Last minute advertising blitzes are expensive so former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman dipped into her bank account for $200,000 during the last week of July to help finance her campaign, according to 48-hour reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.
Mrs. Steelman reported $100,000 on June 27 and $100,000 more three days later. She also noted $15,000 in contributions from other sources.
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
Secretary of State candidate has accepted $14,000+ in lobbyists' gifts
Missouri Ethics Commission documents show that Rupp solicited lodging worth $243.24 from Ameristar Casino lobbyist Jorgen Schlemeier of the powerful Gamble & Schlemeier firm on April 3, 2009, the same year he accepted 76 gifts worth $5,154.77 from lobbyists.
The April visit was not the only time Rupp solicited a gift from Schlemeier, according to the Ethics Commission documents. On Oct. 2 and Oct. 3 of 2009, he asked for and received lodging worth $125.04 from Schlemeier's partner, William Gamble, and $150.14 from Schlemeier. Rupp's aide, Melissa DeStefano, also received lodging paid for by Schlemeier, the documents indicate. Ms. DeStefano received $537 worth of gifts from lobbyists in 2009.
In 2011, Rupp solicited lodging worth $126.97 and an $81.25 meal from Schlemeier, with Rupp's wife, Carissa, also receiving an $81.25 meal. During 2011, Rupp received $1,978.26 in lobbyists' gifts, while another $331.71 worth were given to Carissa Rupp.
During the first six months of 2012, Rupp has received $1,122.55 in gifts, including $173.50 in St. Louis Cardinals' tickets from lobbyist John Bardgett as recently as June 9. Bardgett's client (as always) is listed as Bardgett and Associates. He represents a number of St. Louis interests.
Rupp opened the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals with tickets worth $125, courtesty of David Michael Jackson, representing retired billionaire Rex Sinquefield. Bardgett paid for National League Division Series tickets (St. Louis vs. Philadelphia) on Oct. 4 for $78.50.
Documents for 2010 show Rupp receiving $1,931.09, including a $60 golf outing paid for by Charles Simino, lobbyist for the Missouri Cable Telecommunications Association.
In 2008, when Rupp picked up $1,708.92 in gifts, he was treated to two golf outings by Craig Felzien of AT&T.
In 2007, Rupp did the inauguration in style with $569.83 worth of meals and drinks provided by lobbyists Jerry Burch, Burch and Associates; David Hale, Missouri Hospital Association; and Mark Rhoads, The Rhoads Group.
Humphreys family, Sinquefield give more than a quarter of million to Ed Emery
Emery, who has indicated that public schools are a pipeline to prison has received $280,000 out of the $321,745 he had raised as of his eight days before the election report from the Humphreys family of Joplin and retired billionaire Rex Sinquefield.
The eight-days-before-election report showed Emery picked up $159,553 during July with $140,000 of that total coming from his well-heeled sugar daddies (and sugar mama).
David Humphreys of TAMKO gave Emery $50,000 while his sister Sarah Atkins of Virginia, gave the same amount. Missouri Club for Growth, which has received all of its money from Sinquefield gave $40,000.
Earlier this year, David Humphreys gave $50,000, while his mother, Ethelmae Humphreys also gave $50,000, and the Missouri Club for Growth contributed $40,000.
Sinquefield and the Humphreys family are well known supporters of educational vouchers, or funneling taxpayer money into private schools.
The Emery campaign seems to be attracting that kind, since he has also received a $10,000 contribution from the CNS Corporation, headed by voucher supporter Charles Norval Sharpe, and $1,000 from Sen. Jane Cunningham's campaign committee.
Translation for Billy Long: Why tax the rich when the poor are handy?
In this news release, Seventh District Congressman Billy Long asserts he wants no new taxes for millionaires and why we're at it, why not eliminate income tax altogether and go to a national sales tax. Of course, there will be more money, he insists, because it will catch the money currently slipping through our fingers through the "underground economy."
Right! Sure it will.
U.S. Rep. Billy Long voted to prevent the end of year tax hikes on American families and small businesses.
“We all know that our nation’s tax code is broken and discourages savings and investment,” Long said. “I will continue to support efforts that keep Washington from taking more of your hard-earned dollars. We need to simplify our nation’s broken tax code and ensure it does not pick winners and losers.”
Long voted in support of the Job Protection and Recession Prevention Act (H.R. 8). The legislation would stop the scheduled end of year tax increases by extending the current income tax rates for one year. The one year extension of all current tax rates is meant to serve as an avenue to address long overdue reform of the broken tax code.
