April 2006
April 30, 2006
and here it is
Simms report, mailed on the 26th. $4.5k raised. Loaned 3k to himself.
April 28, 2006
Still missing a filing from Shaun Simms
Couple of GOP events
On Saturday, May 6 at 10:00 AM, Senator Jim Talent is having an open house at his Talent for Senate Headquarters, 9467 Dielman Rock Island Drive. For more information, please call 314-872-2900.
Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will be in St. Louis on Wednesday, May 10 at 7 PM at the Old Post Office downtown. He will be speaking on healthcare, and the event is free and open to the public, although reservations are required and can be made at www.webster.edu
Jeff Smith gets 16th
April 27, 2006
MO Family Values
PPRC's Handlin on MO child care subsidies ranks 50th.
Political Eye
says that Civic Progress is asking for an audit of city efficiency.
Pair of KWMU stories
Grand condo construction burns to the ground.
Two new election board members.
CE websites
April 26, 2006
Couple of things
ACC web-page ad space 50% sold for the 10 weeks prior to the August primary. Have an interest in getting the other half? Give me a call, Dave, 314-255-5210.
April 25, 2006
Congrats Ghio
Lawyer-about-town Matt Ghio and KWMU-er Laurie Swartz are engaged to be married. Hooray.
Palm fundraiser
Joe Palm "Give me 5" fundraiser
April 30
6-8 pm
Halo Bar
$5 minimum donation
McKenna looks strong
Ryan McKenna, Democrat running for state senate in Jefferson County, once again far outpaced the incumbent Bill Alter in both fund raising and money on-hand.
McKenna raised over six times Alter and more importantly has more than ten times money on-hand.
For the quarter, McKenna raised $32,125 to Alter's $4,878. McKenna has $76,327 on-hand to Alter's $7,256. In addition, Alter has still has a debt of over $150,000 from his last Senate race.
Hill vs Roll Call
Talent vs McCaskill.
The Hill (via Combest) says it leans for Talent.
Roll Call thinks Blunt may "sink Talent": Missouri Sen. Jim Talent (R) is the fifth most vulnerable Senator up this year. Talent, who in many ways looks like a good fit for the state, has won just about half of the two-party vote in his past two races - the 2000 governor's race and the 2002 Senate contest - making him a classic "half full/half empty" politician going into '06.
Democratic nominee Claire McCaskill didn't distinguish herself in losing a race for governor in 2004. Still, the national mood and the weak poll numbers for Republican Gov. Matt Blunt could be enough to sink Talent.
Bond vs Greener Grass Cutting
Nasheed quarter
Jamilah Nasheed's quarter - Mailed on the 14th. Blame the postal service.
Raised about 9k, spent 3; 16k on-hand.
April 24, 2006
Bode at Van Goghz
Word on the Street - Erin Bode is scheduled to perform at Van Goghz on Thursday, May 11th, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Couple of YR events
The Saint Louis University College Republicans are hosting a debate between Ann Coulter and Donna Brazile tomorrow, Tuesday, April 25 at 7 PM at the SLU Busch Student Center, located on the NE corner of Laclede and Grand.
Young Republican Happy Hour is this Friday, April 28 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM at Schneithorst's, 1600 S. Lindbergh Blvd.
Congrats to Godwin
Laurna Godwin was elected Board Chair of the Girl Scout Council of Greater St. Louis, the largest Girl Scout Council in the US serving 63,000 girls.
Congrats to Seidhoff
William Siedhoff will be receiving the 2006 Distinguished Alumni Award from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University at a dinner May 2.
The Wire's Lineup
Mayor Slay on The Wire!
Monday, April 24, 7:30 - 8:00, 88.1 fm
Listener questions encouraged via e-mail: wire@kdhx.org.
- then -
Jim Shrewsbury
Monday, May 1, same time and channel
Candidate Forum tonight
CANDIDATES FORUM
Monday, April 24, 2006, 7:30 PM
Carpenter Branch Library (Grand & Utah)
All Democratic candidates for statewide, citywide and 15th Ward
legislative offices on the August 8th Primary ballot have been invited.
Offices include Collector of Revenue, License Collector, Recorder of
Deeds, Clerk of the Circuit Court, US Senate, State Auditor, US
Representative - District 3, State Senate - District 4, State Representative -
Districts 59 & 67.
Contact the 15th Ward Democrats at 314.773.2907 for more information.
