In a recent SLU/You Gov poll Parson has increased his approval rating to  85% amongst republcians, up again from February. His overall his approval rating was +10% with 52% approving vs. 42% disapproving of the job he has done as Governor. 

Further, Parson has a 49% approval rating among independents, with only 11% of democrats not approving of his job performance. However, 28% of African-Americans approve of the job he has done as Governor. 

On the economy 74% of Missourians rated Missouri’s economy as fair or better compared to just 44% rating the national economy as fair or better. 

Parson’s increasing popularity could be tied to his recent actions on the border crisis. 75% of Missourians said they believe there is a crisis at the border, and that it should solved “immediately”. 

Only 37% of Missourians approved of President Biden’s job performance contrasted with a 45% job approval of the Missouri Legislature. 

In the race for Governor, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and House Minority Leader Crystal Quade hold double digit leads in their primaries. 

In a series of questions Missourians also respond overwhelmingly favorably to school choice and open enrollment options. 

The survey was conducted from February 14th to February 26th and surveyed 900 likely Missouri voters with a margin of error of 3.74%. The full poll can be read here: https://www.slu.edu/research/research-institute/big-ideas/slu-poll/data-archive/february-2024-poll/slu-poll-february-2024-topline-results.pdf 

Brady Hays

Brady Hays is a 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History. He is currently attending the University of Missouri School of Law and is on pace to graduate with his JD in 2026. He has been working for the Missouri Times since early March 0f 2022.

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In a letter to caucus members, Patterson outlined changes in the House Republican Campaign Committee (HRCC). Patterson’s first change was to transition Ratliff into a consulting role and replace him with an Executive Director who exclusively serves HRCC.

Patterson stated, “Jonathan was hired as Executive Director and was allowed under his contract to run outside campaigns. We determined moving forward we wanted an Executive Director to be a full-time position with their complete focus on House elections. Due to prior commitments Jonathan agreed to move into a senior position to advise House Leadership and the HRCC with his expertise moving forward.” Patterson further stated, “Jonathan has been an excellent advisor and tireless advocate for the House’s interest and its members.”

Ratliff has been an advisor to HRCC for 14 years. During his leadership at HRCC Ratliff has raised over $20 million and brought in 569 Republican victories. He raised record-breaking amounts of money for HRCC in multiple cycles and is credited with Republicans having a record supermajority of 118 seats out of 163; including seats not held by Republicans since the Civil War.

Speaker of the House Dean Plocher noted Ratliff has advised numerous Speakers successfully, recruited hundreds of candidates, and his work ethic is second to none. “I am grateful for what Jonathan has accomplished for HRCC in preserving a supermajority.

We have a big cycle ahead of us, and now have big shoes to fill. The challenges will be numerous. I am glad to see Jonathan will be able to continue to work as a senior advisor to Leadership and HRCC ”

Patterson expects to have a new full-time Executive Director in place in the near future to ensure success in the upcoming fall elections in 2024.

Brady Hays

Brady Hays is a 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History. He is currently attending the University of Missouri School of Law and is on pace to graduate with his JD in 2026. He has been working for the Missouri Times since early March 0f 2022.

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Catalyst founder Danny Pfeifer today announced thatPerson will focus on state government affairs in Missouri‘s State Capitol.

“Tashayla Person understands the emerging issues impacting our clients in Missouri and across the heartland and will deliver the legislative and regulatory results they want,” said Pfeifer, Catalyst founder. “Tashayla’s experience in government as well as creating and executing effective, impactful and winning strategies will help our clients achieve their goals and provide Catalyst with another edge in our influence management initiatives.  We are thrilled to welcome Tashayla to our winning Catalyst team.”

“Catalyst is the best in the business,” Person said.  “I am honored to join this tremendous team of professionals who are difference-makers in Jefferson City and capitals across the country.”

Person before serving as vice president for policy at the Quality Schools Coalition Person served as director of public policy for the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City.  She spent 5 years working for Senator Pat Roberts in his official office in Washington D.C. as the national security policy advisor and one year as a regional field director of the Third Congressional District for the Roberts’ Senate campaign.

Person is a graduate of the United States Naval War College and Kansas State University.

Brady Hays

Brady Hays is a 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History. He is currently attending the University of Missouri School of Law and is on pace to graduate with his JD in 2026. He has been working for the Missouri Times since early March 0f 2022.

