On Saturday, June 9th, we had the opportunity to speak with Democratic Party candidates and office holders at the Missouri Democratic Convention. Cass County Associate Commissioner (and former state representative) Luke Scavuzzo took some time to speak with us at the convention.

Over the years as we’ve been in Jefferson City to cover the General Assembly we became acquainted with Luke Scavuzzo, one of the smart, thoughtful public servants in Jefferson City who, at the time, represented the 124th Legislative District for the people of Cass County. Luke Scavuzzo lost his seat in the General Assembly in the 2010 “teabagger wave” general election. He now serves as a Cass County Associate Commissioner.

To sum up the political scene in Cass County since 2010:

A long time presiding commissioner (a Democrat) was defeated in the 2010 election by a perennial republican candidate, who subsequently was ousted from office for not being qualified to file for office. The office remained vacant for over a year as the case worked its way through the state court system.

Vicky Hartzler, a former state representative from Cass County was elected to Congress in the 2010 “teabagger wave” general election, benefiting substantially from her base in Cass County.

Cass County Prosecutor Teresa Hensley (D) announced she was running for Congress in the 4th Congressional District, challenging Vicky Hartzler.

Herschel Walker, the republican presiding commissioner who was ousted from office filed to run as a Libertarian in the 4th Congressional District.

A republican associate commissioner resigned from office. Governor Jay Nixon (D) appointed former representative Luke Scavuzzo (D) to fill the position.  

In May Governor Jay Nixon appointed Pleasant Hill Mayor Terry Wison (D) to fill the position of Cass County Presiding Commissioner.

Think about that for a minute. The “teabagger wave” election of 2010 created a giant mess in Cass County and now public service minded Democrats have started in to the process of making local government function again.

Do you suppose that example of competence over ideology, set by individuals like Cass County Prosecuting Attorney Teresa Hensley (D), will have an impact on the voters of Cass County?

And to think, Vicky Hartzler (r) only got 50.4% of the vote district wide in 2010, when Boone County and Columbia weren’t in the district. Her teabagger base is much smaller now. And there are probably a few more voters in Cass County who are tired of teabagger ideology and crave thoughtful and practical governance from their elected officials.

Previously:

Finally, resolution in Cass County (May 3, 2012)

Gov. Jay Nixon (D) appoints Luke Scavuzzo (D) to the Cass County Commission (January 11, 2012)

“…Respondent is ousted from the office of Presiding Commissioner, Cass County, Missouri.” (February 18, 2011)

From the office of Governor Jay Nixon (D):

January 6, 2012

Gov. Nixon appoints Scavuzzo as new First District Associate Commissioner for Cass County

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Gov. Jay Nixon today appointed Luke A. Scavuzzo, of Harrisonville, as the new First District Associate Commissioner for Cass County. The Associate Commissioner position became vacant with the resignation of Commissioner W.J. “Bill” Cook, which took effect today.  

Scavuzzo, a Democrat, served two terms representing District 124 in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2007 to 2010, and for several years, was the owner and operator of Scavuzzo’s Price Chopper grocery store in Harrisonville. He is a long-time resident of the community, graduating from Harrisonville High School before attending Benedictine College.

“Cass County has been one of Missouri’s fastest growing counties over the past decade, growing by more than 20 percent,” Gov. Nixon said. “It’s important to have someone experienced in government and small business in the leadership position of commissioner, and Luke Scavuzzo fits that description. I am confident he will ably serve the people of Cass County on the County Commission.”

Luke Scavuzzo is one of the genuinely nice and thoughtful people in Missouri politics.

Cass County desperately needs someone with his skills and perspective, given the state of the Cass County Commission. The Herschel Young case is still with the Missouri Supreme Court.

The results in the 124th Legislative District – from the Cass County Clerk:

STATE REP DIST 124

Number of Precincts 25

Precincts Reporting 25 100.0 %

Total Votes 15797

LUKE SCAVUZZO DEM 7334 46.43%

RICK BRATTIN REP 8099 51.27%

KENT COGAN CST 359 2.27%

Write-in Votes 5 0.03%

During our many visits to Jefferson City we had several opportunities to visit with Representative Luke Scavuzzo (D), a likable, engaged, and thoughtful public servant. The result of this race came as a surprise.

The republican robocalls:

HRCC robocall in the 121st Legislative District: desperation and homophobia (October 27, 2010)

The Missouri HRCC steps in it with homophobic robocalls (October 28, 2010)

And we followed the money.

The Missouri House republican Campaign Committee (HRCC) filed a “no name” report with the Missouri Ethics Commission on October 29th. There are some enlightening expenditures:

Detailed Summary of Expenditures And Contributions Made

Committe: HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE INC

ReportDate: 10/29/2010

Survey St. Louis, LLC PO Box 432 Saint Charles, MO 63302-0432 10/28/2010 IE GOTV Call-Hoskins $1,288.54

Survey St. Louis, LLC PO Box 432 Saint Charles, MO 63302-0432 10/28/2010 IE GOTV Call-Brattin $1,141.13…

That’s for Denny Hoskins (r-noun, verb, CPA) in the 121st Legislative District and Rick Brattin (r) in the 124th Legislative District.

