I agree with this analysis completely. I like Maida Coleman alot. But I don't think she can win this battle, in fact I don't think ANYONE can beat McMillian in this race.

Coleman was pushed into running for Auditor by Missouri Dems. But now MO Dems aren't putting their money where their mouths were.

If I were Coleman, I'd feel used and tricked. But she shouldn't take it out on McMillan. If Maida wants to get even with state party leaders for treating her as a token candidate, she should consider running against Claire for US Senate.

Brian -

Last time I check the MO Dems (assuming you mean the Missouri Democratic Party) don't make contributions to candidates in contested primaries. And they can only make a $12,000 contribution per election at that.

If what you mean is Democrats in Missouri are contributing to Maida, that is largely correct.

Why? I don't know. You should ask those individual donors. They are the ones that sign their checks to candidates and parties alike.

This has nothing to do with state party leaders. It's ashame you don't understand how fundraising works and make these baseless charges.

By the way - How much did you contribute to Maida?

I think Dave's missed the boat on this one and been led astray. I don't believe for a moment that Maida Coleman "fumbled" in any conversation with Mike McMillian. Senator Coleman is most appreciated for her honesty and integrity. And anyone who knows her must admit that this is true. In my exchanges with her she's always told the truth, even when the rest of her colleagues have hesitated.

As far as suggesting to McMillian that he should seek higher office, I'm sure she did. She's also very encouraging and when you hear her talk to crowds, she constantly builds people up and tell them to acheive their dream. Why should McMillian feel that just because she didn't pull him down and tell him what most of the crabs in the barrel would (to stay put) that it means he can have her support for ANY office, at any time? And, I reviewed Senator Coleman's list of contributors for the Auditor's race. Didn't see McMillian's name. Where is his support for HIS senator?

Lastly, as far as endorsements, who cares about Lacy Clay. Everybody he endorses loses. Francis Slay, he's not exactly batting a thousand. Can anybody say charter amendments and school board candidates? And, McMillian SHOULD have a list of Aldermen supporting him. He'd look really sad if he didn't. Afterall, he works with these guys. What else are they to do?

Remember, it's the committeepeople who do the work and I've heard the Senator say at more than one political meeting that as a committeewoman she respects the job that they do and do not appreciate aldermen who tell the committeepeople what to do. Are the Aldermen supporting him going to walk the neighborhoods and canvas?

Remember this about Senator Coleman, she doesn't mind challenges, she doesn't lie, she doesn't have to publish lists of supporters out of desperation and she's not insecure. And whether folks will admit it or not, she's the 1st Senator from the 5th District who hasn't had to threaten or intimidate people to get them to support her.

Maida Coleman at a loss for words? "Fumbled for words"? Have you ever heard her speak?

i think it is rather interesting that everyone gets their underwear in a wad when the name coleman is associated with an office - what is the old saying about someone protesting too much - obviously these people realize that she is a person to be taken seriously in anything she sets her mind to - isnt' that what the soldiers are fighting for in Iraq - democracy - the voters will decide, not other political hacks and endorsements.

I am personal friends with Maida and I have met Mike on occasion. These are both two fine individuals in my book. Anyone that has ever had a conversation with Maida knows she is a very positive, encouraging person and that she has no problem saying what is on her mind. She believes that a person can be whatever they want and that no one should be held back by naysayers - Knowing what little I know of Mike, I am sure she has encouraged him to achieve higher office or goals if he made any indication that those were his interests, - but this doesn't mean that she should back away from her own goals should they conflict with someone elses, nor should Mike quit pursuing his goals - each individual, no matter what their goal whether it be an elected office or other career choice, should let another individual, group or party determine their future. They will both just have to weigh the pros and cons of this particular office, their and make a personal judgement as to whether or not seeking this office will be in their best interest. Political races are not fun - it isn't just the person whose name is on the ballot that takes the hits of rumor, inuendoes and insults, but their families - I know Maida has experienced this but to my knowledge Mike has never really had a political race - I hope his closets are clean.

I'm looking forward to the Mayor's endorsement of Mr. McMillian. I suspect it will say: "I support him."

The reason why we play the game is because the favorites dont always win. Endorsement don't vote. People do it is not the 1940's it is 2006. You are wasting time and space with wednesday morning political talk. Look deeper and start to really think. Hey ever think about talking to someone beside political hacks?

Jo Mannies' column in the hard-copy Post today infers that Coleman, not McMillan, would be the favorite in the LC race.

I prefer that Maida continue in the Auditor's race.

As pointed out by someone else in another thread, posters are confusing two names in the news:
McMillan - the 19th Ward alderman and subject of this post.
McMillian - legendary Missouri judge who passed away this week.

I second the comments of the Oracle; Senator Coleman should stay in the race for Auditor.... but the cold hard reality is it seems the Democrat party is trying to pave an exit ramp for Senator Coleman to leave the Auditors race. Why are they working so hard at this? If she's certain to lose, let her run...what harm does that cause? If she wins then she was the stronger candidate all along.

It seems utterly hypocritical for state Democrats to be perpetuating the notion that Senator Coleman is an unworthy, unwise, and unacceptable alternative to a self financing millionaire candidate from Kansas City. Does this truly reflect the best the Party has to offer?

There is no sense in two African-Americans running against each other for License Collector, when other offices are simultaneously up for election. If Coleman is going to let MO Dems now strong-arm her into not running for state-wide office, she can certainly consider other city-wide offices, including those held by white incumbents seeking re-election.

However, even dropping out of state politics appeases those misguided MO Dems who were treating Coleman as a token, non-serious candidate in the first place. Again, I say prove'em wrong. Stay in the race against Montee, or if you really want to get even, challenge McCaskill.

MO Dems need to stop taking advantage of its most loyal constituency. Black empowerment will not be furthered by challenging each other for leadership roles within the City. Rather, take it to the very people neglecting the community.

In other words, this is Claire's chance to put up or shut up. If McCaskill doesn't show support for Coleman over Montee, Claire doens't deserve the votes she needs to win.

Just came to the site to see what was said about Maida Coleman. How can people like her have a voice in the public?

I am surprised that the people of St. Louis vote for such a person. I am glad I do not live in St. Louis.