I hope Jeff takes this opportunity to run for office again. I supported him last time and was amazed by his election-day performance. I don't think he could be beaten this time around. If anyone watched the 3rd district primary, they'd know what they'd be getting into if they were to take him on.

This time last year Rachel Storch knocked on my door and asked for my vote. I asked a simple question: "Rachel, what are your political aspirations?" Her answer: "I want to serve the 64th district the best I can in Jefferson City for as long as you and your neighbors want me there." It was a tough decision given her youth, but I gave her that vote.

My neighbors-the ones she so desperately wanted to serve-were hoping for a strong voice, someone who would serve us for years to come, perhaps one day gaining a leadership role in the Missouri House. Now, just months after being sworn into office, Rachel is looking to bigger things.

We don't live in the 4th senate district, so I can't vote for her, but me and my neighbors have already discussed doing everything possible to keep her out of the race. I'm hopeful that my fellow residents of the 64th will join us.

I am frankly disapointed with both Jeff and Rachel but for very different reasons.

What Jeff Smith accomplished last summer with his campaign gave me renewed hope in our system. I have no doubt that if he could have had another week to campaign he would be in Washington today as our congressman. While I think he would make a great State Senator, I can't believe that he is not trying to run again for congress. The Democratic party desperately needs fresh voices and Jeff represents that future. I respect the fact that he is willing to put his ambition aside and run for the State Senate but I have to admit that I am disapointed. I actually think he would win if he ran again. Sometimes you need to finish what you start.

Rachel is also a promising young voice but I am deeply disapointed that she is talking about leaving her state rep. seat after less than 6 months in office. We all went through a difficult primary last summer in the 64th. As the previous poster suggests, I also gave her my support because I felt she was the best person for the districts future. To find out that she wasn't as committed to the job as she represented is very disapointing. The thought of her walking out on the district after less than 6 months and us having to repeat last years election is tough to swallow. As I said before, sometimes you need to finish what you start.

We need bright people like Rachel but I fear we are about to lose her because she doesn't stand a chance in this senate election. Jeff Smith won St. Louis City and St. Louis County in the congressional election last year. He defeated Carnahan in his own district. If it were not for the Carnahan name carrying Russ in Jeff County he would be in Washington. I have no idea what makes her think this is a smart move for her career. Maybe now that appears clear that Jeff is running Rachel will rethink her decision. I wonder who is advising her to do this?

Being represented by Jeff and Rachel would be a great team but I fear we are about to lose at least one promising new voice in Jefferson City.

If Rachel runs, hopefully, whoever we pick to represent us in her place will be committed to our district for the long haul.

Does anyone know if someone is planning on running against Rachel in our rep. district? THanks.

If Jeff gets into the 4th District race, it won't be because he's putting aside his ambition--it's because of Matt Blunt's attack on the most vulnerable in our society. The calculus has changed from 2004 when Congress was where the worst attacks were--now both are venues are vital.

How can anyone be surprised by Storch's move to file for state senate?

She had clearly moved to the 64th District because it was an open seat in Dougherty's district.

She could have moved into an open seat in the county, where she grew up, but then she'd be waiting for Sen. Bray to be up in 2010.

Anyone who believed her oft-given response to Rick's question above: "I want to serve the 64th district the best I can in Jefferson City for as long as you and your neighbors want me there" - clearly never bothered to look closely at her resume, propaganda or motives.

You also have to consider this may be the supporters who are throwing out the names and not the candidates themselves.

I just hope we have a primary for the state senate this time instead of filling a vacated seat.

For not surprised: Rachel grew up 1 block from her current district.

Are you guys kidding? Rachel is smart and has a bright future. You guys all complain that we have no rising stars in the party and when we actually find one you complain. I hope Jeff does run again but I think he should make a run for State Rep to get some experience and to shake some things up in Jeff City. He could make a great name for himself and be in position for a Statewide run someday soon. Rachel has proven she can win and she has proven that she can navigate the rough waters of Jeff City. I hope you guys can all get behind her and Jeff. We have two rising stars staring us in the face but it seems that we will again, in the strong tradition of the Democratic party in Missouri be shooting ourselves in the foot. Seriously folks, Storch for Senate, Smith for State Rep. That looks like a pretty strong ticket to me.

Rick's post doesn't surprise me at all. Rachel's let her personal ambition stand in the way of representing the voters who just elected her six months ago. I don't know how anyone decides they deserve a promotion from the voters after such a short time. Although she's a smart young woman, this raw personal ambition doesn't speak well of her character. Will she leave the Senate in two more years to seek another office? She should repay the trust voters paid her last election by learning and working hard in the House.

