Susan will be a great candidate - and terrific State Auditor. She is very well respected in northwestern MO and has an impecable reputation as a JD.

I was very impressed with the 04 St. Joe MO Coordinated Campaign that operated from donated space downtown St. Joe, courtesy of Susan and her husband. Susan went above and beyond for the Missouri Women for Kerry progam.

Is this posting a paid political advertisement or a joke?

The only way you could say Montee is in the front of the pack is if you start counting from the back.

Sure she can try to buy her way in but she might want to take a lesson from her good friend Claire. It doesn’t matter how much money your husband gives you. To win State wide you have to be someone the people can trust and relate to. The wife of a sleazy TV lawyer???? How much money have Republicans spent tarnishing ambulance chasers? Billions! Do you really believe one can get elected statewide? We might as well nominate Louden or Jackson. If Montee gets the Democratic nod we’re giving away the seat.

Not to mention, Montee has some real personality issues that no amount of money can correct. Before you endorse her you should probably meet her!

Dave,

Thanks for keeping everyone posted on the Auditor race. Excellent scoop.

I would like to correct one item, however. In point #3, you say that Susan Montee "has the backing, if not officially, of Claire McCaskill."

I want your readers to know that Claire has known Susan Montee, Maida Coleman, and Jason Klumb for a long time and likes and respects all of them very much. She is not backing -- either officially or unofficially -- any of them. She believes they are all outstanding leaders and is hopeful that they will be able to discuss the matter amongst themselves in order to find a resolution.

What a suprise!

Stacey Newman posting right behind a "paid political advertisement" for Montee.

I smell the stink of the McCaskill campaign in the blogsphere.

Um guys can we not bash each other? I like em all.

Let's go back to F'n with Blunt. I hate him.

I lived in Buchanan County for 5 years and attended a number of events with Susan. She is very committed and has worked very hard for the Democratic party. However, in 2004 Claire narrowly lost the county and Bush won big (by over 2000 votes--52 vs. 47%). Buchanan County has traditionally been a very strong Democratic County. Yes Susan is from "out-state" Missouri, but I'm not sure she has any great insights on how to win "out-state."

Her husband, Jim, is very capable, but did lose the race for mayor of St. Joseph a number of years ago.

There is precedent for a rich Democrat from St. Joseph trying to buy a statewide election. In 1968, St Joe businessman True Davis tried to buy the US Senate seat held by fellow Democrat Ed Long. Davis filled tv airwaves with commercials building his name recognition (his slogan parodied a cigarette commercial of that time - "Shouldn't your senator be True?") and attacked Long (tame attacks by today's standards but headturning then). Long went down to defeat in that primary, but not to Davis, but to Attorney General Tom Eagelton.

At least in this contest there is no incumbent to attack.

How about the fact that she is the ONLY candidate (announced or not, Dem or not) who actually is a CPA and has experience as Auditor? This seems to be lost in the above conversation. Not to mention she is an Attorney as well. All other things aside, the experience and qualifications are there with Montee. I there are so many candidates with this kind of background, where are they? And why as Dems must we kill those who have the experience to do the job?

Further, why does the ability to self-start a campaign all of the sudden become a bad thing? The Dems across the country would have far less people in elected office if it were not for that aspect.

As for Buchanan County going for Bush, you need to look no further than the fact John Kerry was our nominee and he was horrible in the out-state counties in every state. Lets face it, a New England Senator is not exactly the type of person out-state MO identifies with.

And while I do not know her, I think this seat is far too important to lose, and she does represent the experience and background we need.

Ha! Listen to you people. No wonder Democrats in Missouri keep getting killed in elections. I am a Republican and I would not even vote for people on my side if there was someone who actually did what the office they were running for required them to do.