Discover Dutchtown
Looking for a home to buy?? Dutchtown South Community Corporation, a non-profit community development organization, is sponsoring a real estate open house in south city. The 2nd Annual Discover Dutchtown Showcase of Homes is Sunday, April 30, 2006 from 1-4 pm. Event starts at the Dutchtown Office located at 4204 Virginia Ave. (at Meramec). Homes of many sizes, styles and prices will be listed in the event program. Free event, free parking, free food! Call for more information 352-4865.
April 23, 2006
You say sympathetic ear...
Sarah Smith, manager of the K Street Project, wrote a letter to the Post today criticizing a characterization of the K Street project as an effort to place conservatives in powerful positions with lobbyist groups.
The editorial "DeLay, defiant, departs" (April 5) inaccurately explains the K Street Project. It says that U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, conservative activist Grover Norquist and superlobbyist Jack Abramoff "created the 'K Street Project,' actively recruiting young conservatives for lobbying jobs."Yet this Roll Call article from 2001 describes efforts on the part of Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa) and others to do exactly that (via Talking Points Memo).
Mr. Norquist started the K Street Project in 1989. The goal of the K Street Project was and is quite simple: encourage the business community to hire for principle, not access.
With high-profile positions opening up at lobbying giants such as the U.S. Telephone Association and BellSouth Corp. in coming months, Senate GOP Conference Chairman Rick Santorum, R-Pa., and a group of well-connected Republican lobbyists plan to compile a list of candidates they will push for those posts.The article goes on to describe efforts by Former Majority Leader and K Street Project mastermind, former Congressman Tom Delay (R-TX), to use strong-arm tactics to obtain Republican representation in lobbyist groups.
...
"We control the White House, the House and the Senate," noted a well-connected Republican lobbyist familiar with Santorum's plans."The people who are doing the hiring and the recruiting [of top lobbyists] have to remember that. We're just going to remind them of that fact when they're out there looking, they better look for a Republican first."
Santorum's latest attempt to boost the GOP's profile on K Street is part of a continuing philosophical battle that has raged in Washington since the Republican revolution of 1994.
"My perspective is, we want to have people at associations who will be receptive to our message and be fair to our proposals," Santorum said
In January of this year, Santorum spoke as if the term "K Street Project" was news to him.
April 21, 2006
UM system fined for affiliate's actions
Via John Combest, the Missourian reports that the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee cut $285,000 in funding from the University of Missouri system following actions by a UMKC-affiliated program that participated in protests of Medicaid cuts last year. The fine approximates the budget of the department that oversees the program. Questions remain whether University money was used to fund any activites, but the University says the group did misuse the University's name in its literature.
April 20, 2006
Talent on Immigration
Sen. Jim Talent is sending out an email opposing immigration reform plans that would provide "amnesty" to illegal aliens.
• I am committed to supporting a comprehensive border security plan that does NOT include amnesty.Immigration is shaping up to be a major issue this election year, one that could be troublesome for some Republicans. The enthusiasm the GOP hoped to instill in their base by taking a tough line on immigration may backfire by sparking a reaction among those who favor immigration policies that would create paths to legalization. Add to that the near-unanimous opposition in the Hispanic community that the GOP had previously begun to make inroads with.• I've proposed a bipartisan Border Security bill with Senators Domenici (R-NM) and Dorgan (D-ND) to secure our borders and protect us from terrorist attacks, undocumented immigration and the importation of illegal drugs, like methamphetamine.
• My opponent is supporting proposals that amount to amnesty.
In Missouri, immigration doesn't top the list for all voters, but it could trim Talent's margins in areas seen as easy pickups such as St. Charles thanks to growing Hispanic influence and a sympathy for illegal immigrants who came to work. Religious groups working with the poor are also concerned because of potential effects of stricter laws.
Talent is currently sitting at 48% (SurveyUSA via Arch Pundit) so even small changes could make a difference. Add to that a general public opinion that while illegal immigration is getting out of hand, stronger border enforcement and opening paths to legalization (though not necessarily naturalization) are the better solutions.
Democrats might be wise to tread carefully as well. Talent wrote a letter in support of Cecilia Velazquez, prominent St. Louisan and publisher of Red Latina, who was recently deported after a multi-year legal battle (Reps. William Lacy Clay, Jr. and Russ Carnahan also sent letters of support).