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The State Board of Education is scheduled to meet tomorrow in Jefferson City and her appointment will be discussed with an anticipated announcement after.

Eslinger would be replacing retiring Commissioner Margie Van Deven who has announced she was leaving the post in July. The timing would allow Eslinger to complete the upcoming legislative session that ends in May.

The Department has been in a recurring state of upheaval since the Covid pandemic closed public schools in 2020 with several state leaders including Senate Majority Floor Leader Cindy O’Laughlin calling for her resignation.

Eslinger is a former school superintendent in southern Missouri who was elected to the State House of Representatives in 2018, and the State Senate in 2024.

She is currently being challenged in the primary by Rep. Brad Hudson, and several sources confirm that Rep Travis Smith will now enter the primary to replace Eslinger.

Brady Hays

Brady Hays is a 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History. He is currently attending the University of Missouri School of Law and is on pace to graduate with his JD in 2026. He has been working for the Missouri Times since early March 0f 2022.

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In a statement first provided to The Missouri Times Schmitt said:

“In 2024, Missourians will elect their Attorney General for the next four years.  I am proud to have served our state in that office, and know how important it is that we maintain competent, conservative leadership for our state.  It is imperative that the office remain in Republican hands next November. Missouri Republican primary voters will have a choice between several qualified candidates in August.  Will Scharf is a personal friend, a capable attorney and an excellent candidate to hold the office.  

I have no doubt that he will absolutely be successful in the General Election should he win the nomination. Attorney General Andrew Bailey, though, has shown me in the past year that he has what it takes to fight the battles that an Attorney General needs to fight.  That is why I am endorsing Attorney General Andrew Bailey for the Republican nomination in next year’s election.”

Schmitt, the most popular republican office holder in Missouri, endorsed Bailey from Montgomery County, who succeeded him as Attorney General after Schmitt was overwhelmingly elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022. He chose Bailey over his opponent Will Scharf from St. Louis who most recently worked for Presidnet Trump and more recently President Biden’s Department of Justice.

“I am grateful for Senator Schmitt’s endorsement,” Bailey said. “Senator Schmitt’s legacy of excellence during his tenure as Attorney General set high standards for the office that I am proud to uphold. Senator Schmitt has proven he is one of Missouri’s and our country’s leading conservatives, and I’m proud to stand with him to lead the fight forward and win for Missouri.”

Bailey, a University of Missouri law graduate and combat war veteran, has continued several of the lawsuits Schmitt filed against the Biden administration, many of them all the way to the Supreme Court. Most recently being involved in a series of free speech litigation initiated by Schmitt alleging the Biden administration restricted the free speech and pressured social media companies to restrict the free speech of conservatives.

Scharf,  a Harvard University graduate who worked in the Greitens administration, has received the support of several Washington D.C. groups such as the Club for Growth, and was recently hired to help defend President Trump in his appeal of a gag order imposed on him by a federal court. He currently has just over $1.4 million hand for the race after a $500,000 loan he made to his campaign.

While Bailey, who before becoming Attorney General served in the Parson administration has received the support from several Missouri based groups, most recently the Missouri Cattlemen Association, and has just over $1.3 million on hand for the August primary.

Brady Hays

Brady Hays is a 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History. He is currently attending the University of Missouri School of Law and is on pace to graduate with his JD in 2026. He has been working for the Missouri Times since early March 0f 2022.

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1. The Supreme Court panel is in: Judges Kelly Broniec of St. Louis, Michael Gardner of Cape County, and Ginger Gooch of Greene County.

With the appointment of Connie Cierpiot, Governor Parson has installed all three of his lay appointments and with Chief Justice Russell on the commission, it seemed from the start they were looking to give the governor three qualified choices that a Republican governor could confidently appoint including one from Springfield, and it’s clear that they accomplished that.

I’ve heard from several accounts that the interviews really mattered. In the interview lay member of the commission Tim Drury was a force. He asked the most pointed questions and followed up and clearly came to play. Kirk Presley from the bar was also pretty vocal.

I doubt it’s a coincidence that Tim was the most active and that Judge Gardner who clearly had an excellent interview made the panel.

Sally Hargis the lay memerb from the southern district was in a key role since most everyone knew that a southern district judge was going to get a lot of consideration and it’s safe to say that Judge Gooch had her approval.

