State Senate Analysis - part I
There are really only four big races in the Missouri Senate, which makes it a lot easier to follow and handicap than the House. Here are two of them. I'll post the other two tomorrow:
The 18th
State Rep. Wes Shoemyer is a rural Missouri Democrat, straight out of central casting. Call him, “Missouri's Tom Selleck.” He’s got the glam; he’s got the stache… Shoemyer’s got the NRA's highest rating and was endorsed by Missouri Right to Life three times previously (but not this time, see comment below). He’s that kind of Democrat. His opponent, Bob Behnen, is not the standard issue rural MO Republican. He’s actually an STL-born genealogist. Shoemyer is trying to use this, highlighting his own rural MO roots. He actually brings the sweet corn he grows with him when he visits senior centers! Polls show Shoemyer leading by single-digits.
The 16th
Incumbent Democrat Barnitz is another working farmer here. Susie Snyder, the Republican opponent, has muffed several questions in debates, which has received widespread attention thanks to the miracle of YouTube. Barnitz won the seat in a special election, surprising many people given the district's Republican tilt. Like Shoemyer, Barnitz fits the district well with his strong pro-life, pro-gun stances. Expect Barnitz to win narrowly.
Shoemyer is NOT being endorsed by the Missouri Right to Life in this election and he is putting his support behind Amendment 2.
Posted by Floyd Yoeman on Tue., Oct 31, 2006 at 8:05 AMYup. Thanks for the note. It's corrected.
Posted by dave on Tue., Oct 31, 2006 at 8:33 AMOnly Bob Behnen is endorsed by Missouri Right to Life....an important issue in that district. Wes Shoemeyer is claiming he is endorsed by MRL even in his printed literature. Wes needs to decide which side of the fence he is on and be honest about it.
Posted by observer on Thu., Nov 2, 2006 at 1:32 AMWes is on the right side of the issues. He is a centrist in the style of Harry Truman. The right to life people keep moving the bar to access of birth control to maintain their endorsement. Wes believes access to birth control is critical in the pro life stance. He is a winner.
Posted by kathleen haycraft on Thu., Nov 2, 2006 at 8:49 PM
Right a Wrong. Submit any tips or story ideas by using our anonymous email form. Confidentiality is guaranteed.