Long has worked to simplify the tax code since coming to Congress and is proud of co-sponsoring the Fair Tax (H.R. 25) and the Tax Code Termination Act (H.R. 462).
The Fair Tax eliminates the Internal Revenue Service, the income tax, employment tax, and the death tax while establishing a consumption-based tax. A consumption-based tax would catch elements of the “underground economy” which currently do not pay taxes while significantly reducing the cost of doing business. Under the Fair Tax families and business would no longer have to file taxes each year and ensures that all Americans get to keep more of their hard-earned dollars.
The Tax Code Termination Act would end the Internal Revenue Code of 1986after December 31, 2015, except for self-employment taxes, Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes, and railroad retirement taxes. The legislation states that the new tax code should be simple, fair, promote jobs and economic growth, and not penalize marriage or families. The legislation states the new tax system must be approved by Congress by July 4, 2015.
Brunner spends $1.7 million in first 18 days of July, has spent $6.7 million of his own money
Hoping to make the U. S. Senate the best government job money can buy, St. Louis businessman John Brunner has put more than $6.7 million of his own money into his campaign, including $1.950,000 in July, according to Federal Election Commission documents.
Brunner so far has raised less than $1 million on his own as of his mid-July filing, but his own contributions have enabled him to spend $6,872,341.70 during this election cycle, including $1,678,874.21 during the first 18 days of July.
Brunner so far has raised less than $1 million on his own as of his mid-July filing, but his own contributions have enabled him to spend $6,872,341.70 during this election cycle, including $1,678,874.21 during the first 18 days of July.
Crowell: Missouri must opt out of Medicaid expansion
In his latest report, Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, says Missouri must opt out of the expansion of Medicaid.
In 2009, Congress passed the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Commonly known as “Obamacare,” the law fundamentally changes health care in America. At the heart of the bill is the individual mandate, which requires every American to purchase health insurance. The ACA also mandated massive expansion of states’ Medicaid programs. Prior to the Supreme Court ruling, this government coverage was traditionally for the poor or disabled. States that don’t go along with this expansion faced having all of its federal Medicaid funding withheld.
 |
After passage by Congress and the president’s signature into law, the ACA was almost immediately challenged in court, eventually reaching the U.S. Supreme Court. Last month, the court ruled on the constitutionality of the ACA. In a 5-4 decision, the Justices upheld the law, saying the individual mandate is constitutional under the clause that grants Congress the authority to tax. The court did rule, however, that the federal government cannot hold states’ Medicaid funding hostage to force them to expand its eligibility.
The ACA provides that the federal government will pay for the first three years of a state’s Medicaid expansion, after which the state will pick up a percentage of the costs, maxing out at 10 percent. If Missouri chooses to expand its program, Missouri taxpayers are projected to be responsible for $100 million per year starting in 2017, eventually growing to approximately $150 million per year by 2020.
If you’ve ever seen a credit card commercial offering 0 percent APR for the first 12 months, or subscription services that give you the first month free, you’re familiar with this approach. It’s the same old song and dance. Get them hooked, and keep them paying for life, when we all know it is not affordable.
Missouri can’t afford to expand its Medicaid program. We can’t afford it now. Our current program covers more than 900,000 Missourians, at a huge cost to the state. The budget for Fiscal Year 2013 includes $8.2 billion for Medicaid, with $1.7 billion coming from state general revenue. Nearly a third of our budget goes to this entitlement program, and it grows every year. If we expand Medicaid, it would add approximately 300,000 more people to the welfare rolls and would be a fiscal disaster for Missouri taxpayers.
We just passed one of the most difficult budgets in decades, and according to economic forecasts, it’s not going to get easier anytime soon. To balance the budget, some lawmakers proposed taking away health care for low-income blind people. Higher education absorbed yet another year of cuts. K-12 education is underfunded by $700 million annually, according to our foundation formula. Our roads are falling apart. The list goes on and on. Yet somehow, if we listen to the Washington politicians, Missouri needs to come up with an extra $100 million a year so select people can get free, taxpayer-funded health insurance, all to meet a draconian mandate issued by an over-reaching federal government, which, by the way, can’t afford to pay out billions of dollars for these Medicaid expansions either. The United States is already facing trillion-dollar deficits.
Missouri must opt out of the ACA Medicaid expansion. The fiscal stability of our state and our country is already at risk, and neither will survive this new explosion in government spending. Stop spending, stop spending, stop spending, for the love of God and country and our future, stop spending.
