In alphabetical order, The Missouri Times collected a list of more than 100 people in the world of politics and political media that you need to know if you don’t already. The list doesn’t include legislators, but rather their staff and the governmental relations personnel and consultants that affect the outcomes of the legislator’s actions. Follow them on Twitter, familiarize yourself with their work and keep an eye out, because these people are not going anywhere. This list appeared in the Aug. 1 issue of The Missouri Times. If you have any questions or comments about the list, email Scott Faughn at scott@themissouritimes.com.
A few people from each category will be posted each day. Keep an eye out.
In case you missed it, here are the previous posts: Part one – Part two – Part three –Part four – Part five – Part six
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Governmental relations
A.J. Bockelman
Executive Director, PROMO
Twitter: @ajbockelman
No association has seen more progress culturally than PROMO, and under Bockelman’s leadership PROMO may be poised to see some of that progress reflected in statute as well. Even with an overwhelmingly socially conservative legislature, the conversation isn’t what rights could be taken away, but rather how to avoid the issue altogether. Furthermore, the PROMO endorsement is now sought after in the Democratic ranks.
Dale Ludwig
Executive Director, Missouri Soybean Association
The Soybean Association is growing in respect and reputation during each session as their presence in the legislature has become increasingly prominent. Ludwig is a leading force behind the growth. He has a long background in agriculture, previously working for Monsanto Co. and Cargill. Additionally, he is a major supporter of University of Missouri—Columbia.
Jason Klindt
Vice President, Axiom Strategies
Twitter: @JAKlindt
Some on this list are up and comers and some have already peaked. He is both. He is a branch off of the esteemed Roe tree of operatives, had ran candidate command, been an elite spokesman for top-tier campaigns, served as an advisor to Congressman Graves and served as his point man on redistricting. He is a big time player already whose stock is still rising.
Jeff Aboussie
Executive Secretary/Treasurer, Building & Construction Trades Council
Twitter: @aboussiejeff
Aboussie is one of the most progressive-thinking union executives in the state. If you want to be plugged into the innovative part of the union movement, you need to have coffee with him. He is at the center of anything union-related in Missouri and his union isn’t afraid to march to its own beat regarding issues they care about.
Jeff Brooks
Lobbyist, Gamble & Schlemeier
Brooks has a wealth of experience both inside and outside of the Capitol. This former Chief of Staff to then-Speaker of the House and current Senate Majority Leader Ron Richard knows the dynamic of the complex finance issues often presented in the building. Brooks also has some ties with current House Majority Leader John Diehl as Brooks worked in the government relations wing of the same powerhouse St. Louis law firm currently employing Diehl, Armstrong Teasdale. With degrees from the Southern Methodist University School of Law, the University of London and Missouri State University, Brooks is not to be underestimated.
Jon Dolan
Executive Director, Missouri Health Care Association
Website: mohealthcare.com
Dolan is one of the most high-energy personalities in the Capitol. The former state senator with a distinguished military career primarily represents the interest of nursing homes with energy and life and is now a key player in the Medicaid expansion debate — not to mention one of the fastest talkers in the western hemisphere.
Jorgen Schlemeier
Principal, Gamble & Schlemeier
Twitter: @MOLobby
Diligent and professional, Schlemeier is not only a veteran of the lobbying corps but also a former lead staffer with the Missouri Senate. He has a large portfolio of clients that touch nearly every aspect of government. Anyone in the public policy process could respect his talents and abilities.
Lynne Schlosser
Political Consultant, Lynne Schlosser
A former Government Relations Manager at the American Cancer Society, Schlosser is a known advocate for public health and environmental issues. Her experience with the ACS and passion for public health, along with her frequent work as a registered lobbyist with a number of organizations, have earned her the respect and admiration of legislators and staffers alike.
Mark Rhoads
Lobbyist, Herzog & Rhoads
Rhoads is a lawyer/lobbyist who has an intellectual way of presenting his clients’ cases that seems to leave whomever he is lobbying not only better informed, but seldom angry at him — a valuable trait. Rhoads has a lengthy client portfolio which stretches from corporations to state associations, as well as assisting legal aid associations.
Mike Winter
Principal, Michael G Winter Consulting
A 23-year consulting veteran in Jefferson City, Winter’s small yet capable three-person firm are regular staples in the Capitol. The current Executive Director of the Missouri Gaming Association, Winter is the man to know if you’re talking casinos and gambling.
Richard McIntosh
Principal, Flotron & McIntosh
Website: govconsultants.com
There may be no one who knows and understands the budget process better than McIntosh. He is also close to many key figures inside the Nixon administration. His firm has taken on several clients with DNR issues and effectively served them. His client list is too long to place into categories, but needless to say, he has to monitor nearly every bill introduced in the legislature because it is likely to impact one of his long list of clients in some way.
