Podcasts about state jay ashcroft

Fmr. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft joins Gary in the third segment.

Mike Ferguson in the Morning 12-06-24 (6:05am) MORNING NEWS DUMP We're still waiting on a judge's ruling to see if abortions will resume in St. Louis and other parts of Missouri.   Trump was honored as Patriot of the Year in NYC. Story here: https://nypost.com/2024/12/05/us-news/trump-receives-patriot-of-the-year-honor-at-fox-nations-patriot-awards/   The family of Ferguson Police Officer Travis Brown says he's making progress at a rehabilitation hospital in Atlanta. Story here: https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/he-actually-smiled-family-celebrates-birthday-milestones-with-injured-ferguson-officer/   Sen. Marsha Blackburn comments on the DOGE bill. Story here: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-senator-doge-acts-musk-ramaswamy-government-cost-cutting-objectives   The Missouri election results are now official. Sec. of State Jay Ashcroft certified the General Election results on Thursday. Amendment 2, the sports betting proposal that was written by gambling interests, passed by a margin of less than 1/10 of 1%! It passed by 2,961 votes out of 2,954,343 votes.    We give you some tips on keeping your pets safe around the Christmas tree.   Blues beat the Flames in Calgary in overtime 4-3. Up next: the Oilers in Edmonton on Saturday night.    (6:20am) Players must be assigned female at birth or have transitioned to female before going through male puberty to compete in LPGA tournaments or the eight USGA championships for females under new gender policies published Wednesday.  Story here: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/usga-and-lpga-to-require-female-at-birth-or-changing-gender-before-puberty-under-new-policies/ar-AA1vgLrK?ocid=BingNewsVerp     (6:35am) Financial planner Paul Curtman talks about the big expectations for the new Trump administration and how the establishment-types will try to disrupt the implementation of the changes that need to be made.  Investment and financial planning info here: https://www.prcurtman.com/ (https://www.paulcurtman.com) (@paulcurtman)     (6:50am) MORNING NEWS DUMP We're still waiting on a judge's ruling to see if abortions will resume in St. Louis and other parts of Missouri.   Trump was honored as Patriot of the Year in NYC. Story here: https://nypost.com/2024/12/05/us-news/trump-receives-patriot-of-the-year-honor-at-fox-nations-patriot-awards/   The family of Ferguson Police Officer Travis Brown says he's making progress at a rehabilitation hospital in Atlanta. Story here: https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/he-actually-smiled-family-celebrates-birthday-milestones-with-injured-ferguson-officer/   Sen. Marsha Blackburn comments on the DOGE bill. Story here: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-senator-doge-acts-musk-ramaswamy-government-cost-cutting-objectives   The Missouri election results are now official. Sec. of State Jay Ashcroft certified the General Election results on Thursday. Amendment 2, the sports betting proposal that was written by gambling interests, passed by a margin of less than 1/10 of 1%! It passed by 2,961 votes out of 2,954,343 votes.    We give you some tips on keeping your pets safe around the Christmas tree.   Blues beat the Flames in Calgary in overtime 4-3. Up next: the Oilers in Edmonton on Saturday night.    NewsTalkSTL website: https://newstalkstl.com/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsTalkSTL Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NewstalkSTL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalkSTL Livestream 24/7: bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Ferguson in the Morning 12-06-24 (8:05am) Andrew Jones announces his candidacy for St. Louis City mayor in the April, 2025 elections. Andrew will begin gathering petition signatures to get on the ballot. We discuss the challenges that are currently facing St. Louis City.   (8:20am) MORNING NEWS DUMP We're still waiting on a judge's ruling to see if abortions will resume in St. Louis and other parts of Missouri.   Trump was honored as Patriot of the Year in NYC. Story here: https://nypost.com/2024/12/05/us-news/trump-receives-patriot-of-the-year-honor-at-fox-nations-patriot-awards/   The family of Ferguson Police Officer Travis Brown says he's making progress at a rehabilitation hospital in Atlanta. Story here: https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/he-actually-smiled-family-celebrates-birthday-milestones-with-injured-ferguson-officer/   Sen. Marsha Blackburn comments on the DOGE bill. Story here: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-senator-doge-acts-musk-ramaswamy-government-cost-cutting-objectives   The Missouri election results are now official. Sec. of State Jay Ashcroft certified the General Election results on Thursday. Amendment 2, the sports betting proposal that was written by gambling interests, passed by a margin of less than 1/10 of 1%! It passed by 2,961 votes out of 2,954,343 votes.    We give you some tips on keeping your pets safe around the Christmas tree.   Blues beat the Flames in Calgary in overtime 4-3. Up next: the Oilers in Edmonton on Saturday night.    (8:35am) Danni Santana from CNET talks about how we're vulnerable to online fraud and ID theft, especially during the holidays. Danni's column here: https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/identity-theft-and-cybersecurity-survey-2024/ More CNET columns from Danni here: https://www.cnet.com/profiles/dsantana/ More on CNET here: https://www.cnet.com/ More articles by Danni here: https://www.dannisantana.com/     (8:50am) We continue the discussion on scams, fraud, and ID theft.   NewsTalkSTL website: https://newstalkstl.com/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsTalkSTL Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NewstalkSTL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalkSTL Livestream 24/7: bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Ferguson in the Morning 11-05-24 (8:05am) Missouri Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-2nd District) talks about the importance of Election Day today.   (https://annwagner.com/) (https://www.congress.gov/member/ann-wagner/W000812) (https://ballotpedia.org/Ann_Wagner) (@RepAnnWagner)   (8:20am) MORNING NEWS DUMP It's Election Day...finally!!! Polls are open until 7pm this evening. The Trump Train goes all day and night with a final stop in Grand Rapids, Michigan at midnight for the final 2-hour rally!! Megyn Kelly gives her endorsement in person and Trump relays the endorsement of Joe Rogan following his interview with Elon Musk.Gov. Walz doubles down on abortion again.MO Sec. of State Jay Ashcroft and AG Andrew Bailey go to court to keep the feds out of St. Louis-area polling places.Blues host the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at Enterprise Center at 7pm.     (8:35am) More on Election Day today.   (8:50am) Mike, Gabe & Stel give their final comments on Election Day.     NewsTalkSTL website: https://newstalkstl.com/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsTalkSTL Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NewstalkSTL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalkSTL Livestream 24/7: bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft says his office has "not really" received any reports of vote fraud.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft joins KMOX's Michael Calhoun after several ballot drop boxes were set on fire in Washington state yesterday.

Did you even know there's a minimum wage increase amendment? Find out this and much more with Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft.

An unlikely source issues an endorsement in the Columbia Mayoral race and we'll be seeing backed up traffic at the 70/63 interchange for a long time. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft also joins us to discuss the upcoming election.

