Prouty Enters The Fray

NEWLY MINTED MOUTHPIECE

Jonathan Prouty began his new gig Tuesday as spokesperson of the Missouri Republican Party. The first statement he delivered lacked both the customary outrage and partisan shots that are usually staples of party-controlled releases. In the statement, Party Chair David Cole thanked Executive Director Jared Craighead for his service and ushered in the new era of Lloyd Smith:

"Jared Craighead was one of the most dedicated and capable Executive Directors that the Missouri Republican Party has ever had. His leadership and management were one of the reasons that Missouri fared far better than other states in the last two election cycles. The fact that Missouri was the only battleground state that went for the Republican nominee in 2008 speaks volumes about the kind of success that Missouri Republicans have enjoyed under Jared’s tenure. I know Jared is excited about practicing law and I wish him and Alison all the best and continued success," said Cole.

"The fact that Lloyd Smith has agreed to be the Executive Director of the MRP guarantees that Missouri will continue to have one of the best run state parties in the entire country. He has vast political and congressional experiences which makes him perfectly suited to assume management responsibilities for MRP at this critical time. Lloyd Smith is a consummate professional who knows how to develop and execute winning strategies. I am so grateful that he has agreed to take on this important responsibility," Cole concluded.

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Before taking the reigns at the MOGOP, Prouty served as a communications associate with John Hancock's consulting company.

The Notebook looks forward to working with Prouty through the good, the bad, the ugly --- and through all that outrage.

GOP Jumps on Nixon's CSPAN Quote

"If there's debt, Missouri kids and grandkids will pay that debt off"

That's what Gov. Jay Nixon said last Sunday during a CSPAN appearance. It took a whole week, but the Missouri Republican Party finally leaped on the line in a Friday release:

"Jay Nixon's plan to leave Missouri's kids and grandkids with a mountain of debt is completely irresponsible," said David Cole, Chairman of the Missouri Republican Party. "On Tuesday, President Obama said his budget will look ahead ten years. Gov. Nixon’s budget only covers one year and he has admitted he is not thinking about the future except to state his confidence that Missouri children and grandchildren can pay off the debt they inherit. Placing billions of dollars of debt at the feet of our children and grandchildren while not planning for the future is negligent management of Missouri’s budget."

"For someone who has put forward no substantial legislative agenda and whose only plan involves waiting for a bailout check from Washington, D.C., Jay Nixon doesn't appear to know much about it. One thing is certain. While the Governor seems content to leave piles of debt with our children, Missourians can rest assured that our Republican leaders are not," Cole said.

A special GOP web video targeting Nixon is HERE.

RNC Elects First Black Chair

Former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele is elected the new chairman of the Republican National Committee.

It's the first African American chair in G.O.P history.

Steele defeated South Carolina GOP chair Katon Dawson in the final round of voting 91 to 77.

Incumbent Chair Mike Duncan bowed out of the race after two rounds.

Steele's victory speech can be found HERE.

It's unclear who Missouri's RNC members voted for. GOP spokesperson Tina Hervey reminds The Notebook it was a secret ballot, but provided this statement by G.O.P. Chair David Cole:

"There is no greater testament to the strength of the Republican Party than today’s election of former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele as the new Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Chairman Steele will be a tireless advocate for our core Republican principles of lower taxes, small government, strong national defense and more freedom. Rather than simply rejecting the ideas of our opposition, we need to offer bold, visionary solutions of our own. Michael Steele understands this challenge and has the talent necessary to reach out across the country and share the Republican message in a credible way that will connect with voters, motivate volunteers, and lead us to victory."

(Oh, and did I mention we called it?)

New GOP Chair Still Undecided on RNC Head

New Missouri Republican Party Chair David Cole says he's not yet decided who he will support to become the next national chairman of his party.

In an interview with the KY3 Political Notebook Monday night, Cole said he doesn't believe the two other voting members from Missouri have reached a decision either.

Six candidates are vying for votes around the country for an election that will be held this Friday. According to the website YourRNC.com, current RNC Chair Mike Duncan leads the race among pledged supporters.
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"I'm a late comer to the process, but I've received a whole lot of information and I think we have several very fine candidates," said Cole, who lives in Cassville. "I don't have any inclination as to what I'm going to do yet." Cole said he couldn't yet narrow down the field of candidates, but added that he plans to fly to Washington, D.C. late Tuesday (weather-permitting) for meetings with some of the candidates.

