After 418* candidates filed on Day 1, the total number of candidates filing on Day 2 was 11.

Former St. Rep. Esther Haywood filed for SD14, meaning that five candidates are running to succeed Rita Days. Those 5 are U-City Mayor Joe Adams, St. Rep. Don Calloway, St. Rep. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, Haywood, and St. Rep. Ted Hoskins.

Libertarian Kevin Parr is running for the second cycle in a row in HD55. Rory Ellinger (D-U City) is running in HD72 to succeed Maria Chappelle-Nadal. Incumbent St. Reps John Diehl (R) of the 87th and Dwight Scharnhorst (R) of the 93rd filed. Former State Rep and 2008 candidate Jan Polizzi filed for the 97th to run to succeed the termed-out Walt Bivins (R). Jeffrey Landwehr (R-Gerald) filed to succeed termed-out Charles Schlottach in the 111th. Democrat Mike Stevenson of Warsaw filed for the 116th to succeed termed-out Rep. Tom Self (R). Democrat Jim West of Joplin filed to succeed termed-out Speaker Ron Richard in the 129th. David Liveoak (R-Neosho) filed in the 131st to succeed Marilyn Ruestman. Republican John J. “Joe” Ratcliff, Jr of Springfield filed to challenge incumbent Rep. Charlie Denison in the 135th.

In the State House, Republicans are currently contesting 113 seats, and Democrats are contesting 112 seats.

(* – The original number was 417. But they list a 418th filing, Republican Bob Brown of Springfield, whose listing as a 7th Congressional District candidate was not listed until today. Brown previously ran for Congress in the 4th district in 2000 and 2002, losing primaries to Jim Noland.)

Unrelated note: Kudos to the Missouri House website for adding Google-added district maps. Here’s the 72nd district. (edit: or I can add the map links to every district mentioned)

That’s your filing review. Might as well add some observations for 2/23 filings or places that could use a random person showing up to file before March 30th.

On short notice, about 50 opponents of any plan to allow a casino to be built near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers showed up Wednesday morning to get their point across to the Missouri Gaming Commission.  With their “CasiNO” buttons and leadership from a local minister and well-organized environmentalists, the protesters surrounded County Executive Charlie Dooley prior to the meeting and let him know they weren’t happy with him or the county council.  Dooley lost his cool and got in the face of one protester, jabbing both hands at the man’s face and repeating “Listen to me, listen to me.”  That was right after Dooley blathered on about how “all county citizens have the right to be heard and the county council will listen.”  He evidently couldn’t see that he was contradicting his own pronouncement by cutting the man off.

Another noteworthy conversation some of us had was with the president of the Hazelwood school board.  He was there in support of building the casino because his district would get direct money, not just from the general revenue where gambling funds end up.  His point was the money had to come from the casino or from taxpayers.  We tried to tell him it was sad that he was put in the position of having to make this false choice.  There should be better ways to support public education than by encouraging people to gamble away their money.  In fact, shouldn’t schools be teaching students to stay away from gambling?  Oh, that’s right.  It’s not “gambling.”  It’s “gaming.”  If hypocrisy were a disease, we’d all be terminally ill.

Once the “Gaming” Commission meeting started, the chair informed the audience that there are currently no more licenses available for new casinos, but, if and when one becomes available, there will be a public hearing on any aps for that license.  Whew, I sure feel better, don’t you?

Representatives of Pinnacle Entertainment gave a final report on the new River City casino built in Lemay on land straddling the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County. The Commission gave unanimous approval which will allow the slots to start jingling March 4. I thought it was interesting that the areas where the gambling machines are located are called gaming “pits.”

So, when you lose more money than you can really afford, you can literally say you’re “in the pits.”

 Casino companies are required to keep track of gambling addicts.  On the Gaming Commission’s website, under “Problem Gambling,” we find this rather general rule of thumb.  