A photo taken on Thursday in Harrisonville, Missouri in the 124th Legislative District:

10/29/2010 2:08:00 PM

GOP robocall attacks Cole’s ‘family values’

Warrensburg – Rep. Denny Hoskins sought to distance himself Thursday from a robocall barrage targeting his Nov. 2 Democratic opponent….

….Hoskins said in a prepared statement. “I did not pay for, approve or have any knowledge of the robocall, nor do I condone its message….”

A photo taken today in Warrensburg, Missouri in the 121st Legislative District:

Why, that’s just across the street from Denny Hoskins’ place of business, complete with a campaign sign!

So, who is the representative from the 146th Legislative District?:

Representative Darrell Pollock, a Republican, represents part of Laclede and Camden County (District 146) in the Missouri House of Representatives. Rep. Pollock is a small business owner in Lebanon….

…He has two children, Stephen….

Where have we seen that name before? Oh, wait…someone is in the employ of the HRCC:

MISSOURI ETHICS COMMISSION

EXPENDITURES AND CONTRIBUTIONS MADE

HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE [pdf] INC 10/12/2010

Stephen Pollock

Bolivar, MO

9/15/2010

Payroll

$10,330.80 [aggregate]

$750.00

Stephen Pollock

Bolivar, MO

9/2/2010

Travel Expense

10,330.80 [aggregate]

$1,098.42

HRCC? What HRCC?

Is someone working for the HRCC driving dad’s car around the 121st and 124th Legislative Districts? Around the same time as those robocalls? Just asking.

Previously:

HRCC robocall in the 121st Legislative District: desperation and homophobia (October 27, 2010)

The Missouri HRCC steps in it with homophobic robocalls (October 28, 2010)

Tilley (r) on HRCC robocalls: Uh, that didn’t go very well, did it? (October 28, 2010)

Tilley (r) on HRCC robocalls: “But, but, the Democrats are mean to us…” (October 29, 2010)

Tilley (r), the HRCC robocalls, and the media: “…testing, testing, testing, is this thing on?” (October 29, 2010)

Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal Headline: “GOP robocall attacks Cole’s ‘family values'” (October 29, 2010)

Campaign Finance: old media needs to learn to do some freakin’ research (October 29, 2010)

I guess I’m going to have to go with “No Comment” (October 29, 2010)

Another Democrat fights sleazy robocalls (October 30, 2010)

HRCC? What HRCC? I just like their swag… (October 30, 2010)

Missouri’s HRCC and the robocalls: follow the money (October 31, 2010)

The republican robocalls:

HRCC robocall in the 121st Legislative District: desperation and homophobia (October 27, 2010)

The Missouri HRCC steps in it with homophobic robocalls (October 28, 2010)

The saga continues, as we follow the money:

The Missouri House republican Campaign Committee (HRCC) filed a “no name” report with the Missouri Ethics Commission on October 29th. There are some enlightening expenditures:

Detailed Summary of Expenditures And Contributions Made

Committe: HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE INC

ReportDate: 10/29/2010

Survey St. Louis, LLC PO Box 432 Saint Charles, MO 63302-0432 10/28/2010 IE GOTV Call-Hoskins $1,288.54

Survey St. Louis, LLC PO Box 432 Saint Charles, MO 63302-0432 10/28/2010 IE GOTV Call-Brattin $1,141.13

Survey St. Louis, LLC PO Box 432 Saint Charles, MO 63302-0432 10/28/2010 IE GOTV Call-Fitzwater $621.78

Survey St. Louis, LLC PO Box 432 Saint Charles, MO 63302-0432 10/28/2010 IE GOTV Call-Shumake $871.44

Survey St. Louis, LLC PO Box 432 Saint Charles, MO 63302-0432 10/28/2010 IE GOTV Call-Cauthorn $801.69

Survey St. Louis, LLC PO Box 432 Saint Charles, MO 63302-0432 10/28/2010 IE GOTV Call-Hampton $1,071.04

Survey St. Louis, LLC PO Box 432 Saint Charles, MO 63302-0432 10/28/2010 IE GOTV Call-Leach $983.15

Survey St. Louis, LLC PO Box 432 Saint Charles, MO 63302-0432 10/28/2010 IE GOTV Call-Schneider $896.12

[emphasis added]

Interesting, Denny Hoskins’ (r-noun, verb, CPA) campaign in the 121st Legislative District and Rick Brattin’s (r) campaign in the 124th Legislative District were the largest beneficiaries of the “GOTV calls” if that’s what the campaign finance report label for desperate homophobic robocalls is these days.

