Mike Kehoe, Lincoln Hough Rally in Sheridan

Two candidates for statewide office, Mike Kehoe and Lincoln Hough, came to Sheridan Wednesday to rally at the Jeff & Debbie Thummel farm. Kehoe, who is currently the Lieutenant Governor, is running for Governor. He is locked in a tight three way race with State Senator Bill Eigel and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who has visited Worth County frequently during his tenure. Hough, another state senator, is running for Lieutenant Governor and is running as a team with Kehoe. They both have similar backgrounds as both are first generation farmers who have built up successful farming operations from scratch. The primary election is Tuesday, August 6th; polls open from 6 am to 7 pm.

Reflecting the tight nature of the race, former President Donald Trump, whose endorsement is coveted by Republican candidates, has stayed neutral in the race. “All have had excellent careers, and have been with me from the beginning. They are MAGA and America First all the way!” Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. “I can’t hurt two of them by Endorsing one so, therefore, I’m going to Endorse, for Governor of the Great State of Missouri, Jay Ashcroft, Mike Kehoe, and Bill Eigel. Choose any one of them – You can’t go wrong!”

State Representative Jeff Farnan started off by saying that in looking for a governor, he looked for someone who is pro-life, pro-guns, pro-agriculture, and pro-business and that he wanted someone who was a fellow Christian. Kehoe, said Farnan, fit all of those categories. 

State Senator Lincoln Hough, who represents Springfield, said there would be no better person to vote for than Kehoe. “He brings people together,” said Hough. “He was the man who inspired me to run.” Hough started off as a first generation cattleman and came to learn that politics directly affects our way of life and that elections matter. 

Mike Deering of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, who emceed the event, said that Kehoe provides real conservative leadership and that governing takes more than a last name and more than just yelling and screaming, taking a couple of shots at Kehoe’s two main opponents. “Together, we can elect people with country common sense,” said Deering.

Deering noted that Kehoe had the endorsements of nearly all the major farm organizations in the state, that Jay Ashcroft and Bill Eigel had no ground to stand on, and so they were attacking Kehoe. “Not one time did Mike Kehoe ever sell us out to China,” said Deering. In fact, said Deering, Kehoe and others in the legislature, including Brad Lager, worked to fix a broken system in which there was no tracking or reporting of foreign land ownership. “Mike Kehoe is being attacked because he would rather be with you guys,” said Deering. 

This includes Jay Ashcroft derisively calling Kehoe “Tax Hike Mike” in fundraising emails throughout his campaign and claiming that Kehoe never met a tax increase he didn’t like. That very morning, at Kehoe rallies in Kansas City and Blue Springs, the Eigel campaign fired off a news release claiming responsibility for a person who donned a chicken suit to take Kehoe to task for not attending a gubernatorial debate that night. In that news release, Eigel’s campaign manager, Sophie Shore, referred to Kehoe as, “Kung-Pao Kehoe.” 

On July 21st, the Missouri Independent reported that Eigel was attacking Kehoe over what he called, “the China Bus.” The Missouri Independent says the bus is owned by former legislator Jewell Patek, who now lobbies for Smithfield and 44 other firms, including Evergy. Smithfield operates what was once known as Premium Standard Farms, which operates on more than 40,000 acres near Princeton. In 2013, Smithfield was acquired by Shuanghui International, which is based in China. 

The Missouri Independent says that Kehoe leased the bus in question out of his own pocketbook. The campaign paid for the wrapping, which includes a photo of Kehoe and his wife. Supporters of Kehoe can sign the side of the bus. The campaign pays for the fuel and other expenses as well.

The Independent says that before 2013, Missouri law banned foreign ownership of agricultural land. To accommodate the sale of Smithfield, lawmakers made it legal for up to 1% of Missouri farmland to be foreign owned. Kehoe voted for that bill. Jay Nixon, the governor at the time, vetoed the bill, but it was overridden. Nixon said that the 1% provision was inserted at the last minute without benefit of a hearing and over the objections of agricultural groups. The 1% provision still stands despite multiple efforts by legislators of both parties to repeal it.

