in Missouri Politics.

The post This Week in Missouri Politics Column: Election night recap appeared first on The Missouri Times.

Members of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association’s Policy and Legislative Affairs Committee interviewed candidates for U.S. Senate, state auditor, CD 4 and CD 7 on April 6 in Columbia. The full Board of Directors then met and unanimously approved the committee’s decision to endorse Hartzler and Fitzpatrick.

MCA Policy and Legislative Affairs Committee Chairman Jimmie Long, a cattle producer from Cole Camp, said, “Hartzler is a proven leader when it comes to fighting for farm and ranch families. “

“When it comes to our issues, we know exactly what to expect. She is the only member of the Missouri congressional delegation serving on the agriculture committee in Washington, D.C. She is a farmer and a longtime producer member of this association,” Long said. “She is currently leading the fight in Washington to create a level playing field for cattle producers by addressing price discovery and market transparency.” 

Of Fitzpatrick, Long said, “Fitzpatrick has a long history of holding government accountable and working alongside farm and ranch families during his time in the Missouri House and as the state treasurer.”

He recalled legislation led by the association that would exempt farmers and ranchers from paying income taxes on disaster assistance. Fitzpatrick’s efforts earned him the MCA Legislator of the Year Award in 2016. 

“The legislation was vetoed, but thanks to the work of Fitzpatrick, who refuted erroneous numbers touted by the Nixon administration, the veto was overridden by the General Assembly. It wouldn’t have happened without him,” said Long. “Coming from a rural area, Fitzpatrick understands the opportunities and challenges we face in agriculture.” 

Long said endorsements are “no easy hurdle” since the board must approve all with at least an 80 percent majority. He also said the recent announcement is simply the first wave of endorsements.

The committee opted to hold endorsements for U.S. Congress until congressional maps are finalized and will review them again at that time.

The committee will reconvene and make recommendations for state Senate races in May and June. Missouri House endorsements will occur in July to give the association time to meet and vet candidates.   

“The association takes endorsements seriously and it is a thoughtful and thorough process,” MCA President Bruce Mershon said. “We truly give this a lot of thought and work hard to identify leaders who truly understand and value Missouri agriculture. We do not rush through this.” 

Kelton Turner

Kelton is a 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies. He is a native of mid-Missouri and likes to write politics at both the state and federal levels. Kelton joined the Missouri Times in April 2022

www.themissouritimes.com

The post Missouri Cattlemen’s Association makes wave of primary endorsements appeared first on The Missouri Times.

The move comes on the heels of Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick’s request earlier this week as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine. 

MOSERS holds about $13 million in Russian securities within funds worth more than $1 billion as part of its Global Emerging Markets allocation, according to the Treasurer’s Office.

“Today the MOSERS Board of Trustees sent a clear message to Vladimir Putin: that his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine will not go unchecked and the world will remain united in crippling his economy and his political views,” Fitzpatrick said. “The MOSERS Board, the people of Missouri, and all Americans stand with the Ukrainian people.” 

Also on Thursday, the House unanimously passed a resolution in support of Ukraine, calling Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attack “unprovoked and unjustified.” It also called attention to a fatal Russian mortar attack on a children’s hospital. 

“We proudly stand alongside Ukraine, its people, and its leaders during this horrific and unnecessary war and vow to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its catastrophic decision to invade this sovereign nation,” Rep. Mike Haffner, the resolution’s sponsor, said. 

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has requested the Capitol be lit in blue and yellow, the colors on the Ukrainian flag, in solidarity with the people as the attacks continue. 

Earlier this week, House Majority Floor Leader Dean Plocher announced legislation to prohibit private businesses and state entities from doing business with Russia. 

The U.S., as well as other countries around the world, have imposed sanctions on Russia as private companies have ceased to do business with the country. 

The post Missouri officials continue to show support for Ukraine, condemn Russia’s invasion appeared first on The Missouri Times.

MOSERS, the Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System, holds about $13 million in Russian securities within funds worth more than $1 billion as part of its Global Emerging Markets allocation, according to the Treasurer’s Office. 

“Vladimir Putin is a madman, and it’s time for the world to cut him off. In Missouri, that starts with MOSERS,” Fitzpatrick, a Republican, said. “When he is isolated and alone, Ukrainians and Russians will have their countries back. Missouri stands with the Ukrainian people.” 