You Democrats astound me. You will actually try to eat your own just because they have money. If what is above on this post is true and you are all bad mouthing someone because she is qualified and actually does Auditor work for a county government in the state but happens to have money...you all deserve to get beat. I was actually worried about this race because we have such mediocre candidates on our side, but what I hear from you intellectual elitist snobs makes me laugh. Yes we have lots of folks with money in the Republican party, so it is not a big deal. In fact, most of it comes from the same place, our families. When a Democrat has money, they usually make it themselves (ie John Edwards, Mark Warner and Dave Corzine) and it is supposed to be a point of pride for the “working class” you elitists keep saying you identify with. The fact is you usually tear down your best candidate because they don’t conform to your standards, because of money, background, not being from a city etc. How you could pass-up on a candidate who is qualified and experienced in the job is utterly stupefying.

I will be watching this race and these blogs now as I think I have just found a new topic for my Masters Thesis. And I know I have invaded your Democrat space, but my boyfriend is one of you and he turned me on to this, so I apologize for any further posts I may have.

Reading Between the Lines

The problem isn’t that a candidate has entered the ring. It’s the sneaky tactic being used. This story was planted by McCaskill operatives and that at least two of the posts are from McCaskill operatives (Newman and Wyche). The last thing true Dems want or need its astroturf in the blogosphere.

The irony is that Claire and Rodger have been begging Klumb and Coleman not to announce. They have even asked all the Statewide Dems not to endorse a candidate until Claire can pick a “consensus” candidate.

Now let’s stop and reflect on the hypocrisy of Claire McCaskill telling another statewide elected official, “A primary would be bad for the Democratic Party.”
WOW!!!!!!!!!

Let’s look at what the McMontee campaign is spinning at us line by line.
When Dave posted,
“When she does she will be the front runner and take any wind out of Senator Coleman's and Jason Klumb's sails.”
That sounded more like an endorsement than news. Remember if someone has to tell you they are a front runner, they aren’t!

Dave/ McMontee, “1. She will put $500,000 of her own money into the race right away, giving her the immediate money lead.”
I’ve never heard of counting a contribution before it’s in the bank.
Remember, Klumb has proven he can raise money and Coleman is the Senate Democratic Leader. If her $500k is all she can raise she’s done. Didn’t Joe Shepherd lose 1.6mil in Claire’s last race?

Dave/ McMontee, “Her law firm, Montee Law, has a network of connections state-wide that should be valuable as well.”
What a joke! They are so scared that she doesn’t have any statewide experience they are saying her law firm has connections. Mata members all get a free directory full of “connections” across the state. Klumb has campaigned across the state and works for the AG and Coleman is constantly traveling across the State as a Democratic leader.

Dave/ McMontee, “2. She will be the only candidate with auditor experience. Additionally, she can tout her other experience, as a lawyer and CPA.”
Claire has already proven you don’t have to be a CPA. The auditor doesn’t actually audit anything, her staff does. To be the States Auditor you have to be able to manage people and I agree with the other posts from what I personally know about Montee she can’t.

Dave/ McMontee, “3. She has the backing, if not officially, of Claire McCaskill. Therefore the Democratic Party wishing to avoid a contested primary might very well rally early and strongly behind her candidacy, making it very hard for a Klumb or Coleman to get traction.”
This veiled threat from Claire reeks. This is an open seat of course we should have a contested primary. That’s what politics is all about. We the people decide not Claire and Rodger in a dark smoke filled room, while all of us poor little plebes wait huddled outside for white smoke to arise from the chimney. As far as Klumb not having traction, if it wasn’t for “our” party leaders begging him not to announce yet, Montee would be the second candidate to enter the ring. And from what I hear about Coleman, She doesn’t back down.

So I say bring it on! Let’s have a primary. Let the people decide who the best candidate really is. And if this type of BS story invading our blogs is what we can expect from "Claire for Senate" and "Montee for Auditor" they’re both in a lot of trouble.

I'd rather have 500 contributions of $1,000 than one $500,000 contribution from myself. At least I'd have 500 people who believe in me.