Sec. of State, Jay Ashcroft, joins the Marc Cox Morning Show to discuss voter ID, concerns people have over it, and why people should be using/ getting their sample ballot

CarneyShow 10.14.24 Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, Martin Kilcoyne, Jordana Miller by

You'll be casting ballots in Missouri in November on Constitutional Amendment 7, which has several provisions. The biggest one would make Missouri's Constitution consistent with state law by only allowing citizens of the United States to vote. The measure changes one word, from "all" to "only" citizens. The other provisions of 7 pertain to ranked voting and plurality winners. Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who unsuccessfully sought the GOP gubernatorial nomination in August, appeared this morning on 939 the Eagle's "Gary Nolan show." Secretary Ashcroft says Missouri needs a law that requires individuals to show proof of citizenship before they register and before they vote. Democrats like former State Rep. Chris Kelly (D-Columbia) say the law already prohibits this. Former Representative Kelly says the Missouri Constitution says voters must be citizens. But State Rep. Adam Schwadron (R-St. Charles) and other Republicans say it reads that all citizens are eligible to vote. That's why they want the one-word change. Gary Nolan and Secretary Ashcroft also discussed Amendment 2, which involves sports wagering, and Amendment, and Amendment 5, which would allow a riverboat casino at the Lake of the Ozarks:

9-20-24Good Morning Vic Heads! It's FRIIIDAAAAAY!Susie Moore and Producer Jerome filling in for Vic & Ken.Dr. Aaron Hedlund of The Show Me Institute talks about the interest rate cut recently issued by the Federal Reserve.  What does this mean for the economy? What effect will this have on the upcoming election?Larry Conners of Larry Conners USA joins in to discuss the Teamster's decision to not formally endorse a candidate this election, after internal polls show most of their members support Trump. Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft provides updates on the Missouri State Constitution Amendment 3 proposal regarding access to abortions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy Podcast for our especially special Daily Special, Metro Shrimp & Grits Thursdays is now available on the Spreaker Player!Starting off in the Bistro Cafe, a majority of the conservative Missouri Supreme Court ordered MAGA Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft to place a measure on the November ballot to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution.Then, on the rest of the menu, Trump ally Michael Flynn is priming supporters for violence ahead of the election; Trump claimed ‘We hardly make chips anymore,' but US chip manufacturing remains among world leaders in the industry; and, Michigan leaders joined a national bipartisan effort to push back against attacks on the election system.After the break, we move to the Chef's Table where a Serbian appeals court overturned a ruling to extradite a critic of the authoritarian Belarus regime; and, a 21-year old man in Denmark faces a twenty-year sentence on terrorism charges over arson at a Jewish woman's home.All that and more, on West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy with Chef de Cuisine Justice Putnam.Bon Appétit!The Netroots Radio Live Player​Keep Your Resistance Radio Beaming 24/7/365!“Everyone in this good city enjoys the full right to pursue his own inclinations in all reasonable and, unreasonable ways.” -- The Daily Picayune, New Orleans, March 5, 1851Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/west-coast-cookbook-speakeasy--2802999/support.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft joins Marc Cox to discuss the Missouri Supreme Court's recent ruling to keep Amendment 3 on the ballot. Ashcroft shares his concerns about the vague language of the initiative and the court's decision process. The conversation also touches on Missouri's efforts to maintain election integrity, voter ID laws, and concerns about non-citizens potentially voting.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft joins Marc Cox to discuss the Missouri Supreme Court's decision to keep Amendment 3 on the ballot. Ashcroft raises concerns about the initiative's vague language and the court's ruling, while also addressing Missouri's election integrity, voter ID laws, and issues surrounding non-citizen voting. Marc Cox breaks down the latest presidential debate, focusing on Donald Trump's remarks on fracking and gun confiscation, as well as Kamala Harris's proposed policies, including taxpayer-funded transgender surgeries for prisoners. Cody Sargent from the Heritage Foundation provides insights into biased debate moderation and clarifies misconceptions about Project 2025 and Trump's involvement. Marc Cox sits down with Jennifer and Bryan Jefferson from the FOCUS Marine Foundation to discuss their impactful seven-day program in Augusta, Missouri, which has supported over 1,100 veterans since 9/11. They cover how the foundation helps veterans with issues like anger, depression, and relationship challenges, and the significance of community support. Finally, Marc reflects on 9/11 with Chuck Maher, a key figure behind the Eureka Police Officers Support Fund. They discuss the ongoing impact of 9/11 on first responders, the fund's efforts to support law enforcement in Eureka, and the importance of officer wellness and retention.

Join the Marc Cox Morning Show live from Chick'n'Elly's in Eureka, Missouri. In this final hour, hear from Todd Nicely and Shawn Harrigan, Marines who have served together and are now benefiting from the FOCUS Marines program. Eureka Mayor Sean Flower discusses the city's support for first responders and veterans, as well as local development projects. Taylor Riggs from the Big Money Show on Fox Business provides insights into how the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions could impact the housing market and the broader economy. Earlier in the show, we featured Chief Greg Brown of the Eureka Fire Protection District, Tommy Pigott from the RNC, Chief Michael A. Wiegand, Nicole Murray from "This Morning with Gordon Deal," Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, Cody Sargent from the Heritage Foundation, Bryan and Jennifer Jefferson from the FOCUS Marine Foundation, and Chuck Maher from the Eureka Police Officers Support Fund.

Today's West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy Podcast for our especially special Daily Special, Blue Moon Spirits Fridays, is now available on the Spreaker Player!Starting off in the Bistro Cafe, the Trump for president campaign has a very bad day coming on September 26.Then, on the rest of the menu, a Missouri judge ruled that anti-abortion Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, used misleading language to summarize a ballot question designed to restore abortion rights in the state; federal investigators seized phones from New York City's police commissioner and at least three top deputies to New York Mayor Eric Adams; and, a Massachusetts physician was sentenced to nine months in prison for punching police during the January 6 insurrection.After the break, we move to the Chef's Table where police in Munich exchanged gunfire and killed an assailant who planned an attack on the Israeli Consulate; and, the US Justice Department has widened its indictment of Russians in the WhisperGate malware attacks aimed at destroying computer systems in Ukraine and twenty-six NATO allies, including the United States.All that and more, on West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy with Chef de Cuisine Justice Putnam.Bon Appétit!The Netroots Radio Live Player​Keep Your Resistance Radio Beaming 24/7/365!“Structural linguistics is a bitterly divided and unhappy profession, and a large number of its practitioners spend many nights drowning their sorrows in Ouisghian Zodahs.”― Douglas Adams "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe"Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/west-coast-cookbook-speakeasy--2802999/support.

When Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft blocked Governor Mike Parson's emergency order banning the sale of hemp-derived drugs, he delayed the ban by at least six months. As Harshan Ratanpal reports, the looming ban leaves farmers and businesses in Missouri's hemp industry holding their breath.

The Missouri Times Publisher Scott Faughn dishes on all things Blair Oaks football and state politics. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft responds to claims made by the Governor that he blocked an executive order due to a "personal vendetta."

On Tuesday, Missouri's Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft confirmed that the fate of abortion rights in the state will be decided on the ballot in November --- but how we got here tells us a lot about the state of Missouri's politics. St. Louis Public Radio statehouse reporter Sarah Kellogg discuses the fight to put abortion on the ballot, and how the initiative petition process survived opposition from the same official who certified its collection of voter signatures,

In the Republican primary for Missouri Governor – three candidates have the best chance of winning on Tuesday: Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, State Sen. Bill Eigel and Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe. Though there are policy differences between the candidates, this race is more about personality. St. Louis Public Radio's Sarah Kellogg breaks down the Republican primary for Governor.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has name recognition but trails in fundraising and endorsements in his bid to replace Gov. Mike Parson. Here's where he stands on some of the biggest issues facing the state, including abortion and taxes.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft joins Megan Lynch and Tom Ackerman with a pitch to voters for Missouri's primary election next week for Missouri Governor.    Credit: © Kelly Dereuck/Springfield News-Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK

MO Sec. of State Jay Ashcroft calls in Live from the Republican National Convention to talk with Marc about what to expect from Trump on the final night of the convention.  Sec. of State Ashcroft also talk about the upcoming election here in Missouri.  He also tells what he will try and accomplish if elected as MO's next governor.