Hello Pot. By the way, you're black.

Sincerely,

Kettle.

"She had clearly moved to the 64th District because it was an open seat in Dougherty's district.

"She could have moved into an open seat in the county ..."

Um, wasn't Jeff Smith just living in New Hampshire. And then he moves back to -- of all places -- a home in the 4th Senate District! Seems like trying to attack Rachel Storch for running for the Senate seat she currently and previously resided in is a bit
hypocritical.

Listen, Jeff is a good guy who clearly generates a lot of passion, but let's not let that passion blind us from the obvious. Dr. Slice is right: Jeff for state Rep., Rachel for state Senate.

Instead of trying to trash Rachel Storch, who has truly stood out in Jefferson City and IS a rising star, why don't we look at the best case scenario and work to get them both to Jefferson City so they can stop Matt Blunt and his looney minions.

This is one of the most ridiculous political conversations I have ever heard. Jeff Smith made history last summer by getting 23,000 votes in a 10 way primary while winning St. Louis City and St. Louis County, without any establishment support, in a congressional race that included 3 well known state legislators. He even won Russ Carnahan's district.

Rachel got a 2,000 votes in her state rep. district that she is angering by using as a stepping stone after less than 6 months in office. You can size this race up as two, nice, promising young democrats but if you step back and analyze it you will realize it's not even going to be close between these two.

I predict that Jeff will beat Rachel soundly in her own district and across the entire 4th. Once again it's not even going to be close. Jeff has State Reps. to worry about but Rachel is not one of them.

I see nothing that makes me think that Jeff isn't going to severly out organize, out raise and out hussle everyone in the race. 23,000 votes, $500,000, 350 Election Day volunteers and a ton of momentum. That was before anyone took him seriously. This time Jeff will add substantial establishment support to the mix. If Rachel throws away her promising future and the trust of her 2,000 supporters in last summer's primary she will have only herself to blame. This one is easy to call.

I think Rachel Storch is the most exciting young political leader in the State of Missouri. She is smart, compassionate, hard working, and a proven entity.

There is no question that Jeff Smith is smart, and his upstart campaign for Congress last year certainly opened some eyes.

But Rachel has shown that she's got what it takes. She proved her effectiveness as Senator Carnahan's deputy chief of staff, she proved her effectiveness as Senator Jacobs' chief counsel, and she has been the single most effective Democrat in the Missouri House of Representatives this year.

It's natural that the citizens of the 64th State Rep. District, who are not also in the 4th Senatorial District, are sad about the prospect of losing Rachel. But her talents have to be put to use in a larger platform. Doing so will benefit all Missourians.

Rachel for State Senate, Jeff for State Rep.

Seriously folks, I think Jeff has a huge future ahead of him. BUT... Are you guys seriously supporting the idea of sacrificing one up and coming Dem for another? We MUST support both. You whine and wonder why we got our butts kicked. I cannot believe you people. Why do we continue to punch ourselves in the groin? The GOP learned this awhile ago, I just can't believe we still haven't learned it. If you guys cannot understand the importance of supporting all rising Democrats then I hope you will apologize to everyone you see for allowing the republicans to further destroy our country. The more we attack each other the weaker we make the party. Jeff and Rachel are both great leaders but unless we support them equally we risk losing them both.

Let's all take a deep breathe, suck it up, put our egos aside and work to get both Rachel and Jeff elected.

If Rachel does run, she should be prepared for a short political career. I interned for Jeff Smith last summer. I've known him most of my life. I've talked to him a lot about this race and I've never seen him this determined. Rachel may be a hard worker and smart. But there is no way she'll beat Jeff Smith in this race. In fact, there is a chance that by running, she could split enough of the progressive vote to throw the race to Kratky, Boykins, or El-Amin. I just do not envision a scenario where Rachel Storch beats Jeff Smith in the 4th, especially since she is going to have very tough time getting the people who supported Schoemehl and Crowe in her last primary to now support her. Conversely, the people who voted for Carnahan or Barry in the 3rd CD primary have respect and like Jeff. I agree that we should support both candidates and a Smith-Storch two-some would be a powerful voice for St Louis Dems. Why not Jeff Smith for State Senate and Rachel Storch for State Rep? Jeff would very quickly become a strong voice in the Senate and Rachel could help the Dems take back the State House and she could be in a major leadership position in 2007.

As a 64th district resident, I am very disappointed that Jeff Smith's supporters would feel the need to tear Rachel down. I am sure that Jeff and Rachel can work out some kind of deal for the good of the community. Rachel has represented the 64th district extremely well in the House, and it is hard to understand why Jeff's supporters would be so negative. These are two strong voices who both should have a place in Missouri politics. I hope this is not an indication of how Jeff intends to run any future campaign.

