Arch City Chronicle News

New Slay Endorsements

Dave — 2008-12-11T13:50:57-04:00

The re-election train keeps chugging along. According to MayorSlay.com, here are his latest endorsers: Malik Ahmed, Claude Brown, Don Calloway, James Cloar, Mike Colona, James Conway, T.D. El Amin, Cliff Franklin, Frankie M. Freeman, Richard A. Gephardt, Ted Hoskins, Jake Hummel, Darryl Jones, Tishaura Jones, Michele Kratky, Vincent C. Schoemehl, Wayman Smith, Marvin Steele, Sr., Betty Thompson, Tony Thompson, Bishop R.J. Ward, Bishop Lawrence Wooten.

HDCC Announced

Dave — 2008-12-11T13:25:24-04:00

The House Democratic Campaign Committee was announced. They're the Democratic representatives who will try to win as many seats in the State House as possible.

Although the chair, Mike Talboy, is from Kansas City, there's a heavy St. Louis contingent drawing on the incoming class. Those folks are: Steve Brown, Don Calloway, Chris Carter, and Vicki Englund. That helps since St. Louis is usually a stronghold for Democratic fundraising.

Here's the full press release:

Jefferson City, MO --- The House Democratic Campaign Committee team is in place for the 2010 election cycle according to House Democratic Leader Paul LeVota
(D-Independence. LeVota has picked a diverse group of Democratic legislators who
will be charged with building on the HDCC's success over the last 2 elections.

"The new committee is composed of some of the sharpest people I have ever worked
with. Each of them has been successful in tough campaigns because of their work
ethic and political savvy," said LeVota. "I'm enthusiastic about the possibilities
with so many open seats in 2010".

Rep. Mike Talboy will chair the HDCC for the next 2 years. "There is not one aspect
of modern campaigning that someone on this committee hasn't been successful with"
said Talboy (D- Kansas City).

The full committee list is as follows:

Rep. Mike Talboy - Chair

Rep.-Elect Steve Brown (Clayton)

Rep.-Elect Don Calloway (Normandy)

Rep.-Elect Chris Carter (St. Louis)

Rep.-Elect Vicki Englund (LeMay)

Rep. Jason Holsman (Kansas City)

Rep.-Elect Jason Kander (Kansas City)

Rep. Sam Komo (House Springs)

Rep. Beth Low (Kansas City)

Rep. Paul Quinn (Monroe City)

Rep.-Elect Stephen Webber (Columbia)

LeVota also appointed several other members of the Missouri House Democratic Caucus to serve as an advisory board to the HDCC to ensure an effective transition and continuity. Those appointments are Rep. Rachel Storch - Past Chair, Rep. Trent
Skaggs, Rep. Pat Yaeger, and Rep. Jake Zimmerman.

The Missouri House Democratic Campaign Committee is focused solely on electing
Democrats to the Missouri House of Representatives.

For more information contact Rep. Mike Talboy at 816-536-0082.

Biermann Prevails

Dave — 2008-12-10T15:46:00-04:00

In the recount in St. Charles County, Democrat Kenny Biermann has prevailed over incumbent Republican Vicki Schneider.

Koster Names Chief of Staff: Robert Kenny

Dave — 2008-12-10T14:58:28-04:00

KOSTER TAPS ROBERT KENNEY TO BE HIS CHIEF OF STAFF

St. Louis Lawyer will oversee Attorney General�s Office

St. Louis, MO � Attorney General-Elect Chris Koster today announced his selection of Robert Kenney to be his Chief of Staff, marking the first time in Missouri history that an African American has been chosen to fill this position.

Robert Kenney served as Assistant Attorney General under Jay Nixon, working in the
Consumer Protection Division, handling all phases of civil enforcement of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. He also worked in the Labor Division, representing the State of Missouri in litigation matters including workers� compensation and prevailing wage cases, a top priority for Koster. Kenney is currently a partner with the St. Louis law firm, Polsinelli Shalton Flanigan Suelthaus. Before earning his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law, Kenney also worked as a substitute teacher in the St. Louis City Public Schools and a community organizer for the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

Slay Collects Another $20k

Dave — 2008-12-10T13:34:03-04:00

According to yesterday's filing, Francis Slay received campaign contribution in the amount of $5,000 from the following entities: KAI Design & Build, Dale Turvey & Associates, Raven Development, and S.M. Wilson & Co.

Nasheed: Let's Use the Rainy Day Fund

Dave — 2008-12-10T10:29:59-04:00

Yesterday Rep. Jamilah Nasheed issued a press release asking to tap the state's Rainy Day Fund to help cushion the current budget crisis.

The Rainy Day Fund currently has $555 million in it. Half of that is available to be transferred out this year. That $275 million would go a long way to offset the estimated $300 - $350 million shortfall with which the state is wrestling.

The money transferred must be repaid � with interest � over a three year period, one-third each year. To implement the move, the Governor must make the request and it must be approved by both chambers by a 2/3 majority. (The relevant constitution section is here.)

The argument against using the fund is that it will only add to the burden in the years to come, especially if this recession is prolonged and state revenues are slow to rebound. If the sluggishness continues through 2009 or 2010, you�d have an even more disastrous budget to deal with. That�s flirting with a worst case scenario for Nixon as he�d be extending his budget blues closer to re-election time.

The argument in favor of using the funds is: if we don�t use the rainy day fund with it�s raining, when will we ever?

Do Republicans wish to use the current budget crisis to "starve the beast" and force a leaner state government? Will Nixon request use of the Rainy Day fund to place the blame for painful budget cuts on the legislature when they deny his request?