In November, voters will have a chance to express exactly how they feel about the policies enacted by the current president and Congress. We have the power to steer our country in the direction we choose. Exercise that power. Stay informed. Become politically active in your community. Follow the candidates. Learn where they stand on this issue and others that are important to you. Let Washington and Jefferson City know how you feel about the ACA and its effect on our country and state. Vote!
Jane Cunningham endorses Shane Schoeller (and he thinks this will help him)
(From the Shane Schoeller for secretary of state campaign)
Republican Secretary of State Candidate Shane Schoeller, R-Willard, has been endorsed by State Senator Jane Cunningham, R-St. Louis County. Cunningham is a conservative leader in the Missouri Senate and has been a champion for conservative causes during her time in the Missouri legislature.
Republican Secretary of State Candidate Shane Schoeller, R-Willard, has been endorsed by State Senator Jane Cunningham, R-St. Louis County. Cunningham is a conservative leader in the Missouri Senate and has been a champion for conservative causes during her time in the Missouri legislature.
“I am truly honored to have the support so many conservative leaders across Missouri, including Senator Cunningham,” Schoeller said. “Together, Senator Cunningham and I have worked to defend the values that Missouri conservatives hold sacred. Her support will help us continue the fight to restore integrity to the Secretary of State’s office after eight years of Robin Carnahan’s political games.”
Cunningham is the fourth member of the Missouri Senate to endorse Schoeller. He was previously endorsed by eighty-eight Republican members of the Missouri House of Representatives and former United States Attorney General John Ashcroft. He has also won numerous straw polls, including one held recently at the Missouri Republican State Convention where he received more than seventy-five percent of the vote.
“After being burned by numerous candidates who talked the talk but did not walk the walk in the Capitol pressure cooker, I have adopted a measuring stick which I term Tested and Proven. I am endorsing Shane Schoeller because he is a tested and proven conservative and because he is one of the rare legislators who has a strong backbone,” State Senator Jane Cunningham, R-St. Louis County.
Ed Martin: Why won't Obama's lawyer tackle non-existent voter fraud problem?
(From the Ed Martin for attorney general campaign)
With a history of fighting fraud and expanding access for all voters, Ed Martin today has called on all Missourians to join him in protecting the integrity of the primary election on August 7, 2012 by their vigilance and, when necessary, to demand legal action by the appropriate authorities. President Obama's federal lawyer, US Attorney General Eric Holder, has made clear his preference for stopping commonsense efforts to stop voter fraud like a photo ID reguirement. Here, Obama’s Missouri lawyer, Attorney General Chris Koster, has failed to take up even one case of election fraud, and opposes photo ID for voters.
The Martin campaign’s Every Vote Count initiative will raise awareness with a team of people who will canvass area polling places to help ensure elections take place in a fair, honest and impartial manner. The Count Every Vote Unit is comprised of attorneys, poll watchers, and poll challengers. They will broadcast any problems they see via Twitter, Facebook, and the campaign website www.EdMartinforMissouri.com - encouraging anyone who suspects fraud or sees anything suspicious to call and report it to the Secretary of State’s office immediately.
“The problem of voter fraud and the need to fight every day to make every vote count is something that I know from my time working on the St. Louis Election Board. I will be vigilant in my quest to ensure that every eligible person is able to vote and to make sure voter fraud is not an issue,” Ed Martin said. "I encourage my fellow Missourians to keep their eyes open and help protect our election intergrity."
As chairman of the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners, Ed Martin was tasked with cleaning up city elections and he did just that. He stood strong and took on ACORN’s longstanding attempts to corrupt our voting process. Ed Martin received no help or support from then-Attorney General Jay Nixon, who chose to turn a blind eye to the rampant problems in elections in Missouri over the past 15 years.
President Obama's federal lawyer, US Attorney General Eric Holder, has already made clear his preference for stopping common sense efforts to stop voter fraud like a photo ID reguirement. Here in Missouri, Attorney General Chris Koster has failed to take up even one case of election fraud.
"Because he only cares about politics and power, Obama's Lawyer Chris Koster is happy to look the other way as groups and individuals corrupt our election and violate the law," Martin said. "When I am Attorney General, I will assist local prosecutors and clerks in every way I can to fight fraud and I will direct my staff to be active advocates and prosecutors for access for all and fraud for none!"
Missouri Democrats have a cozy relationship with the group ACORN, now called MORE or Missourians Organizing for Reform and Empowerment. Prominent Democrats have direct ties to ACORN. One obvious way to help cut down on fraud is to require voters to present photo ID, something Ed Martin supports.