From the interviews, it’s apparent that the people who had been through the process before had an advantage. It’s an intimidating process, and doing it a couple times has to help. Well, there is probably no coincidence that everyone that made the panel had been through the process before.

Judge Chris Limbaugh had been around the process a great deal serving as the Governor Parson’s general counsel and likely did himself well for next week’s eastern district opening in St. Louis on Tuesday.

As for the other southern Missouri contenders, it felt like Judge Borthwick was right there with Judge Gooch, but was edged out. I think Judge Growcock may have suffered from being the front-runner coming into the process. Judge Goodman has a blessing and a curse in that many believe that the next time there is a Republican president he will be a top candidate to become a federal judge.

Candidly it’s something Judge Limbaugh has to contend with as well. Most commissioners want to put someone on the Supreme Court that will be there for 20 years, not 5. However, they are more willing to put a member on an appellate court panel that might not be there for two decades.

2.   What’s next in Judiciary land

Look its common sense that Judge Gooch starts off as the favorite to be selected. Watch a clip of the Governor from TWMP last week on the importance of having at least one judge on the court from southern Missourah, here.

However, don’t count Judge Gardner out, and if he is not selected this time I really do believe that the next panel he makes, which could be later this year, he will be selected. If there is a stumble by Judge Gooch it won’t surprise me if he is selected this time. If she doesn’t and is selected I absolutely think he starts off as the favorite for the opening in the fall.

While Judge Broniac is obviously a star, the geographical imbalance of the current court is a tough hill to climb. Once that imbalance is leveled out she seems like she will likley be at the front of the line.

As far as the Missouri Plan every few years some out of state republican group makes a run at it. However, Judge Russell is one of the most well-respected people in the entire state and her first Supreme Court panel is nearly impossible for anyone in any wing of the republican party to quarrel with.

For the next two years, and with the outreach the legal community has done with Republican senate candidates I really think the plan is in good shape for the foreseeable future, and that is a very good thing for Missouri.

 3. Williard stands up to the rich men north of Richmond

I heard a few accounts of a story about the RAGA folks from Washington calling and pressuring Governor Parson to appoint one of their Ivy League friends Will Scharf as AG after Eric Schmitt was elected to the senate, and they got so aggressive that the Lincoln County rose up in Aaron Williard over it.

I tell ya, Scharf is a real, real, smart guy and was an Assistant U.S. Attorney, but after how the DOJ has treated President Trump arresting him twice a week for a month, I don’t know how much MAGA Missourah folks are gonna be willing to trust any DOJ man.

Either way, I guess those stories about the Washington folks were right In a piece in Politico, they outline the conversation.

On one hand, it speaks well of East Coast folks to stand behind one of their own, just like it makes sense for folks from Missouri to stand by one of their own. There is no doubt that there will be millions in East Coast money poured into Missouri to elect an East Coast feller who went to Harvard. There is also no doubt that folks like Missouri Cattlemen will do what they can at cattle sales, and church suppers to support a Montgomery County war hero for AG.

Can’t fault folks for supporting thier own.

The odd part is that RAGA is theoretically made to support Republican Attorney Generals… kinda like Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey. Further, it’s a very very East Coast thing to think they could just call and give orders and weak spined Missouri folks would say yes sir.

However, the quote they gave this week for this story ran this week was one of the most Washington Asshole things I’ve ever read: “The Missouri Governor’s Office should spend less time fueling childish gossip and more time stopping the woke special interests that have taken over their public schools and state courts” – Washington Asshole Peter Bisbee. 

Bailey is literally suing everyone with a P.O. Box at a clip that would make Eric Schmitt jealous. I can see reasonable people questioning him, but the wackos in Washington or even the rich men north of Richmond like ‘ol Pete really have no place to complain.

I wonder if other governors just let the rich men from Richmond run them over, or if Willard’s balls are just that big?

Man I tell ya the last ol boy I’ve heard of that came from the east coast to do a damn thing for a Missourian was Merriweather Lewis.

4.  State Fair Roundup

Another great state fair is in the books, real credit to longitme fair director Mark Wolfe. The lord even had the weather break for a few days to help his favorite state fair. The ham breakfast was another top event. Most everyone was there including the U.S. Senators every Republican running for Governor, Senator Rehder, Senator Hoskins, the State Treasurer Vivek Malek, Rep. Smith, Rep. Unsicker, and a host of others.

