Looks like these two have actually filed too early. A January quarterly report is not due this quarter. Those with campaign activity will have a 40-day before election report which runs through the period 1/20/2007 and is due on 1/25/2007. Given that it is only 1/15/07 I don't know how they can already be submitting reports.

See http://www.moethics.mo.gov/Ethics/GeneralInfo/GenInfoPDF/2007CFDisclosureReportingDates.pdf for all the details.

Not a very impressive total from Saller. The guy who sued his then-constituents did more than five times better! It would seem to me like Saller's not very serious about running this race.

Maybe Urban Review should click on the link provided in order to determine what period these reports cover.

"It would seem to me like Saller's not very serious about running this race."

-- Sure. That's why he quit his job to get into the already two-deep field.

Frankly, all these anony posts make me think that folks on campaigns are making them.

"Maybe Urban Review should click on the link provided in order to determine what period these reports cover."

Yes, both reports indicate the 4th calendar quarter of 2006 --- a period that the Missouri Ethics commission says can be grouped with the 1st calendar quarter of 2007 unless you had campaign activity related to a March 6 election, in which case you need to report 40 days prior. That, as I indicated, would be the period up to 1/20/2007 (aka 4th Qtr 06 + 20 days of 07) which is due on 1/25/07.

Thomas, relax. I think it is very fair, for someone to question Saller's viability with raising only $1,500.00. Although, the end of campaign limits should help Saller with fundraising. Saller can actually win this race, but he is going to need a stronger financial quarter. Voters are not enthralled with Cachione. This has been reflected each time he has ran for office, and there is doubt about Triplett's readiness and experience. If Saller works the progressive voter base in Tower Grove East and Lafayette Square, I believe Saller could suprise everyone and win this whole thing.

As his wife, I'm sure I will be accused of bias, but since when does the amount of money an aldermanic candidate raises say anything remotely meaningful about that candidate's intentions? Christian is raising as much money as necessary to get his message out, no more, no less. Would you prefer that he accept large donations from corporate interests and be beholden to his major contributors, like some other local politicians I could mention? He's out there every day, pounding the pavement, going door to door in the sleet and rain, meeting with anyone who wants to talk to him about sixth ward issues. Call me naive, but I'd wager that efforts such as his mean more to the voters of the sixth ward than does cynical horse-race jargon such as "strong financial quarters." Moreover, if elected he plans to work full-time as an alderman and will not seek additional employment. How much more serious do you think he should be? In any case, he's having a fundraiser at Riley's from 5:30 to 8:30 on Wednesday, January 17. Check it out if you have any lingering doubts about his seriousness; I'm sure he'd be more than happy to address your concerns. Forgive me if I sound defensive, but I assure you that Christian is nothing if not serious about this race. Perhaps the major difference between him and other, more fiscally impressive candidates is that he aspires to be a public servant, not a politician.

Saller is campaigning on a historical preservationist platform which our City desperately needs. Give the guy a chance! He quit his job and is operating outside the mainstream political channels! He did get an endorsement from Joe Edwards: "Christian was always helpful and professional when he assisted me with redevelopment in the city. He was reliable and conscientious, and I believe his expertise in city government and development will make him most effective as alderman in the 6th Ward."

Remember, most large political donations in aldermanic races are made to guarantee contracts or get an alderman-to-be's support for a development deal. Seems like Saller is independent!

Independent Saller may be, but without campaign funds, his independent voice will not get heard.

First, I believe that Saller isn't the only candidate who is campaigning full-time. Triplett, I read on this blog resigned from Rep. Carnahan's office to campaign.

I also assume, that with his buddy Jim Talent our of the Senate and the Republicans out of the majority, that Cacchione isn't too busy as a lobbyist any more.

But back to Saller. Why isn't Saller raising any money? It's not like he's busy at the office anymore. Still seems to me like he is just playing at running for alderman.

Maybe Saller is only in the race to ensure a Triplett win?

"Maybe Saller is only in the race to ensure a Triplett win?"

By taking progressive votes away from her? Not likely.

I think it is fairer to assume that all three candidates are in the race to win.

I like all three candidates. Dont know Triplett but hear good things about her. Patrick and I have been friends for long time (ran for Congress together in 1994; I worked for Eric Vickers), and like Saller, too. We should wish them all well, and presume their sincerity. Go to enough doors dont need big money. Hope to show that in 18th Ward race. Would be an honor to serve with any of them. Hope I get the chance.

postscript; have to work tomorrow or might go to Saller's fundraiser; if win Powerball any time soon, should comp him enough to get the armchair quarterbacks off his butt. Remind me Christian; should have enough. And the post from Rene Saller right on the mark. Not defensive at all. Smart and classy, and your heart and mind right where it ought to be. You dont have a sister do you?

Christian Saller is having an event tomorrow (Wednesday) from 5:30 - 8:30 at Rileys (Southeast corner of Arsenal and Arkansas, one block east of Grand.)

Saller event also Friday evening at Van Goghs.

Free but fund raisers!

I am sorry but if Saller can't raise money then he is toast. Its nice to think that you don't need money when trying to be a public servant, but lets be honest: The unions and (rumored) Joyce Aboussie are backing Triplett like there is no tomorrow, and well paid Repu-bo-lobbyist Cacchione is expected to have money coming out of the wazoo. This is not your average local race. If Saller can't raise money then expect him to run a very distant third.

Sorry, Bill; I don't have a sister. Thanks for the compliments, though.

As for the state of Christian's finances, he's raised quite a bit more than is indicated on the form under discussion. Look at it closely, and you'll see that it covers a relatively small amount of time. I still find it very disappointing that so many people out there equate a candidate's worth with his (or her) ability to generate big bucks. When you're seeking to represent a city ward (rather than the city or the entire state, for example), you aren't going to be running television or radio spots. Getting one's message out is about meeting people face to face, not inundating them with propaganda. The public servants whom I respect most (and, yes, some of them are successful) put more stock in personal relationships than in ingratiating themselves to wealthy benefactors. It might strike some of you as Pollyanna-ish, but I think a better barometer of a candidate's success is the number of people out there who have good things to say about him or her.

To tell the truth, I'm loath even to respond to the anonymous slams since I'm fairly certain that they're coming from the opponents' camps.

As for who's supporting whom, I think the implications are rather interesting -- and I'll leave it at that. Everything comes with a price.

Hope to meet some of you tonight at Riley's! Anonymous posters, feel free to show your faces. I promise I'll be polite.

Rene Saller

Out of curiosity I stopped by the event last night at Riley's after my class let out. I arrived near the end and it wasn't too crowded but the stack of contribution checks were a clear indication of strong financial support. His totals will still likely trail that of the other two in the race but I'm going to wait until the reports through the 20th are submitted before drawning any conclusions.