In the 2nd hour of the Marc Cox Morning Show: More info released about Trump shooter  MO Sec. of State Jay Ashcroft calls in Live from the Republican National Convention to talk with Marc about what to expect from Trump on the final night of the convention.  Sec. of State Ashcroft also talk about the upcoming election here in Missouri.  He also tells what he will try and accomplish if elected as MO's next governor. KMOX's Tom Ackerman stops by the studio and tells Marc a story of Jack Buck putting him in place after Tom called JD Drew, 'JD Who?'.  and what to expect of the Cardinals in the second half of the season. In Other News with Ethan: Emmy Noms revealed. John Deere reduces DEI, ACT Changing, Flying Taxis in California, and Cavan Sullivan made history in the MLS Coming Up Next Hour: Jim Talent, Matt Rosen, and Scott on the Spot, too!

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is praising national Republicans for being on the same page, but he's critical of local Republicans who aren't acting like Republicans in Missouri.  

Quick touch on Immunity case and encouraging folks to listen to the episodeReminder: Chevron case is, in all reality, a bigger deal: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/06/chevron-doctrine-supreme-court-rulingMissouri GOP Held A Fake Convention…https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/02/missouri-presidential-delegates-rejected-by-republican-national-convention-committee/The Missouri Republican Party must replace 54 national convention delegates and alternates selected at its chaotic state convention because of “alarming irregularities” in the process, the Republican National Convention Committee on Contests ruled Friday. The list of rejected delegates includes two of the major GOP candidates for governor, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and state Sen. Bill Eigel. “The committee holds that the State Convention was not properly credentialed, and that any slate of delegates and alternate delegates adopted at the State Convention must be discarded,” states the report signed by Chairwoman Jeanne Luckey of Mississippi.https://www.newsweek.com/missouri-republicans-delegate-selection-trump-1921842 Pulled from our May 8th episode: Missouri GOP convention was just as unproductive, couldn't even adopt a new platform: https://www.lakeexpo.com/news/politics/high-drama-at-missouri-republican-convention-as-grassroots-boots-leadership/article_4a70706a-0be6-11ef-8713-470db31ecca4.htmlYou don't F***ing sayGOP house members talking corporate tax… hikeshttps://www.semafor.com/article/07/02/2024/house-republican-support-grows-for-corporate-tax-increase-threatening-key-part-of-trumps-economic-legacyUp to 10 Republican House lawmakers are open to increasing the corporate tax rate, a senior GOP member estimated, possibly threatening Donald Trump's future plans if he is reelected. Trump's 2017 tax cuts lowered the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, a move hailed by businesses. While that levy is permanent, a host of other lower rates are set to expire at the end of 2025 and some Republicans are balking at the $4.5 trillion price tag of extending them, setting up a major policy fight for the next president.Yeah… Yeah… (I think)Arizona GOP member speaks up, loudly, about BS Election claimshttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/05/arizona-election-denialism-jan-brewer 2024 Election EraIt's been a week since the debate. Biden did an interview on ABC with George Stephanopolis, Trump's camp, meanwhile, has apparently discovered that a major push to educate people on Project 2025 from The Heritage Foundation is NOT good for him as he pretends to know nothing about it and disagree with it. Calls for Biden to step aside have quieted some, and the Immunity case - as predicted, shifts the media narrative by quite a lotStrory in politico that alleges some American allies are concerned Biden cannot win https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/06/american-allies-fear-biden-trump-00166700Jake Tapper posted and removed a FAKE story about Democratic Governors meeting via zoom to call on Biden to step asideONE WEEK AFTER DEBATE: BUY OR SELL: Barring major health issue this is the bottom for Biden?POLLING - slight change toward Trump after debate, no major crater https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-general/2024/national/Biden talks Project 2025: https://apnews.com/article/trump-project-2025-biden-9d372469033d23e1e3aef5cf0470a2e6Trump claims to not actually agree with P2025 https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-slams-heritage-foundation-transition-plan-claims-parts-ridiculous-abysmalhttps://www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trump-claims-republicans-project-2025-has-nothing-to-do-with-him-abysmalRejects possible allies with tossing PJ 2025 aside? https://www.semafor.com/article/07/05/2024/trump-disavows-project-2025Swalwell and Philly Inquirer say TRump should step asidehttps://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4757848-eric-swalwell-joe-biden-donald-trump-2024-election-post-debate/Immunity case fallout - the delay is onJudge pauses deadlines in Trump docs casehttps://www.cnn.com/2024/07/06/politics/trump-classified-documents-scotus-ruling/index.html @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

Quick touch on Immunity case and encouraging folks to listen to the episodeReminder: Chevron case is, in all reality, a bigger deal: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/06/chevron-doctrine-supreme-court-rulingMissouri GOP Held A Fake Convention…https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/02/missouri-presidential-delegates-rejected-by-republican-national-convention-committee/The Missouri Republican Party must replace 54 national convention delegates and alternates selected at its chaotic state convention because of “alarming irregularities” in the process, the Republican National Convention Committee on Contests ruled Friday. The list of rejected delegates includes two of the major GOP candidates for governor, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and state Sen. Bill Eigel. “The committee holds that the State Convention was not properly credentialed, and that any slate of delegates and alternate delegates adopted at the State Convention must be discarded,” states the report signed by Chairwoman Jeanne Luckey of Mississippi.https://www.newsweek.com/missouri-republicans-delegate-selection-trump-1921842 Pulled from our May 8th episode: Missouri GOP convention was just as unproductive, couldn't even adopt a new platform: https://www.lakeexpo.com/news/politics/high-drama-at-missouri-republican-convention-as-grassroots-boots-leadership/article_4a70706a-0be6-11ef-8713-470db31ecca4.htmlYou don't F***ing sayGOP house members talking corporate tax… hikeshttps://www.semafor.com/article/07/02/2024/house-republican-support-grows-for-corporate-tax-increase-threatening-key-part-of-trumps-economic-legacyUp to 10 Republican House lawmakers are open to increasing the corporate tax rate, a senior GOP member estimated, possibly threatening Donald Trump's future plans if he is reelected. Trump's 2017 tax cuts lowered the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, a move hailed by businesses. While that levy is permanent, a host of other lower rates are set to expire at the end of 2025 and some Republicans are balking at the $4.5 trillion price tag of extending them, setting up a major policy fight for the next president.Yeah… Yeah… (I think)Arizona GOP member speaks up, loudly, about BS Election claimshttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/05/arizona-election-denialism-jan-brewer 2024 Election EraIt's been a week since the debate. Biden did an interview on ABC with George Stephanopolis, Trump's camp, meanwhile, has apparently discovered that a major push to educate people on Project 2025 from The Heritage Foundation is NOT good for him as he pretends to know nothing about it and disagree with it. Calls for Biden to step aside have quieted some, and the Immunity case - as predicted, shifts the media narrative by quite a lotStrory in politico that alleges some American allies are concerned Biden cannot win https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/06/american-allies-fear-biden-trump-00166700Jake Tapper posted and removed a FAKE story about Democratic Governors meeting via zoom to call on Biden to step asideONE WEEK AFTER DEBATE: BUY OR SELL: Barring major health issue this is the bottom for Biden?POLLING - slight change toward Trump after debate, no major crater https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-general/2024/national/Biden talks Project 2025: https://apnews.com/article/trump-project-2025-biden-9d372469033d23e1e3aef5cf0470a2e6Trump claims to not actually agree with P2025 https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-slams-heritage-foundation-transition-plan-claims-parts-ridiculous-abysmalhttps://www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trump-claims-republicans-project-2025-has-nothing-to-do-with-him-abysmalRejects possible allies with tossing PJ 2025 aside? https://www.semafor.com/article/07/05/2024/trump-disavows-project-2025Swalwell and Philly Inquirer say TRump should step asidehttps://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4757848-eric-swalwell-joe-biden-donald-trump-2024-election-post-debate/Immunity case fallout - the delay is onJudge pauses deadlines in Trump docs casehttps://www.cnn.com/2024/07/06/politics/trump-classified-documents-scotus-ruling/index.html @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Threads)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Threads) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is seeking the GOP gubernatorial nomination in August, meaning the secretary of state's office will be an open seat in November. Eight Republicans are running in the August primary, and three Democrats are running as well. St. Louis Republican Valentina Gomez is seeking the GOP nomination for secretary of state against seven other primary opponents. Those opponents include House Speaker Dean Plocher (R-Des Peres), former House Speaker Pro Tem Shane Schoeller (R-Willard), State Sens. Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg) and Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R-Arnold) and State Rep. Adam Schwadron (R-St. Charles). Jamie Corley of St. Louis and Mike Carter of St. Charles are also running as Republicans. Ms. Gomez joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Mid-Missouri", predicting she will win the August GOP primary. She describes herself as "the future of the Republican Party" and slammed her primary opponents without naming them, saying she's not bought and paid for. Ms. Gomez is calling for an America First agenda, along with single-day voting and paper ballots. She also criticizes the GOP supermajorities in Jefferson City for not getting more wins:

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who is also running for Missouri Governor, is lamenting the state's so-called fiscal conservatives who have ballooned the state's budget.  Ashcroft  says we need more principled leadership from the top.  

Jerry Seinfeld is handling the protesters quite well.  Unfortunately, MSNBC hosts are not handling the murder of a 12-year-old girl very well at all.  In fact, they're just trying to make sure we aren't calling them "illegals."  Sec. of State Jay Ashcroft joins the show.  

Joey Chester, communications manager for the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), joins the show to discuss President Biden's recent immigration order. Chester argues that the order, which rewards undocumented immigrants, is illegal and poses national security risks. He directs listeners to FAIR's website for more information. Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft also appears, discussing his campaign for governor and highlighting conservative leadership on budget cuts, transgender issues, and initiative petitions. A new immigration whistleblower's allegations about border security are also discussed ahead of a congressional hearing on the issue.

 Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft discusses his campaign for governor, emphasizing conservative leadership on budget cuts, transgender issues, and initiative petitions. 

Missouri's 2024 GOP and Democratic gubernatorial primaries are fast approaching. Election day is Tuesday August 6. "Missouri Times" publisher Scott Faughn joined us live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Mid-Missouri", telling listeners that GOP Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe has triple the amount of money of both of his major challengers combined. They are Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and State Sen. William Eigel (R-Weldon Spring). Mr. Faughn tells listeners that Mr. Kehoe is impressive and that people believe in him. Faughn also says he expects the trial attorneys to donate to Senator Eigel's gubernatorial campaign this week. We also discussed an education bill signed into law by Governor Parson that allows charter schools to operate in Columbia Public Schools (CPS) and all Boone County school districts. CPS Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood has blasted the bill, telling business leaders in March that the bill would cause CPS to have to reduce teachers and staff. Dr. Yearwood tells 939 the Eagle that charter schools will lead to the demise of public schools. Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia), who sponsored the charter school provision, disagrees with that, saying Dr. Yearwood's comments are ludicrous. Senator Rowden says the bill offers $450-million in new dollars for public education, in addition to $300-million in new dollars coming in the next few years. Mr. Faughn tells listeners that the charter school provision was Senator Rowden's top priority. Faughn tells listeners that the bill will take some resources away from public schools. Mr. Faughn also criticized Superintendent Yearwood during the interview:

State Sen. Bill Eigel spent his roughly two terms in the Missouri Senate going against the grain of GOP leaders. But the Weldon Spring Republican doesn't believe his clashes with fellow GOP elected officials will be a detriment to his gubernatorial bid. On the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, Eigel said his anti-establishment posture puts him in a good position in a competitive GOP primary that includes Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft.

State Sen. Bill Eigel spent his roughly two terms in the Missouri Senate going against the grain of GOP leaders. But the Weldon Spring Republican doesn't believe his clashes with fellow GOP elected officials will be a detriment to his gubernatorial bid. On the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, Eigel said his anti-establishment posture puts him in a good position in a competitive GOP primary that includes Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. In addition to Eigel's interview, St. Louis Public Radio's Jason Rosenbaum and Sarah Kellogg discuss the Missouri governor's race. And Rosenbaum sits down with St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore about his first year in office.

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft discusses deadlines to get amendments on the ballot, and how it's determined which one they go on. John Marsh and Brian Hauswirth give us a state government history lesson.

Politics and a Pint Announcement with Missouri Secretary of State and Gubernatorial Candidate Jay Ashcroft | 5-16-24See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Missouri, much of the attention as to what issues will be on the ballot in November has been about efforts to legalize abortion and sports betting. Another initiative that could boost the minimum wage and establish paid sick leave also seems primed for a vote. Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages turned in roughly 210,000 signatures to Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft's office. The measure would raise the state's minimum wage to $13.75 an hour next year – and eventually move it up to $15 an hour by 2026. Campaign manager Richard von Glahn talks about the effort.

In the 2nd hour of the Marc Cox Morning Show: Sec. of State Jay Ashcroft responds to the video leaked of his and Sen. Hoskins squabble Isaac Willour, political analyst and commentator for Young Voices, talks with Marc & Kim about the Columbia University President's orders  to hold virtual class as Anti-Israel protests have taken over the school. Former Senator John Lamping joins the Marc Cox Morning Show to discuss SB727 that was passed by both the House and Senate and is awaiting the Governor to sign it.  Sen. Lamping the bill hasn't done a whole lot but spend more money on a failing system. In Other News with Ethan:  Check out the Pink Moon, Paste blisters Taylor Swifts new album, California sending unarmed civilian to crime cases, and 2 caught faking a winning lottery ticket Coming Up: Cam Edwards

Good Monday Morning from the Marc Cox Morning Show!! This Hour: Sen. Denny Hoskins squares off against Sec. of State Jay Ashcroft over funding on public libraries Marjorie Taylor Greene upset over the Israel funding bill Kim on a Whim: Kim vs. Hollyweird.  Kim and Marc discuss the effects of showbiz on kids in Hollywood after the show 'Quiet on the Set' has exposed what happened to the kids on Nickelodeon. Dylan Mulvaney to speak at St Louis University tonight Coming Up:  Hans von Spakovsky, Nicole Murray, and In Other News with Ethan

In the final hour of the Marc Cox Morning Show: Sen. Denny Hoskins joins Marc & Kim to discuss the video making the rounds that showed him facing off with Sec. of State Jay Ashcroft.  Sen. Hoskins gives his side of the story that lead to them trading barbs.  He also clarifies his quote of saying he's withhold public funds for Public Libraries if there is pornographic materials in the library. Jessie Jane Duff, former U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant, joins Marc & Kim to discuss the latest in the Trump Hush Money Trial that is going on.  Jessie also talks about Title IX and the implications it will have letting trans athletes compete with women.  KMOX's Tom Ackerman stops by the studio to talk with Marc & Kim about the St Louis Battlehawks impressive win this weekend, as well as the Cardinal's woes. Singer John Legend doesn't think people should be kept in jail if they can't make bail. Thanks for listening!!!

State Sen. Denny Hoskins of Warrensburg returns to Politically Speaking to talk about his campaign for secretary of state — and the prospects of being able to legalize sports betting in Missouri. Hoskins is one of eight GOP contenders seeking to succeed Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft.