According to the Independent, Kehoe defends his vote, saying that the relationship with China in 2013 was very different than it is today. As quoted by the Independent, he said, “Times have changed, and so we would move forward with the position I have very clearly stated that I do not want any enemy of this country owning anything.”

Since 2013, relations between the US and China have deteriorated. In 2017, President Donald Trump began a series of massive new tariffs on Chinese goods, accusing China of dumping them on America and accusing previous administrations of negotiating terrible trade deals which drove American manufacturers out of business. In 2020, Trump blamed China for the COVID-19 pandemic that shut down the worldwide economy, quit speaking with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and called COVID-19 the “China Virus.” In recent years, China has ramped up military exercises against Taiwan, which it says belongs to China. China has also forged closer ties with Russia and has supported its “Special Military Operation” in Ukraine. 

In his speech Wednesday, Kehoe gave a shoutout to Rep. Farnan, Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, who represents Andrew, DeKalb, and part of Clinton Counties, State Senator Rusty Black, who represents this area, and Rep. Donnie Brown, who represents Mississippi, New Madrid, and Pemiscot counties in the southeast corner of the state. Van Schoiack, with his trademark cowboy hat, was in attendance. “You send some good people to the Capitol,” said Kehoe. He also mentioned former Sen. Dan Hegeman, saying he was one of his best friends. In addition to most of the farm groups in the state, Kehoe has been endorsed by Governor Mike Parson and most of Missouri’s law enforcement and public safety groups. 

Kehoe said that he would defend the Second Amendment. He said that as someone who had a difficult childhood growing up in the St. Louis area, he once witnessed a gang fight and that they steal guns. He wanted out and became a first generation farmer, now running a cow/calf operation for the last 40 years. “Agriculture has taught me more than anything about life,” said Kehoe. “I couldn’t be prouder to be a first generation farmer.” He was able to start his operation and work his way up despite 1984 being the height of the farm crisis, which drove thousands of farms across the country into foreclosure.

Kehoe credits his single mother for his development growing up and said that it was never his dream to be in government. “My goal was to own my own bicycle,” he said. Now, he said, he wanted to give back. To that end, Kehoe has been all over the state campaigning on a platform of less regulations and strong public safety, infrastructure, and education. “I’m here to bring people together,” he said. “Our country was founded because 56 key people came together. Not everyone got what they wanted, but I’m always willing to talk with people with different views.” As to his style, Kehoe pledged, “I won’t be a flamethrower and burn the state down.” 

He has been to 185 events all over the state, including every county now. It has gotten to the point where he says he won’t tell his wife, Claudia, how many stops there are left in the day. His campaign Facebook page is full of pictures from campaign events at various numerous small towns in the state. “I’m going to keep going hard,” said Kehoe. “This is a watershed moment. As a state, we feed and clothe the world, and I want to keep Missouri going.”

Missouri PSC Analysis: NO Additional Cost to Electric Customers Under Power Infrastructure Legislation

A new Missouri Public Service Commission analysis says legislation to modernize power infrastructure won’t carry any extra costs for electric customers compared to current law.

“The Missouri PSC, which has final say on any utility case, is the recognized authority when it comes to electric rates. The independent Missouri PSC has ultimate credibility on this matter, especially versus opponents of the legislation who have a long history of misrepresenting facts and falling far short of the truth,” said Irl Scissors, Executive Director of Missourians for a Balanced Energy Future.

The bipartisan PSC and its professional staff made the conclusion in a report requested by Senator Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, sponsor of Senate Bill 207. The legislation would enable Missouri’s investor-owned electric companies to be reimbursed on a more timely basis for dollars already spent on power infrastructure. Five times in its report to Senator Kehoe about the potential cost of Senate Bill 207 for electric customers, the Public Service Commission said there is NO more impact on the costs than there would be after a larger, longer general rate case.