Scott Swain
Principal, The Swain Group Inc.
Twitter: @swaingroup
Swain has a way of making friends that deliver for his clients. If a legislator, lobbyist or staffer was asked their favorite people to work with, Swain’s name would be one of the most frequently mentioned. His ability to smoothly navigate the public process makes his services some of the most sought after in the Capitol. By the way, if you need a fourth for a golf scramble, he isn’t a bad pick up either.
Shanon Hawk
Lobbyist, Lewis, Rice, Fingersh
Twitter: @shanonhawk
She is a master at building relationships because she is known for her honesty and sincerity on behalf of her clients. Being in Jefferson City year round makes her a go-to person for many of her firm’s clients and it seems that she never stops working.
Tom Krewson
Manager of Public Affairs and Government Relations, Comcast
Twitter: @krew723
With a base in Kansas City and coverage in two states, it would seem difficult for someone to keep up relationships with every legislator, but Krewson seems to know everything about every legislator in the Capitol and be able to strike up a conversation with them on command.
Trey Davis
President, Missouri Energy Development Association
No one lays out the case for public’s need for strong and stable utility infrastructure more professionally than Davis. He is also an effective advocate in any medium and a veteran of the Missouri Chamber lobbying effort.
Tricia Workman
Attorney, Stinson, Morrision, Hecker
Twitter: @ncwolters
When we were making our list, Workman’s name was mentioned several times by legislators as a lobbyist who not only knew her issues well, but also understood how those issues would impact others. Her time working in the executive branch gives her a unique perspective about the process.
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Consultants
Ryan Burke
Principal, R. W. Burke Group
One of the hottest political talents on the Democratic side is Burke. He is heavily involved in the Capitol as a Legislative Assistant to Rep. Vicki Englund, D-St. Louis, and is working on two of the key Senate races in the state for Reps. Jeff Roorda, D-Barnhart and Ed Schieffer, D-Troy.
Shawn Furey
Vice President, Axiom Strategies
Website: axiomstrategies.com
Shawn is everything you would expect from a senior member of the Axiom staff: smart, tough and tenacious for his clients. He is a veteran of both the Sen. John Lamping, R-St. Louis, and Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale, campaigns, an attorney and a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Law.
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Media
David Lieb
Political Correspondent, AP
Twitter: @DavidALieb
A veteran by any one’s standards in terms of journalistic experience, Lieb is seen by every legislator, regardless of party, as a fair and honest reporter. Lieb has a reputation amongst even other reporters as a thorough, numbers-crunching reporter. Head of the Capitol Press Association, Lieb provides some of the most insightful analysis of in Missouri politics each week through his writing.
Renee Hulshof
Radio Host, KFRU
Twitter: @reneehulshof
Wife of former Congressman Kenny Hulshof is everywhere and has put the Columbia radio station where she hosts her morning show “The Morning Meeting” alongside radio veteran Simon that is appointment listening in mid-Missouri.
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Legislative Staff
Jennae Neustadt
Chief of Staff, Sen. John Lamping
Twitter: @JennaeNeustadt
Neustadt has taken a key role for Lamping, whether it was helping launch a smartphone app for his constituents to track his day-to-day affairs, or working closely with the media to craft Lamping’s message as he led a filibuster against a transportation funding bill which included a sales tax increase. And while she may be qualified for bigger things, Neustadt has said on no uncertain terms that if Lamping looks to run for higher office, she’d like to be at his side.
Kit Crancer
Legislative Director, Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey
Twitter: @Kcrancer
Crancer, 26, is no stranger to the Capitol. He’s worked for former state Senator turned grassroots lobbyist and organizer Jim Lembke and former state Senator Jane Cunningham. During the 2012 cycle, Crancer ran the Missouri Senate Campaign Committee, making Crancer one of the most knowledgeable and influential young staffers in the building. Openly considering a future as a candidate and not just a staffer, serving as LD to Dempsey during one of the most productive Senate sessions in state history make Crancer a valuable asset.
Kyle Aubuchon
Chief of Staff, Sen. Doug Libla
Twitter: @KyleAubuchon
Aubuchon was a busy staffer during the session, working for Libla who spent much of the session opposing ISRS legislation. The issue, which involves some of the more powerful players in the state on both sides, gives Aubuchon a chance to cut his teeth early on for the new Senator. And as a young man from the heart of Libla’s district, Aubuchon is likely to be very important to Libla during the interim, as well as campaign time, in keeping the Senator in office and up-to-speed on the issues.
Scott Faughn is the publisher of The Missouri Times, owner of the Clayton Times in Clayton; SEMO Times in Poplar Bluff; and host of the only statewide political television show, This Week in Missouri Politics.