With a history of fighting fraud and expanding access for all voters, Ed Martin today has called on all Missourians to join him in protecting the integrity of the primary election on August 7, 2012 by their vigilance and, when necessary, to demand legal action by the appropriate authorities. President Obama's federal lawyer, US Attorney General Eric Holder, has made clear his preference for stopping commonsense efforts to stop voter fraud like a photo ID reguirement. Here, Obama’s Missouri lawyer, Attorney General Chris Koster, has failed to take up even one case of election fraud, and opposes photo ID for voters.
The Martin campaign’s Every Vote Count initiative will raise awareness with a team of people who will canvass area polling places to help ensure elections take place in a fair, honest and impartial manner. The Count Every Vote Unit is comprised of attorneys, poll watchers, and poll challengers. They will broadcast any problems they see via Twitter, Facebook, and the campaign website www.EdMartinforMissouri.com - encouraging anyone who suspects fraud or sees anything suspicious to call and report it to the Secretary of State’s office immediately.
“The problem of voter fraud and the need to fight every day to make every vote count is something that I know from my time working on the St. Louis Election Board. I will be vigilant in my quest to ensure that every eligible person is able to vote and to make sure voter fraud is not an issue,” Ed Martin said. "I encourage my fellow Missourians to keep their eyes open and help protect our election intergrity."
As chairman of the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners, Ed Martin was tasked with cleaning up city elections and he did just that. He stood strong and took on ACORN’s longstanding attempts to corrupt our voting process. Ed Martin received no help or support from then-Attorney General Jay Nixon, who chose to turn a blind eye to the rampant problems in elections in Missouri over the past 15 years.
President Obama's federal lawyer, US Attorney General Eric Holder, has already made clear his preference for stopping common sense efforts to stop voter fraud like a photo ID reguirement. Here in Missouri, Attorney General Chris Koster has failed to take up even one case of election fraud.
"Because he only cares about politics and power, Obama's Lawyer Chris Koster is happy to look the other way as groups and individuals corrupt our election and violate the law," Martin said. "When I am Attorney General, I will assist local prosecutors and clerks in every way I can to fight fraud and I will direct my staff to be active advocates and prosecutors for access for all and fraud for none!"
Missouri Democrats have a cozy relationship with the group ACORN, now called MORE or Missourians Organizing for Reform and Empowerment. Prominent Democrats have direct ties to ACORN. One obvious way to help cut down on fraud is to require voters to present photo ID, something Ed Martin supports.
Heat advisory continues through this evening for Joplin area
(From the National Weather Service)
HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING... * TIMING AND AREAS AFFECTED...SOUTHEAST KANSAS AND THE MISSOURI OZARKS THROUGH EARLY WEDNESDAY EVENING. * TEMPERATURE...HIGH TEMPERATURES TODAY ARE EXPECTED TO RANGE FROM NEAR 100 DEGREES AT SPRINGFIELD AND WEST PLAINS TO AROUND 105 DEGREES OVER FAR SOUTHWEST MISSOURI AND SOUTHEAST KANSAS INCLUDING THE JOPLIN...NEVADA...AND FORT SCOTT AREAS. HEAT INDEX VALUES WILL RANGE FROM NEAR 100 TO AS HIGH AS 107 DEGREES. * IMPACTS...THIS EXTENDED PERIOD OF HOT WEATHER WILL LIKELY INCREASE THE RISK OF HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES. YOUNG CHILDREN... THE ELDERLY...AND THOSE WITHOUT ACCESS TO AIR CONDITIONING WILL BE PARTICULARLY SUSCEPTIBLE. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IF YOU WORK OR SPEND TIME OUTSIDE. WHEN POSSIBLE...RESCHEDULE STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES TO EARLY MORNING OR EVENING. KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE. WEAR LIGHT WEIGHT AND LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING WHEN POSSIBLE AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.
Missouri Republican Assembly endorses Lager
Brad Lager, Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, today announced the endorsement of the Missouri Republican Assembly.
“Grassroots level activists are ready for new leadership in Jefferson City,” said Lager. “I am truly honored and humbled to receive the endorsement of one of the most respected conservative organizations in the country.”
Known for advocating conservative principles, the Missouri Republican Assembly is a chapter of the National Federation of Republican Assemblies that describes itself as “the Republicanwing of the Republican Party.”
Dr. Scott McGill, president of the 7th Congressional District MRA chapter, said, “Being conservative doesn’t mean holding press conferences around the state every time you’re up for reelection. Brad Lager has a proven record in the State Senate as a conservative who opposed big government programs, protected life and fought Obamacare. That is why he received our endorsement.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)