Let’s take a look at some of the folks who’ve been funding the HRCC of late:

Detailed Summary of Contributions And Loans Received

Committee: HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE INC

Report Date: 10/29/2010

A. ITEMIZED CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED FROM COMMITTEES REGARDLESS OF THE AMOUNT, OR FROM PERSONS GIVING MORE THAN $100 TO A COMMITTEE.

MO Eye PAC 1705 Christy Dr Ste 101 Jefferson City, MO 65101-5195 10/28/2010 $2,000.00

Verizon Verizon PO Box 2200 Folsom, CA 95763-2200 10/28/2010 $2,500.00

Dealers Interested in Gov PO Box 245 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0245 10/28/2010 $1,500.00

Husch Blackwell LLP Husch Blackwell LLP 190 Carondelet Plz Ste 600 Saint Louis, MO 63105-3433 10/29/2010 $5,500.00

Rightchoice Managed Care, Inc 1831 Chestnut St Saint Louis, MO 63103-2225 10/28/2010 $6,000.00

The Stolar Partnership LLP 911 Washington Ave Saint Louis, MO 63101-1243 10/28/2010 $250.00

Veritec Solutions, LLC Veritec Solutions, LLC 904 W main Street, Suite 100 Jefferson City, MO 65109- 10/29/2010 $500.00

Maybe we’ll pick up the phone on Monday to give these folks a call and ask them if the know what their contributions to the HRCC have been funding of late.

Previously:

HRCC robocall in the 121st Legislative District: desperation and homophobia (October 27, 2010)

The Missouri HRCC steps in it with homophobic robocalls (October 28, 2010)

Tilley (r) on HRCC robocalls: Uh, that didn’t go very well, did it? (October 28, 2010)

Tilley (r) on HRCC robocalls: “But, but, the Democrats are mean to us…” (October 29, 2010)

Tilley (r), the HRCC robocalls, and the media: “…testing, testing, testing, is this thing on?” (October 29, 2010)

Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal Headline: “GOP robocall attacks Cole’s ‘family values'” (October 29, 2010)

Campaign Finance: old media needs to learn to do some freakin’ research (October 29, 2010)

I guess I’m going to have to go with “No Comment” (October 29, 2010)

Another Democrat fights sleazy robocalls (October 30, 2010)

HRCC? What HRCC? I just like their swag… (October 30, 2010)

Previously: HRCC robocall in the 121st Legislative District: desperation and homophobia (October 27, 2010)

The Missouri HRCC has stepped in it with their desperate and homophobic robocalls in legislative district races across the state and the story has gone national:

Robocall Attacks Missouri Dem For Ties To Hardcore, Gay Pornography

First Posted: 10-28-10 09:42 AM   |   Updated: 10-28-10 09:42 AM

While the closing weeks of the 2008 presidential campaign were defined in part by a series of nasty robocall attacks on Barack Obama, there has been a noticeable absence of the campaign technique in the 2010 elections.

Among congressional candidates, only a few have used robocalls — a relatively cheap form of blitzing voters with an automated message — to push headline-grabbing messages. The real memorable ones, indeed, have taken place at the local level, often with groups trying to micro-target social conservative voters.

On Wednesday, a group called the House Republican Campaign Committee (presumably an arm of the Missouri Republican Party) released a robocall attacking Courtney Cole, a state representative in Missouri, for having ties to the “hardcore pornography industry, including gay pornography…”

…The ties-to-hard-core-porn charge borders on a self-parody of an attack ad….

Uh, Courtney Cole (D) is a candidate for state representative. If the Huffington Post had bothered to read and linked to our post (and done a little basic research there) they would have figured that out. They didn’t throw us a link. They did use the earlier version of our video, with the single typo. Heh. We did put our name and URL on the end credits.

And, lo and behold, the stenographer posted the story:

Dirty pool to a new level? Democrats cry foul over apparent spate of GOP robo-calls

Missouri Democrats are up in arms about what they call a series of automated phone calls being made to voters in the 121st state House district just south and east of KC.

The calls target Courtney Cole, the Democratic candidate for state rep. She’s running against incumbent Rep. Denny Hoskins, a Warrensburg Republican.

The script…

Uh, that was our transcription. and like the Huffington Post the Star uses the early version of our video without linking to our post.

The HRCC also did something very similar in the 124th Legislative District with a robocall on the same day attacking representative Luke Scavuzzo (D):

Female voice: This is an urgent alert for all Christian families. Before you vote you should know that state representative Luke Scavuzzo has taken hundreds in campaign donations from a representative of the hard core pornography industry, including gay pornography. By allowing his Democrat campaign to be funded by those who are involved with and support hard core pornography we are disappointed that Luke Scavuzzo apparently no longer shares our Christian family values. On election day stand up for what’s right and decent by voting no on Luke Scavuzzo. Paid for by House Republican Campaign Committee, Inc.

