The re-election train keeps chugging along. According to MayorSlay.com, here are his latest endorsers: Malik Ahmed, Claude Brown, Don Calloway, James Cloar, Mike Colona, James Conway, T.D. El Amin, Cliff Franklin, Frankie M. Freeman, Richard A. Gephardt, Ted Hoskins, Jake Hummel, Darryl Jones, Tishaura Jones, Michele Kratky, Vincent C. Schoemehl, Wayman Smith, Marvin Steele, Sr., Betty Thompson, Tony Thompson, Bishop R.J. Ward, Bishop Lawrence Wooten.
St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay has been endorsed for reelection by the following prominent local elected officials:
St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley; U.S. Representative Russ Carnahan; State Senator Jeff Smith; St. Louis Sheriff Jim Murphy; St. Louis Recorder of Deeds Sharon Q. Carpenter; St. Louis Treasurer Larry Williams; St. Louis Revenue Collector Gregory FX Daly; St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce; and Public Administrator Gerard Nester.
Over on Mayor Slay's website: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 410, which represents more than 700 City employees has endorsed Mayor Francis Slay for re-election.
Mayor Slay has already won the endorsements of UAW, IBEW Local 1, UNITE HERE, Hoisting Engineers 513, Service Employees Local 2000, IAFF Local 73 and Retired Firefighters.
University City state representative Maria Chappelle-Nadal is starring on radio ads paid for by the Gibbons campaign.
The ads which appear to be in heavy rotation on FM 106.5 (The Arch) begin with Chappelle-Nadal mentioning her credentials as a national Democratic Party delegate, then she says, "even as a Democrat, I want to recommend Mike Gibbons..." The spot then morphs into a negative ad on Koster hitting him on tax issues, state senate votes, and plea bargaining as a prosecutor.
City Schools Will Get $0 from Prop A; JMO Says Vote NO
Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford, citing the fact that St. Louis public schools won't receive any money from the casino deal, says to vote No on Proposition A.
From her latest email: The most difficult issue for me was Proposition A, because some of the economic arguments for the measure appeal to me. However, I have been so offended by what I see as deceit in the messages supporters are using that I cannot reward them with my Yes vote. For example, the mail I receive on Prop A frames this as a schools issue, when it's really about the gambling industry. One piece shared how many millions of dollars schools in "the greater St. Louis Region" would receive, without revealing that St. Louis Public Schools and the majority of St. Louis County school districts will receive ZERO funds from Prop A.
For a comparison of how Missouri school districts fare with Prop A, see:
Terry Frank, who lost a close GOP primary in District 82 to Frank Plescia, endorsed the Democratic candidate, Jill Schupp, this morning. It's pretty funny for Frank to be endorsing the Democrat since he ran to the right in the primary, winning MRL's endorsement and sporting pictures of himself with Todd Akin and Mike Huckabee. On policy, I would guess Frank and Schupp have nothing in common.
Here's the contents of his email:
Dear Friends of the 82nd,
After being the Republican Candidate for State Representative in our district, witnessing the political processes firsthand, I am endorsing Jill Schupp for State Representative. I have every confidence that Jill is ready to bring the change we need in Jefferson City. Jill Schupp has a broad, inclusive vision for the future of Missouri. She is forward-looking in her proposals on health care and education, and grounded in her approach to decision making that transcends party
I often tell my children to choose a candidate who most reflects what Lincoln termed "the better angels of our nature." Jill Schupp will provide the 82nd with that calm and steady leadership we need. Jill will not be influenced by lobbyist.
Jill Schupp inspires many who want a new approach to politics in Jefferson City, Democrats and Republicans alike.
"Sending a Lobbyist, especially Lobbyist Plescia, to Jefferson City is like send the Fox to the Hen House".
Sincerely,
Terry Frank Former Republican State Representative Candidate, 82nd District
The press release: As election day moves closer, three major organizations throw their weight behind James Trout, who is running for State Senate: the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the Missouri Nurses Association (MONA), and the Missouri National Education Association (MNEA). “It’s of course an honor, but this is not about me,” says James Trout, who is running for Missouri State Senate in the 15th District. “This is about shared values, concerns, the need to get real work done in Jefferson City.”
Eric Schmitt, the Republican nominee in Senate 15 (Gibbons is termed and running for AG) announced endorsements from both ends of the labor-business spectrum.
In today's press release he touts endorsements from: Missouri Laborers International Union, Missouri Carpenters District Council of St. Louis, Missouri Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Missouri, National Federation of Independent Business, and Missouri Council of School Administrators, IAFF Local 2665 and the Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters.
Saint Louis, MO- Today Joan Barry released the following statement in response to the endorsement.