What an amazing celebration of Missourah, and I’m already looking forward to next year.

5. Big Hurlbert event

In one of the two competitive senate general elections next fall Victor Hurlbert brought in a haul last night raising $50k in Gladstone to kickstart his campaign for Senator Arthur’s seat in southern Clay County.

Extra: Why not Parson for President?

I didn’t watch the debate but tell me how Mike Parson isn’t way way better than any of those losers?

• cut taxes like 50 times –
• veteran, but not the type to constantly remind you about it
• no abortions, like none at all
• only candidate to own a tractor not just pose in front of one for pics
• toddlers can protect their 2nd amendment right with oozies
• best COVID record of any governor in the nation
• bipartisan: he served as Lt. Gov for 10,721 hours under an Obama-Democrat
• was such a tremendous leader the liberal quit as gov because he knew Parson would be so much better (only good decision that guy made)
• as president he could secure the resources to fully fund the Cardinals pitching staff
• only candidate who would know the difference between a herbicide and a pesticide – in a fight would clearly kick the ass of anyone on that stage
• has a tat

Sunday on This Week in Missouri Politics our featured guest is U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt from the United Electric Coop in Savananah and be sure to catch this week’s Show Me Missourah with Part 2 of our converation with former Governor Matt Blunt.

Brady Hays

Brady Hays is a 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History. He is currently attending the University of Missouri School of Law and is on pace to graduate with his JD in 2026. He has been working for the Missouri Times since early March 0f 2022.

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Contracts are awarded via a competitive bidding process, but that process has seen fewer and fewer bids over time, with 26 offices only receiving a singular bid, and three not even receiving one bid. The three that still need a bid are located in downtown St. Louis City, Forsyth, and Grant City.

“It has always been difficult to receive multiple bids in our smaller rural offices with fewer transactions and this year, we noticed a trend where even our larger offices were getting fewer operators willing to submit bids,” said MVDL Director Ken Struemph. “Even with the extra fees generated from online renewals, these contracted License Offices have not been able to keep up with increasing costs”.

Though many Missourians are also feeling the effects of high inflation, this is an all-time first for the DOR. The MVDL division of DOR has noticed less interest in operators willing to submit bids for contracted License Offices. Additionally, several contractors are willing to give up their offices and refuse to sign contract extensions. While it is not new that it is harder to receive bids in smaller rural offices, this is the first time MVDL has struggled to obtain multiple bidders for the larger more populated offices, and rarely has a contractor given an office back and refused to sign an extension. 

“My number-one goal since becoming the DOR director has been to improve customer service for our citizens. To do that our contract License Offices must remain financially viable. Higher costs and high staff turnover have negatively impacted on their ability to serve customers. Our License Offices need a fee increase in order to attract and retain knowledgeable staff who can process transactions in an accurate and timely manner” DOR Director Wayne Wallingford stated.

House Bill 424, which was introduced last legislative session was a much-needed fee increase bill that also created the “License Office Distribution Fund”. The House bill passed 14-0 in committee and the full House perfected the bill with 85 yes, 50 no, and 13 present. SB366 was passed 4-3 in the Senate Emerging Issues committee and at the end of session the conference committee report was signed and sitting on the legislator’s desks, but it never received a vote before a Senate filibuster prohibited any votes the final two days of session. This fee increase would ensure the longevity and health of all license offices in the state of Missouri.

Missouri Association of License Offices (MALO) President Ryan Williams expressed his concern saying, “Processing the MORE renewals has been a lifesaver, but our members are still struggling to keep up with the rising costs of inflation. License Offices have only had one fee increase since 1999, and we all know inflation has risen quite a bit since then. While most businesses can raise their prices to keep up with inflation…License Offices cannot. Rent and wage increases over the past three years have made keeping up with expenses almost impossible. Without a fee increase, I’m concerned numerous communities across Missouri may not have anyone willing to run their local License Office”.

For more information on licensing offices, please visit the DOR website or the Missouri Association of License Office website.

Click here for the current list of offices coming up for bid.

Click here to see past bid results for offices.

Click here to submit a bid for an office.