That’s a different voice than the one on the robocall attacking Courtney Cole (D).

Is anyone gonna ask the HRCC’s Executive Director his opinion about the religious values of Democratic candidates across the state of Missouri? Just wondering.

The Kansas City Star revealed a few endorsements for Missouri General Assembly races in the Kansas City metro area:

DISTRICT 30

Of the two lawyers running to succeed the term-limited Jason Brown in this Northland district, Democrat Lexi Norris of Kansas City is the choice over Nick Marshall of Parkville. Norris has an impressive record of leadership and community service and she is a strong voice for higher education.

[emphasis in original]

Some of our previous coverage:

Lexi Norris (D) in the 30th Legislative District: television ad (October 22, 2010)

30th Legislative District: republican attack mail (October 20, 2010)

30th Legislative District: October 2010 campaign finance reports (October 16, 2010)

DISTRICT 54

Two strong candidates are competing for this eastern Jackson County seat. Democrat John Bullard Jr. of Buckner, a detective with the Independence Police Department, has strong leadership credentials and is a good choice to replace Gary Dusenberg, a veteran of the Missouri Highway Patrol. His Republican opponent is Blue Springs City Council member Jeanie Lauer.

[emphasis in original]

Some of our previous coverage:

What is it with republicans and their inability to pay the taxes they owe? (October 21, 2010)

DISTRICT 124

Democrat Luke Scavuzzo of Harrisonville, the incumbent, is an advocate for public schools and an able representative for his district. The former owner of a family grocery business has earned a third term over Republican opponent Rick Brattin and Kent Cogan of the Constitution Party

[emphasis in original]

Some of our previous coverage:

124th Legislative District: October 2010 campaign finance reports (October 15, 2010)

Representative Luke Scavuzzo: Jefferson City, May 14, 2009 (May 14, 2010)

It’s that time of year. Today was the deadline for filing third quarter campaign finance reports.

Representative Luke Scavuzzo (D) filed his report with the Missouri Ethics Commission on October 14th:

Detailed Summary of Committee Disclosure Report

Committe: SCAVUZZO FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

1. TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THIS ELECTION PREVIOUSLY REPORTED $0.00

2. ALL MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED THIS PERIOD $13,708.15

15. TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS ELECTION (SUM 10B + 14A) $4,654.22

25. MONEY ON HAND AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (INCLUDING FUNDS IN DEPOSITORY, CASH, SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND ALL OTHER INVESTMENTS) $31,574.20

28. MONEY ON HAND AT THE CLOSE OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (SUM 25 + 26 – 27) $40,628.13

35. TOTAL INDEBTEDNESS AT THE CLOSE OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (SUM 29 + 30 + 31 – 32 – 33 – 34) $5,000.00

[emphasis added]

Many campaigns will file their reports so that the fundraising amount “clock” turns over after the primary. In effect, the general election is a new election and the previous amounts, other than money on hand, start at zero. Still, Representative Scavuzzo raised almost $14,000.00 in approximately one month since the last primary election report.

The contributions:

Detailed Summary of Contributions And Loans Received

Committee: SCAVUZZO FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Report Date: 10/14/2010

Reginal Marselus Lenexa, Ks. retired 09/21/2010 $50.00

Robert & Joan Jefferson Freeman, Mo. retired 09/21/2010 $25.00

Carol Larson Harrisonville, Mo. retired 09/23/2010 $25.00

Dorothy Davis Peculiar, Mo. retired 09/23/2010 $25.00

Kevin Wood Harrisonville, Mo. Wadell & Reed 09/23/2010 $100.00

Chris Garnett Independence, Mo. Raytown School District 09/25/2010 $100.00

Mary Doris Davis Harrisonville, Mo. retired 09/24/2010 $35.00

Bob & Doris Sherrick Peculiar, Mo. retired 09/24/2010 $50.00

Leroy & Connie Graham Harrisonville, Mo. retired 09/29/2010 $25.00

Angela Travalent Peculiar, Mo. Housewife 09/29/2010 $20.00

David & Peggy Troby Harrisonville, Mo. self 09/29/2010 $20.00

Bill & Linda Dickey Harrisonville, Mo. Self 09/30/2010 $25.00

Frederick & Nina Kemper Freeman, Mo. retired 09/30/2010 $25.00

Burns & McDonnell Kansas City, Mo. 09/23/2010 $350.00

Teamsters Local 838 Kansas City, Mo. 09/24/2010 $500.00

Missouri Beer Wholesalers Assoc. St. Louis, Mo. 09/27/2010 $100.00

Missouri Bankers Assoc. Jefferson City, Mo. 09/27/2010 $500.00

Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters Blue Springs, Mo. 09/29/2010 $125.00