Ok, everybody needs to take a breath. First, we all need to grow up and realize that yes, there may be some tacit or unofficial support for a candidate who can self fund in a race that may end up costing $2 million bucks. Clearly all three candidates (Klumb, Coleman and Montee) have some drawbacks, but in this case, I disagree that a primary is a good thing. First, the R's may have at least a 4 way race and possible 5(Jackson, Loudon, Jetton, Kanzler and maybe more). These guys are from different wings of the Republican Party and will spend a lot of time and money beating up on one another.

A single Democratic candidate can spend time raising money, not spending it and prepare for a general election.

There is absolutely no good in getting angry about tactics, this is politics..hardball politics, and money gives you an advantage.

So let's take a step back, see what happens and keep our eyes on moving the ball down the field, and not throwing bombs at ourselves this early in the race.

I do know Susan Montee, and she is not only well-qualified, but she will also be a formidable opponent for many reasons:
Susan is very bright, very accomplished, very competitive, seemingly tireless, and VERY hard-working.
Susan is also kind, thoughtful of others, and has a strong ethical code.
Susan is not trying to buy this race. It is an unfortunate fact that political races cost money - a lot of money. Susan is putting her money where her mouth is. And let me remind you that she and her husband have earned every dime they have by working 24/7.
Susan wants to serve fellow Missourians in the way she knows best. Susan may WANT to be State Auditor, but she does not NEED this job. However,the State of Missouri DOES NEED HER.
Susan's detractors can say whatever they want, for right or for wrong, but the one thing I can guarantee you is that Susan will never let her fellow Missourians down.

Eagleton was Lt. Gov., previously A.G., when he ran for U.S. Senate in '68.

True Davis was a multimillionaire businessman playboy who spent more time in D.C. than St. Joe. Having raised big bucks for the Democratic Party, as is the custom with both parties rewarding fundraisers, he landed a Treasury Assistant Secretary slot under JFK and was Ambassador to Switzerland under Johnson. His chairmanship of the Nicaraguan Refugee Fund (funding for the Contras) is a far more colorful note in political history than his '68 political bid in Missouri. He fancied a yellow and black Rolls, the ponies, and his last holiday calendar carried the motto: New brooms sweep clean, but old rakes have more fun.

I don't know Susan Montee but I do know that her county for many years sent to the State House one of the most progressive and ethical legislators ever elected in Missouri, Mark Youngdahl.

Whoa, now people. Maybe just maybe, The Democratic party is getting smart about picking its candidates. I am personally sick and tired of watching the Republicans groom good candidates for for higher office and keep winning.

They also don't cannibalize each other in public, in private is a whole other story...

I think it is perfectly ok for Stacey Newman, who is heavily involved with Women Democrats, to back another woman democrat who she has probably worked with in the past. This isn't some huge conspiracy here folks.

She is qualified, she has the means, she has the right to run for office.

To all those who are ticked off for some reason that she has some politcal support, lets think about things for a moment, Maida Coleman: I love her but lets get real about racism in MO, she will never win. Jason Klumb, I personally thought he ran the best campaign for treasurer, but Mark Powell and his bill boards beat him in the primary, his name id with Montee is a wash, I guarentee it. He was drowned out by Bob V. Claire. and nobody remembers. Cass county state rep is not enough.

So lets give here a chance before we eat our young.

I’m so tired of hearing about Montee’s millions.

Are we selling the Democratic nomination?
Maybe Rodger and Corey should just post it on E-bay? Then Montee could buy it fair and square. That would solve the Democratic Party’s fund raising problems and make it easier for elitist candidates with rich husbands to buy their way on to the ticket. Isn’t that what’s best for us dumb people anyway? Why should we get to vote for who represents us? So let’s just stop blogging and line up behind the McMontee ticket.

Is the “South Sider” actually saying a highly qualified African American woman has no business running for office in Missouri?