Over 80% of Americans participate in some form of gambling. For most people (95%), gambling is an occasional recreational activity in which they participate responsibly. However, a small percentage of the population experiences problems from their gambling behavior, and for some, it can be a progressive disease. Missouri has taken a broad based approach to address problem gambling issues.

I find it hard to believe that 80% of Americans gamble unless you consider things like driving the interstates at rush hour or marrying a dope fiend hoping to “cure him” as gambling.

Doing a little math and starting with approximately 300 million adult Americans, that would mean 12 million of them are “problem” gamblers.  If 12 million of us had swine flu, you can be sure it would be headline news !  

But, oh, the lengths we will go to deceive ourselves.  According to the Chief Operating Officer for St. Louis County, Garry Earls, the county is “delighted to be number 13” (as in the 13th casino in Missouri.)  And, in a more ominous tone, he said they’d be happy to be number 14 also if and when another opportunity arises- like in the bottomland along the Missouri River where eagles and other migratory birds rest on their trips north and south.

But who cares about birds when there is money to be made?  And how will we explain this to our grandchildren when they ask us why we didn’t speak up?  

…and crashes.

With apologies to Atrios

It appears that Representative Chuck Gatschenberger (r) is really, really, really, really, really, really (did I leave any out?) concerned about drivers licenses:

HB 2139 Amends laws relating to driver’s license examinations

Sponsor: Gatschenberger, Chuck (13) Proposed Effective Date: 08/28/2010

CoSponsor: Jones, Timothy W. (89) LR Number: 4665L.01I

Last Action: 02/15/2010 – Read Second Time (H)

HB2139

Next Hearing: Hearing not scheduled

Calendar: Bill currently not on a calendar

… Examinations conducted under the authority of this section shall only be administered in the English language so that the applicant can demonstrate his or her ability to read the English language sufficiently to understand highway traffic signs and safety warnings. The director shall neither supply nor permit the use of foreign language interpreters in connection with the written and driving tests required under this section…

Because Missouri [pdf] highway traffic signs and safety warnings are unique in the world and written in Shakespearean prose?

The overkill gets even better:

HB 2140 Prohibits the use of language interpreters during the driver’s license examination

Sponsor: Gatschenberger, Chuck (13) Proposed Effective Date: 08/28/2010

CoSponsor: Jones, Timothy W. (89) LR Number: 4195L.02I

Last Action: 02/15/2010 – Read Second Time (H)

HB2140

Next Hearing: Hearing not scheduled

Calendar: Bill currently not on a calendar

HB 2141 Imposes a fifteen dollar fee for taking the written portion of the driver’s license examination

Sponsor: Gatschenberger, Chuck (13) Proposed Effective Date: 08/28/2010

CoSponsor: Jones, Timothy W. (89) LR Number: 4196L.02I

Last Action: 02/15/2010 – Read Second Time (H)

HB2141

Next Hearing: Hearing not scheduled

Calendar: Bill currently not on a calendar

Uh, you already said that.

HB 2142 Imposes a $25 fee for the driving portion of the driver’s examination

Sponsor: Gatschenberger, Chuck (13) Proposed Effective Date: 08/28/2010

CoSponsor: Jones, Timothy W. (89) LR Number: 4197L.01I

Last Action: 02/15/2010 – Read Second Time (H)

HB2142

Next Hearing: Hearing not scheduled

Calendar: Bill currently not on a calendar

And you already said that, too.

HB 2143 Revises driver’s license laws to require U.S. citizenship

Sponsor: Gatschenberger, Chuck (13) Proposed Effective Date: 08/28/2010

CoSponsor: Jones, Timothy W. (89) LR Number: 4198L.01I

Last Action: 02/15/2010 – Read Second Time (H)

HB2143

Next Hearing: Hearing not scheduled

Calendar: Bill currently not on a calendar

Hmmm.