Taxpayers Unlimited, Inc. Kansas City, Mo. 09/29/2010 $575.00

Hallmark Cards, Inc. Kansas city, Mo. 09/30/2010 $250.00

Missouri AFL-CIO Jefferson City, Mo. 09/30/2010 $300.00

Cass County Central Democrats Harrisonville, Mo. 08/31/2010 $500.00

Operatives Plasters & Cement Mansons Independence, Mo. 09/03/2010 $500.00

Teamsters Local Union #41 Kansas City, Mo. 09/08/2010 $2,000.00

Teamster Local Union #541 Kansas City, Mo. 09/10/2010 $1,000.00

Missouri Rental Dealers Assoc. Jefferson City, Mo. 09/10/2010 $300.00

Missouri Optometric Jefferson City, Mo. 09/13/2010 $150.00

Missouri Assoc. of Municipal Utilties Columbia, Mo. 09/14/2010 $150.00

Friends of Chris Kelly Columbia, Mo. 09/15/2010 $1,000.00

Freedom of Road Riders, Inc. Sedalia, Mo. 09/17/2010 $300.00

Democratic Committee for Legislative Dist. 124 Harrisonville, Mo. 09/16/2010 $1,083.15

Missouri School Administrators Jefferson City, Mo. 09/21/2010 $500.00

I.B.E.W. Local Union St. Louis, Mo. 09/21/2010 $100.00

Missouri State Council of Machinist Bridgeton, Mo. 09/21/2010 $300.00

Missouri Medical PAC Jefferson City, Mo. 09/21/2010 $350.00

Teamsters Local Union 955 Kansas City, Mo. 09/21/2010 $500.00

Safer Families for Missouri Jefferson city, Mo. 09/23/2010 $325.00

Sprinklers Fitters Local 268 St. Louis, Mo. 09/30/2010 $200.00

Missouri Podiatry PAC Jefferson City, Mo. 09/30/2010 $200.00

CenturyLink Monroe, La. 09/30/2010 $350.00

Coffelt Land Title, Inc. Harrisonville, Mo. 09/03/2010 $250.00

James Russell Jefferson City, Mo. Self employed 09/08/2010 $150.00

Ray & Connie White Harrisonville, Mo. 09/17/2010 $100.00

James Job Raymore, Mo. retired 09/17/2010 $25.00

Wm A. & Nicola Clark Harrisonville, Mo. Self 09/16/2010 $150.00

Individuals contributions, organized labor (working people!), and PACs.

The expenditures:

Detailed Summary of Expenditures And Contributions Made

Committe: SCAVUZZO FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

ReportDate: 10/14/2010

A. EXPENDITURES OF $100 OR LESS BY CATEGORY

Harrisonville Public School Foundation ( Golf Sponsorship) $100.00

B. ITEMIZED EXPENDITURES ALL OVER $100 AND ALL PAYMENTS TO CAMPAIGN WORKERS

Lane Studios Independence, Mo. 09/13/2010 signs $2,841.52

Lane Studios Independence, Mo. 09/13/2010 cards $969.53

Cass Co. Publishing Co. Harrisonville, Mo. 09/29/2010 ad $743.17

That’s what campaigns spend their money on.

The republican challenger, Rick Brattin, filed his report with the Missouri Ethics Commission on October 15th:

Detailed Summary of Committee Disclosure Report

Committe: FRIENDS OF RICK BRATTIN

1. TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THIS ELECTION PREVIOUSLY REPORTED $32,149.64

2. ALL MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED THIS PERIOD $4,009.00

15. TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS ELECTION (SUM 10B + 14A) $6,937.08

25. MONEY ON HAND AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (INCLUDING FUNDS IN DEPOSITORY, CASH, SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND ALL OTHER INVESTMENTS) $25,000.00

28. MONEY ON HAND AT THE CLOSE OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (SUM 25 + 26 – 27) $28,405.07

35. TOTAL INDEBTEDNESS AT THE CLOSE OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (SUM 29 + 30 + 31 – 32 – 33 – 34) $3,267.31

[emphasis added]

Again, some campaigns interpret the “previously reported” numbers to include both the primary and general election.

The contributions:

