— In one of the tightest races in the state this year, Democratic County Executive Candidate Steve Stenger is facing a problem with a key part of his base: African Americans. A group of Black Democrats said Wednesday they want…
Author Archive for Eli Yokley
Eli Yokley is editor in chief of PoliticMo, and also serves as a political contributor to The Joplin Globe and the St. Louis Business Journal. He can be reached at eli@politicmo.com.
McCaskill, Blunt split on requiring police to wear body cams following Ferguson unrest
by Eli Yokley •
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt is no fan of the idea of the federal government requiring officers in local law enforcement agencies to begin using body mounted cameras in order to receive additional federal funding. Blunt —…
Grow Missouri fires PR firm that tried to solicit journalists
by Eli Yokley •
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – For a political organization as well-funded as Grow Missouri, there isn’t much money can’t buy. Most recently, the organization made headlines when a massive blimp with its name emblazoned on both sides began soaring across the state…
From Afghanistan, Nixon expresses concern over shooting of police officer near Ferguson
by Eli Yokley •
Gov. Jay Nixon expressed concern Sunday over the non-fatal shooting of a police officer near Ferguson on Saturday night. Nixon made the remarks while speaking with reporters from Kabul, Afghanistan. “The officer being shot last night is a challenge, obviously,…
Gov. Jay Nixon is in Afghanistan for fourth visit
by Eli Yokley •
Gov. Jay Nixon is on his fourth visit to Afghanistan as governor, his office said Saturday. Nixon made the unannounced trip as part of his role serving on the Council of Governors, “which addresses matters pertaining to the National Guard…
Scott Sifton flirts with 2016 run for Missouri attorney general
by Eli Yokley •
Lt. Governor, legislative leaders tell DESE not influence Common Core review
by Eli Yokley •
Working groups aiming to review the state’s recently-adopted educational standards began their work Monday in a meeting mired in controversy over how much state education officials should be involved. It was the first meeting following an effort in the Legislature…
Post-Ferguson, Nixon launches new office targeting minority outreach
by Eli Yokley •
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Following criticism of his handling of racial issues by some Black Democrats – from Ferguson to urban low-income electric assistance programs like Utilicare – Gov. Jay Nixon on Thursday announced a new program aiming to engage the…
Claire McCaskill won’t close the door on a potential run for governor in 2016
by Eli Yokley •
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For much of her life, Democrat Claire McCaskill had one, simple goal: Becoming Missouri’s first female governor. Four years ago during a speech to the Chicago Humanities Club McCaskill explained her unsuccessful campaign for the job in 2004.…
Missouri Legislature overrides Jay Nixon’s veto of gun bill
by Eli Yokley •
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Legislators voted early Thursday morning to override Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto of legislation that would arm teachers and allow younger Missourians to obtain conceal carry weapons permits. With more support in both chambers than it…