Scissors noted that SB207 will extend to electric utilities the same opportunity as water and gas utilities to recover costs from infrastructure investments. “For nearly a decade, our state’s gas and water utilities have used the procedure in the legislation to directly benefit consumers, stabilize rates and improve their infrastructure. It will modernize the current regulatory barrier for electric utilities across the state and allow for necessary upgrades to power generation facilities, substations and distribution systems. This legislation is a positive step in bringing the cost savings and benefits consumers deserve,” Scissors said.  

Mo. lawmakers target sales tax to fund road repairs

By Taylor Beck and Wes Duplantier

(MDN News) -- Several Missouri lawmakers have said the state needs more money for road projects and are proposing tax increases to fund those projects.

Although Missourians haven't passed a sales tax increase in decades, witnesses packed an early morning hearing of the Senate Transportation Committee Wednesday, Feb. 20, to support one that would increase the state sales tax by one cent for the next 10 years to provide money for Missouri's roads and transportation system.

If passed, the bill would put the tax-increase proposal before Missouri voters on the 2014 ballot. Revenue from the increase would be distributed among cities and counties for the purpose of supporting transportation and infrastructure projects, such as the maintenance of roads and bridges.

Committee chairman and bill sponsor Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, said the tax increase would create nearly $8 billion in revenue and 250,000 jobs. He also said the jobs created would stimulate spending, and thus, the economy.

"The value for Missourians, the value for your dollar right now is incredible value, the opportunity is now," said Kehoe, a former car dealer.

Michael Rathbone, a political researcher at the Show-Me Institute, said the tax is unfair to those who don't use highways as often. The Show-Me Institute is a conservative think tank that opposes tax increases.

"It's really taking away from the fact that we're having people who don't use these as much," Rathbone said. "People that walk to work or bike to work are helping to subsidize with the sales tax people who use these roads and facilities more frequently."

A similar but slightly different measure has been filed in the House. Rep. Dave Hinson, R-St. Clair, is sponsoring a measure that would increase the state sales tax by one percent for 10 years, with all of the money going to transportation projects. Ten percent of the funds raised from that extra tax would go to cities and counties for road projects and the state would keep the other 90 percent to fix up highways and interstates.

The House Transportation Committee heard testimony on that measure Tuesday, Feb. 19. If it passes the legislature, the measure would go before voters in 2014.

Neither the House nor Senate committees took action on either version of the proposal this week

Senate bill could raise utility rates for Missourians

By Ellie Coatar
(MDN News) -- Officials from Missouri's biggest power companies told a Senate panel on Tuesday, Feb. 5, that they need more cash for infrastructure upgrades, with that money potentially coming out of the pockets of Missourians.

The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, would enable a rate increase to fund improvements to the electrical infrastructure that would allow utility companies to raise rates. The measure is largely supported by an electric alliance formed among Ameren Missouri, Kansas City Power & Light and The Empire District Electric Company.

Warner Baxter, Ameren's president and chief executive officer, told members of the Senate Commerce Committee Tuesday that the proposal would create jobs for thousands of Missourians. An Ameren study found that the bill will cause about a 50-cent increase for average residential electrical consumers.

Consumer advocate groups that oppose the bill, such as Missouri Industrial Energy Consumers, worry that the increased rates will negatively affect Missourians, especially the elderly, those with disabilities and low-wage workers.

Steve Spinner, the chairman of Missouri Industrial Energy Consumers, said the power companies are trying to go around state regulators and use the General Assembly to get their money. Spinner is also the manager of energy procurement at Monsanto.

"Streamlining the regulatory process is the goal of all regulated monopolies and it only benefits utilities, allowing them to get into the pockets of ratepayers faster with less oversight and less recourse," Spinner said.

The committee has not yet voted on the bill.

Senators call for increased transportation funding

By Wes Duplantier
(MDN News) -- Two Missouri state senators filed legislation Tuesday, Feb. 5, that would increase funding for the state's roads and highways, but pass on at least part of the cost to shoppers in the state.

Sens. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, and Ryan McKenna, D-Crystal City, are pushing a measure that would impose an additional one-cent sales tax for 10 years, if voters approve it in the November 2014 elections. Revenue from the tax would go specifically to city, county and state transportation projects.