I have been watching this conversation play out from the sidelines but after this last "disapointed" quote I can't help but chime in. What negative comments have been made about either of these candidates? That they might be making a mistake because they might lose? That they might be ambitous? Everyone here (as they should) seems to have only the most complimentry things to say about both candidates.

Everyone also seems to be concerned about how to nurture the future of Jeff and Rachel. This is something I have put a lot of thought into and I would like to share my own opinion (which I hope is viewed constructively) on the thought process of these two candidates considering this race.

Jeff ran the race of a lifetime in the 3rd CD last summer and excited us all about his future. Do people realize how many top political people here in St. Louis were trying to get Jeff to run for the Senate against Talent. Do you know how many people have been begging him to finish the job against Russ Carnahan and run in the 3rd CD again. Jeff listened to all of these people. I am sure it all must have been tempting, but last fall (before the general election was even over) he began focusing in on the OPEN Senate seat from the City of St. Louis where he had just won the congressional primary. Many of us are dispapointed but also proud that he has shown the wisdom to not let his head get to big but to rather put his head down and do something positive for the city, state and party. He should be commended for his decision.

Rachel has much to be proud of from her performance last summer as well in winning a state rep. seat. She has done a solid job in Jefferson City over the past 5 or 6 months and which she should also be proud of. She obviously craves a larger stage now and I don't fault her for it. As I said before, this is an open seat (not that this factor should matter much either) and she has every right to seek higher office.

So where does this leave us. I have been thinking a lot lately about Barak Obama and Hillary Clinton, some of the Democrats few rising stars. What do they have in common? Despite the fact that they were urged to immediately run for higher office (The Presidency) both of them have made determined efforts to simply focus on getting along with their colleagues in the Senate, doing solid work for their constituents and getting re-elected at least one time before trying to climb further up the ladder. It seems to me to be a fairly solid formula for not only building but sustaining Democratic star talent for the future.

Is this a poke at Rachel's ambitions and aproval for Jeff's decision to seek the Senate seat? In short, I guess it certainly is. Is it nasty? No. Do I like Rachel? Yes. Do I think the aproach of Obama and H. Clinton represent a decent strategy for us all to consider in doing the long, hard work of rebuilding our MO Democratic party. You bet.

That's all I have to say and I hope nobody will be "disapointed" or see if for anything more than it is.

One thing for sure-we don't need a bitter and expensive primary fight. One more thing-Are Steve Brown and I the only people who use there real names? Some of these comments would mean alot more to me if people used real names.

I agree with those who say Rachel for senate Jeff for Rep-they would both be good candidates and with term limits Jeff would have a sure spot in State poltics for 16 years (after he replaces Rachel in the Senate) while he builds up statewide name recognition and takes his shot statewide-

If there is one thing we have learned from George W. Bush, it is that saying it over and over again does not make it so.

"Rachel for Senate Jeff for Rep".

Last summer Rachel got 2,000 votes in a democratic primary with probably a little more than 1,000 of them coming from the 4th district. Jeff got 23,000 votes with thousands of them coming in the 4th district.

Can somebody please articulate some sort of logic why Rachel should abandon her Rep. seat after 5 months because she would make such a more compelling candidate and public servant than Jeff? Like the Bush administration, I am not sure this logic holds up to scrutiny.

As a progressive I am interested in seeing a fellow progressive win the 4th district senate seat and for both Jeff and Rachel to be in Jefferson City next year. I will leave it up to the rest of you to figure out the most logical way this should happen. Seems pretty obvious to me.

We need to have some one arrange for Rachel and Jeff to discuss this issue. Could there be a sit down with the two of them and maybe Slay or Dooley or some one from the state party? Obviously everyone currently involved in this discussion believes themselves to be smarter than everyone else. I asked for us all to check our egos at the door but this is obviously not possible.

One last thing-"Last summer Rachel got 2,000 votes in a democratic primary with probably a little more than 1,000 of them coming from the 4th district. Jeff got 23,000 votes with thousands of them coming in the 4th district." So if we repeat something it doesn't make it right but if we make up random numbers without citing a source it's ok? Some one may know the actual numbers but unless they speak up we should not use statements like "thousands" as a fact.