Detailed Summary of Contributions And Loans Received

Committee: FRIENDS OF RICK BRATTIN

Report Date: 10/12/2010

Marilyn Moreland Harrisonville mo Retired 09/01/2010 $100.00

William Day Harrisonville MO Retired 09/10/2010 $200.00

Pat Kern  Harrisonville Mo Retired 09/08/2010 $25.00

Donovan Eberle Freeman MO Retired 09/11/2010 $10.00

Oren Bates Peculiar Mo Retired 09/08/2010 $25.00

Steve Tilley Perryville Mo 09/17/2010 $500.00

Denis Begley Harrisonville Mo Serenity Acres 09/17/2010 $100.00

Bob Houston Harrisonville Mo Cass County Assessor 09/17/2010 $100.00

Michael Moreland Harrisonville Mo Moreland Dairy 09/17/2010 $100.00

Jaret Jensen Harrisonville MO Cass County Assessor 09/17/2010 $100.00

R. L. Chevalier Harrisonville Mo Teacher 09/11/2010 $50.00

Melanie Martens Belton Mo Price Chopper 09/17/2010 $100.00

Chad & Jeanne Middaugh Garden City Mo Neco Seeds 09/17/2010 $150.00

Dustin Summers Pleasant Hill Mo Campbell Fire Protection 09/17/2010 $50.00

Thomas Carter Harrisonville Mo Retired 09/17/2010 $200.00

Diane Bolinger Harrisonville mo bolinger farms 09/15/2010 $50.00

George Smith Garden City MO Off the Wall 09/17/2010 $500.00

Cliff McDonald Harrisonville MO City of Grandview 09/17/2010 $150.00

Brian Faust Pleasant Hill mo Faust Const. 09/17/2010 $250.00

James Powell Garden City Mo farmer 09/17/2010 $500.00

Rick Brattin  Lee’s Summit Mo O & R Drywall 09/17/2010 $100.00

Robert Belshe Overland Park Ks Applebees 09/17/2010 $100.00

Jeffery Alston Cleveland Mo Retired 09/17/2010 $100.00

Barbara Brattin Pleasant Hill Mo Retired 09/30/2010 $100.00

Gary & Karen Moulder Lee’s Summit Mo Retired 09/30/2010 $100.00

John Mills Lone Jack, MO Lee’s Summit West School 09/17/2010 $75.00

Chris Patterson Pleasant Hill, MO Patterson Oil 09/17/2010 $100.00

Matt Mooreland Harrisonville, MO Mooreland Farms 09/17/2010 $100.00

Penny Willis Cleveland, MO 64734 The Berry Patch 09/17/2010 $100.00

Richard Brewer Belton, MO Aflac 09/17/2010 $49.00

Bill Cook Garden City, MO Cass County Comissioner 09/17/2010 $3,787.00 In-Kind

Miriam L Anderson Belton Mo Retired 09/24/2010 $50.00

Jo & Bud BakerPleasant Hill Mo Retired 09/30/2010 $25.00

[emphasis added]

Individual contributions and one humongous in-kind contribution.

The expenditures:

Detailed Summary of Expenditures And Contributions Made

Committe: FRIENDS OF RICK BRATTIN

ReportDate: 10/12/2010

A. EXPENDITURES OF $100 OR LESS BY CATEGORY

Parade Fee $20.00

Mailing Supplies $98.97

Bank Fee $1.00

B. ITEMIZED EXPENDITURES ALL OVER $100 AND ALL PAYMENTS TO CAMPAIGN WORKERS

USPS GREENWOOD MO 09/29/2010 Postage $16.28

USPS LEES SUMMIT MO 09/29/2010 Postage $136.40

USPS HARRISONVILLE MO 09/07/2010 Postage $61.60

USPS HARRISONVILLE MO 09/07/2010 Postage $255.00

Sutherlands  Harrisonville, MO 09/14/2010 Sign Mats $14.68

Then, there’s this:

CONTRIBUTION OF MORE THAN $5,000.00 RECEIVED BY ANY COMMITTEE FROM ANY SINGLE DONOR – TO BE FILED WITHIN 48 HOURS OF RECEIVING THE CONTRIBUTION

C101084 FRIENDS OF RICK BRATTIN 10/13/2010

House Republican Campaign Committee Inc

Jefferson City, MO

10/13/2010

$20,510.00

[emphasis added]

That’s a whole lot of propping up. It’ll show up on the next campaign finance report since it was after the quarterly report deadline.

The Constitution Party candidate, Kent Cogan,did not file a quarterly campain finance report with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Representative Luke Scavuzzo (D) filed his “30 Day After Primary Election” campaign finance report with the Missouri Ethics Commission on September 2nd:

Detailed Summary of Committee Disclosure Report

Committe: SCAVUZZO FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

1. TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THIS ELECTION PREVIOUSLY REPORTED $41,579.00

2. ALL MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED THIS PERIOD $13,610.00

9. TOTAL ALL RECEIPTS THIS ELECTION(SUM 1B + 7A – 8A) $55,550.17

15. TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS ELECTION (SUM 10B + 14A) $25,369.16

28. MONEY ON HAND AT THE CLOSE OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (SUM 25 + 26 – 27) $31,574.20

[emphasis added]

That’s an excellent fundraising quarter in anyone’s book.