Kehoe and McKenna spoke to reporters Tuesday morning about their proposal at a construction site near U.S. 50 in northwestern Osage County, about 15 miles from the state Capitol.

Both senators have called for increased transportation funding in the past. Kehoe voiced support last year for a proposal to put tolls along most of I-70 to finance upgrades to the aging highway. That proposal never made it to the full Senate, but a panel of 22 representatives of business and government interests was formed to study the state's transportation funding needs. In its final report, that committee estimated that the state would need an additional $600 million to $1 billion annually to deal with the state's transportation infrastructure needs.

On Wednesday, Feb. 6, Rudy Farber, the head of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, said he is pleased the legislature is working on finding a new funding source for transportation. The state's Transportation Department has expressed the state has billions in deferred maintenance costs and Farber said he likes Kehoe and McKenna's proposal.

Unique Collaboration for Modern Regulations, Good Jobs, Reliable Power Infrastructure

The Missouri Electric Alliance (MEA), a collaboration of our state's investor-owned electric companies, is united in support of Senate Bill 207. The proposal by Senator Mike Kehoe of Jefferson City has gained bipartisan, urban and rural co-sponsors who want modernized utility regulations, good jobs and reliable energy infrastructure.




MEA's principal members are Kansas City Power & Light Co., The Empire District Electric Co. and Ameren Missouri. Together, the companies that keep the lights on across Missouri are urging lawmakers to update our 100-year-old utility regulations. This will enable more timely investment and re-investment in safe, efficient, reliable electric infrastructure as gas and water utilities have been able to do for a decade.



"Senate Bill 207, the Infrastructure Strengthening and Regulatory Streamlining (ISRS) bill, provides the first substantial modernization of Missouri's electric utility regulations in support of investments in infrastructure in 100 years. It will allow new reinvestment faster, creating jobs now and boosting reliability of Missouri's power grid. Similar updated regulations and consumer protections have been in place for a decade for Missouri's gas and water utilities. SB207 has bipartisan support from rural and urban lawmakers because it is good for Missouri's economic and high-technology future," said Scott Charton, spokesman for MEA.



Charton noted that the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives recently told Governor Jay Nixon by letter why it supports modernizing Missouri's aging power infrastructure: "Having a modern, safe and reliable transmission grid better positions Missouri to capture exciting new economic development opportunities and helps ensure stability in disaster situations."



To learn more about the powerful boost SB207 provides for economic development and electric grid reliability, visit Missouri Electric Alliance's website at http://www.moelectricalliance.org

Opinion: SB207 Creates Jobs, Reliable Power Grid, Protects Consumers

By Senator Mike Kehoe

As I travel my Senate district, my constituents want to talk about jobs. They want to know what the state is doing to attract more jobs and what we are doing to keep the jobs we have. I tell them the best way to create jobs is for government to get out of their way as much as possible. That's why I've sponsored Senate Bill 207, Infrastructure Strengthening and Regulatory Streamlining (ISRS).

Major employers looking to bring jobs to Missouri always have questions that speak to core business functions. Do you have the workforce I need? Are your tax rates competitive? Is your infrastructure up-to-date and reliable?  Finally, one of the most basic questions for any business: can you provide me with reliable, long-term, low cost electricity?

I'm worried that in the near future, Missouri will not be able to answer "yes" on the question of low-cost, long-term, reliable power.  Although our electric rates are below the national average, our power plants are aging. We have substations that are decades old and in need of upgrading and even replacement. We need to modernize our infrastructure to a smart grid that meets the energy demands of the future.

Our neighboring states are moving aggressively to invest in their infrastructure so they can attract high-tech manufacturing and industry. In fact, a recent study by the Edison Electric Institute reveals that 44 of 50 states have a more supportive regulatory climate than Missouri.  If Missouri wants to compete, we cannot fall behind on our infrastructure investments.

