Need I say it again? Derio Gambaro is a Republican in Democrat's clothing. The Republicans are pushing hard to have Mr. Gambaro win the Democratic primary, which there just aren't the votes for him to win. With this underhanded activity coming to light, every Democrat should vote for any of the other candidates to send a message to Derio Gambaro and his Republican backers--"Run in your own primary!"

When does one become a republican? When he is pro-life? Or when he cares enough about todays SLPS students to offer them a way out of this circus? Or when he raises money for the party as a two term Democratic State Rep.? Or when he supports a minimum wage increase? Or when Travis calls him one?

I think arranging a $20,000 unethical campaign contribution from an individual who has given $250,000 to the RNC in the last 4 years would be a good indication of when someone has shown their true colors. Being against the minimum wage increase, against stem cell research, for Bush's social security privatization plan etc. would also be an indication. We need a big tent in the party but at some point this gets ridiculous.

Let's see:

Gets support from both the Chamber of Commerce, the Restaurant Association and essentially the Show-Me Institute all of which oppose the minimum wage and Derio hasn't stated publicly whether he supports the issue or not. Instead his rather painful labor interviews and appearances have some platitude about how he is with them 100% even though he also was employed by the For Our Grandchildren folks who are trying to roll back the New Deal by privatizing Social Security and it's parent organization, the American Institute for Full Employment wants to privatize unemployment benefits.

He not only has a horrible record on gay and lesbian issues, but his surrogates go around trying to whisper about Jeff's sexual orientation--hot girlfriend--no problem---he's paying her.

Really, does the guy have no shame? He's in bed with the TABOR folks, he hides from the Democratic label--with the word not appearing on his web site and his literature doesn't say Democrat for State Senate, it says Vote in the Democratic Primary.

So let's run this down:

---Big money from those opposing the minimum wage and supporting TABOR, yet no discussion of either from him.

---He avoids calling himself a Democrat in his literature

---He worked for an anti-labor think tank advocating Social Security privatization and the think tank supports privatizing unemployment insurance and is the bain of the Washington state labor unions

---His apparent excuse for doing so was they were his employer...

---His apparent excuse for anti-gay votes was that the leadership asked him to---that's some backbone for you.

The question isn't when someone else gets to call him a Democrat. The first question is can he call himself a good Democrat. The second question is what key planks of the Democratic Party does he support?

New Deal. No.
Civil Liberties. Not so much. Maybe, if he's told to.
A Decent wage for a decent day's work? Cat's got his tongue.

Gagging Doctors from dispensing advice including all legal and safe medical options for women: Wholeheartedly supports.

ERA: No.

Seriously, other than restoring Medicaid cuts, where does he differ from the Missouri Republican Party? Oh, but he might have raised some money for the Party.

Perhaps we can also have another round of how Jeff will say anything to get elected while Derio's entire big 'push' to clean up the system is undermined by him doing exactly what he complained about. Rolling eyes.

". . . all but the 15th are represented by Republicans."

Actually, all, including the 15th (Sally Fath (R)), are represented by Republicans.

Gambaro sent a glossy flier to south city voters this past weekend, working to establish his democratic credibility.

The flier talks about "Blunting Blunt", and that Gambaro is the only candidate who will stand up to Matt Blunt.

Then he talks about protecting seniors and neighborhoods.

What does Gambaro mean when he talks about proteecting neighborhoods?

He mentions the concept frequently, but there are no specifics.

What are Gambaro's plan for neighborhoods, especially the northern ones in the district?