Update: Gallup poll from April 10-13, shows that 30% of Republicans do view immigration as their number one issue. In overall ranking, this is the first time since 1993 immigration has reached the top five of public concerns in the Gallup ranking (it's number 2 behind Iraq). Will it last as an issue? 25% of respondents mention immigration in April but only 6% in March.
Thanks to biggestmodem for the note on the Gallup poll. Post updated as well.
Tyus Quarter
Sharon Tyus (in the 60th) - 15k loan to herself, spent 1k. 14k on-hand
Still waiting on Jamilah Nasheed and Shaun Simms.
April 19, 2006
City lands Urban League annual conference
Camp Russ Carnahan
This weekend - April 21-23.
Register at russcarnahan.com
Mass Demos in FPSE?
Michael Allen at Ecology of Absence worries about the agenda item O at the next Preservation Board meeting.
April 18, 2006
Gambaro Quarter
In the 4th, Gambaro raised $29k, but spent $37k; 32k on-hand.
For those keeping score
Dooley - puts up another 117k raised. 540k on-hand.
El-Amin (in the 57th) - 10k raised, 2k spent, 8k on-hand.
El-Amin (in the 4th) - 50k raised; 9k spent; 84k on-hand.
Happy birthdays
Lori Becker, veteran of innumerable campaigns.
& FX Daly, to whom we'll all soon be writing checks.
Kenny Jones does have committee
Thanks to the tipster who found Kenny Jones' committee statement.
It's under State Representative, instead of State Senator. MO Ethics mis-entered the office.
His treasurer, Todd Britt, worked for Slay when he was Board President and for Senator Carnahan.
Need Help This Week Around the ACC Office
$7.50/hour.
If you have some free time, please give me (Dave) a call, 314-678-2931.
Other stuff
New issue comes out today - Comprehensive analysis of the school board race; Citizens for Home Rule has a lien of $5,841 for 2003-2005 unpaid employer withholding taxes; Sub-prime loans leading to more foreclosures; Best places to watch a Cards games.
Schoemehl does a podcast on Mayorslay.com
52nd City says Crispin Glover's coming to town. Should be memorable.
Russ Carnahan for Congress Kickoff Party - tonight Grbic Restaurant, 4071 Keokuk. 5-7pm.
More Quarters
In the 4th, Amber Boykins does 21k; spends 6k and has 58k on-hand.
Still waiting on El-Amin and Gambaro. Kenny Jones doesn't have a committee yet.
In St. Louis County Council's 5th District, Barbara Fraser puts up another 30k, bringing her on-hand total to 167k. Meanwhile Kurt Odenwald had a blow-out quarter - 142k raised; he now has 138k on-hand.
In 3rd CD, Carnahan raised 89k, spends 79k. Has 346k on-hand with 100k debt.
Page Almost Ran for Congress
When Sam Page waited until the second to last day to file for the 82nd district there were lots of rumors. (See ACC 4/4, pg 15)
In this quarter's filing there's a $20,000 poll showing that he really did consider running in the 2nd CD.
April 17, 2006
15th Ward Candidates Forum
Monday, April 24, 2006, 7:30 PM
Carpenter Branch Library (Grand & Utah)
All Democratic candidates for statewide, citywide and 15th Ward legislative offices on the August 8th Primary ballot have been invited.
Offices include Collector of Revenue, License Collector, Recorder of Deeds, Clerk of the Circuit Court, US Senate, State Auditor, US Representative - District 3, State Senate - District 4, State Representative - Districts 59 & 67.
Contact the 15th Ward Democrats at 314.773.2907 for more information.
More
57th - Joe Palm raised $750 and loaned himself 5k; $3,400 on-hand.
60th - Bob Bartlett - raised $1,300; spent $1,500; $350 on-hand.
More Filings
4th State Senate - Jeff Smith - 42k raised; 9k spent; 128k on-hand.
Dooley's challenger, Joe Passanise, raised 1k, has 1k in the bank.
In 59th Oxford raised 3k, has 1k on-hand. Mark Rice filed limited activity.
2nd CD
Combest has some fundraising totals up.
In the 2nd CD, he notes that Akin raised about $46,000 while Parker raised a little more than $5,100.
And cites my recent BJ column saying that Parker needs a big quarter to be competitive.