“I’m calling on all other Missouri pension plans to follow suit in ensuring no public funds are used to help prop up the Russian economy as long as these atrocities continue,” Fitzpatrick continued. 

The move comes as the U.S. and several other counties have imposed sanctions on Russia as it has invaded Ukraine. Oil companies Shell and BP also recently announced divestment plans from Russian groups. 

Fitzpatrick sent his letter to MOSER executive director Ronda Stegmann Monday. 

The post Missouri treasurer requests emergency MOSERS meeting on Russia divestment appeared first on The Missouri Times.

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Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick had sued Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft over the proposed language earlier this year, calling it “erroneous and biased.” Amendment 1, which passed the legislature in May as HJR 35, would give Missouri’s state treasurer the ability to invest in certain municipal securities or in “other reasonable and prudent financial instruments and securities as otherwise provided by law” if approved by voters. 

The ballot language provided by the Secretary of State’s Office asks voters if they wish to: 

• • allow the General Assembly to override the current constitutional restrictions of state investments by the state treasurer; and
  • allow state investments in municipal securities possessing one of the top five highest long term ratings or the highest short term rating?

Additionally, the fair ballot language informs voters that a “yes” vote would: 

“[A]mend the Missouri Constitution to grant the General Assembly statutory authority to invest state funds and also expand the state treasurer’s investment options.  Currently the Constitution grants the General Assembly no statutory investment authority and limits the treasurer’s investment options.  This amendment will allow the General Assembly by statute to determine investment avenues for the state treasurer to invest state funds, as well as allow the state treasurer to invest in municipal securities.”

Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green certified the secretary of state’s ballot language and said it “fairly and sufficiently summarizes Amendment 1.” He did amend the fair ballot language for the no portion to say: 

“A ‘no’ vote will not amend the Missouri Constitution and limit the treasurer to investing state funds only in those investment options currently approved by the Constitution.”

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“We are pleased that the court ruled in our favor and that the Fair Ballot Language is certified to be used at all polling places,” Ashcroft said in a statement. “This was ridiculous from the beginning. It was a complete waste of taxpayer funds in an attempt to force a specific voter outcome on the amendment. I am pleased that the court affirmed that our summary of what the amendment would do was fair and sufficient.” 

Mary Compton, a spokesperson for Fitzpatrick, said the office planned to appeal the decision.

“While the Treasurer is pleased the order made necessary changes to the fair ballot language that at least made it intelligible, we still believe the summary statement is unfair and will create a prejudice against the proposed amendment and the fair ballot language contains a plainly incorrect statement,” Compton said in an email. “As was always likely regardless of the initial outcome, this issue will be decided upon appeal.”

Fitzpatrick’s lawsuit had alleged the ballot language was “misleading and undeniably false” as the Missouri constitution already grants the treasurer “exclusive authority to invest state funds.” It also said the language would mislead voters to wrongly conclude the General Assembly would be the sole authority for determining investment opportunities for the state treasurer to utilize. 

The lawsuit said the use of the word “override” was “intentionally argumentative and likely to create a prejudice against the proposed measure.” 

This story has been updated to include a statement from the Treasurer’s Office. 

Kaitlyn Schallhorn

Kaitlyn Schallhorn was the editor in chief of The Missouri Times from 2020-2022. She joined the newspaper in early 2019 after working as a reporter for Fox News in New York City.

Throughout her career, Kaitlyn has covered political campaigns across the U.S., including the 2016 presidential election, and humanitarian aid efforts in Africa and the Middle East.

She is a native of Missouri who studied journalism at Winthrop University in South Carolina. She is also an alumna of the National Journalism Center in Washington, D.C.

Contact Kaitlyn at kaitlyn@themissouritimes.com.

The post Ashcroft prevails in treasurer’s legal challenge over ballot language appeared first on The Missouri Times.

Gov. Mike Parson
Macaroni and cheese and corn 

Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe
Anything that has beef in it. Stuffing with beef, beans with beef, rice with beef, etc.

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft
Apple pie à la Mode

Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick
Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top

Auditor Nicole Galloway
Mashed potatoes

Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz
Sweet potatoes with brown sugar and marshmallows, but to tell the truth, I like them all.

Senate Majority Leader Caleb Rowden
Mashed sweet potatoes 

Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo
My wife’s cousin’s corn that she makes with brown sugar

Sen. Lauren Arthur
As an Italian American, no Thanksgiving is complete without pasta and meatballs.