People, no need to talk about party unity and stuff here. These seats (64 and 4) are as democartic as they come. We are going to have D's in them no matter what. So we can dispense with the why can't we all just get along stuff.
I hear that Rachel and Jeff will probably talk soon. But having been involved in these conversations before they never work. If they want to do it then they will do it and one will not be able to talk the other out of it. The only way to get one or the other out it to let them start rasing their money and gathering their support and maybe one will see that they are falling behind and drop out. So let's start the process and see what happens.
A final word to Rachel supporters and I say this with lots of respect for her and her capabilities. She is smart and has a bright career ahead of her and as a freshman rep she certainly stood out. But all of that is irrelevant. This is about winning an election and to win elections it takes votes. I was one of the first on board with Jeff last year. For full disclosure let me just say that my entire family maxed out to Jeff. But I saw from the beginining to the end what he accomplished. Let me tell you it was spectacular. He earned every one of the those 21,000 votes. I saw his first poll and his own pollster said he did not even register on the poll. Jeff 's ability to orgainze and get votes will simply overwhelm Rachel, no matter how smart she is. I know virtually all of the "kids" that worked for Jeff and they will come out of the wood work once again to help Jeff. We are talking hundred of college students blanketing the district. Is anybody really aware of the fact that Jeff won the City without a single ward endorsement. You should of heard the Mayor on election night, it was as if the basis of his entire world had just been turned upside down. In addition, in a State Senate race Jeff's grass roots tactics will be even more effective. So let'call the play, line up and see what happens. But no matter what happens I am confident that at the end of this Jeff Smith will be a Missouri State Senate. I am willing to bank money on it, in fact I already have.

Had I known my anecdote would spark so much controversy, I would never have opined in the first place.

That said, we've already started down the slippery slope. In reading all of these posts, it seems that Steve and others have made a valid point. It's unlikely that Rachel will simply be able to muster the votes needed to win an election in my district. In a two person race, Jeff takes it. But, it wont be a 2-person race. Kratky will perform well in the deep south, El-Amin in the north, which leaves Smith and Storch duking it out in the central corridor and near south.

With those territories staked out this early, it's a tough call - one that will likely come down to cash. In the money race, Smith should emerge on top. El-Amin has never raised the kind of money that he has, Storch raised a lot for a state rep race, but nothing in the same league as Smith, and Kratky will be lucky to eclipse $50,000.

One of the other isses that people havent considered is Smith's national name ID. It might not be anything spectacular, but it's there. In 2004, he raised tons of money from out of state. There's no reason to think he won't do that again. While I'm not sure if the other candidates have a national pipeline, fundraising in all 50 states will prove invaluable in a divisive race that will surely force some local donors to sit on the sidelines.

the real question is whether the carnahans are/will meddle in this race and get behind rachel again. if so it could be a proxy russ v. jeff fight.

Me whoever you are-If you want to believe in conspiracy theories you'd have to believe that the reverse was true so theey would not have a primary fight in the Congressional race.

Steve-Is Jeff in the Race? If anyone other than Jeff would know you would.

norm-

considering that rachel had the carnahan support in her 64 race against other highly qualified candidates, i wouldnt doubt their involvement here again. esp. with jeff involved. i dont think its that conspiratorial at all

I'm confused by this "Rachel for Senate Jeff for Rep" call to arms, if that's what it is.

Although I don't know where exactly in SWGarden Jeff is moving, none of that neighborhood is in the 64th MORep district.

SWG is part in district 65 (Kratky), part in district 67 (Mike Daus).

If Kratky runs for Senate and not for reelection as Rep, I guess that would be an open seat. However, I would expect the 23rd ward organization would have a hand-picked successor lined up there.

I've seen a lot of commentary from Jeff Smith's supporters about how he will have all this support and how his support for his congressional race so dwarf's Rachel's (a dubious at best "apples-to-oranges" claim given that Rachel got 45% of the vote in her highly contested primary and Jeff got around 20%; and the fundraising limits in each race were completely different -- congressional cap is much, much higher).

But can anyone explain why he decided to move away from here, then move back, and then think he should be the state Senator?

Anyone can come up with the "how" of a victory for their candidate, but "why" is he running? What is his rationale? Seems to me that his bid for Congress was all about the war and being a vocal critic of Ashcroft and Bush. I am not slamming here, I am just curious.

And I think all of this somewhat ridiculous in its early nature back-and-forth is not just premature, but is a little bit unfair to the quality people who might also be running. There are as many as three other state Reps alone considering the race, and I don't think anyone can't say this is a two-person race. It's almost disrespectful.

Some imperfect and possibly irrelevant data, for whatever it may be worth:

Jeff received 9,056 votes in the city. As of November 2004 (I don't have the August data handy) there were 105,893 registered voters in the 3rd Congressional district in St. Louis City. 46,798 (44%) of them also lived in the 4th State Senate District. Since the 4th includes some very high turnout neighborhoods, I think it’s fair to estimate that about half of Jeff’s City votes, or +/- 4,500 votes came from the 4th Senate District.