" I am honored to have, and greatly welcome the support of the Carpenters' District Council of Greater Saint Louis. They have been key to many political victories here in Missouri and we look forward to working closely with them throughout the duration of the race."
Executive Secretary-Treasurer Terry Nelson stated, " Mrs. Barry has been a staple in the Saint Louis organized labor movement and helped us significantly while she was in the legislature. We are excited to support her and plan on providing the resources she needs to win in November."
The Barry campaign continues to build its grassroots organization for the fall election and welcomes the Carpenters' volunteer base/support into the campaign.
It is with a heavy heart I write to you this Email. Yesterday, I was approached by one of the candidates with information as to the status of the election and I had heard numbers from other sources as well. After careful consideration, I decided to do some small internal polling myself. I did this yesterday and some more today. I did exclude any numbers I recognized- which was only about three, because I thought they would recognize my voice. The results were similar to what I had been told, and very consistent between the two days.
However, the polling indicated clearly I was in fourth place just behind Joan Landmann, and Rob Stelzer was in second place just behind Colona.
I entered this race for one main reason- Education. I hoped to make education the main focus of our race and become an advocate to our cause in Jefferson City. The good news in all of this is, we accomplished these gaols- except I will not be the one "elected".
Only one candidate ever asked me to sit down and explain the educational issue I was fighting for. I was impressed with how much he listened and did not take Rex money even when offered. Rob has offered for me to help in his education policy formation and be his liaison in St. Louis and Jefferson City when he is elected. I hope my support will allow this to happen.
I chose to support Rob for three main reasons. One, he listened and developed his opinions based on facts. Two, he was willing to incorporate our entire cause. And three, he will allow me to be his educational advisor and liaison in St. Louis and Jefferson City. I think these are very much a win for us. I was told it all depends on if I believe him or not. Well, I really do believe he will allow us to be heard better than the other two candidates. In addition, it looks as if the hit piece on Joan put out by the firefighters supporting Colona actually worked against her. I thought people were smarter, but I have been wrong before. I never dreamed when starting the calls, Joan would be third.
I am asking any 67th district resident on here, and I know there are several, to please vote for Rob on August 5th. We can not divide our vote if we want to win. For the few who voted absentee, I apologize for the last minute change, but I did not have enough money to find out sooner with better internal polls. In my mind every parent and teacher would show up and vote for me and I win easily. Not the case.
I hope and pray I have not let any of you down. I feel I have done the best I could do with the resources available to me. I think we educated more city residents regarding schools, and I think we will have a real voice on the education front with Rob. I thank everyone who supported me.
I also wanted to point out that one of the smear tactics Colona tried to use on Rob, was that he was over-seas. This actually intrigues me about Rob, because he has first hand knowledge of the medical and educational policies around the world. He has a perspective that elevates my educational views and health care views that none of the others- including myself could offer in the race. It was very refreshing to talk to him in personal situations.
Finally, I wish to say that another major part of my decision was based on the fact I do not want the person who went completely negative, trash talked everyone, and has his own ugly demons out there to win the race. I am ashamed of the political process.
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.
On Wednesday night the political arm of Planned Parenthood, Planned Parenthood Advocates, joined NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri PAC in voting to endorse Rep. Robin Wright-Jones.
“Now that Planned Parenthood Advocates have joined NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri PAC with their endorsement, both major reproductive rights organizations have endorsed my candidacy for the 5th Senatorial district.This sends a strong message to 5th district voters that I am the candidate that will be there for choice,” said Rep. Wright-Jones
This endorsement is just the most recent in an overwhelming list of progressive organizations and individuals to endorse Rep. Wright-Jones for the 5th State Senate Seat.
Others include:
Missouri AFL-CIO, Missouri NEA, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Sen. Maida Coleman, AFT Local 420, PROMO, Missouri State Teachers Association,ACORN PAC, The United Auto Workers CAP, NARAL, SEIU Missouri/Kansas State Council, The Hon. Ronnie White, ERA PAC, St. Louis City Labor Club, The Missouri Women’s Political Caucus, Rep. Jeanette Mott-Oxford, UFCW Local 88, CWA City Legislative Club, Missouri Progressive Vote Coalition, and many more.
(St. Louis) – Today, Brian Wahby announced his endorsement of Rodney Hubbard’s campaign for state senate. Wahby, the chair of the Saint Louis City Democratic Party praised Hubbard, calling him, “an accomplished legislator committed to improving the lives of people in Saint Louis and throughout Missouri.”
“Hubbard is the only candidate that has real record of legislative accomplishments,” said Wahby. “His commitment to the Democratic Party and its principle of putting the interests of people over special interests is exceptional. Democrats have a clear choice – Rodney Hubbard is the progressive candidate for Senator with the experience, vision and courage to effectively represent us in the Missouri Senate.”