Asked how much a national chair means to an individual state like Missouri, Cole said the selection would be critical because the RNC head "controls resources." "Obviously it's important for Missouri in 2010 with Senator Bond's retirement. The RNC chair will set priorities and the tone."

Lance Beshore of Joplin and Ann Dickinson of Kansas City are Missouri's two other RNC members. "It my understanding they've not (made up their minds,)" Cole said.

Kinder, Cole Promise Greater Communication With Grassroots

DAVID COLE: STRONG OR WEAK CHAIR?

SMITH LIKELY TO BE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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***COLE'S ELECTION MEANS BOTH MAJOR PARTY CHAIRS HAIL FROM SWMO.***

In a brief conference call with Republican supporters and the media Saturday, Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder and new G.O.P. chair David Cole promised to communicate more with party members across the state in order to build the party over the next four years.

Cole was elected the new state chair at a meeting of the state committee Saturday in Jefferson City by a symbolic vote of 68-0. Cole, a Cassville attorney, who has served on the state committee for a dozen years, was once considered a longshot for the job. But political insiders say he was chosen not only for his loyalty to the party, but because longtime political operative Lloyd Smith will take the paid position of executive director.

After the election, The Notebook reported that Smith was the frontrunner for chair. Some of the dynamics changed because of Sen. Kit Bond's announcement not to seek re-election, but sources say that the inability to pay Smith for the position was a critical underlying factor. Under the G.O.P's bylaws, the chair is an unpaid position.

Still, there is some disagreement among politicos about whether Cole will mostly be a figurehead or a mover and a shaker. "I understand the importance of grass roots," Cole said on the conference call Saturday. "We do the media and the reaching out, but not of that matters without the grass roots work," he added. Cole acknowledged electoral defeats at the ballot box in 2008, but quickly turned positive: "The cupboard is certainly not bare."

One Republican consultant told The Notebook that Cole would serve as a so-called "weak" chair. "I think he'll be function much like Doug Russell did," this consultant explained, referring to the outgoing chair. Several Republicans believe Smith will wield the day-to-day power in his executive director role, making the daily decisions on message, media and fundraising.

But other Republicans, including some from Southwest Missouri, believe Cole will still play a role and say "weak" isn't the right word to describe him. "I think he's going to lay down the umbrella agenda, then the executive director will execute it. He's probably going to be more plugged in," said one Republican staffer.

Insiders believe that Smith could be in place by State Lincoln Days, which will be held during the third weekend in February in Kansas City. But Smith's apparent decision to take the executive director adds more intrigue to the behind-the-scenes chess game in the contest for U.S. Senate.

Smith ran Sen. Jim Talent's 2002 successful election effort against Jean Carnahan as well as his failed 2006 re-election effort. If he was to become executive director, he would obviously have to remain neutral in any primary contest. Meanwhile, the three top contenders for U.S. Senate are continuing to call supporters and fundraisers around the state to gauge a run. Congressman Roy Blunt is almost a sure-thing to run for Bond's seat. But sources say that Talent and former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman are still carefully weighing their options.

During Saturday's call, Kinder pledged to work with Governor Jay Nixon "wherever we can," but also oppose him when the party believe he's taking the state "in the wrong direction."

Both Kinder and Cole pledged more conference calls with grassroots activists. No questions were allowed during the brief 5-minute call. But they said future calls would be "interactive," and include questions and comments. That most likely means the media won't be invited to join those.

Kinder Holds Saturday Call With The Faithful

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder holds a 4:15 p.m. conference call Saturday following the State Republican Party's election of its new chair, David Cole.

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Kinder's call will be with Republicans throughout the state, but the media has been invited to listen.

No questions will be taken.

Kinder will introduce the party to Cole, and speak about the future of the Missouri Republican Party.

Cole will begin making staffing decisions in the near future. Insiders believe the executive director could be in place for State Lincoln Days. Lloyd Smith is expected to be named to that position.

DEVELOPING . . .