Below is a list of bid results from all License Office awarded contracts from December 2022 to July 2023.

51 contracts have been awarded since December 2022 

• 3 offices received no bids 
• 6 Offices had to be rebid after the first posting 
• 26 offices received only 1 bid 
• 16 offices received more than 1 bid

Offices receiving no bids-

 St. Louis Downtown-

• When was the Office bid, extend, and re-bid-
• § Initial: RFPSDOR230079 – Issued 4/13/23 Closed 4/26/23
• § Rebid: RFPSDOR230080 – Issued 5/10/23 Closed 5/23/23 – Extended to 6/7/23
• § Planning Rebid to Issue 9/6/23
• Public Notice sent out — 4/25/2023 and 5/5/2023 (Sent to City Legislators/Called them as well)
• Elected officials notified (Legislators or County/City)- 4/25/2023 and 5/2/2023- Also, called Casey Millburg-Policy Director for Mayor Jones

STOPGAP MEAUSRES- Notified public about other adjacent offices they could utilize and contacted those offices and moved more workstations to those offices to handle extra volume.

Forsyth-

• When was the Office bid, extend, and re-bid-
• § Initial: RFPSDOR230087 – Issued 5/10/23 Closed 5/23/23 – Extended to 6/7/23
• § Planning Rebid to Issue 9/6/23
• Public Notice sent out — 5/26/2023 (Was sent to the Legislators of the area)
• Elected officials notified (Legislators or County/City)- 5/26/2023

STOPGAP MEAUSRES- Current contractor agreed to keep office open until a new contractor could be found.

Grant City-

• When was the Office bid, extend, and re-bid-
• § Initial: RFPSDOR230040 – Issued 1/11/23 Closed 1/25/23– Extended to 2/8/23
• § Rebid: RFPSDOR230048 – Issued 3/08/23 Closed 3/21/23
• Public Notice sent out —
• Elected officials notified (Legislators or County/City) – numerous times between January and March of 2023.

STOPGAP MEAUSRES- Notified public about other adjacent offices they could utilize.

Offices that had to be rebid

1. Arcadia Valley (Non-Compliant First Bid)
2. Buffalo (Non-Compliant First Bid)
3. Rockport (No bid on first RFP)
4. Gainesville (Non-Compliant First Bid)
5. Macon (MO BUYS Issue)
6. Savannah (Non-Compliant First Bid)

Offices receiving only one bid

1. Fredericktown
2. Brookfield
3. Carrollton
4. Eminence
5. Maryville
6. Monroe City
7. Edina
8. North County
9. Viburnum
10. Warrenton
11. Vienna
12. Clinton
13. Bethany
14. Mexico
15. Bowling Green
16. Rogersville
17. Kingston
18. Memphis
19. Richmond
20. Steelville
21. Milan
22. Paris
23. Stockton
24. Van Buren
25. Chillicothe
26. Dexter

Offices not signing extensions and shutting down before new vendor could start

1. Chesterfield –closed from 12/28/2022 to 5/14/2023
2. Florissant – closed from 7/2/2023to 1/2/2023 — open for appointment only 1/3/2023 to 5/16/2023
3. Fredericktown – 8/26/2022 to 4/17/2023
4. Mountain Grove – Closes 7/28/23 we expect a new vendor in place in the Nov./Dec. timeframe.
5. Savannah – 12/30/2022 to 5/9/2023
6. Trenton – 5/31/2023 to 8/14/2023
7. Van Buren – 5/23/2023 to 6/27/2023

Brady Hays

Brady Hays is a 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History. He is currently attending the University of Missouri School of Law and is on pace to graduate with his JD in 2026. He has been working for the Missouri Times since early March 0f 2022.

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“I am humbled and honored to announce I am running for Secretary of State. This is not something we take lightly, we have had a lot of prayer and support, but it is very exciting and we are all excited,” Hoskins said.

Many were out in support tonight at his campaign launch, including State Senator  Rick Brattin and former Senator David Pierce.

“It’s great to know you have someone who wants to be Secretary of State that is going to fight to persevere the freedom and rights that were won 79 years ago to this day,” Brattin said.

Hoskins, who hinted about running for statewide office during the 2023 legislative session, has already raised over $200,000 between his PAC and candidate committee.

