Demos tab real estate lobbyist to replace her husband

As expected, St. Louis Democrats have nominated real estate lobbyist Michele Kratky to run for her husband's seat in the Missouri House.
Mrs. Kratky has been a lobbyist for the St. Louis Association of Realtors. Her husband, Fred Kratky, resigned his House seat to become the lobbyist for that organization.
Of course, Mrs. Kratky still has to beat the Republican nominee for the seat when the election is held in February, but that is not expected to be a problem. St. Louis Democrats appear to have ensured that the real estate industry will continue to have a representative in the House. Kratky's House biography indicates he is a real estate broker, member of the National Association of Realtors, the Missouri and St. Louis Association of Realtors, and has served as president of the Missouri Housing Industry Alliance,

As I have noted in earlier posts, Kratky was already representing his new employers during the 2007 House session, according to the list of bills he co-sponsored. As a member of the minority party, Kratky was not likely to get any significant legislation passed for the real estate interests, but he was quick to sign on as a co-sponsor for two Republican bills, both proffered by legislator/real estate agents-neither of which was passed.

HB 310, sponsored by Dennis Wood, R-Kimberling City, who has more than a quarter of a century under his belt as a realtor, would have authorized the Missouri Real Estate Commission to impose civil penalties of up to $2,500 a day, with each day being considered a separate offense, for anyone violating real estate licensing regulations or for people who are selling real estate without a license. I wrote about this bill in the Jan. 11 Turner Report.

HB 324, sponsored by another representative/real estate agent Jason Smith, R-Salem, would have immunized real estate agents who disclosed any information regarding people who are registered sex offenders.

Naturally, Kratky's doors were always open to lobbyists for real estate interests, and I am not just referring to his wife. Missouri Ethics Commission documents indicate Kratky has been the recipient of six meals worth $586.96 this year from Samuel Licklider, lobbyist for the Missouri Association of Realtors.