Video by Jerry Schmidt.

Previously:

Tomorrow morning’s Governor’s Ham Breakfast at the State Fair is gonna be really interesting (August 13, 2014)

Gov. Jay Nixon will be in the St. Louis area today, not at the State Fair (August 14, 2014)

This morning’s Governor’s Ham Breakfast at the State Fair in Sedalia took place without Governor Jay Nixon. Governor Nixon was in Ferguson, Missouri as was/is Senator Claire McCaskill. No statewide Democratic Party office holders were in attendance at the breakfast.

Senator Roy Blunt (r), Representative Vicky Hartzler (r), Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer (r), State Auditor Tom Schweich (r), House Speaker Tim Jones (r), and former Speaker Catherine Hanaway (r) were at the State Fair. We also covered a republican press conference at the Farm Bureau building going after the EPA on water regulation. Senator Blunt, Representative Hartzler and Representative Luetkemeyer spoke. Not a word about Ferguson, but the were all pleased about the “right to farm” amendment.

Serenading folks in the Home Economics Building.

The band also performed in the big tent for the ham breakfast crowd. They were quite good.

Senator Roy Blunt (r).

Politicians weren’t the only ones on display and being judged.

Representative Vicky Hartzler (r).

The Democratic Party tent at the Missouri State Fair.

They were open and active long before the republican tent opened up.

Former House Speaker Catherine Hanaway (r).

State Auditor Tom Schweich (r).

Judging pie.

Representative Vicky Hartzler (r).

Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer at the republican press conference in the Farm Bureau Building.

Interestingly, all three purported republican candidates for Governor in 2016 attended the breakfast. There was no tear gas.

From the White House:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release                                                                                    August 14, 2014

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

Edgartown, Massachusetts

12:49 P.M. EDT

    THE PRESIDENT:

[….]

Now, second, I want to address something that’s been in the news over the last couple of days and that’s the situation in Ferguson, Missouri.  I know that many Americans have been deeply disturbed by the images we’ve seen in the heartland of our country, as police have clashed with people protesting.  Today, I’d like us all to take a step back and think about how we’re going to be moving forward.

This morning, I received a thorough update on the situation from Attorney General Eric Holder, who has been following it and been in communication with his team.  I’ve already tasked the Department of Justice and the FBI to independently investigate the death of Michael Brown, along with local officials on the ground.

The Department of Justice is also consulting with local authorities about ways that they can maintain public safety without restricting the right of peaceful protest and while avoiding unnecessary escalation.  I made clear to the Attorney General that we should do what is necessary to help determine exactly what happened, and to see that justice is done.

I also just spoke with Governor Jay Nixon of Missouri.  I expressed my concern over the violent turn that events have taken on the ground, and underscored that now is the time for all of us to reflect on what’s happened, and to find a way to come together going forward.  He is going to be traveling to Ferguson.  He is a good man and a fine governor, and I’m confident that, working together, he is going to be able to communicate his desire to make sure that justice is done and his desire to make sure that public safety is maintained in an appropriate way.

Of course, it’s important to remember how this started.  We lost a young man, Michael Brown, in heartbreaking and tragic circumstances.  He was 18 years old.  His family will never hold Michael in their arms again.  And when something like this happens, the local authorities — including the police — have a responsibility to be open and transparent about how they are investigating that death, and how they are protecting the people in their communities.

There is never an excuse for violence against police, or for those who would use this tragedy as a cover for vandalism or looting.  There’s also no excuse for police to use excessive force against peaceful protests, or to throw protestors in jail for lawfully exercising their First Amendment rights.  And here, in the United States of America, police should not be bullying or arresting journalists who are just trying to do their jobs and report to the American people on what they see on the ground.  Put simply, we all need to hold ourselves to a high standard, particularly those of us in positions of authority.

I know that emotions are raw right now in Ferguson and there are certainly passionate differences about what has happened.  There are going to be different accounts of how this tragedy occurred.  There are going to be differences in terms of what needs to happen going forward.  That’s part of our democracy.  But let’s remember that we’re all part of one American family.  We are united in common values, and that includes belief in equality under the law; a basic respect for public order and the right to peaceful public protest; a reverence for the dignity of every single man, woman and child among us; and the need for accountability when it comes to our government.

So now is the time for healing.  Now is the time for peace and calm on the streets of Ferguson.  Now is the time for an open and transparent process to see that justice is done.  And I’ve asked that the Attorney General and the U.S. Attorney on the scene continue to work with local officials to move that process forward.  They will be reporting to me in the coming days about what’s being done to make sure that happens.

Thanks very much, everybody.