Andria Simckes, running for State Treasurer, unveiled her endorsement list yesterday.
Organizations Metro St. Louis Sentinel Newspaper Missouri State Women's Political Caucus Missouri Women’s Political Caucus, Kansas City Chapter Women's Democratic Forum (national endorsement) Missouri State Women's Leadership Coalition Missouri State ERA-PAC Four Freedoms – Kansas City GLBT Rights Organization Freedom Inc., Kansas City North St. Louis County Unity PAC
3rd Ward- Ward Democratic Organization 6th Ward-Ward Democratic Organization 18th Ward-Ward Democratic Organization 21st Ward- Ward Democratic Organization 22nd Ward Democratic Organization 27th Ward, Democratic Organization Bonhomme Township Democratic Club Clayton Township Democratic Club Creve Coeur Township Democratic Club Lafayette Township Democratic Club Missouri River Township Queeny Township Democratic Club University Township Democratic Club
Religious Leaders Rev. Douglas Parham, President of St. Louis Clergy Coalition Rev. Wallace S. Hartsfield Rev. Anthony M. Brooks Rev. Ronald L. Bobo Rev. E.G. Shields Rev. Earl Nance Rev. Tommie Pierson Rev. Eric Belt Rev. Sammie Jones Bishop James Tindall Rebuttzin Paula Rivkin Rabbi Carni Rose, Rabbi Mordechai Miller Rabbi Neal Rose
Former and Current Elected Officials Representative TD El Amin Representative Juanita Walton (and Committee woman, Ferguson Township) Representative Ted Hoskins Kansas City Councilman Terry Riley Jackson County Legislator Scott Burnett St. Louis County Council Hazel Erby Alderman Quincy Troupe, 1st Ward Alderman Freeman Bosley Sr., 3rd Ward Alderwoman April Ford-Griffin, 5th Ward Alderwoman Kacie Starr-Triplett, 6th Ward Alderwoman Bennice Jones-King, 21st Ward Alderman Jeffrey Boyd, 22nd Ward Alderman Frank Williamson, 26th Ward Alderman Greg Carter, 27th Ward Committeewoman Yaphett El-Amin, 1st Ward (former State Representative) Committeewoman Mattie Moore 2nd, Ward Committeewoman Lucinda Fraizer, 3rd Ward Committeewoman Tishaura Jones, 8th Ward Committeeman Jesse Todd, 18th Ward Committeewoman Ernestine Hill, 18th Ward Committeeman Chink Washington, 21st Ward Committeeman Joe Palm, 26th Ward
Committeeman Bob Levine, Lafayette Township Committeeman James Cotter, University Township Committeeman Todd Weaver, Spanish Lake Township Committeeman CT Sharp, Missouri River Township Committeewoman Yolonda Fountain Henderson, (and City Councilwoman, Jennings, Ward 1) City Councilwoman Yolanda Austin, Jennings, Ward 2 City Councilwoman Marjorie Jones, Country Club Hills, Ward 1 Jennings School Board Director Tamara Thomas, Jennings School Board Director Harold Austin, Fire Board Director Joseph Washington, Northeast Ambulance and Fire Protection District Fire Board Director Robert Edwards, Northeast Ambulance and Fire Protection District Fire Board Director Bose Bradford, Florissant Valley Fire Protection District
Former State Representative Ron Bockenkamp Former State Representative Betty Thompson Former St. Louis City Mayor Clarence Harmon Former St. Louis City Comptroller Virvus Jones Sherman George, former St. Louis Fire Chief
Community Leaders Dr. Malaika Horne, University Missouri St. Louis Ollie Gates, President/CEO of Gates Barbeque Carolyn Seward, Better Family Life Mark Bryant (former President of Freedom Inc.) Ida Wolfolk Dr. Jerome Williams Dr. Caron Curls Dr. John Moten, President of the Black Leadership Roundtable Vallery Bell Mary Polk Yvonne Stokes Sly James Lew Moye, President of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Frankie Freeman Pearlie Evans
Sen. Chris Koster's campaign sent out a message today announcning two event at which Clay and Koster will appear tomorrow:
Jefferson City, MO – On Monday, July 7th, in Pine Lawn and St. Louis City, Congressman William Lacy Clay, Jr., will endorse Senator Chris Koster for Attorney General. The endorsements by Congressman Clay, state and local elected officials continue the strong momentum that is building behind the Koster for Attorney General campaign.