Talk of Missouri's 2010 Senate Race on Kos

Dave — 2008-12-09T14:54:22-04:00

Daily Kos has the latest Research 2000 Poll (Bond 47; Carnahan 43) and discussion.

Cohn Announces in 25

Dave — 2008-12-09T12:24:52-04:00

Campaign Kick-Off Party & Fundraiser

Citizens for Shane Cohn will host a kick-off party/fundraiser for Shane Cohn's
aldermanic race on Thursday, December 18, 2008 at the Feasting Fox/Gretchen's Inn located in historic Downtown Dutchtown! Event starts at 5:30 p.m.

Food and beverage will be provided for a $25 cover at the door.
4200 S Grand Blvd
St Louis, MO 63111
(314) 352-3500
Please RSVP to: pamela@myward25.com or call 314-504-1226

Gov. Blagojevich Taken Into Custody

Frank — 2008-12-09T09:49:48-04:00

Gov. Rod Blagojevich was taken into custody Tuesday morning at his Northwest Side home, sources say.

Latest news: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=6545958

Green's Holiday Party

Dave — 2008-12-08T14:10:57-04:00

Comptroller Darlene Green invites you to join her in celebrating the 2008 holiday season Wednesday, Dec. 17 at the Carpenter�s Hall, 1401 Hampton Ave., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Special guests include U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill and City Treasurer Larry Williams. Come and share in the fun including food, drinks, door prizes and music. Parking is free on the Carpenter�s Hall lot. Please R.S.V.P. by Dec. 15 to Lillie at 314-622-4389.

News from 23

Dave — 2008-12-08T09:25:08-04:00

Mary Homan has a website up.

And the Tilles Park Neighborhood Association has a aldermanic forum planned for January 27.

Hubbard to DFER

Dave — 2008-12-05T09:49:47-04:00

Rep. Rodney Hubbard who championed education reform during his time in Jefferson City is said to be taking a job with Democrats for Education Reform. The group is based out of New York, but is building a national footprint. Hubbard will head up the midwest region.

DFER thinks Obama is a ready ally. Brooks sketches the fault lines within the Obama camp in his Times column today.

25 May Get Crowded

Dave — 2008-12-04T16:42:27-04:00

So far there's only Angie Singler, but most people expect incumbent Dorothy Kirner to file for re-election as well.

Finally, Shane Cohn is mentioned as potential third candidate.

Another Day in the Mayor's Race

Dave — 2008-12-04T14:27:02-04:00

Dr. Suggs begs for a serious candidate and Mayor Slay adds another $50k to his warchest ($30k from Simmons Cooper; $10k from Doug Albrecht; $5k from Peter Fischer and $5k from Jacob Engineering).

Ross Holiday Party

Dave — 2008-12-04T08:10:56-04:00

Tonight is Consultant Jim Ross' Holiday Season Celebration

"We would like to thank these elected officials and candidate whom we had the pleasure of working with in 2008: State Representatives Pat Yaeger, Jake Zimmerman, Steve Hodges, Representative-elect Jill Schupp, and Andria Simckes."

Please join us
On December 4, Thursday
From 5-7pm

Mayan Caf�
2726 Sutton Blvd.
Maplewood 63143
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?address=2726+Sutton+&zipcode=63143

RSVP: Jim Ross jeross1776@earthlink.net
301/535-2553

Budget Blues

Dave — 2008-12-02T15:53:01-04:00

Wayne Goode declared that the state revenues this fiscal year were due to run $623 million behind previous projections.

That number is pretty close to the $640 million "pessimistic scenario" figure given by former budget director James Moody in his projections about three weeks ago.

Of course the worst case can always get worse...

Slay Adds $50k

Dave — 2008-12-01T06:04:52-04:00

St. Louis City mayor Francis Slay filed a report over the weekend that showed a fresh $50k in contributions - $25,000 from Thompson Coburn, $20,000 from Eastern MO Laborer�s Educational & Benevolent Fund, and $5,000 from FUSE Inc. While the big law firms and labor have been lining up with the incumbent for some time, FUSE is a nice catch. It�s a prominent minority-owned advertising firm. In St. Louis� hyper-racial political environment, that's good news for Slay.

UPDATE: Jake has pointed out that Thompson Coburn received tax breaks from the city.

Turner: Rex Closes Most PACs

Dave — 2008-12-01T00:17:53-04:00

Randy Turner did some digging through MEC reports over the weekend:

Rex Sinquefield shut down most of his 100 PACs now that campaign contribution limits are off; and he notes in that post that AG-elect Chris Koster receieved $45k from the PACs. he also writes of Sen-elect Jane Cunningham receiving $15k from a Rex PAC.

Nixon's Opportunity Cost

Dave — 2008-11-28T08:49:11-04:00

In my Business Journal column today, I write about Jay Nixon's opportunity cost of winning by 19 points. He could have used more of his campaign resources - both time and money - to help down ballot House and Senate candidates win. He would have won by less, but he'd be in true possession of a mandate now.

It was a follow-on to a column a wrote about a month before that made the case for doing just that.

In the end, Nixon reportedly spent about $200,000 on House candidates. If he'd been willing to invest $1 million, November 4 would have looked much different,

Financial Crunch and Foundations

Dave — 2008-11-26T10:19:39-04:00

St. Louis Business Journal reported yesterday that the Danforth Foundation back-tracked on its ability to support a museum on Arch Grounds. "$50 million would be difficult."

Anybody want to bet where Missouri Foundation for Health finishes the year? Last December they reported assets of $1.3 billion.