Lauren Boebert won't compete in special election to replace Rep. Ken Buck | MO voters favor abortion rights | Kansas GOP's flat tax favors the wealthiest 20% | JB Pritzker wants to end prior authorizations in mental health | Texas right-wing billionaires get their way ELECTION 2024Missourians back initiative to restore abortion rights by small margin, new poll findsThe St. Louis University/YouGov poll found many undecided voters as ballot campaign gathers signatures. The poll also found strong support for repealing the sales tax on food and sports wageringBY: RUDI KELLER - MARCH 13, 2024 6:00 AMhttps://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/13/missourians-back-initiative-to-restore-abortion-rights-by-small-margin-new-poll-finds/In June of 2022 The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that established federal constitutional protections for abortion. Under current Missouri law, abortions are only allowed to save the life of the mother or when “a delay will create a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.” This has made abortion virtually inaccessible in the state.Now, a group called Missourians for Constitutional Freedom is collecting signatures to put abortion rights on the November ballot. They must gather at least 171,000 signatures from registered voters by early May.A new poll shows plurality of Missourians support restoring abortion rights as they existed under Roe v. Wade, but a large undecided group holds the key to victory. The St. Louis University/YouGov Poll conducted in February found that 44% of those surveyed would vote for abortion rights after hearing the ballot language, while 37% were opposed. Almost one-fifth of voters, 19%, said they were unsure how they would vote.71% of Democrats and 24% of Republicans support the proposal.If the measure makes the ballot, poll director Steven Rogers said there are enough undecided voters to sway the result. A sports wagering initiative campaign is also underway and the poll found 60% of those surveyed back legal betting on professional sports.That poll surveyed 900 likely Missouri voters between Feb. 14 and Feb. 26, with a 3.74% margin of error. Along with the major initiatives, the poll included questions tracking attitudes toward President Joe Biden, Congress, major Missouri political figures and the General Assembly.The poll also questioned voters about their choices for governor and their views on the biggest issues confronting the state as well as current legislative debates like school choice.37% of those surveyed said they approve of the job President Biden is doing, a rating similar to the findings in four previous surveys dating to July 2021. Gov. Mike Parson, who will leave office at the end of the year due to term limits, has an approval rating of 52%, among the highest ever found by the poll. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican seeking re-election this year, has an approval rating of 50%.The race to succeed Parson is wide open, at least for the August primaries. Without named candidates, the poll found 52% of those surveyed will vote for the Republican candidate for governor while 38% selected the Democrat.When those who said they would vote Republican were asked which candidate they preferred, “not sure” was selected by almost half of those polled. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft had the largest number of committed voters, with 28%, followed by Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe at 10% and state Sen. Bill Eigel at 8%.On the Democratic side, “not sure” was selected by 66% of respondents, with House Minority Leader Crystal Quade chosen by 21% and Springfield businessman Mike Hamra chosen by 4%.New Kansas flat tax proposal would mainly benefit state's top 20% of earnersBY: RACHEL MIPRO - MARCH 13, 2024 11:19 AMhttps://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/13/new-kansas-flat-tax-proposal-would-mainly-benefit-states-top-20-of-earners-analysis-shows/TOPEKA — A revamped flat tax plan touted by Kansas Senate lawmakers on Tuesday would cost the state nearly $650 million annually, give 40% of the benefits to the state's wealthiest 20%, and reap billionaire Charles Koch a half-million dollar windfall, according to independent analysis.During the Senate Committee on Assessment and Taxation hearing, Republican lawmakers claimed the bill, Senate Bill 539, would address Kansans' needs. Committee Chair Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican who requested the bill's introduction said, “It is a product of listening to people and trying to come up with the best solution,”The state currently uses a graduated income tax rate: 3.1% for income under $15,000, 5.25% for income between $15,000 and $30,000 and 5.7% for income above $30,000. Couples filing together have those income amounts doubled.SB 539 would change income tax rates over six years, starting with a universal income tax rate of 5.7% in 2024, and reduced by .05% each year until 2029, which would set the rate at 5.45%. Under current law, the standard state deduction for income taxes is set at $3,500 for single filers and $8,000 for married couples filing jointly. The bill would set the deduction at $4,000 for single filers in 2024 and increase the standard deduction for all taxpayers by the cost-of-living adjustment published in the Internal Revenue Code beginning in tax year 2025.However, researchers estimate the top 20% of earners – those with annual incomes of over $315,000 – would see nearly 40% of the benefits. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a nonpartisan research organization that favors a progressive tax system, estimated the plan would cost the state nearly $650 million annually once fully implemented.A Kansas household making less than $55,000 a year would see $237 in benefits. Billionaire Charles Koch would receive an estimated annual $485,000 in tax breaks under the proposal.The bill would also cut the standard tax rate for banks from the current 2.25% rate to 1.94% in tax year 2024, and down to 1.63% in 2025. For savings and loan associations, taxes would be reduced from the current 2.25% rate to 1.93% in 2024 and down to 1.61% in 2025. Other provisions include eliminating the state's 2% sales tax on groceries by July 1. Currently, the tax is set to end on Jan. 1, 2025.Earlier in the legislative session, a Republican-driven effort fast-tracked the 5.25% income tax plan that would have reduced tax collections by more than $300 million per year and primarily benefited the state's top earners. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the proposal in late January, characterizing it as “reckless.” Despite the GOP supermajority in the House and Senate, a veto override attempt failed in the House due to opposition among conservative and moderate Republicans who felt the proposal didn't do enough for the state's lower-income residents.Governor Kelly has said she will continue to veto “irresponsible flat tax proposals.”House panel opens hearings on Pritzker's health insurance reformsWednesday, March 13, 2024Bill seeks to reduce denials of coverage, improve provider networksBy PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.comhttps://capitolnewsillinois.com/NEWS/house-panel-opens-hearings-on-pritzkers-health-insurance-reformsSPRINGFIELD – A panel of Illinois lawmakers began hearing testimony Wednesday on Gov. JB Pritzker's proposals for sweeping changes in the state's health insurance industry. The changes, which Pritzker first unveiled in his State of the State address in February, would limit the ability of companies to deny claims or steer patients toward cheaper, and possibly less effective, treatments. They are contained in an amendment to House Bill 5395. They include banning prior authorization requirements for people to receive in-patient treatment at a psychiatric facility as well as all forms of so-called “step therapy” for prescription drug coverage. Step therapy refers to the practice of requiring a patient to try one or more cheaper, alternative medications before being allowed to access medications prescribed by their doctor.Other changes in the plan include requiring insurance companies to publicly post the types of treatments and therapies that do require prior authorization; requiring them to maintain accurate lists of the providers who are in their networks; and banning the sale in Illinois of short-term, limited duration insurance plans that don't meet the minimum standards under the federal Affordable Care Act.Emily Miller, a senior advisor in Pritzker's office, tried to assure the House Human Services Committee Wednesday that the administration was not waging war against the health insurance industry.“Insurance has a role to play, and I'm not here to demonize the insurance industry,” she said. “I am here, though, to say that it is time for consumers to have a say in how insurance companies are administering their health care plans. And we want to make sure that consumers are protected.”During the hearing, the committee heard personal stories from individual patients and their families, including some legislators, who spoke about their experiences having claims denied by their insurers. Among them was state Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Essex, whose son was born with a rare heart malfunction that requires treatments for which he needs prior authorizations. He also had a daughter who died following a long battle with leukemia. He said, “We had her stay four days in the hospital because we couldn't get a nausea medication that we knew worked after chemo (round) two. We couldn't get it authorized in chemo (round) three. Very frustrating. Four days in the hospital, and I'm not sure how that saves somebody money.”Dr. Mary Dobbins, a pediatrician and psychologist who is a past president of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, testified about what she called a “mental health crisis” among children and youth in the United States. She said the crisis has been “artificially magnified by the requirements that tie up our clinical time.”She said “I've had multiple patients who destabilized because medicine they'd been doing well on was now denied, and the parents couldn't afford to pay for it out of pocket. The appropriate level of care is commonly denied.”The committee took no action Wednesday, but Chair Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, said the committee plans to hold more discussions and could vote as early as next week to advance the bill to the full House.Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.Amid white supremacist scandal, far-right billionaire powerbrokers see historic election gains in TexasAll told, 11 of the 28 House candidates supported by Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks won their primaries outright, and another eight are headed to runoffs this May.BY ROBERT DOWNENMARCH 8, 2024https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/08/tim-dunn-farris-wilks-defend-texas-liberty-election/West Texas oil billionaires Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks entered the 2024 primary election cycle wounded.Their political network was in the middle of a scandal over its ties to white supremacists. Republicans were calling on each other to reject the billionaires' campaign money. And their enemies believed they were vulnerable — one bad election day from losing their grip on the state.Instead, Dunn and Wilks emerged from Texas' primaries last Tuesday perhaps stronger than ever — vanquishing old political foes, positioning their allies for a November takeover of the state Legislature, and leaving little doubt as to who is winning a vicious civil war to control the state party.In race after race, more moderate conservative incumbents were trounced by candidates backed by Dunn and Wilks. Their political network made good on its vows for vengeance against House Republicans who voted to impeach their key state ally, Attorney General Ken Paxton, advancing more firebrands who campaigned against bipartisanship and backed anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Tuesday's election also paved the way for the likely passage of legislation that would allow taxpayer money to fund private and religious schools — a key policy goal for a movement that seeks to infuse more Christianity into public life.All told, 11 of the 28 House candidates supported by the two billionaires won their primaries outright, and another eight are headed to runoffs this May. And, in a sign of how much the state party has moved rightward, five of their candidates beat incumbents in rematches from 2022 or 2020 — with some House districts swinging by double-digits in their favor. Of the candidates they backed, they donated $75,000 or more to 11 of them — six who won, and four who went to runoffs.Among the triumphant on Tuesday was Mitch Little, aided by at least $153,000 in Dunn and Wilks cash, who defeated Rep. Kronda Thimesch in a campaign that focused on Little's defense of Paxton from impeachment charges in the Senate trial last summer. Three days before he won, Little appeared at an event in Denton County with Paxton and, among others, Steve Bannon, the political operative who helped rally the far right behind then-candidate Donald Trump in 2016.And another Dunn and Wilks candidate, David Covey, stunned the state by winning more votes than House Speaker Dade Phelan — the No. 1 target of the state's far-right in part because of his role in the Paxton impeachment and refusal to ban Democrats from House leadership positions. Phelan now faces a runoff from Covey and the prospect of being the first Texas Speaker since 1972 to lose his primary.This election cycle, the billionaires' targets also overlapped with Gov. Greg Abbott, who poured more than $6 million into his quest to rid the Texas House of Republicans who defied his calls for school voucher legislation last year. Meanwhile, Paxton barnstormed the state as he sought retribution against incumbents who supported his impeachment. And, perhaps most importantly, former President Donald Trump was active in many contests — following the lead of Paxton and his other ally, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and offering late endorsements that bolstered right-wing candidates.We can't wait to welcome you to downtown Austin Sept. 5-7 for the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival! Join us at Texas' breakout politics and policy event as we dig into the 2024 elections, state and national politics, the state of democracy, and so much more. When tickets go on sale this spring, Tribune members will save big. Donate to join or renew today.Here's how the special election to replace Ken Buck will work in ColoradoLauren Boebert indicates she will not compete in special electionBY: SARA WILSON - MARCH 13, 2024 5:01 PMhttps://coloradonewsline.com/2024/03/13/special-election-to-replace-ken-buck-colorado/Colorado voters in the 4th Congressional District will vote in two separate elections on June 25: the congressional primary for November's general election, as well as a special election to immediately replace Republican Rep. Ken Buck, who announced on Tuesday that he is resigning and leaving Congress nine months ahead of schedule.It could add confusion to the a competitive and crowded race in Colorado's Eastern Plains.Buck had already announced his intention to retire and not seek reelection this year, but he surprised the political world this week by announcing that he would leave Congress on March 22, versus sticking around until the end of his term.That sets off a seldom-used process to fill a congressional vacancy via special election that, according to a decision announced by Gov. Jared Polis on Tuesday, will coincide with the June 25 congressional primary election. The winner of that special election will fill the remaining months of Buck's term, but would still need to win the party's nomination that day and then the general election in November to secure a full term in Congress.Each party will convene a special convention made up of party insiders to select one nominee for the special election. According to state statute, those special conventions need to happen within 20 days of the governor issuing a formal order for the special election, which hasn't technically happened yet.The 4th District leans more Republican than any in the state, so whoever wins the special Republican nomination will likely go on to win the special election, and whoever wins the Republican primary will likely go on to win the general election.That opens up a couple possibilities: The district will be represented by the same person from June 25 onward because they win both elections, or the winner of the special election will hand the seat off to the winner of the general election — almost certainly the winner of the Republican primary — early next year.The state Democratic Party said on Tuesday night that it will hold its special convention no later than April 1. The convention will include the district's central committee members and all the precinct organizers in the district. Ike McCorkle and John Padora have both signaled they will seek the Democratic special nomination.The state Republican Party has not yet made its special convention plans public and leaders did not reply to requests for comment Wednesday. That gathering will involve officers of the congressional district and the county chairmen in the district, according to party bylaws. The state party's assembly, where delegates will pick candidates to appear on the primary ballot, is already set for April 5 in Pueblo.Nine Republicans were vying for the Republican nomination in the district before Buck's early retirement announcement: current 3rd Congressional District Rep. Lauren Boebert, former state Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, state Reps. Mike Lynch and Richard Holtorf, conservative radio host Deborah Flora, former state lawmaker Ted Harvey, businessman Chris Phelen, businessman Peter Yu and Justin Schreiber.Those candidates can all put themselves forward to be considered for the special election nomination.Sonnenberg, Flora and Harvey have all indicated they will pursue the nomination.“This new vacancy doesn't change my race, nor my commitment to proving to Republicans voters why I am the strongest conservative voice to serve them in Washington. I look forward to earning this nomination and getting to D.C. as soon as possible,” Sonnenberg wrote in a statement.Flora wrote in her own statement that the district can't afford a “placeholder” between Buck's retirement and the new term next year.Holtorf has not indicated if he will seek the special nomination, but he called Buck's decision a “selfish move” that will “potentially create bias during the election cycle” in a statement Tuesday.Boebert, however, will not seek the special nomination. If she wins the special election, she would have to resign her current position representing the 3rd District, setting off a vacancy process in that district.“I will not further imperil the already very slim House Republican majority by resigning my current seat and will continue to deliver on my constituents' priorities while also working hard to earn the votes of the people of Colorado's 4th District who have made clear they are hungry for a real conservative,” she said in a statement.She called Buck's announcement a “swampy backroom deal to try to rig an election.”With Buck's resignation, the GOP's majority in the U.S. House of Representatives will shrink to 218-213.The 4th District includes most of Douglas County and the Eastern Plains. @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Post)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Post) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/