In Missouri, investor-owned utilities and the rates they charge consumers are fully regulated - despite scare tactics to the contrary.  The purpose of those regulations is to protect consumer interests while also making sure we have reliable, affordable power. From what I've seen, those 100-year-old regulations need to be modernized to best support the high-tech demands of modern residences and businesses.  Our antiquated regulations mean that instead of predictable electric rates, businesses and consumers are subjected to unpredictable and unnecessary rate spikes.  Good policies and streamlined regulatory processes will lead to Missouri families being able to plan for their household utility expenses, not get shell-shocked by them.

The benefits for Missourians from ISRS legislation are significant. Much-needed upgrades will improve reliability, increase efficiency, and harden our system against storm-related outages. It is always cheaper to replace power lines in a strategic manner rather than waiting to do so until after the ice-storm or severe thunderstorm decimates them.  In addition, rate increases will become more predictable, with fewer large rate spikes that harm families and businesses.  Perhaps most importantly, increased infrastructure investment will immediately create good-paying, boots-on-the-ground jobs for Missouri's workers. These are jobs we need right now, but our outdated regulations stand in the way of capital investments that will make them a reality.

I, and over 100 House and Senate bi-partisan co-sponsors of SB207, believe that ISRS legislation provides Missouri with opportunities to attract industry and create jobs. For example, the Small Modular Reactors (SMR) industry alone represents a potentially $25 billion opportunity for the state. But we must have the infrastructure that can handle this kind of major manufacturing.

Ten years ago, Missouri passed similar regulatory reform for the water and gas utilities, and we've seen the benefits. Now is the time to make sure we are attracting jobs with a 21st century infrastructure.

ISRS provides Missouri with the opportunity to make more prudent decisions on how we can turn million dollar investments in our energy infrastructure into billions of dollars in economic returns, all while preserving our existing consumer protections. I hope that you'll join me in supporting this common sense reform.

Senator Mike Kehoe represents District 6, including the counties of Cole, Gasconade, Maries, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan and Osage.

Senate Advances Extension of Unemployment Benefits for 10,000 Missourians

The Missouri Senate today voted 28-5 to advance a bill that extends unemployment benefits for Missouri families who have reached, and those nearing, the 79 week cut-off. Senators also adopted an emergency clause 28-5 meaning the extension to 99 weeks of benefits would take place immediately upon the governor’s signature. House Bill 163 was handled in the Senate by Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg. He noted that a compromise negotiated by Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, and Senate Majority Floor Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, led four senators to allow a vote on the bill.

“I’m glad we were able reach a vote and move one step closer to making these extended benefits a reality for the Missouri families that rely on them in this tough economy,” Pearce said.

Dempsey said today’s vote brought five weeks of debate to an end. He said the reality of the benefits lapsing last week added pressure to move the bill forward.

“This is a real and pressing issue for more than 10,000 Missouri families now and potentially thousands more,” said Dempsey. “That is why, in the Senate, we never gave up and continued to do everything we could to get to a vote to extend the benefits.”

Mayer and Dempsey said taxpayers win with the twofold compromise that includes a commitment from them to identify and work to eliminate appropriations of $250 million of federal stimulus spending projects in Missouri.

“We all share the frustration with the federal government’s continued overspending and mounting federal deficit,” said Mayer. “But, for the majority of the Senate, we believed it was important to extend benefits for Missouri families while they continue to look for work in this great recession.”

The second part of the compromise included in an amendment to the bill reduces Missouri’s state share of initial unemployment benefits from 26 weeks to 20 weeks. The amendment’s sponsor, Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, said the change does not affect current recipients of benefits.

“The federal government has spent Missouri businesses into an almost $1 billion debt,” said Kehoe. “Today we reduced the burden on businesses to offset the additional federal taxes that will be placed on Missouri businesses to pay off that debt. But more importantly, this will encourage businesses to hire and expand. I have said all along that this session is about jobs, jobs, jobs, and this amendment encourages hiring and job expansion."

The bill now returns to the House where that chamber will consider whether or not to accept changes to the bill adopted in the Senate. The House can request to go to a conference to iron out differences or choose to take up and pass the bill as amended by the Senate. Pending the House’s approval, the bill then moves to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Lawmakers, Ameren continue plans for second Callaway plant

Missouri lawmakers and Ameren Missouri have not given up their plans to pursue building a second nuclear power plant in Callaway County, despite recent problems at a Japanese nuclear power plant.