Previously: Tomorrow morning’s Governor’s Ham Breakfast at the State Fair is gonna be really interesting (August 13, 2014)

Governor Nixon’s Twitter:

Governor Jay Nixon ‏@GovJayNixon

Canceling all appearances at the @MoStateFair to visit North #STL County tomorrow. Statement to follow. 10:45 PM – 13 Aug 2014

Governor Jay Nixon ‏@GovJayNixon

Closely monitoring situation & will be in North STL Co tomorrow. Ask for calm & urge law enforcement to respect rights of residents & press 12:11 AM – 14 Aug 2014

Urge?

Governor Jay Nixon ‏@GovJayNixon

Situation in Ferguson does not represent who we are. Must keep the peace, while safeguarding rights of citizens and the press12:22 AM – 14 Aug 2014

Governor Jay Nixon ‏@GovJayNixon

As Governor, I’m committed to ensuring pain of last weekend’s tragedy does not continue to be compounded by this ongoing crisis. #Ferguson 12:39 AM – 14 Aug 2014

On Twitter tonight:

Kevin Horrigan ‏@OldSport

If @GovJayNixon does tomorrow’s state fair ham breakfast and doesn’t get some smarter policing in #Ferguson, could be a new low. 9:10 PM – 13 Aug 2014

Tony Wyche ‏@tonywyche

Gov Nixon, NOW is the time to step up. In the absence of leadership we get chaos. National aspirations or not, here’s your chance. #Ferguson 9:42 PM – 13 Aug 2014

Tony Messenger ‏@tonymess

Every ounce of leadership legacy earned by @GovJayNixon after #Joplin tornado is being sucked away by the #Ferguson vortex. Engage dammit. 9:46 PM – 13 Aug 2014

Philip Rucker ‏@PhilipRucker

Gov. Jay Nixon had been itching to expand his national profile, even eyeing 2016 run. His being AWOL tonight prob won’t help. #Ferguson 9:40 PM – 13 Aug 2014

Jay Rosen ‏@jayrosen_nyu

Where is the governor of Missouri? @GovJayNixon.10:00 PM – 13 Aug 2014

Joy Reid @JoyAnnReid

You can’t just suspend the constitution in an American city. Who’s in charge in #Ferguson?? 9:48 PM – 13 Aug 2014

Oh, my.

Tonight in Ferguson, Missouri, via Twitter:

Eli Rosenberg ‏@EliKMBC

“We’re dealing with 4,000 animals in there, & you want to give me attitude?” The deputy yelled, mad I was taking a pic #Ferguson #MikeBrown 8:43 PM – 13 Aug 2014

Eli Rosenberg

@EliKMBC

Reporter at KMBC 9 News….

Representative Vicky Hartzler (r) at State Fair Community College in Sedalia – August 13, 2014.

Representative Vicky Hartzler (r) held a three stop “farm tour” in the 4th Congressional District today. The final stop was this afternoon in Sedalia at State Fair Community College. About a dozen people attended a roundtable discussion about issues associated with data collection and management in agriculture. Most, if not all, of the individuals in attendance were invited participants (and family who accompanied them to the meeting), local politicians, and Representative Hartzler’s (r) staff. We were there, too.

After greeting everyone in the room Representative Hartlzer sat at the table with the other roundtable participants. After brief introductions Representative Hartzler asked those at the table to state what they had to say. Other than a question here and there Representative Hartzler spent most of the event listening to what they had to say. Individuals at the table included representatives of Farm Bureau, another agriculture interest group, local office holders, and the owner of a family owned agriculture data service (based in the district). The roundtable was scheduled to start at 3:00 p.m. It lasted approximately an hour and twenty minutes.

This was an open meeting which was advertised via social media (and I assume by local media, too), yet other than those directly participating or those associated with the participants (and Show Me Progress) there were no other people in the room.

In the past Representative Hartzler has held open town hall meetings with the opportunity for those in attendance to ask questions on any subject. A few of those town halls had been well attended. Given the current restive nature of the electorate one would suspect that an open town hall held now would have very good attendance.

Representative Vicky Hartzler (r) in the board room at the Hopkins Student Services Building at State Fair Community College in Sedalia.