Sen. Jason Bean
Deviled eggs and mom’s cranberry sauce. My mom makes the best corn side dish!

Sen. Doug Beck
Dirty rice. We’ve been stuffing half of our turkey with that for the last 10 years.

Sen. Mike Bernskoetter
Mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole. The only thing I don’t care for is the sweet potatoes, but my favorites are the desserts, especially pecan pie. 

Sen. Rick Brattin
Green bean casserole 

Sen. Justin Brown
I guess I would say it all goes back to days when my grandparents were still here. My Grandmother and Grandfather Brown were poor dairy farmers but rich in family. I can still smell her fried chicken, turkey, and ham when my family would walk through her door on Thanksgiving. They had three boys, which all of them did well in their own right, but moved away from home like so many farm kids of that generation. So Thanksgiving and Christmas, like many families, was the only time of the year we were all together. When I say we, I mean cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. It was a special time that I miss and shaped me into who I am today. My dad, my uncles, and my grandfather would always rabbit hunt after our Thanksgiving meal. My dad carried on that tradition of the annual hunt for my boys and me. Now that my father has passed on, I look forward to carrying on the Brown tradition this year.

Sen. Eric Burlison
My mother’s chicken and dumplings. 

Sen. Mike Cierpiot
Pumpkin pie, dressing, and turkey gravy

Sen. Sandy Crawford
Candied sweet potatoes

Sen. Bill Eigel
My mom’s turkey stuffing and jellied cranberry sauce. The stuff that comes in a can and can be sliced with a butter knife. It’s also the stuff that can outlast a nuclear winter if stored properly so win-win there. 

Sen. Karla Eslinger
Dressing

Sen. Elaine Gannon
Sweet potatoes 

Sen. Dan Hegeman
Cranberry salad

Sen. Denny Hoskins
Broccoli, rice, and cheese casserole

Sen. Lincoln Hough
Green bean casserole with a side of half of a sweet potato pie 

Sen. Andrew Koenig
A turkey leg

Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer
Cheesy potato casserole

Sen. Karla May
Sweet potatoes 

Sen. Mike Moon
Sweet potato casserole topped with brown sugar and pecans (oven-baked) or green bean casserole or “trees and raisins” (a concoction of broccoli, raisins, onions, mayonnaise, and bacon) 

Sen. Angela Mosley
I don’t have one favorite side. I have many equally tasty to me: macaroni and cheese, candied yams, greens, green bean casserole, and cabbage. 

Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin
Brussel sprouts with bacon

Sen. Bob Onder
Mashed potatoes and turkey gravy

Sen. Greg Razer
Cornbread dressing * 

Sen. Holly Rehder
Cornbread dressing *

Sen. Jeanie Riddle
Cornbread dressing

Sen. Steven Roberts
Sweet potato pie and macaroni and cheese

Sen. Jill Schupp
Roasted potatoes 

Sen. Barbara Washington
Baked macaroni and cheese

Sen. Bill White
Stuffed mushrooms with lots of cheese

Sen. Paul Wieland
Green bean casserole 

Sen. Brian Williams
Macaroni and cheese

House Majority Floor Leader Dean Plocher
Dressing

House Minority Floor Leader Crystal Quade
My dad’s homemade rolls

Rep. Rasheen Aldridge
Creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese

Rep. Ashley Bland Manlove
Sweet potatoes with pineapples and marshmallows 

Rep. Phil Christofanelli
Sweet potatoes 

Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman
Mashed potatoes 

Rep. Bruce DeGroot
Green bean casserole

Rep. Shamed Dogan
Sweet potato pie

Rep. David Gregory
Paige’s stuffing 

Rep. Bill Hardwick
Casey’s pizza

Rep. Tracy McCreery
Creamed corn casserole 

Rep. Bill Owen
Stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce

Rep. Louis Riggs
Homemade noodles

Rep. Travis Smith
Cheesy potatoes 

Rep. David Tyson Smith
Sweet potato soufflé 

Rep. Curtis Trent
Cranberry sauce 

Rep. Wayne Wallingford
Cranberry Sauce

And as for The Missouri Times team: 

Scott Faughn
Bud Light 

Kaitlyn Schallhorn
Sweet potato casserole with loads of brown sugar and macaroni and cheese

Cameron Gerber
Candied yams and lots of stuffing 

*Sens. Razer and Rehder would like to stress that they like dressing, not stuffing — there’s a big difference. 

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