The Politically Speaking podcast team -- Chris McDaniel, Jason Rosenbaum and Jo Mannies -- discuss the top political stories of 2013 and what lies ahead for 2014.
Among the key points:
- The proposed income tax cuts, which dominated the General Assembly's debate for 2013, will be back for 2014. At issue is whether legislators will make enough changes to satisfy Gov. Jay Nixon, who vetoed the 2013 version, or to attract more votes to override any potential veto.
- Initiative-petition proposals could dominate the 2014 ballots, beefing up what otherwise would be slim statewide ballots. The state auditor's contest, in which Republican incumbent Tom Schweich is an early favorite, is the only statewide race in 2014. The battles for several legislative seats -- notably the 22th District state Senate seat in Jefferson County and the 2nd District in St. Charles County -- will be among the top local contests. The top local contest is indisputably for St. Louis county executive.
- St. Louis Public Radio and the Beacon's disclosure of more problems with the state's execution protocol, and the drugs used, may ignite legislative action soon after the General Assembly reconvenes.
- St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay's election to a fourth term, and his status as the city's longest-serving mayor, could have national and local impact.
Follow Chris McDaniel on Twitter: @csmcdaniel
Follow Jo Mannies on Twitter: @jmannies
Follow Jason Rosenbaum on Twitter: @jrosenbaum