Previously:

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): town halls in Clinton and Warrensburg (August 10, 2011)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): town hall in Warrensburg, part 1 (August 11, 2011)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): town hall in Warrensburg, part 2 (August 12, 2011)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): town hall in Warrensburg, part 3 (August 13, 2011)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): town hall in Warrensburg, part 4 (August 14, 2011)

Vicky Hartzler (r) at Sedalia Town Hall meeting 4/5/2012 (April 6, 2012)

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r): May 4, 2012 town halls in Buffalo, Versailles, California – photos (May 6, 2012)

Vicky Hartzler Town Hall meetings Buffalo, Versailles, California (May 9, 2012)

Nate Irvin (D) in the 4th Congressional District (August 7, 2014)  

There was a term limited member of the House who may have contemplated running for the Senate (via the Missouri Ethics Commission):

C051270: Citizens For Mike Thomson

Po Box 44 Committee Type: Candidate

Maryville Mo 64468 Party Affiliation: Republican

[….] Established Date: 11/14/2005

[….]

Election History

Election Year Primary Outcome General Outcome Political Office

2014 State Senator District 12

2012 Successful Successful State Representative District 1

2010 Successful Successful State Representative District 4

2008 Successful Successful State Representative District 4

2006 Successful Successful State Representative District 4

[emphasis added]

He didn’t file, but somebody else did (via the Missouri Secretary of State):

State Senator – District 12

Republican

Name Mailing Address Random Number Date Filed

Dan Hegeman 18739 COUNTY ROAD 294 COSBY MO 64436 678 2/25/2014

Besides, his committee didn’t particularly have a lot of money to compete in a Senate primary (and that’s not necessarily cause and effect):

C051270: Citizens For Mike Thomson

[….]

Information Reported On: 2014 – 8 Day Before Primary Election-8/5/2014

Beginning Money on Hand $42,001.83

Monetary Receipts + $0.00

Monetary Expenditures – $950.63

Contributions Made – $4,400.00

Other Disbursements – $0.00

Subtotal     ($5,350.63)

Ending Money On Hand   $36,651.20

[emphasis added]

And a number of people filed for the open seat in his House district:

State Representative – District 1

Democratic

Name Mailing Address Random Number Date Filed

Robert Ritterbusch PO BOX 657 MARYVILLE MO 64468 3/25/2014

Republican

Name Mailing Address Random Number Date Filed

Stan Sportsman 36803 GALAXY RD GRAHAM MO 64455 660 2/25/2014

Roger Parshall 811 ELM ST TARKIO MO 64491 716 2/25/2014

Kathy DeVault P.O. BOX 81 GRAHAM MO 64455 813 2/25/2014

Allen Andrews P.O. BOX 118 GRANT CITY MO 64456 897 2/25/2014

So there was a primary:

State Representative – District 1 38 of 38 Precincts Reported

Robert Ritterbusch Democratic 1,025 100.000%

Party Total: 1,025

Stan Sportsman Republican 468 7.431%

Roger Parshall Republican 1,167 18.530%

Kathy DeVault Republican 642 10.194%

Allen Andrews Republican 4,021 63.846%

Party Total: 6,298

Total Votes: 7,323

[emphasis added]

And one of four republicans will face the Democratic party nominee in November.

Meanwhile, the term limited member of the House recently bestowed a hefty contribution (for a House race) on the republican:

C131171 08/12/2014 CITIZENS FOR ALLEN ANDREWS Citizens for Mike Thomson PO Box 44 Maryville MO 64468 8/12/2014 $15,000.00

[emphasis added]

Interestingly, that was almost exactly the same amount the successful republican nominee had left over right before the Primary:

C131171: Citizens For Allen Andrews

Po Box 118 Committee Type: Candidate

Grant City Mo 64456 Party Affiliation: Republican

[….] Established Date: 11/25/2013

  Termination Date:

Information Reported On: 2014 – 8 Day Before Primary Election-8/5/2014

Beginning Money on Hand $6,119.59

Monetary Receipts + $9,770.00

Monetary Expenditures – $373.34

Contributions Made – $0.00

Other Disbursements – $0.00

Subtotal     $9,396.66

Ending Money On Hand   $15,516.25

[emphasis added]

MISSOURI ETHICS COMMISSION

ITEMIZED EXPENDITURES OVER $100 SUPPLEMENTAL FORM

CITIZENS FOR ALLEN ANDREWS [pdf] 7/13/2014

Orscheln 2405 S Main Maryville MO 64468 5/22/2014 Sign Posts $794.91

Singularis 6750 Antioch Rd Overland Park KS 66204 6/11/2014 Signs $5,562.00

[emphasis added]

Sigh. Signs.