“I’m going to continue to do what is right, even when it is not the easy thing to do,” Hoskins stated. “As your state Senator I have proven I will stand up and fight for your faith, family, and freedoms in the past, and with your support I want to continue the fight for your faith, family, and freedoms in the future as your next Missouri Secretary of State.”

However, Hoskins is not alone in this race, former State Representative and current Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller also plans to cast his name on the 2024 ballot. Schoeller, who won the Republican nomination for Secretary of State in 2012, but lost the general election, has also already started raising money for his campaign. Schoeller has over $28,000 to his name as of the last quarter.

Other big names such as President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, and current Greene County Commissioner John C. Russell may both also cast their bid into this election .

Brady Hays

Brady Hays is a 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History. He is currently attending the University of Missouri School of Law and is on pace to graduate with his JD in 2026. He has been working for the Missouri Times since early March 0f 2022.

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Dr. Hahn has served as Senior Advisor and Policy Director for Governor Parson since August 2018. As Policy Director, Dr. Hahn helped lead the Governor’s legislative agenda, prepare the Governor’s annual budget recommendations to the General Assembly, implement the Governor’s policy priorities across all 17 Executive Branch agencies, and spearhead the state’s response to COVID-19.  Dr. Hahn also represented the state of Missouri on the Southern States Energy Board and Midwestern Higher Education Commission.

“Kayla has been an integral member of our team since the very beginning,” Governor Parson said. “With her extraordinary knowledge, profound experience, and steadfast leadership, we’ve been able to achieve truly historic wins for the people of Missouri. Wins that will benefit this state for generations to come. There is no public servant more devoted than Kayla, and Missourians have been better served by having her on our team here in the Governor’s Office. We’ll certainly miss having her in the Office but take comfort in knowing her service to Missourians continues.”

Prior to her tenure in the Governor’s Office, she served as Assistant Director and Research Analyst for the Missouri Senate Division of Research from 2013-2018. She holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from Missouri State University and a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in political science from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

The Missouri Public Service Commission regulates investor-owned electric, natural gas, steam, water and sewer utilities in Missouri.  The Commission also has limited jurisdiction over telecommunications providers in the state.  In addition, the Commission regulates the operational safety of the state’s rural electric cooperatives and municipally owned natural gas utilities. The Commission also regulates manufacturers and dealers of manufactured homes and modular units, and enforces initial home or unit installation. The Commission was established in 1913. There are five commissioners on the PSC. They are appointed by the governor with advice and consent of the Missouri Senate.

Brady Hays

Brady Hays is a 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History. He is currently attending the University of Missouri School of Law and is on pace to graduate with his JD in 2026. He has been working for the Missouri Times since early March 0f 2022.

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It was made clear that both of their priority bills: rural jobs and a property tax cut, had to pass before anything of substance was going to move.

You all know me I’m not one to brag or call attention to myself, but if you wanted to know what was going to happen for the rest of the day in the #moleg each day of the last week, all you had to do was watch our TWMP mid-week update that morning.

Later that morning the senate started late, then when it did start Senator Rowden tried to recognize Senator Trent to pass his utilities bill that they were on when session ended Thursday. However, Senator Eigel attempted to grab the floor. However, Senator Rowden didn’t recognize him and a point of order drama ensued.

It was kinda funny how the senate devolved into who sits at who’s lunch table at a Junior High School as Senators Brattin, and Carter were on their team and cast their support behind recognizing Eigel, and Senator Hough said he wasn’t there but he trusted the ruling of the chair.

Now in reality, which isn’t exactly the guiding principle here, Senator Eigel pretty clearly spoke up first. It would be un Caleb-like to not recognize someone. Even someone who has dedicated the last half decade of his life to causing him problems.

At that point Senator Eigel gave another one of his speeches about him being excluded from legislating. Ultimately Senator Rowden kept his cool and reversed his decision and then apologized for it on twitter later, and after Senator Eigel gave a firebrand speech about the rules, and attacked Senator Trent’s bill as serving special interests over the genearl welfare of the public.

Now Senator Trent is a freshman, but he ain’t your typical freshman. He is one of the smartest people in state government, but more importantly here he has balls. So after Senator Eigel’s speech then Senator Trent stepped up and defended himself and his legislation as a tax cut for everyone as it would ultimately lower electric rates.

