Jeff and Joan go after Russ' record

Jeff Smith's statement:

When I began this race, I was an unknown 30 year old without political connections or any way to raise money. Now I enter the last two weeks of the primary with more cash on hand than Russ Carnahan, who has the best political name in the state. The reason for this is simple: those who know my best-known opponent do not seem to have confidence in his ability to work hard for the people of the 3rd District in United States Congress.

Over the past nine months I’ve gotten to know many of my opponents. Joan Barry has earned my respect with her hard work, grace, and dedication to her convictions. While I disagree with her on some key issues, we agree on one fundamental thing: Russ Carnahan, while a nice and decent man, has consistently missed important work and critical votes in Jefferson City. He has not displayed the work ethic, dedication, and energy needed to effectively serve the people of the 3rd District in United States Congress. I supported Mel and Jean Carnahan for years, but Russ Carnahan’s record of missed votes on core progressive issues such as healthcare, the environment, and conceal-carry gun laws indicate that he would not be diligent about his responsibilities to the people of the 3rd District in United States Congress. It’s most important that we elect a representative who will fight for the men, women, and children of the 3rd District, not someone who takes their role for granted. Let me make this clear: this is nothing personal. This is about the record. I urge the people of the 3rd District to let the issues and the candidates’ respective work ethics decide this race. Please visit all of the candidates’ websites and compare our issue positions to see which one you think would best represent your values. To date, although Mr. Carnahan has run a campaign based on his experience in the state legislature, his record has escaped examination. I urge you to please examine the information provided to you and see if he can explain the lackadaisical manner with which he has conducted himself as a state legislator.

Statement from Joan Barry's campaign:

Today at the Old Court House in St. Louis Joan Barry set the record straight about Russ Carnahan. “I can no longer sit and allow Russ Carnahan to distort the real truth about his record,” said Barry. “In his mere four years as state representative, Russ Carnahan has managed to miss a staggering number of important votes on important legislation. Legislation that today he is trying to take credit for.”

Russ Carnahan missed 10 out of 17 days - almost 60% - of the two Special Legislative Sessions that were called to solve the education funding crisis in Missouri. (June and September 2003)

Some of the other important votes missed by Russ Carnahan:

• Russ Carnahan missed a vote to ban concealed weapons. (Source: HB 349, House Journal, March 6, 2003)
• Russ Carnahan missed a vote to restrict landfill construction within ¼ mile of a home or school. (Source: HA 13 HCS SS SCS SB 36, House Journal, April 30, 2003)
• Russ Carnahan missed a vote to help prevent identity theft. (Source: HB 1762, House Journal, March 21, 2002)
• Russ Carnahan missed a vote to help law enforcement. (Source: HB 1183, House Journal, March 15, 2004)
• Russ Carnahan missed a vote that would have provided mental health services to Missourians. (Source: HB 1440, House Journal, March 21, 2002)

And Russ Carnahan missed over 120 votes in just the last ten legislative months!

“It is time that the people of the 3rd Congressional District find the real truth about Russ Carnahan,” continued Barry. “While Russ has portrayed himself as a fighter for education, seniors and families, the truth is Russ did not bother to even show up to fight. He was absent!”

“I will go to Washington, as I did in Jefferson City, and I will work everyday because the residents of the 3rd District deserve a Representative who will show up and fight for them,” finished Barry.