The contributions:

Detailed Summary of Contributions And Loans Received

Committee: SCAVUZZO FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Report Date: 9/1/2010

Taxpayers in Support of Public Education Independence, Mo. 08/06/2010 $325.00

Educators Support Public Education Webster Grove, MO. 08/06/2010 $325.00

LEPCI Kansas city, Mo. 08/06/2010 $500.00

Sheet Metal Workers Local No. 2 Kansas City, Mo. 08/10/2010 $500.00

Teresa Hensley for Prosecutor Raymore, Mo. 08/13/2010 $300.00

Missouri Concrete Association Jefferson City, Mo. 08/14/2010 $300.00

Merck Sharp-Dohme Corp. Whitehouse Station NJ. 08/14/2010 $300.00

I.B.E.W. Local #124 Kansas City, Mo. 08/19/2010 $250.00

Larry Snider Harrisonville, Mo. self/optometrist 08/04/2010 $200.00

Tom & Sharon Marshall Freeman, Mo. Lawyer & housewife  08/06/2010 $250.00

Wayne & Pam Scrudder Pleasant Hill,Mo. Retired teachers 08/06/2010 $250.00

Virginia King East Lynne, Mo. retired 08/06/2010 $200.00

Heritage Residential Service Harrisonville, Mo. 08/06/2010 $500.00

M. Vallee Harrisonville, Mo. retired 08/06/2010 $250.00

Roofers Local #20 Raytown, Mo. 07/27/2010 $250.00

Bank of America-Missouri St. Louis, Mo. 07/28/2010 $325.00

Teamsters Local Union No. 541 Kansas City, Mo. 07/29/2010 $500.00

Citizens for Insurance Reform Jefferson city, Mo. 08/01/2010 $250.00

Teamsters Joint Council 13 St. Louis, Mo. 08/02/2010 $100.00

Citizens for Colona St. Louis, Mo. 08/04/2010 $150.00

United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local Union #777 Harrisonville, Mo. 08/06/2010 $500.00

Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters Blue Springs, Mo. 08/06/2010 $325.00

I.B.E.W. Local 53 Kansas city, Mo. 08/20/2010 $350.00

Missouri Association Of Insurance Agents Jefferson City, Mo. 08/20/2010 $300.00

Missouri Criminal Defense Lawyers Jefferson City, Mo. 08/14/2010 $300.00

CareMark RX Inc. Phoenix, AZ. 08/20/2010 $250.00

Teamsters Local 245 Springfield, Mo. 08/21/2010 $500.00

CWA District 6 St. Louis, Mo. 08/24/2010 $300.00

Electrical Workers St. Louis, Mo. 08/24/2010 $300.00

Asbestos Workers Independence, Mo. 08/25/2010 $500.00

Edwin V. Long Harrisonville, Mo. self-dentist 08/27/2010 $100.00

Kay Lee Beal & John Olsen Belton, Mo. retired 08/06/2010 $100.00

Vance & Maryline Kramer Harrisonville, Mo. retired 08/06/2010 $100.00

G.C. & Sharon Shores Peculiar, Mo. cass county 08/06/2010 $100.00

Richard & Linda Price Harrisonville, Mo. self-doctor 08/06/2010 $100.00

Carl& Shirley Abbott Garden City, Mo. 08/06/2010 $100.00

Jean Atkinson Harrisonville, Mo. retired 08/16/2010 $100.00

Harold & Linda Kurzweil Freeman, Mo. self-farmer 08/11/2010 $100.00

Virgil & Sharon Poisal Harrisonville, Mo. 08/24/2010 $100.00

Bob & Doris Sherrick  Peculiar, Mo. retired 07/29/2010 $100.00

Daryl Bohannon  Harrisonville, Mo. self-insurance 08/02/2010 $100.00

Parker & Carol Haralson Harrisonville, Mo. retired 08/02/2010 $100.00

Fred Dreiling  Kansas City, Mo. self 08/06/2010 $250.00

Larry & Cindy Kalwei Harrisonville, Mo. retired 08/06/2010 $111.17

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Dandurand Warrensburg, Mo. State of Missouri  08/06/2010 $150.00

Mike & Sheri Kurzweil Freeman, Mo. self-farmer 08/19/2010 $250.00

James & Carol Welborn Drexel, Mo. self-grocer 08/22/2010 $200.00

11. TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED AT FUND-RAISERS AS REPORTED IN LINE 8 ON FORM CD 1A $225.00

12. TOTAL ANONYMOUS CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED FROM PERSONS GIVING $25 OR LESS $495.00

13. TOTAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED FROM PERSONS GIVING $100 OR LESS $940.00

Public education supporters, a few corporate entities, a few politicians, organized labor (working people!) and individual contributions.