Looking back it’s a little remarkable how Senators Trent and Coleman entered the senate as senators who many thought would join or at least be aligned with the conservative caucus. Well, it ain’t panned out that way.

Then Senator O’Laughlin made a few remarks about the “political theater’ unfolding on the floor and commented that “not everyone in here is running for Governor” she then gave an amended motion and it meant that Senator Trent’s bill would be voted on and ultimately passed, which would be the last bill of session in the senate.

Then Senator O’Laughlin made the motion to recognize Senator Hoskins to pass his SB 92 which included Rural Jobs and sports betting, but he declined and laid the bill over.

After that Senator Trent was recognized for another bill but again Senator Eigel took the floor and gave an absolutely tremendously delivered speech. It’s evident that he has been on the stump, and getting better. Between his radio appearance on KWOS earlier in the morning with Branden Rathert, to our morning update, to his floor speech he has become excellent in the media and on the stump giving a speech.

From the arm gestures, to the volume of his voice, to the dramatic pauses, to the emphasizing the last word of each sentence, he might be the best orator in the party outside of Dean Plocher. 

However, as well as it was delivered, the analogy he was trying to make didn’t land. It was something about Darth Vader or being Darth Vader in a particular moment in a movie. He commanded the room very well, and knocked it out of the park on everything, but the content.

Also you could tell that several of his colleagues believed it was all for show as they gathered behind him while he spoke so he cannot use the footage for political purposes without their consent. It’s kind of a nod from a senator’s colleagues that they aren’t buying an individual senators sincerity.

Now, I’m not Ryan Silvey or a virgin so I do not have a working knowledge of the plot of Star Wars movies, so maybe it was inspiring to someone, but I have my doubts.

After that Senator O’Laughlin in something kind of odd, had three senators standing to make her own point of personal privilege that “None of us want to be Darth Vader”. It was funny, and kinda sums up her no drama approach. She really has done a great job this session.

Then Senator Eigel spoke for a few moments before picking up his book to read. Which now that I’ve listened to a few chapters of the audio book ain’t bad. It’s not as a good as the Rick James autobiogrphy I purchased him last year hoping he would read, but it’s not bad.

With that Senator O’Laughlin adjourned the Senate until 3:00. Meaning at 3:00 it would now be the next legislative day, and a couple of her colleagues who were complaining could nab that per diem.

While this was going on the house took to putting sports book onto every bill possible including Senator Moon’s SB133 that originated with dealing with abortion tax credits. On the floor Senator Moon said that he, “wasn’t biting” and refused to bring the bill up.

Look, you can’t blame the house here. The sports betting bill is something almost every person in both chambers favors, and it would be maddening if you were the house watching the senate just stop and their legislation just stop. Many bills just one motion from passage. Plocher & Patterson played it as well as anyone could have, I think the senate’s five months of normalcy created an expectation of results that in the end were ultimately unattainable.

When the senate reconvened Senators Moon and Brattin began debating Senator Moon’s amendment to the journal until it was time for the closing goodbyes.

Among those was Senator Williams thanking his assistant Christine Brauner who is retiring after this session and recieved a standing ovation.

That was followed by an impassioned speech from Senator Fitzwater where with a full chamber that sat silent for his remarks about the damaging precedents that were being set in the closing days of session, and how the actions of a few are putting the concept of free and fair debate at risk.

Then Senator Rowden inquired of Senator O’Laughlin and said that while he did not vote for her in the Floor Leader race, after seeing her work this session he was completely behind her.

Then he remarked that there were several big ticket items that were left on the table because, “a small group wanted slot machines in gas stations”.

Session ended after Senator May offered a resolution in honor or Senator O’Laughlin being the first woman senate floor leader.

You can view the end of session press conference, here.

Going forward

My best guess would be that you will see a more intelligent version of the conservative caucus. I always felt a group of a few loosely aligned senators would be more legislatively successful than an official grouping, but possibly less politically successful.

You have the four senators who hijacked the end of session demanding the legislature pass what they wanted or nothing would happen in Senators Eigel, Brattin, Hoskins, and Moon aligned. If they get a new name I’d suggest the four hoursemen. Great hand signs & some Ric Flair drip.

Any intelligent person would ask themselves that since the tactic of holding things hostage worked, why not do it again? What could be more problematic is what if other senators see how successful it was and do the same?