Shame on you!
At least someone has recognized the elephant in the room.
Are we calling ourselves Democrats? Is it right for us to ignore one of our party’s strongest leaders because she is African American? Maybe instead of Democrats we should call ourselves “Republican-lite”.

Barb,
I am not saying she has no business running for office in Missouri, she has the right to run as much as Mrs. Montee, my point was that many rural Democrats in MO will not vote for an African American, which is a sad truth about racism in Missouri. I hate to point this out but it is true. I have to say that Maida Coleman is a spectacular Senator and represents her constituents (I am one of them) well in Jeff City.

Every politician knows how to do one thing before they run for office: Count Votes. Count the votes, she does not have them. Numbers don't lie.
She also has a liberal voting record (which I don't mind), but the Repubs will crucify her with it, and probably use a little of their own thinly veiled racist tendencies themselves.

But a very large mistake many people from St. Louis, and many who post on this site, is that they have no concept of the Rural Democrat's perspective, and exclude it rather than include, so they don't vote for democrats and we lose and lose and lose. A few comprimises might go a long way to advance the democratic cause.

My indictment of racism in MO is in now way indicative of Maida Coleman as a person or Senator. She is in fact one of our party's strongest leaders.

And for your attacks on myself, I am about as Liberal a person as you can find but might understand statewide politics a little more than the average joe or jane in your case.

So what if Ms. McCaskill is behind this-I voted for Holden and didn't think she should have challenged him but she has now bit the bullet and is running-Her opinion on who should replace her means something to me-

And while we are at it have all heard the recent rumors about Mini Blunt and the Stork? They may be receiving seperate mail-how is this relevant if true? Well the Republicans tout Family Values blah blah blah and who are their leaders-Maxi-Blunt Divorced, Senator Bond-with a sealed divorce file and now it looks like Mini is following in their footsteps-I'm glad the leaders of our party like Jay Nixon and Senator Bray Auditor McCaskil are strong family people with strong family values.

yawn!

So Mr. “Southsider” it’s safe to assume that you were not on board with Charlie Dooley when he swept St. Louis County. If only he had listened to you, imagine how far he could have gone. Oh, Ya, he didn’t listen to the so called Democrats that told him a Black man can never win St. Louis County and he’s now one of our most popular County Executives.

It’s good to know that you agree Maida Coleman is one of our party’s best. I am surprised however, to find out someone who knows so much about politics wouldn’t know how popular she is in rural Missouri. That she is from the boot heal. That she is met with a great response through out the State and highly respected by not only Democrats but moderate Republicans as well. I saw the crowd in Hannibal give her a standing ovation. Did you? I’d love to see the polling data (you obviously have top secret clearance) that shows now is not the right time for an African American in Missouri. I’m sure Senator Coleman knows exactly what she is doing. You want to talk about Republicans not voting for “Blacks”, how do they feel about trial attorneys? That’s what the Montee’s are. If I’m not mistaken Sherman Parker is a “Black” Republican in a “white” district, isn’t he? Isn’t Parker running for Congress as a Republican in a “White” area? I’m sure your top secret “southsider” knowledge gives you access to something he hasn’t figured out also.
If we allow our prejudices to overshadow our sense of right and wrong we have learned nothing in the last 200 years. As a woman, I am so glad that my right to vote, right to choice and right to equal pay were not left to “Good Democrats” like you.

If our ancestors had listened to you, there wouldn’t be a Sue Montee or for that matter a Claire McCaskill or even a Jean Carnahan.

Barb,

I helped Charlie's campaign in 2004 and St. Louis County is much different than outstate MO.

Applause at Hannibal Days among hundreds of Dem loyalists are not the same as the average yellow dog dem voter. Hannibal is also a more democratic area than the rest of outstate MO.