12:00PM Koster Joined By Congressman Clay, Police Chief Rickey O. Collins, State, and Local Officials to Announce Endorsements of Koster for Attorney General and Discuss the Important Partnership between the Attorney General's Office and Local Law Enforcement Pine Lawn Police Department 6250 Steve Marre Avenue Pine Lawn OPEN PRESS
1:00PM Koster Joined By Congressman Clay, State, and Local Officials to Announce Endorsements of Koster for Attorney General and Discuss the Role the Next Attorney General Will Play in Dealing with Environmental Hazards in Urban Communities Carter Carburetor Facility North Grand Avenue and Dodier Street St. Louis City OPEN PRESS
The 27th Ward Regular Democratic Organization has endorsed the state senate campaign of Rodney Hubbard, calling him a “fighter, leader and hard worker.”
With the addition of the 27th Ward, the map is showing overwhelming support for Rep. Hubbard’s senate campaign. Rodney has won the support of 12 ward organizations and unified ward committees (including our opponent’s own ward), versus Wright-Jones’ three.
In two wards, the committee-people are split and three wards will be deciding in the coming days who they will be supporting.
“I am pleased to have the support of so many committee-people and ward organizations,” said Rep. Hubbard. “I am confident that with the support of these leaders, our campaign will be victorious on August 5th.
UPDATE: Curtis Royston, committeeman of the 27th ward, called to say that he has not yet made an endorsement in this race, and questions the legitimacy of the organization.
Columbia - Former Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell announced his support for Representative Jeff Harris' campaign for Attorney General. Maxwell, a popular Democratic figure, said Harris "rises above the field" of candidates running for Attorney General.
"One candidate rises above the field, in terms of leadership and commitment to Democratic principles, and that candidate is Jeff Harris," Maxwell said. "Jeff has been a leader fighting for Democratic values his whole life. He offers Democratic voters our best chance to win statewide and to place a new generation of Democrats in office who will lead our party to victories in the years to come."
Maxwell cited Harris' strong support among grassroots Democrats across Missouri as a key reason why Harris will win the Democratic primary.
Joe Maxwell served as Missouri Lt. Governor from 2000 to 2005. He also served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 1991 to 1995 and in the Missouri Senate from 1995 to 2000. He joins an expanding list of Democrats lining up behind Harris' campaign, including former Governor Roger Wilson, former Governor Warren Hearnes, Democratic Gubernatorial nominee Betty Hearnes, Senate Democratic Leader Maida Coleman and former Congressman Harold Volkmer.
The Urban League of Greater Kansas City, a community based non-profit organization dedicated to achieving equality and promoting socio economic opportunity for African-Americans and others, today announced its endorsement of the Schools First Initiative.
“We strongly support the Schools First Initiative,” said Gwendolyn Grant, president and CEO, The Urban League of Greater Kansas City. “It will provide vitally needed new revenues to schools throughout our state and protect more than 12,000 good-paying jobs at Missouri casinos. In light of the looming increase in competition from new casinos planned in Kansas, voter approval of this measure is especially important to our local economy.”
The Schools First Initiative, slated to appear on the November state ballot, will increase funding for elementary and secondary schools statewide, and keep Missouri casinos competitive by updating the state’s casino regulations. The initiative increases the state tax paid by casinos to 21% and eliminates Missouri’s outdated $500 loss limit, which does not exist in any other state.
The State Auditor estimates that the initiative will provide $105 to $130 million per year in new revenues for schools statewide and millions more for early childhood education, college scholarships, veterans’ services, and other state and local programs funded by the $2 per visitor excursion fees Missouri casinos pay.
ST. LOUIS – The Stacey Newman for State Representative campaign is very proud to announce today that Stacey Newman has received the endorsement of the national Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Stacey earned a strong reputation eight years ago when she became one of the closest aides to the Brady Campaign and Governor Holden in fighting conceal-carry legislation in Missouri.
Some of these are old, but he now has 19 county prosecutors.
Senator Chris Koster today unveiled the endorsements of 19 county prosecutors from throughout Missouri in his bid for Attorney General. This significant display of support is yet another indication that the law enforcement community is rallying around hishis candidacy.
The law enforcement officials who have thrown their support behind Koster for Attorney General include: Nodaway County Prosecuting Attorney David Baird, Shannon County Prosecutor Jodi Barnes, Knox County Prosecutor David Brown, Hickory County Prosecutor Jim Hackett, Pemiscot County Prosecutor Michael Hazel, Bates County Prosecuting Attorney Hugh Jenkins, Reynolds County Prosecutor Robert Johnson, Barton County Prosecutor Steven Kaderly, Moniteau County Prosecutor John Kay, St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch, Ripley County Prosecutor Chris Miller, Scotland County Prosecutor Kimberly Nicoli, New Madrid County Prosecutor Lewis Recker, Washington County Prosecutor John Rupp, Jr., Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Scroggins, Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen Sokoloff, Callaway County Prosecutor Bob Sterner, Clark County Prosecutor Scott Summers, and Adair County Prosecutor Mark Williams.
