Dear Editor,
For months The St. Louis American has been calling much-needed attention to Rep. Rodney Hubbard's financial connections to millionaires with a conservative agenda, his votes with the Republican majority on key issues, and unusual perks and privileges he received through deals with GOP-leadership. Now in the 11th hour of the August 5 primary, the American has endorsed (say what?) Rodney Hubbard in the Senate 5 race.
The key reason cited in the endorsement is the advocacy of a group of respected Democratic leaders, many of whom we have worked with as allies on at least some justice issues. This leaves us to wonder if these leaders have been paying attention to what happens in our state capital in recent years. We are reminded of the old joke of the spouse caught in adultery whose defense to the wronged partner standing at the foot of the bed was "Who are you going to believe? Me or your lyin' eyes?!"
Why is this group of leaders so willing to endorse a candidate who has failed to vote with Democrats at times that really matter - for example, on lifting the caps on campaign donations that had been imposed by a sizeable majority of Missouri voters? Their advocacy is especially baffling when voters have the opportunity to choose Robin Wright-Jones, a true-blue Democrat who is so respected by her House colleagues that she was elected and re-elected Caucus chair. In addition she was respected enough by the bi-partisan St. Louis Regional Caucus to also be elected chair of that body. Rep. Wright-Jones has a 100% progressive voting record on the four report cards the Missouri Progressive Vote Coalition published for 2003-07. Hubbard's anti-labor votes, his vote to sell off MOHELA assets jeopardizing affordable loans for Missouri students, and his pro-school voucher votes leave him with a 73% average for those four years.
Electing Robin Wright-Jones as the next senator for District 5 is vital for social justice and the health of the St. Louis region. We strongly endorse her.
Sen. Joan Bray
Sen. Maida Coleman
Sen. Rita Heard Days
Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford
Rep. Michael Vogt |
Posted by: Dave at 6:23 am | Category: Endorsement
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