Lauren Boebert won't compete in special election to replace Rep. Ken Buck | MO voters favor abortion rights | Kansas GOP's flat tax favors the wealthiest 20% | JB Pritzker wants to end prior authorizations in mental health | Texas right-wing billionaires get their way ELECTION 2024Missourians back initiative to restore abortion rights by small margin, new poll findsThe St. Louis University/YouGov poll found many undecided voters as ballot campaign gathers signatures. The poll also found strong support for repealing the sales tax on food and sports wageringBY: RUDI KELLER - MARCH 13, 2024 6:00 AMhttps://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/13/missourians-back-initiative-to-restore-abortion-rights-by-small-margin-new-poll-finds/In June of 2022 The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that established federal constitutional protections for abortion. Under current Missouri law, abortions are only allowed to save the life of the mother or when “a delay will create a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.” This has made abortion virtually inaccessible in the state.Now, a group called Missourians for Constitutional Freedom is collecting signatures to put abortion rights on the November ballot. They must gather at least 171,000 signatures from registered voters by early May.A new poll shows plurality of Missourians support restoring abortion rights as they existed under Roe v. Wade, but a large undecided group holds the key to victory. The St. Louis University/YouGov Poll conducted in February found that 44% of those surveyed would vote for abortion rights after hearing the ballot language, while 37% were opposed. Almost one-fifth of voters, 19%, said they were unsure how they would vote.71% of Democrats and 24% of Republicans support the proposal.If the measure makes the ballot, poll director Steven Rogers said there are enough undecided voters to sway the result. A sports wagering initiative campaign is also underway and the poll found 60% of those surveyed back legal betting on professional sports.That poll surveyed 900 likely Missouri voters between Feb. 14 and Feb. 26, with a 3.74% margin of error. Along with the major initiatives, the poll included questions tracking attitudes toward President Joe Biden, Congress, major Missouri political figures and the General Assembly.The poll also questioned voters about their choices for governor and their views on the biggest issues confronting the state as well as current legislative debates like school choice.37% of those surveyed said they approve of the job President Biden is doing, a rating similar to the findings in four previous surveys dating to July 2021. Gov. Mike Parson, who will leave office at the end of the year due to term limits, has an approval rating of 52%, among the highest ever found by the poll. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican seeking re-election this year, has an approval rating of 50%.The race to succeed Parson is wide open, at least for the August primaries. Without named candidates, the poll found 52% of those surveyed will vote for the Republican candidate for governor while 38% selected the Democrat.When those who said they would vote Republican were asked which candidate they preferred, “not sure” was selected by almost half of those polled. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft had the largest number of committed voters, with 28%, followed by Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe at 10% and state Sen. Bill Eigel at 8%.On the Democratic side, “not sure” was selected by 66% of respondents, with House Minority Leader Crystal Quade chosen by 21% and Springfield businessman Mike Hamra chosen by 4%.New Kansas flat tax proposal would mainly benefit state's top 20% of earnersBY: RACHEL MIPRO - MARCH 13, 2024 11:19 AMhttps://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/13/new-kansas-flat-tax-proposal-would-mainly-benefit-states-top-20-of-earners-analysis-shows/TOPEKA — A revamped flat tax plan touted by Kansas Senate lawmakers on Tuesday would cost the state nearly $650 million annually, give 40% of the benefits to the state's wealthiest 20%, and reap billionaire Charles Koch a half-million dollar windfall, according to independent analysis.During the Senate Committee on Assessment and Taxation hearing, Republican lawmakers claimed the bill, Senate Bill 539, would address Kansans' needs. Committee Chair Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican who requested the bill's introduction said, “It is a product of listening to people and trying to come up with the best solution,”The state currently uses a graduated income tax rate: 3.1% for income under $15,000, 5.25% for income between $15,000 and $30,000 and 5.7% for income above $30,000. Couples filing together have those income amounts doubled.SB 539 would change income tax rates over six years, starting with a universal income tax rate of 5.7% in 2024, and reduced by .05% each year until 2029, which would set the rate at 5.45%. Under current law, the standard state deduction for income taxes is set at $3,500 for single filers and $8,000 for married couples filing jointly. The bill would set the deduction at $4,000 for single filers in 2024 and increase the standard deduction for all taxpayers by the cost-of-living adjustment published in the Internal Revenue Code beginning in tax year 2025.However, researchers estimate the top 20% of earners – those with annual incomes of over $315,000 – would see nearly 40% of the benefits. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a nonpartisan research organization that favors a progressive tax system, estimated the plan would cost the state nearly $650 million annually once fully implemented.A Kansas household making less than $55,000 a year would see $237 in benefits. Billionaire Charles Koch would receive an estimated annual $485,000 in tax breaks under the proposal.The bill would also cut the standard tax rate for banks from the current 2.25% rate to 1.94% in tax year 2024, and down to 1.63% in 2025. For savings and loan associations, taxes would be reduced from the current 2.25% rate to 1.93% in 2024 and down to 1.61% in 2025. Other provisions include eliminating the state's 2% sales tax on groceries by July 1. Currently, the tax is set to end on Jan. 1, 2025.Earlier in the legislative session, a Republican-driven effort fast-tracked the 5.25% income tax plan that would have reduced tax collections by more than $300 million per year and primarily benefited the state's top earners. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the proposal in late January, characterizing it as “reckless.” Despite the GOP supermajority in the House and Senate, a veto override attempt failed in the House due to opposition among conservative and moderate Republicans who felt the proposal didn't do enough for the state's lower-income residents.Governor Kelly has said she will continue to veto “irresponsible flat tax proposals.”House panel opens hearings on Pritzker's health insurance reformsWednesday, March 13, 2024Bill seeks to reduce denials of coverage, improve provider networksBy PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.comhttps://capitolnewsillinois.com/NEWS/house-panel-opens-hearings-on-pritzkers-health-insurance-reformsSPRINGFIELD – A panel of Illinois lawmakers began hearing testimony Wednesday on Gov. JB Pritzker's proposals for sweeping changes in the state's health insurance industry. The changes, which Pritzker first unveiled in his State of the State address in February, would limit the ability of companies to deny claims or steer patients toward cheaper, and possibly less effective, treatments. They are contained in an amendment to House Bill 5395. They include banning prior authorization requirements for people to receive in-patient treatment at a psychiatric facility as well as all forms of so-called “step therapy” for prescription drug coverage. Step therapy refers to the practice of requiring a patient to try one or more cheaper, alternative medications before being allowed to access medications prescribed by their doctor.Other changes in the plan include requiring insurance companies to publicly post the types of treatments and therapies that do require prior authorization; requiring them to maintain accurate lists of the providers who are in their networks; and banning the sale in Illinois of short-term, limited duration insurance plans that don't meet the minimum standards under the federal Affordable Care Act.Emily Miller, a senior advisor in Pritzker's office, tried to assure the House Human Services Committee Wednesday that the administration was not waging war against the health insurance industry.“Insurance has a role to play, and I'm not here to demonize the insurance industry,” she said. “I am here, though, to say that it is time for consumers to have a say in how insurance companies are administering their health care plans. And we want to make sure that consumers are protected.”During the hearing, the committee heard personal stories from individual patients and their families, including some legislators, who spoke about their experiences having claims denied by their insurers. Among them was state Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Essex, whose son was born with a rare heart malfunction that requires treatments for which he needs prior authorizations. He also had a daughter who died following a long battle with leukemia. He said, “We had her stay four days in the hospital because we couldn't get a nausea medication that we knew worked after chemo (round) two. We couldn't get it authorized in chemo (round) three. Very frustrating. Four days in the hospital, and I'm not sure how that saves somebody money.”Dr. Mary Dobbins, a pediatrician and psychologist who is a past president of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, testified about what she called a “mental health crisis” among children and youth in the United States. She said the crisis has been “artificially magnified by the requirements that tie up our clinical time.”She said “I've had multiple patients who destabilized because medicine they'd been doing well on was now denied, and the parents couldn't afford to pay for it out of pocket. The appropriate level of care is commonly denied.”The committee took no action Wednesday, but Chair Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, said the committee plans to hold more discussions and could vote as early as next week to advance the bill to the full House.Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.Amid white supremacist scandal, far-right billionaire powerbrokers see historic election gains in TexasAll told, 11 of the 28 House candidates supported by Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks won their primaries outright, and another eight are headed to runoffs this May.BY ROBERT DOWNENMARCH 8, 2024https://www.texastribune.org/2024/03/08/tim-dunn-farris-wilks-defend-texas-liberty-election/West Texas oil billionaires Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks entered the 2024 primary election cycle wounded.Their political network was in the middle of a scandal over its ties to white supremacists. Republicans were calling on each other to reject the billionaires' campaign money. And their enemies believed they were vulnerable — one bad election day from losing their grip on the state.Instead, Dunn and Wilks emerged from Texas' primaries last Tuesday perhaps stronger than ever — vanquishing old political foes, positioning their allies for a November takeover of the state Legislature, and leaving little doubt as to who is winning a vicious civil war to control the state party.In race after race, more moderate conservative incumbents were trounced by candidates backed by Dunn and Wilks. Their political network made good on its vows for vengeance against House Republicans who voted to impeach their key state ally, Attorney General Ken Paxton, advancing more firebrands who campaigned against bipartisanship and backed anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Tuesday's election also paved the way for the likely passage of legislation that would allow taxpayer money to fund private and religious schools — a key policy goal for a movement that seeks to infuse more Christianity into public life.All told, 11 of the 28 House candidates supported by the two billionaires won their primaries outright, and another eight are headed to runoffs this May. And, in a sign of how much the state party has moved rightward, five of their candidates beat incumbents in rematches from 2022 or 2020 — with some House districts swinging by double-digits in their favor. Of the candidates they backed, they donated $75,000 or more to 11 of them — six who won, and four who went to runoffs.Among the triumphant on Tuesday was Mitch Little, aided by at least $153,000 in Dunn and Wilks cash, who defeated Rep. Kronda Thimesch in a campaign that focused on Little's defense of Paxton from impeachment charges in the Senate trial last summer. Three days before he won, Little appeared at an event in Denton County with Paxton and, among others, Steve Bannon, the political operative who helped rally the far right behind then-candidate Donald Trump in 2016.And another Dunn and Wilks candidate, David Covey, stunned the state by winning more votes than House Speaker Dade Phelan — the No. 1 target of the state's far-right in part because of his role in the Paxton impeachment and refusal to ban Democrats from House leadership positions. Phelan now faces a runoff from Covey and the prospect of being the first Texas Speaker since 1972 to lose his primary.This election cycle, the billionaires' targets also overlapped with Gov. Greg Abbott, who poured more than $6 million into his quest to rid the Texas House of Republicans who defied his calls for school voucher legislation last year. Meanwhile, Paxton barnstormed the state as he sought retribution against incumbents who supported his impeachment. And, perhaps most importantly, former President Donald Trump was active in many contests — following the lead of Paxton and his other ally, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and offering late endorsements that bolstered right-wing candidates.We can't wait to welcome you to downtown Austin Sept. 5-7 for the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival! Join us at Texas' breakout politics and policy event as we dig into the 2024 elections, state and national politics, the state of democracy, and so much more. When tickets go on sale this spring, Tribune members will save big. Donate to join or renew today.Here's how the special election to replace Ken Buck will work in ColoradoLauren Boebert indicates she will not compete in special electionBY: SARA WILSON - MARCH 13, 2024 5:01 PMhttps://coloradonewsline.com/2024/03/13/special-election-to-replace-ken-buck-colorado/Colorado voters in the 4th Congressional District will vote in two separate elections on June 25: the congressional primary for November's general election, as well as a special election to immediately replace Republican Rep. Ken Buck, who announced on Tuesday that he is resigning and leaving Congress nine months ahead of schedule.It could add confusion to the a competitive and crowded race in Colorado's Eastern Plains.Buck had already announced his intention to retire and not seek reelection this year, but he surprised the political world this week by announcing that he would leave Congress on March 22, versus sticking around until the end of his term.That sets off a seldom-used process to fill a congressional vacancy via special election that, according to a decision announced by Gov. Jared Polis on Tuesday, will coincide with the June 25 congressional primary election. The winner of that special election will fill the remaining months of Buck's term, but would still need to win the party's nomination that day and then the general election in November to secure a full term in Congress.Each party will convene a special convention made up of party insiders to select one nominee for the special election. According to state statute, those special conventions need to happen within 20 days of the governor issuing a formal order for the special election, which hasn't technically happened yet.The 4th District leans more Republican than any in the state, so whoever wins the special Republican nomination will likely go on to win the special election, and whoever wins the Republican primary will likely go on to win the general election.That opens up a couple possibilities: The district will be represented by the same person from June 25 onward because they win both elections, or the winner of the special election will hand the seat off to the winner of the general election — almost certainly the winner of the Republican primary — early next year.The state Democratic Party said on Tuesday night that it will hold its special convention no later than April 1. The convention will include the district's central committee members and all the precinct organizers in the district. Ike McCorkle and John Padora have both signaled they will seek the Democratic special nomination.The state Republican Party has not yet made its special convention plans public and leaders did not reply to requests for comment Wednesday. That gathering will involve officers of the congressional district and the county chairmen in the district, according to party bylaws. The state party's assembly, where delegates will pick candidates to appear on the primary ballot, is already set for April 5 in Pueblo.Nine Republicans were vying for the Republican nomination in the district before Buck's early retirement announcement: current 3rd Congressional District Rep. Lauren Boebert, former state Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, state Reps. Mike Lynch and Richard Holtorf, conservative radio host Deborah Flora, former state lawmaker Ted Harvey, businessman Chris Phelen, businessman Peter Yu and Justin Schreiber.Those candidates can all put themselves forward to be considered for the special election nomination.Sonnenberg, Flora and Harvey have all indicated they will pursue the nomination.“This new vacancy doesn't change my race, nor my commitment to proving to Republicans voters why I am the strongest conservative voice to serve them in Washington. I look forward to earning this nomination and getting to D.C. as soon as possible,” Sonnenberg wrote in a statement.Flora wrote in her own statement that the district can't afford a “placeholder” between Buck's retirement and the new term next year.Holtorf has not indicated if he will seek the special nomination, but he called Buck's decision a “selfish move” that will “potentially create bias during the election cycle” in a statement Tuesday.Boebert, however, will not seek the special nomination. If she wins the special election, she would have to resign her current position representing the 3rd District, setting off a vacancy process in that district.“I will not further imperil the already very slim House Republican majority by resigning my current seat and will continue to deliver on my constituents' priorities while also working hard to earn the votes of the people of Colorado's 4th District who have made clear they are hungry for a real conservative,” she said in a statement.She called Buck's announcement a “swampy backroom deal to try to rig an election.”With Buck's resignation, the GOP's majority in the U.S. House of Representatives will shrink to 218-213.The 4th District includes most of Douglas County and the Eastern Plains. @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and ThreadsCo-HostsAdam Sommer @Adam_Sommer85 (Twitter) @adam_sommer85 (Post)Rachel Parker @msraitchetp (Post) Sean Diller (no social)The Heartland Collective - Sign Up Today!JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/