Last week, a Senate committee heard testimony from both supporters and opponents of the proposed second Callaway plant just two days prior to a 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit Japan, causing three reactor explosions at the Fukushima Daiichi plant. Even though these explosions have spotlighted potential problems with nuclear plants, Ameren, the state's main utility provider, and its legislative supporters have not changed their stance on legislation dealing with plans for another nuclear plant.

Ameren's Business Operations Supervisor, Rick Eastman, said that Japan's problems with its nuclear reactors have not impeded the company's promotion of legislation pushing for an early site permit needed to begin construction of a second plant in Callaway County.

Eastman also said Ameren has several safety procedures in place to deal to deal with emergency situations, including those caused by natural disasters such as an earthquake or tornado. These safety precautions include steel-enforced concrete walls, seismic sensors, backup generators as well as the ability to shut down the plant if anything "out of the ordinary" is noticed.

"If there is anything that might threaten the plant, the first step is to shut the reactor down," Eastman said

Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, the sponsor of the bill, agreed with Eastman and said Missouri's energy future cannot be influenced by international events and that the option for nuclear power has to be left open.

"We have to continue to talk about what sources of energy we are going to get for this state," Kehoe said. "The unfortunate incident in Japan has not changed the fact that coal is a very expensive source that is under attack from various groups from A to Z, so the way we produce power in this state is, unfortunately, not going to be changed by what happens globally, and the demand for power in this state is going to continue to be there and continue to be a need that we need to address."

So far the Fukushima plant in Japan has suffered from three explosions, which have severely damaged three reactors and caused a fire in a fourth. Following last Friday's earthquake and subsequent tsunami, the Fukushima plant's cooling systems failed, causing spent fuel rods to spike in temperature, cracking the casings around the rods. Once the casings around the rods became damaged, Japanese officials believe that the rods, after coming into contact with the steam released hydrogen gas, which was then vented out of the reactors and caused the explosions.

Eastman, said that the utility provider is waiting for the legislation to make its way through the General Assembly so the company can keep the option of building another plant open. If the proposed legislation passes, Ameren would be allowed to apply for an early site permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as well as charge its ratepayers an additional two dollars for up to 20 years to pay for the construction of the new nuclear facility.

"No decision to build a second plant has been made, the whole legislation regarding the site permit is simply to keep the option open as we continue to look at what's the best thing to do for Missouri's energy future," Eastman said. "If we were to push forward with approved site permit legislation and Ameren Missouri were to file for an application [to build a plant], part of what we would use the three year NRC review time for is to look at all of the various technologies."

Kehoe said that despite general safety concerns, due to strict safety standards in the country, any nuclear plants that Ameren would build would be sufficiently safer then the Fukushima plant in Japan, which was built in 1967.

"It would be irresponsible for someone to say there are no safety concerns," Kehoe said. "There are always safety concerns when you build any kind of project...I think the facilities that we would go forward with would be engineered through the early site permit process to withstand any possible acts of nature that we could have."

The Fukushima Unit 1 reactor follows the Genereal Electric Mark 1 reactor design, making it a boiling water reactor meaning that the coolant water for spent fuel rods is also used for the steam turbine system, causing a high probability of radioactive contamination of the water. According to a report released by the Nuclear Information and Resource Service, a nuclear energy information and watchdog group, there are 23 similar reactors in the United States, four of which are located in Illinois. Unlike these reactors, Ameren's current Callaway plant is a pressurized water reactor, which separates the coolant water from the steam turbine system, reducing the risk of radioactive contamination.

At the committee hearing last Friday, Ameren's CEO, Warren Baxter promoted the benefits of a potential second Callaway plant in front of the Senate committee.

"[A site permit] gives us the opportunity to access federal incentives, which can save our customers money," Baxter said at the hearing. "Certainly there is no doubt that a nuclear plant could present a great economic development opportunity by creating thousand of clean energy jobs and hundreds, if not more, permanent jobs in the future."