SECOND REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 2143

95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

…302.171. 1. The director shall verify that an applicant for a driver’s license is a Missouri resident [or national of the United States or a noncitizen with a lawful immigration status, and a Missouri resident] and a United States citizen before accepting the application. Notwithstanding any other law, the director shall not issue a driver’s license [for a period that exceeds the duration of an applicant’s lawful immigration status in the United States] to any person who is not a United States citizen. The director may establish procedures to verify the Missouri residency or status as a United States [naturalization or lawful immigration status and Missouri residency of the applicant] citizen and establish the duration of any driver’s license issued under this section….

Because people going through the citizenship process can get that accomplished in just days and they won’t need to drive themselves to the swearing in ceremony, right?

“…Notwithstanding any other law…” Tenther!

HB 2144 Requires driver’s license examinations to be administered in English

Sponsor: Gatschenberger, Chuck (13) Proposed Effective Date: 08/28/2010

CoSponsor: Jones, Timothy W. (89) LR Number: 4159L.01I

Last Action: 02/15/2010 – Read Second Time (H)

HB2144

Next Hearing: Hearing not scheduled

Calendar: Bill currently not on a calendar

Ditto.

Prochaine sortie.

The Pitch’s blog reports that the new Mark Parkinson idea is far weirder and angrier than the antique slot machines idea which was narrowly defeated in 2009. His new idea: deducting from Jay Nixon’s salary to buy Powerball tickets. An idea so absurd, asinine, and petty that it’s one of the better Republican revenue ideas ever (by default).

You know, if you deduct $2 from the weekly pay of each State Rep and Senator, you’d have the money to buy 394 Powerball tickets a week. I think the odds might be around 500000 to 1 (if the state is lucky), which means the state, if it plays every week, will be guaranteed to win at least once before the year 6820. It’s a guaranteed win-win!

BTW, Allen Icet co-sponsoring this bill probably won’t be noted in his Auditor ads. Although it makes him look better than pointing out how he cut meals on wheels out of the budget his committee passed.

417 candidates filed today for state and federal offices. 224 Republicans, 170 Democrats, 17 Constitution Party Members, and 6 Libertarians filed. A surprisingly high turnout of Constitution Party candidates (gotta find a way to describe those party members without being too long-worded or vague) and another low turnout for Libertarians on day one. Although 2 Libertarians did file for Lacy Clay’s seat.

14 candidates filed for the US Senate. 3 candidates filed for Auditor. 37 candidates filed for the US House. 39 candidates filed for 17 State Senate seats. 308 candidates filed for 163 State House seats. And 16 candidates filed for Circuit Court spots.

Roy Blunt and Chuck Purgason were joined by 7 other Republicans. These Republicans include Businessman R. L. Proprotnik (who won the first spot on the ballot), unknown James Schmidt, Hector Maldonado (who is in the Army until the end of this month), Kristi Nichols (who poses in front of a flag with some text I can’t read on it), unsuccessful school board candidate Deborah Solomon, small business owner Davis Conway, and Tea Partier Mike Vontz.

Robin Carnahan is being opposed by Francis Vangeli, who is an unknown and has voiced opposition to the Obama/Democratic HCR efforts with a variety of complaints.

Two Constitution Party candidates are dueling for their nomination. Jerry Beck (who ran as a Democrat in previous elections) and contemporary furniture maker Joe Martellaro are filed for that nomination.

Lacy Clay, Todd Akin, Ike Skelton, Jo Ann Emerson, and Blaine Luetkemeyer did not file. And four of those five have primary opponents. Ike Skelton doesn’t have a primary opponent but he has six Republicans running for an their nomination for the 4th.

I have no idea where a random Democrat will emerge first between the 6th District and 9th District. Only a $100 filing fee.

Also worth randomly noting that former Constitution Party candidate Don Griffin is running as a Republican against Sue Allen.

More will be added later on the State House and Senate. Feel free to mention the things that are under the statewide radar.

It’s one thing to hear about drastic state budget cuts; it’s another to hear from the people directly affected. GRO is sponsoring a Show-Me Showdown in Jeff City on Thursday, March 4th to spotlight some specific people who are being hurt.