I have not seen a poll but I have lived in rural mo, have worked on campaigns in rural mo, and any Stl democrat, black or white, woman or man is going to lose votes in Outstate on the mere basis that they are from St. Louis, there will be even more of those votes lost, sadly because of her color. A statwide campaign relies heavily on TV. Charlie had TV spots but because he was contained in a smaller area he could put himself infront of more people to change their minds. That will not be an option for any Statewide candidate.

I think Maida should run if she wants to, but I hate to say I'm right but, pro-choice, Stl black legislator, with a liberal voting record is a big target for the Republicans, Susan Montee is an attorney... hmm, only one strike there. I am not saying that an African American should not run for office, but this circular firing squad shit that goes on is ridiculous, Count the Votes, I will bet you a C-note all that percieved support in the bootheel is B.S. They elect Republicans and if they were ever going to vote for democrats they would be of the Frank Barnitz variety: Pro-life, pro-guns, anti-homosexual and wonderbread white!!!

Wake up to reality Lady, we have an 11-22 disadvantage in the senate, a 98-63 minority in the house, and draw on statewide offices. Your little principled stands on this type of thing has killed the Democratic Party. Is your pet cause gonna put 90,000 people back on Medicare??? Wake Up.

“Southsider”,

Maybe some principals are exactly what the Democratic Party needs.

Planted stories?

Attack dogs like you pushing an agenda of mediocrity.

I pray we can do better.

Good luck with that because you're gonna need it.

These posts that refer to a rich husband or her husband funding her campaign are laughable. These folks clearly know zip about the potential candidate, as Susan has been instrumental in the family business from day one.

The mistake in the first post was to put qualifications as #2. In all of the posts attacking Susan Montee, I have yet to see a post indicating why either of the other two potential candidates are qualified to be state auditor.

How is it relevant that Susan Montee's husband lost the mayors race? Isn't it more important that Susan Montee successfully won election to the St. Joe City Council on more than one occasion DESPITE newspaper attacks trying to stop it? Isn't it more important that she won election to the seat of county auditor and re-election?

Career as an accountant, CPA, former city councilwoman, current county auditor - sounds like those would be qualifications that even Republicans would support. I may move from Kansas just to vote for her!

You know what I love about message boards? The ability to state a premise and snowball it ridiculously out of control with no one nearby to call you on it. “Barb,” the “Southsider” was merely voicing his opinion that he did not think rural Missouri is not ready for a nonwhite candidate. Instead of engaging him in debate on this point, you not only call him a racist, but also have him single-handedly taking down the 19th amendment. Did you need to use a crowbar to put those words in his mouth?
To actually discuss the issue at hand, I disagree with the Southsider’s conclusion. I think that racism may be a reason some voters do not vote for Senator Coleman in the General, but the other reasons that those few voters cast their ballots that way are because they are dumb and/or republicans.
I cannot see many people, who have actually paid enough attention to this primary to base their vote on more than the way their name looks on the ballot, deciding on a candidate because of race. The race will come down to expertise, experience, and charm. All of the three candidates mentioned should be able to raise the money. Montee should win if she can convince people that she has the background necessary for the office. Coleman will do well if voters buy into experience being key, whether in state government or leadership roles. Klum has a shot if enough voters can see him speak, he is an incredibly charismatic guy.
Just my opinion.

Skip,

How many pseudonyms are you going to post under?

Thank you Caped Jackass, I am glad you have at least seen my point amongst all the smearing Ms. Myers was trying to do to confuse and change the topic. Guess it didn't work Barb. Try harder next time.

Wait just a second here people. Lets take all the typical bickering out of this and look at our possible candidates. Let us not look at money, race or gender and just break them down according to what the job entails.

Through my research since reading these posts, I have been able to find the following. The auditors office is seen as an independent accounting firm. There are a bunch of accountants and a few lawyers working in that office.