You assume that Senator Carter will be in that group as well or quite closely aligned with that group, and after a successful first session of her career, in the second session folks had better be prepared to hear a lot about her thoughts on education.

Senator Koenig likely continues to play the role he has for five years, being aligned with the four when the chips are down, but at the same time making sure everyone else knows he feels really bad about how they treat them. All the while he will continue to be one of the few that can concoct sensitive and complex legislation. However, Caldrew will always have hating quarterbacks and cheerleders to bond over.

Senator Hough continues to run the appropriating with more power than anyone in recent memory. You know your good on the floor when you put together a budget and the only ones complaining about it being too large are the ones who threatened to hold it up unless they got millions of additional dollars put into it to make it…larger. To be fair, after seeing his work on the floor Wednesday, would you wanna screw with him?

Senator Bernskoetter doesn’t get enough credit for the class he showed all session. In all honestly this bad blood came out of a leadership race five years ago. Instead of taking that path Senator Bernskoetter took the path then Senator Parson did after losing a leadership race, of putting his head down and going about the work of being a good senator. Class act.

The democrats likely buy a popcorn maker and stand back while the republicans fight. However, they have enormous Shaq-like shoes to fill when Senator Rizzo leaves.

As for the rest of the freshman class you assume they enjoyed the first five months of session, and have to be wondering if doing this is worth it the last couple weeks.

Senator Schroer had a good first year and is probably looking forward to what will hopefully be less dramatic days a couple years from now. He was with the conservative caucus most of the time on the bigger dramatic votes. Although the landfill fallout will be interesting.

Senator Trent is gonna be a hell of a legislator, and a leadership contender. Standing up for himself in the most tenuous time of the session was a very good look.

Senator Black is gonna likely be the appropriator going forward, and handle some of the big legislation. Almost like his predecessor Senator Hageman was.

Senator Fitzwater is one of the most well rounded senators on every issue. His speech on the last day could be the start of him redefining the discussion to lead the senate out of this. If that conversation takes hold he could be the man to lead it out of this.

Senator Ben Brown has won everyone over. There might not be a more liked person in the chamber, and that will pay off in the long run. Something tells me he isn’t a fan of the hijack the senate to get what you want stuff. However, he is gonna feel conflicted about how to move forward for another year. Until then there will be a long line of groups coming to Satchmo’s asking him to carry thier legislation.

Senator Coleman is the most interesting freshman in the chamber. You would have thought that she would have been aligned with the conservative caucus coming into the chamber, but that didn’t last long. She has burnished a legitimate reputation of independence. In five months she went from expectations of her being a supporting figure for others narratives to the protagonist of her own novel. 

As for the returning senators, it looks like there is a lot of talk about Senator Luetkemeyer could have an opportunity to be on the Supreme Court. Senator Rehder will likely soon be running for Lt. Governor and no one will want to mess with her next year. Senator Eslinger will become the leader of the state’s education community. Senator Hough and Senator Carter have changed the tone of the debate, and she will be the likely beneficiary.

Senator Bean will have an interesting summer deciding if he will run for floor leader.

It seems likely that Senator Rowden will soon be running for Secretary of State, I don’t think that is gonna really matter next session, as his main antagonists will be running for statewide office as well. It will be the ’19 leadership election all over again, but this time for statewide office.

Senator O’Laughlin has had an unquestionably stellar year as floor leader. She helped guide a relatively normal 5 months of session. Her strategic changes from moving session starting back to 2:00 to adjourning instead of having intra party squabbles on the floor have worked. She has done a great job, the lack of smearing the senate with a PQ is proof.

I have no idea what she could have done at the end of session to prevent the breakdowns. In the end Brattin, and Eigel had bills that simply didn’t have the support of the senate to pass. Lots of other senators did as well. Senator Hoskins’s bill did have the support of the senate, but the house was pissed about sports betting so it’s unclear how to see how that could have been sorted.

She will be the Pro Tem and no one will seriously challenge her, and she will be the one in charge when all the players from the ’19 leadership race have termed out to pick up the pieces and chart the new course of the most important institution in our state: the Missouri State Senate.

Brady Hays

Brady Hays is a 2023 graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History. He is currently attending the University of Missouri School of Law and is on pace to graduate with his JD in 2026. He has been working for the Missouri Times since early March 0f 2022.

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