Rachel received 3,095 votes in her State Representative primary last August. 2,489 of those came from the City, and the balance from University City. Again, based on the November voter registration data, 91% of the city voters in the 64th District also live in the 4th State Senate District. So it seems fair to estimate that Rachel received +/- 2,300 votes in the 4th Senate District last time.

If I find the exact August data, I'll post an update.

If we had a strong Missouri Democratic Party structure, they could help mediate these kinds of primaries where we have two really good candidates. We failed to do it with the Page-Brown primary, forcing a good candidate like Steve Brown to temperarily be out of the business of being a candidate.

But alas, there is no Party infrastructure to help step in, and instead of having two good candidates we'll most likely consume one of them in a primary.
Our new slogan:
We're Democrats...We're just not that bright.

Mr. or Mrs. Me-

It's one think to post without using your name-but using a phony e-mail address is another-

TO-stlguy. Amen to that brother and "temporarily" is right.

I have no dog in this fight, but I hope there is a fight all the same.

A previous poster wrote: "One thing for sure-we don't need a bitter and expensive primary fight."

Why not? If you can't have a primary fight over an open seat in a safe district, when can you? Knock-down, drag-out primaries are good for the candidates that survive them because they toughen them up, they're good for the parties because only the strongest standard bearers survive, and they're good for democracy. The smoke-filled room leaves a lot to be desired.

I couldn't agree more. With this last post. Let them have at it. I think Jeff probably grinds out a win with Rachel in or out but he's going to need every bit of his energy to make it happen if she is in. Pulling off the win would only add to his repuation.

I don't think Rachel stands a chance with Jeff in the race but if she is willing to put her potical career on the line after 6 months in Jefferson City than more power to her. If she pulls out a win with Jeff in the field than she will live up to the hype. With Jeff out she would have a chance.

The real crime is that with Jeff running the 4th we won't have a primary in the 3rd CD and will be stuck with Russ Carnahan forever. The guy brings his name and all of the money that his family raised for him still only musters 23% in a Democratic primary and wins by about 1%. He then turns around and gets 53% in a race against fringe candidate Federer. I am convinced that if we don't get someone sharp to challenge Russ that one of these years he's going to let Gephardt's seat slip away to a credible GOP candidate. We need our best and brightest Democrats in Washington more than ever!

With Jeff out the race I doubt anyone will challenge Russ. That is a shame.

I think Rachel's only shot of winning the 4th is to turn her back on Russ and back Jeff in a primary. Gives her a much cleaner shot. Who wants to start the movement to Draft Jeff to run against Russ?

Another me, I couldn't agree more. Smoke-filled rooms with party elites allocating the right to run is the worst case scenario. St. Louis has elected a lot of really bad politicians because we let the party insiders pick our candidates instead of electing the most qualified candidates. Anyone who has the desire to hold office should have the opportunity to run. I say the more candidates the better. If more people would run in our elections, we might get better choices than "bad" and "not so bad".

I do have a dog in this fight. It is Jeff Smith. I worked as hard as I could to get him elected to Congress and I will do the same again for him in this State Senate race. There are many more who will do the same. I look forward to a hard fought campaign.

There is no way that this race can be more difficult for Jeff than coming from nowhere to lose to Carnahan by 1,700 votes. He will have an easy time raising money and already has a cadre of volunteers itching to help. I have worked on a lot of campaigns in my life and I have never seen a candidate as dedicated and hard working as Jeff. Russ Carnahan is certainly glad not to have to take him on again. I am confident that Jeff will win this race regardless of who enters.

A couple of thoughts. Yes, the Democrats have absolutely no state-wide party leadership. If we did, we would be feverishly discussing how to pick off vulnerable Republicans around the State instead of hammering on one another about Rachel v. Jeff and Jeff v. Rachel. That is a failing on our party's part and since we seem to be letting it happen, shame on us. As for Jeff and Rachel, a little less mypopia about this race might be helpful. The field of known, potential candidates is larger than just Rachel and Jeff. While Jeff and Rachel are good candidates, if they are both in the race, they compete for the same voters and do each other in. Consider next that Amber Boykins and Yaphet El-Amin carve up the north side. At that point, if Fred Kratky is the only white, pro-life guy in the race and he gets his district to turn out, he wins. Yes, a rudimentary analysis at best, but not one to be overlooked. At that point, you are out both Jeff and Rachel in any kind of elected official capacity and you are represented by a relative conservative. Doesn't sound very appealing to me.