And because the eventual (unopposed in the primary and the general elections) senator didn’t and doesn’t have opposition he didn’t spend or raise a lot of money (for a Senate race):

C141049: Hegeman For Senate

18739 County Road 294 Committee Type: Candidate

Cosby Mo 64436 Party Affiliation: Republican

[….] Established Date: 02/11/2014

Information Reported On: 2014 – 8 Day Before Primary Election-8/5/2014

Beginning Money on Hand $41,727.29

Monetary Receipts + $11,925.00

Monetary Expenditures – $3,150.00

Contributions Made – $0.00

Other Disbursements – $0.00

Subtotal     $8,775.00

Ending Money On Hand   $50,502.29

[emphasis]

How did he get there?:

C141049 02/13/2014 HEGEMAN FOR SENATE Citizens for Brad Lager 5920 NW 96th Terr Kansas City MO 64154 2/11/2014 $25,000.00

C141049 02/13/2014 HEGEMAN FOR SENATE Herzog Contracting Corp P O Box 1089 St Joseph MO 64502 2/11/2014 $50,000.00

[emphasis added]

That’s so, so grass rootsie. Or is it just a self-fulfilling prophecy?

Previously: Campaign Finance: someone has a favorite in the 12th Senate District (February 13, 2014)

Today, at the Missouri Ethics Commission, for the apparent anointed republican State Treasurer candidate:

C071320 08/12/2014 SCHMITT FOR MISSOURI Lewis & Clark Ozarks Mountain Forum 5291 S Applecross Way Springfield MO 65809 8/11/2014 $25,000.00

[emphasis added]

Who are the folks that wrote that large check?:

C131130: Lewis & Clark Ozarks Mountain Forum

1736 E Sunshine St Ste 402 Committee Type: Political Action

Springfield Mo 65804

[….] Established Date: 09/12/2013

Information Reported On: 2014 – July Quarterly Report

Beginning Money on Hand $187,370.00

Monetary Receipts + $0.00

Monetary Expenditures – $5,000.00

Contributions Made – $15,000.00

Other Disbursements – $0.00

Subtotal     ($20,000.00)

Ending Money On Hand   $167,370.00

[emphasis added]

A relatively new political action committee. And where did their money come from?:

MISSOURI ETHICS COMMISSION

CONTRIBUTIONS AND LOANS RECEIVED

LEWIS & CLARK OZARKS MOUNTAIN FORUM [pdf] 10/15/2013

Neal Ethridge 5291 S. Applecross Way Springfield MO 65809 Retired 9/13/2013 $15,000.00

John Gentry 423 N. Campbell Springfield MO 65801 Positronic Industries 9/13/2013 $25,000.00

James Combs 30300 E State Hwy 76 Bradleyville MO 65614 Retired 9/13/2013 $15,000.00

Peter Herschend 538 Oak Bluff Rd. Branson MO 65616 Herschend Family Entertainment 9/19/2013 $15,000.00

William H Darr PO Box 4087 Springfield MO 65808 Retired 9/29/2013 $25,000.00

12. TOTAL ANONYMOUS CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED FROM PERSON GIVING $25 OR LESS $0.00

13. TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED FROM PERSONS GIVING $100 OR LESS $0.00

[emphasis added]

Probably not a particularly populist centered committee.

And:

MISSOURI ETHICS COMMISSION

CONTRIBUTIONS AND LOANS RECEIVED

LEWIS & CLARK OZARKS MOUNTAIN FORUM [pdf] 1/7/2014

12. TOTAL ANONYMOUS CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED FROM PERSON GIVING $25 OR LESS $0.00

13. TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED FROM PERSONS GIVING $100 OR LESS $0.00

CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED – SUPPLEMENTAL

Gerald Cook 2340 E. Cottage Blvd Ozark MO 65721 Loren Cook Co. 10/5/2013 $25,000.00

Glen Larson 3026 N. Mulroy Road Strafford MO 65757 Peterbilt of Springfield 10/15/2013 $25,000.00

Mark Gardner 4070 S. Parkhill Ct. Springfield MO 65804 Gardner Capital, Inc. 10/17/2013 $15,000.00

Dwayne Holden 2332 East Division Springfield MO 65803 Custom Metalcraft 10/19/2013 $25,000.00

Penn Enterprises, Inc. 5260 Stonehaven Springfield MO 65809 10/26/2013 $15,000.00

Harry Cooper 4411 E. Farm Rd. 132 Springfield MO 65802 Harry Cooper Supply 11/5/2013 $15,000.00

Joe Passanise 2974 East Battlefield Springfield MO 65804 Attorney 12/4/2013 $15,000.00

[emphasis added]

Probably not.

Previously:

Campaign Finance: there are friends, and then there are “friends” (July 4, 2014)

Campaign Finance: it’s just not the same when it’s only four or five figures (July 8, 2014)

Campaign Finance: Well, they did vote on the earnings tax… (August 11, 2014)