The expenditures:

Detailed Summary of Expenditures And Contributions Made

Committe: SCAVUZZO FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

ReportDate: 9/1/2010

Cara Jo Roberts Memorial Golf Tourney Harrisonville, Mo. 07/24/2010 golf sponsorship $200.00

Cass County Publishing Company Harrisonville, Mo. 07/29/2010 ad $250.00

Kurzweil Country Meats Garden City, Mo. 08/06/2010 food for fundraiser $531.93

Cass County Publishing Co. Harrisonville, Mo. 08/12/2010 ad $160.00

Debbie Lehr Harrisonville, Mo. 08/16/2010 reimbursment for food-supplies-postage $454.35

Debbie Lehr Harrisonville, Mo. 08/16/2010 reimbursment for postage & office supplies $265.49

DECA 1600 E. Elm Harrisonville, Mo. 08/26/2010 golf sponsorship $150.00

Rick Brattin (r) filed his amended “30 Day After Primary Election” campaign finance report with the Missouri Ethics Commission on September 2nd:

Detailed Summary of Committee Disclosure Report

Committe: FRIENDS OF RICK BRATTIN

1. TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THIS ELECTION PREVIOUSLY REPORTED $7,325.92

2. ALL MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED THIS PERIOD $20,725.42

9. TOTAL ALL RECEIPTS THIS ELECTION(SUM 1B + 7A – 8A) $32,149.64

15. TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS ELECTION (SUM 10B + 14A) $6,333.15

25. MONEY ON HAND AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (INCLUDING FUNDS IN DEPOSITORY, CASH, SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND ALL OTHER INVESTMENTS) $1,932.93

28. MONEY ON HAND AT THE CLOSE OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (SUM 25 + 26 – 27) $25,000.00

35. TOTAL INDEBTEDNESS AT THE CLOSE OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (SUM 29 + 30 + 31 – 32 – 33 – 34) $3,267.31Z

Okay, that’s a lot of money this quarter for someone who didn’t raise that much in previous quarters. Let’s take a look at where some of that money came from:

Detailed Summary of Contributions And Loans Received

Committee: FRIENDS OF RICK BRATTIN

Report Date: 8/31/2010

Dale Ludwig Linn Mo Ludwig Farm 08/27/2010 $2,500.00

Bill cook Garden City, MO Cass County Comissioner 08/01/2010 $3,700.00

Mike Cook garden city mo NECO Seeds 08/02/2010 $2,500.00

Neco Seed Garden City mo 08/02/2010 $2,500.00

Alex Stemme Hermann MO AG Born 08/23/2010 $2,500.00

Steven Krause Concordia MO Midwest Premium Genetic 08/16/2010 $2,500.00

Well, that’s an interesting group. $16,200.00 from six people or entities. That doesn’t appear to be very grassrootsie, does it?

Let’s take a look at the expenditures:

Detailed Summary of Expenditures And Contributions Made

Committe: FRIENDS OF RICK BRATTIN

ReportDate: 8/31/2010

A. EXPENDITURES OF $100 OR LESS BY CATEGORY

Printing on Envelopes $94.00

Supplies $52.56

B. ITEMIZED EXPENDITURES ALL OVER $100 AND ALL PAYMENTS TO CAMPAIGN WORKERS

Tone Doctors Lockport NY 07/29/2010 Stickers $316.95

USPS Pleasant Hill MO 08/10/2010 Postage $176.00

Sams Club Grandview MO 08/04/2010 Envelopes $100.56

Sutherlands Harrisonville, MO 08/25/2010 T Post $185.59

The differences are illuminating, eh?

I drove an hour and a half through steady rain and arrived at the Capitol a little after 9:15 a.m. I made my way to the House Communications Office and checked in with the director. Shortly before the start of the day’s session he escorted me to one of the side galleries on the floor and later introduced me to one of the doorkeepers.  I set up my camera on a tripod and then watched and photographed the proceedings.

Representative Luke Scavuzzo (D-124) (center, seated) in conversation on the House floor while other representatives (standing in the background) wait to be recognized by the Speaker.

Over the course of the day I was able to have a number of brief conversations with representatives and longer conversations with others. At this point in the session votes can come fast and furious. There is a constant hubbub of conversation and activity taking place barely below the debate and action on the floor.

Representative Mary Still (D-25) (center, standing at microphone) in debate on the “sexually oriented businesses” bill – HCS SS SCS SBs 586 & 617.

HCS SS SCS SBs 586 & 617 [pdf] on “sexually oriented businesses” was originally sponsored by Senator Matt Bartle (r). A earlier iteration of this bill in a previous session was killed in a House committee and those circumstances have been the subject of a federal investigation and grand jury.

The tally on one of several votes on the “sexually oriented businesses” bill – HCS SS SCS SBs 586 & 617.

Curiously, during today’s proceedings (and reportedly during yesterday’s, too), debate on the “sexually oriented businesses” bill was not subjected to a previous question vote (a parliamentary procedure designed to end debate and move to a vote) as quickly as other bills.

Speaker Ron Richard on the dais (center, right) and Minority Leader Paul LeVota (D-52) on the floor (right, standing). The press gallery is directly above the dais.