MOScout Readers Poll 2013 Question Title * 1. Power Move 2013 John Diehl – Speaker-designee means he’s the man for the next three years in the House. Tim Jones – He did it his way. From establishing the Leadership Development committees to bringing HB253 to a vote even though it was doomed, to continuing to talk about “right to work.” Jay Nixon – After spending his first term getting along with Republicans and preparing for a re-election campaign, Nixon has turned into a governor. He’s fighting for Medicaid expansion, for Boeing jobs, vetoing bills by the dozens… Jason Smith – From lowly state representative to Congressman for life. Other (please specify) Question Title * 2. Quixotic Legislator 2013 Jay Barnes – Like the doctor who won’t stop working on the patient even after it’s clear he’s dead, Barnes keeps trying to revive Medicaid expansion/transformation. Joe Keaveny – Received bipartisan praise for his bills to marshal state aid for school districts operating pre-kindergarten program. Now to get it in the budget… Mike Kehoe – Tried to get the largest tax increase in the state history through a legislature with historic Republican majorities. Other (please specify) Question Title * 3. Best 2014 Positioning Chuck Gatschenberger – wounded a potential rival in Senate 2 as Vicki Schneider lost her bid for O Fallon City Council. Jill Schupp – With Lamping AWOL, Schupp has the stage all to herself. Tom Schweich – He’ll likely outraise his Democratic opponent 10:1. Jay Swearingen – Getting on the ballot is half the battle. Other (please specify) Question Title * 4. Best 2016 Positioning Barry Aycock – He spreads the wealth around and keeps making friends. We’ll see… Tim Jones – No 2016 candidate is doing more to raise his visibility at this early stage. Chris Koster – Three years out and he’s the presumptive Democratic nominee with cash stacking up in the bank and Republicans murmuring amongst themselves. John Lamping – As he exits the state senate, many expect him to continue on the circuit with an eye to self-funding some statewide ambition in 2016. Jean Peters Baker – She continues to be encouraged by some Dems to throw her hat in the ring for attorney general in 2016. Other (please specify) Question Title * 5. Best Landing 2013 Jane Cunningham – After being redistricting out of her senate seat, beats Rep. Cole McNary and raises hell on the Monarch Fire Board. Josh Haynes – The unassuming brain of Jo Ann Emerson, played the scrum to replace her with perfectly. Randy Turner – The Joplin teacher was fired seemingly on trumped up charges, and has found a second career making the superintendent’s life hell… Other (please specify) Done