The event is shaping up to be a huge solidarity rally for Thursday, March 4.

Working with people from across the state, we have made some great progress with turnout commitments!  We are headed to the Missouri State Capitol for the Show-Me Showdown because it’s about time for a face-off between the people and the greedy corporate elite interests!

We’re especially focusing on the harmful Missouri state budget cuts to the disability community, public sector jobs, state workers benefits, education, and health care…the list goes on. We want an economy and state legislature that works for us!

Will you join us on Thursday, March 4 for the Show-Me Showdown?  If so, GREAT!  Email lily@gromo.org or call toll-free (877) 581-9595 so that we can save your seat on the bus!

The Disability Rights Day Rally is 11:30 am, Monday, March 1 at the State Capitol!  They will hit the lawmakers when they arrive that week and we will get em’ right before they head home!

Some Details about the Show-Me Showdown day:

We’ve got buses coming from central and southeast Missouri and St. Louis and some vans from Kansas City.

The event kicks off promptly at 10:30 in Jefferson City on the south capitol steps with lively entertainment, heartfelt testimonials, street theater and action!

We are seeking out funds so we’ll cover lunch for anybody who signs up to ride with us. So far we’ve got 200 people who said that they are coming and we want hundreds more!

Yesterday I wrote about Claire McCaskill’s sad decision to join a cabal of Democratic senators out to derail the EPA’s authority to regulate green-house gases from industrial sources. Today we learn that their efforts have succeeded in delaying new EPA rules – which were devised in the first place to compensate for the unwillingness of the Senate to respond to our developing climate crisis.

The reason McCaskill and her fellow letter writers give for their delaying tactics is that they represent the interest of coal-dependent states. Of course, one goal of the EPA regulations as well as the the cap-and-trade provsions in proposed House legislation, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES), is to wean the U.S. from its coal addiction – currently 50% of U.S. electricity is coal generated.

Coal is definitely not a benign source of energy.  Its extraction destroys our natural environment, the fine particles produced by burning coal are harmful to human health, and, of course, coal constitutes one of the main factors exacerbating the climate crisis we face since coal-burning plants are the largest producers of CO2 emissions in the U.S.

So why is McCaskill, a politician who loves to claim that she shares the progressive values of the Democratic party – in fundraising letters at least – trying to prolong Missouri’s dependency on coal? Instead of whining about the short-term costs of moving us from coal dependency, shouldn’t she be exercising the leadership we expect from her?

I would suggest that McCaskill could learn from the example of Russ Carnahan, who, in his just released economic action plan, A Regional Approach to Job Growth, emphasizes the importance of legislation like ACES in guaranteeing Missouri’s continued, long-term prosperity:

Nations around the world are emerging as leaders in clean-energy production creating jobs in their respective countries because of the growing demand of these technologies. Clean energy technology can and must be made in America. The Clean Energy and Security Act – which was passed by the House of Representatives in June, 2009 – would create millions of jobs that cannot be shipped overseas, making America the global innovation leader; it would increase our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil; and it would preserve our planet by reducing the pollution that causes global warming.

Too bad McCaskill, who has signaled her opposition to ACES, doesn’t have this kind of vision or courage, but, instead, seems to be choosing to work against our long-term good to further the goals of the powerful coal-lobby and placate brainwashed rural voters.

 

The fun begins at 8am, and will go on until March 30th. If past patterns come into play, then most of the filers will show up on the first or last days.

People who file today get a random number and the order is drawn out of those filers for the first spot. Then everybody else gets a spot as they show up. (Slightly more fair than the new Jackson County system, where you sign up for a spot on Monday and it’s done in order then. Until the mid-1990s, I believe the statewide system involved having people stand in line for you for a few weeks and no random numbers.)

More information is here.

Betting for who files first should acknowledge who is a legislator (or works in the Capitol).

So post interesting stuff you find here. And the updates will show up in the other 26ish days that filing is open.