Eric Greitens, Chris Koster get nasty; ex-Kansas governors take the court: Trailwatch, Sept. 9
Remington Research released a new Missouri poll Tuesday. Yes, we know Remington is associated with Jeff Roe. As with all pollsters, Remington should be judged on its record as well as its affiliation. And this: Remington has Gov. Sam Brownback at 70 percent disapproval.
To the trail...
☆Missouri governor
Remington poll: Chris Koster +4 over Eric Greitens.
Quite a week for these candidates.
Koster ran two ads criticizing Greitens’ salary at Greitens’ charity, the Mission Continues:
A quick check of a charity website shows Greitens did earn six-figure salaries at the Mission Continues, although he did not earn that much in 2014. Figures for 2015 aren’t available.
Greitens’ team fired back quickly:
The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund endorsed Koster. Koster: “I have long defended Missouri’s hunting heritage and Second Amendment rights.”
Au contraire, Missouri Rising says. “Gun owners and Second Amendment supporters in Missouri need to be very wary of a candidate that claims he’s pro-gun, but then rubs elbows with leaders working to strip away our right to keep and bear arms,” said a statement from Jeremy Adler.
Greitens campaigned with Gov. Mike Pence on Tuesday in Springfield and suburban St. Louis. Pence is Donald Trump’s running mate.
Koster launched a new website, to “serve as a resource to voters in Missouri who are looking to get the facts.” We couldn’t find a similar site for criticism of the Democrat; maybe one will pop up. Or is out there already.
Koster also announced “Veterans for Koster.” For the record: Koster did not serve in the military. Greitens was a Navy SEAL.
Greitens has a new ad:
Finally, Greitens’ team accused Koster of spending more than $3 million on office renovations. Koster’s campaign says it isn’t state money, but came from the feds. Greitens’ campaign says that shouldn’t make any difference.
☆Missouri attorney general
Remington poll: Josh Hawley +6 over Teresa Hensley.
John Ashcroft, former Missouri Governor, U.S. Senator and U.S. Attorney General, endorsed Hawley.
☆Missouri U.S. Senate
Remington poll: Blunt +7 over Jason Kander.
Republicans accused Kander of ambition. “Jason Kander has spent the majority of his career seeking one political office after another and treating his jobs as temporary holding spots until a flashier title or chance for promotion comes around,” saida statement from Rich Chrismer.
They think Kander wants to run for governor in 2024. Kander is 35 years old. He’s served in the state legislature, and was elected secretary of state at age 31.
For the record, Blunt became Missouri secretary of state at the age of 34. He ran for governor at 42. He has served in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate.
Kander, the Democrat, says he wants to raise the federal minimum wage to $12 an hour. “It’s good for workers and it’s good for business owners,” he said in Springfield.
The Democrats urged reporters to consider a poll that support for a higher minimum wage could make a difference in the race.
Kander campaigned for college affordability in Kansas City. Blunt returned to Washington, where Zika funding was defeated again — but the path to a compromise became more clear.
Republicans are trying to make an issue of Zika.
☆☆Kansas House 03
Democrats are still pushing in this race. Do they know something we don’t?
Democrats are also trying hard to link Rep. Kevin Yoder with Gov. Sam Brownback and Donald Trump. “Does Yoder Trust Trump with the Nation’s Nuclear Codes?” one press release headline said. The DCCC also accuses Yoder of taking more donations from the payday loan industry.
UPDATE: Yoder is up on digital:
☆Kansas Supreme Court
All four former Kansas governors traveled the state together urging Kansans to retain all of the judges on the state Supreme Court. It was unusual, and unprecedented.
We have a great round-up here.
Interestingly, it appears Sam Brownback won’t take a public position in the debate. Our guess: he’d love to speak out, but knows his endorsement is toxic.
☆President
Mike Pence was in Springfield and St. Louis. Hillary Clinton was in Kansas City. VP Joe Biden was expected Friday in St. Louis.
Is Missouri in play? Not likely.
This story was originally published September 9, 2016 at 5:53 AM with the headline "Eric Greitens, Chris Koster get nasty; ex-Kansas governors take the court: Trailwatch, Sept. 9."