So my question is this: Does it not make sense to have someone who is a CPA working in there? Does it make sense for an attorney to be working there (a real one, not someone taking internet courses at a biblical law school in CA)? Does it make sense for the person to actually have done an audit before? The answer to all of these is yes.

Now, besides Auditor Susan Montee and Former State Rep. Jason Klumb (an attorney who from the article today looks to be out of the race) which of all these candidates we are discussing (on both sides) have these qualities? As for Senator Coleman, she is a wonderful Senator and has done a great job in this state. I wish she would look at running for Lt. Governor against Kinder in 2008, as I think she could make a huge impact in that position. She is from the boot and has made a positive impact for her district. However, for Auditor I just don’t see the experience and background necessary. Unless I am missing something, all I have been able to find is her website which simply states she has a Journalism degree from Lincoln University. http://www.senate.mo.gov/05info/members/bios/bio05.htm

If you are upset because someone has money they are willing to put in so they will not lag behind in fund-raising and then be beholden to special interests, I think that is a bit silly. We have been getting our butts kicked lately. Why don’t we look at the candidates as a whole rather than who they know, what kind of money they have, what race they are or what gender they are. Let this be the campaign year we turn this losing streak.

To give equal time to all candidates, Susan Montee has a website as well.

www.susanmontee.com

First off I think that Maida Coleman has Name recognition that the other 2 lack. She can carry the big metro areas (as any good candidate should) And she is from the bootheel, and I think she would easily carry that area as well.

Second if we are going to actually start winning we need to put our money where our mouth is. What Dems need to do is appeal to the base - NOT try to take the republican's base. African American voters who have been directly and significantly hurt by Blunt's heartless cuts will be looking for a reason to go to the polls. We need to give them more than a phone call on election day to keep them going to the polls. I believe its time to run an African American statewide.

I was asked by an African American man the other day why should I vote for Democrats? He wasnt asking because he was thinking about voting for the republicans, but in the why bother voting, "what have you done for me lately" sense.

Third Being a CPA is NOT a prerequisite for this position - Experienced Leadership is.

Lawson seems to answer his? own question stating that Coleman "has done a great job in this state. She is from the boot and has made a positive impact for her district" Thats the type of proven experience I'm talking about.

4th "She's Rich" is a reason to go on a first date not a reason to marry. So I might look at Montee to see what she has to offer, but I'm not going to cast off all others because she is going to dump her own money into the race; and has people pushing her in the blog. This is whats known as - the bums rush.

Smaller donors wont feel compelled to give Montee money because she seems to have plenty.

Vernon I agree that we should run an African American State-Wide. We should have long before now. What I am saying is that race, gender and money should not play a role in who we look at. I want the best candidate for any and all seats.

Too often we fight over things that we all agree on but express in other ways. Small donors give to candidates for the same reason big donors give to candidates, they want to back a winner and someone they want to see win (for personal or party reasons). John Kerry even had a ton of $10 and $15 donors simply because they hated Bush. Who in our base and in our party does not think Sen. Loudon is way of base?

As for the issue of our base turning out, in 2004 we had the highest turnout in Missouri of our base. EVER. And I ask, with those record numbers what did we end up with? The answer is, a huge minority in the state senate and state legislature, a Republican Gov and Republican President. The truth is we need our base and we need outstate too. We need to stop this trend and it starts with running the best candidate for the post.

Senator Coleman is a great asset to our party and I would like to see her run statewide, just not for this spot when we have someone who has the qualifications and experience the job demands. Would anyone back a Biology Major for Attorney General? You can run for the spot, even as a non attorney. While having a law degree is not a necessity for the post, it sure seems it would help. In the Auditors office with all those CPA's, it seems a CPA would be an asset.

Senator Coleman will be a great candidate for statewide office and I would very much like to see her run against Kinder in the 2008 race. I am from the St. Louis side and have been a fan of her for a while. I think she has the experienced leadership to be victorious in the Lt. Gov. race and personally have been hoping she would look to that seat since Bekki Cook lost. We must have great candidates in all the races, not sacrifice each other simply to run in the next open seat.

