— Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder announced Friday afternoon he would end his month-long exploratory campaign to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Jason Smith. In a statement, the three-term lieutenant governor said the decision was hard, but that after much thought and…
Politics
St. Louis University nixes Scott Brown appearance on campus
by Eli Yokley •
– Former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown was surprised by a change of venue when he arrived in St. Louis for an event with the St. Louis University chapter of the College Republicans. “I get there yesterday and said, ‘we all set?’,”…
McCaskill “embarrassed and angry” about troubled Obamacare rollout
by Eli Yokley •
– Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill said she was upset by the bumpy rollout of the federal health insurance marketplace, a center point of the full implementation of the Affordable Care Act. “I’m not proud of this rollout — I’m…
Despite potential Kinder primary, Wagner backs Smith for reelection
by Eli Yokley •
– U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner said in an interview she is supporting incumbent Republican Jason Smith for reelection next year, regardless of whether or not Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder moves forward with plans to challenge Smith in a primary. Wagner,…
Koster leads potential 2016 pack in fundraising
by Eli Yokley •
— Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster ended the third quarter with nearly $1.2 million on hand – more than any of the other lawmakers currently considering 2016 bids. Koster, a Democrat who is vocally considering a campaign for governor in…
Smith warchest tops $160,000 as Kinder mulls entrance into primary
by Eli Yokley •
– Ahead of a possible primary challenge by Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Salem, reported raising more $250,000 in the third quarter of 2013. The cash haul easily cleared Smith’s outstanding debts from June’s special election, and…
A year out, Schweich has 25 to 1 cash advantage over Swearingen
by Eli Yokley •
– Almost a year out from the November 2014 election, Republican State Auditor Tom Schweich reported more than $500,000 on hand at the end of this year’s third quarter. Schweich, who is seeking reelection for the first time next November…
Missouri editorial boards split on Nixon’s plan to cut food stamp recipients
by Eli Yokley •
– Traditionally liberal editorial boards in Kansas City and St. Louis are split on Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon’s new proposal to trim the ranks of the state’s food stamp recipients. In Kansas City, the editorial page of the Kansas City…
2014 Watch: The 12 most vulnerable state representatives?
by Eli Yokley •
– Missouri Democrats have vowed to redouble their efforts to take back and maintain seats in the General Assembly. But a new focus – backed by a fundraising boost from Attorney General Chris Koster and a more aggressive stance from the…
Former Nixon, McCaskilll 2012 staffers get married on The Colbert Report (Video)
by Eli Yokley •
— Their planned Washington, D.C., wedding this week was shutdown when Congress failed to pass spending resolutions to continue government funding, but a couple active in Missouri politics during the 2012 cycle got one better from Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert…