Upset But Not Crushed: Shrewsbury's, night of the election

In the brightly lit Carpenter's Union Hall just south of Forest Park on Hampton, Shrewsbury supporters nibbled on wings, meatballs and chicken-salad sandwiches as they awaited the results everyone expected to hear.

The earliest results, with only a quarter of the votes or so, had Shrewsbury up by 10%. Election watchers, an alderman or two and others hovered around a staffer who pulled up the returns as they were updated on the Board of Elections' website. Some were attempting to extrapolate the early returns by guessing which wards were being counted and how long it would take others to come in.

With an expectation of a slow night at the Shrewsbury party, others, including some journalists, were already slipping out to swing by some of the other election night parties. The hot tickets of the night were expected to be Kacie Starr Triplett's gathering and that of Shrewsbury's challenger, Lewis Reed. Both ran energetic campaigns staffed by young operatives and, though not picked by many as the favorites to win (even among the campaigns, some bets were hedged), were figured to be as much fun in defeat as in victory.

Shrewsbury's Aldermanic supporters, friends, and campaign staffers mingled and ate as the returns came in. The mellow but confident vibe in the room began to wane not long after the early returns seemed to confirm nearly everyone's expectations.

The buffet stopped being replenished right about the time things became tense. Reed picked up a 5% lead just after nine and, though it slimmed to 2% at one point, he never lost his lead.

The subdued affair resembled the campaign: straightforward, modest, and friendly. It may be unfair to classify a campaign on its final night, but in a race with rival campaign that drew as much upon its energy as its ideas, it left one lacking. It's that intangible substance that turns a campaign into a mission, and a gathering into a party. It may be dismissed as buzz, flash or even unsubstantial, but its effect is real.

Shrewsbury's style is methodical and tenacious. He crisscrossed the city attending public gatherings, large and small. Debates, forums, openings and campaign fundraisers; Shrewsbury was there for them all. His answers to constituents questions were grounded in that detailed concern that defined him. His rejection of a city vehicle might seem like folksy affectation in some but seemed to strike true in Shrewsbury.

As word of the final results came in the concern-tinged smiles fell. Though it was a major upset for the incumbent Shrewsbury and his nearly half million-dollar war-chest, the crowd took it quietly.

The silence was broken, however, by a wave of applause that ushered Shrewsbury into the room and up to the stage just before ten o'clock.

Though he seemed moved by the standing ovation, Shrewsbury managed a bit of self-deprecating humor.

Don't worry, he told his supporters, "I've done this three times," he said.

Shrewsbury thanked his staff, supporters, friends and family for their support over the 24 years in which he has worked in elected politics.

"I'm disappointed but not crushed," said Shrewsbury, who said it may be time for a break, but that he was not getting out of politics.

He wrapped up his concession with a saying that he must have heard when he signed up to work on former-Congressman Dick Gephardt's campaign at the ripened age of 15.

"There is nothing more honorable than getting involved in politics," said Shrewsbury.

Afterwards Shrewsbury, said one of his most important achievements, looking back as President of the Board of Alderman, was helping get the board back on solid financial ground. He also said he still plans on making an appointment to the proposed transitional board that will oversee the St. Louis Public Schools following the state's decision in February to intervene in the district–the Mayor Francis Slay and Governor Matt Blunt will also appoint a member.

Despite his promise to stay in politics, afterward Shrewsbury said he has had a good 24 years and that perhaps there are other options he should examine.

Former State Senator Pat Dougherty has been a long-time supporter and was saddened to see his friend of almost 30 years lose. The two became friends through a service organization they both volunteered for.

"I am disappointed," said Dougherty. "I thought he was doing the right thing for the city."