We can debate about who, what, when, where, why and how all day. The problem is, it gets us nowhere. We need to start looking at placing the best candidates in each seat. We cannot keep doing this to ourselves each time out. And I would gladly be the first in line to donate to Coleman for Lt. Governor; I think she is our best hope to unseat Kinder.

Well no matter how much $ Montee can put in, and how hard insider hacks push her, she clearly has an advanced case of foot-in-mouthitis. I mean the GOP already whaled on her apparently self inflicted quote. Fragging Claire now doesnt look good for Dem unity, unless this is one of those Sister Souljah moments? http://www.mogop.org/mt/archives/000037.html

September 28, 2005
Pardon Me, Claire!
Susan Montee, a McCaskill supporter, takes some shots at Missouri's absentee auditor prior to announcing her intention to replace McCaskill.

In yesterday's Associated Press, Democrat State Auditor candidate Susan Montee had this to say regarding her qualifications to be state auditor:

"It's time to have somebody in there who brings some qualifications and experience, who understands the issues they're facing in the budget."

"This candid statement from a McCaskill supporter and top financial donor is nothing short of an indictment on McCaskill's lack of achievement as State Auditor," says MRP spokesman John Hancock. "Voters were aware of McCaskill's shortcomings last Fall, and now, even top McCaskill supporters are saying it."

In the Associated Press interview, Montee also said she viewed the State Auditor's office as more of a "technical office" rather than a "political office", and she said that her background as a CPA would give her a "unique perspective". Such statements appear to clash with McCaskill, who has incessantly used the office for political gain while asserting that there is no need to be a CPA in order to serve as auditor.

"Montee made it very clear that she would do things much differently than the ambitious McCaskill," said Hancock. "Her honest assessment of McCaskill's shortcomings as State Auditor is shared by the Missouri Republican Party."

According to the Center for Ethics and the Free Market, a think-tank that tracks campaign donations, the Montee Law Firm, its associates and family members contributed just under $33,000 to McCaskill's state campaign committee since 2001. In addition, the Montee Law Firm contributed $50,000 to McCaskill's media slush fund during last year's gubernatorial primary.

Posted at September 28, 2005 04:01 PM

hmmmmm....

I love the fact that someone would take a press release from the Republican Hate Machine and pass it off as fact. I have viewed the AP article at and the quote is taken out of an answer specifically addressing the other announced candidates.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/12754097.htm

As you see in the article, Montee even applauds Claire for the job she has done, "Montee...said McCaskill has done a good job of expanding the auditor's office by focusing on performance audits, not merely financial audits."

As a CPA and Attorney Montee is extremely qualified to do both performance and financial audits. And lets not forget, as a sitting Auditor, she has actually done them before.

I would hope that in this forum people are smarter than to think that SPIN from a press release is fact. Further, no media outlet even ran a even piece of it.

Ms. Montee is certainly capable and likeable, however keep in mind that having the "backing" of Ms. McCaskill is like having the endorsement of Brutus. Why is everyone so afraid of this non-team player? It's time we admit that McCaskill is not really important, and is in fact a liability (at the very best, she's the lesser of two evils--is that what we have sunk to?).

Hear, Hear, JM.

I also must agree with Barb Myers. Senator Maida Coleman is one of the strongest leaders we have in the State of Missouri.

As of today, DEMS had better get a grip and hit the pavement running. This is where the rubber meets the road...

Claire is in the Air. Susan Who???

No one is too thrilled about Claire; and most Missourians have no idea who Susan Montee is at this point. Therefore, unlesss McCaskill does something fast as in yesterday fast she will not muster; let alone garner the support that will be needed to oil the rusty Democratic machine required to lead the Democrats to victory in '06.

After all...Niaknows that Claire looks a little weak at this point and no one knows Susan Montee.

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