April 15, 2006
Neighbors "Not Lovin It"
Around 60 people demonstrated against a proposal to relocate the South Grand McDonald's to the corner of Winnebago and Grand.
Rita Ford, head of the Gravois Park Neighborhood Association, said the plan went against assurances they received from Alderwoman Jennifer Florida.
Ford said Florida quashed rumors of the plan at a meeting held last year.
The protesters chanted reals of "Not lovin it," a play on a McDonald's tagline and "Florida take a stand".
The proposed development, opponents say, would violate previous assurances that the land would be used for residential and urban-friendly development.
Ford says the issue has little to do with the presence of a McDonald's (the existing franchise lies less than 300 feet from the proposed location), they feel their concerns were given a deaf ear.
Gravois Park Neighborhood Association plans to appeal a zoning decision that could make the deal a fait accompli. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 19th, 1:30 p.m., Room 208 of City Hall.
April 14, 2006
MO Dems hiring
First lesson
A story in the K.C. Star takes a look at the cutback in the promised student aid endowment, an endowment that is a condition of the sale of MOHELA assets.
Early promises $100-193 million, current proposal, $12.3.
Also, the life-science technology centers that are supposed to be built with the assets will be barred from research into early stem cells.
Embree to McCaskill
Tim Embree been traded from Team (Robin) Carnahan to McCaskill for Senate. It bulks up her fundraising which Carnahan doesn't need right now.
Couple of Thomas Crone Links
Thomas runs with the younger set at St. Aloysius.
Thomas and Wire partner Amanda Doyle are interviewed on mayorslay.com.
April 13, 2006
Gambaro to unveil new good government policy
The press release:
Press contact: Laura Slay
314-504-0081
NO MORE BUSINESS AS USUAL: GAMBARO ANNOUNCES PLAN TO CHANGE WAY THAT BUSINESS IS DONE IN THE CITY AND STATE
April 13, 2006, St. Louis, MO -- Derio Gambaro, democratic candidate for the 4th Senatorial District seat in the City of St. Louis, will announce tonight that he is calling for government reform from Jefferson City to St. Louis City. "I am calling for practical solutions to the tough problems that we face. Tonight's announcement is just the first step in a multi-phase initiative to make our community stronger," Gambaro said.
According to Gambaro, over the next two months, he will roll out a NO MORE Business As Usual Plan, which will identify three impediments to honesty, integrity and accountability in government and which will propose a solution for each. "We're going to find solid solutions, not make cheap illusions like some other candidates for this office," said Gambaro. "That's how we are going to build the strongest and most competitive economy in the Union."
Gambaro wants to overhaul the current system of handing out lucrative fee office contracts to big dollar donors, corporate fat cats and political allies across the State. "The citizens of Missouri should not have to deal with incompetence and ineptitude because of government corruption and cronyism. Long lines, tiresome delays and poorly managed and trained staff at State contracted fee offices are now business as usual. I am calling for a complete overhaul and an end to this play for pay system," Gambaro said.
"Our new model will provide a transparent, efficient and cost effective system that will focus on providing good value to the State and quality service to our residents. We call on the governor and the legislature to join with us to move quickly and efficiently toward approving the following changes:
Gambaro proposes five criteria for granting fee office contracts under the
NO MORE Business As Usual Plan:
1. Contracts will be subject to a fair and equitable bid process.
2. Contracts will be granted to the company that offers best value to
the State.
3. The bidding process and performance of contractors will be subject
to random audits.
4. No contract will be granted to relatives of political office holders
and/or agency heads.
5. Fee office contractors will disclose all political contributions
made during the previous two election cycles and through the duration of the
contract.
Gambaro chose the South Kingshighway Department of Revenue and Motor Vehicle Office as one example of a mismanaged fee office. "I can't count the number of calls that I have received from family, friends and neighbors complaining about the long wait and poor customer service at this office. Some people are waiting up to two hours to get their plates renewed. This is completely unacceptable. Tax payers deserve better than that," said Gambaro. In 2005, the Governor named Damir Huskic, a Republican political insider, to oversee operations of the fee office. The office has been through five managers since that time and is being investigated by the Department of Revenue for
missing equipment and possibly missing cash.
Gambaro will announce his plans tonight during the following neighborhood
association and labor meetings:
7:30 PM - 8:15 PM
Hi-Pointe Neighborhood Association
Dewey School
6747 Clayton Ave. (Dogtown neighborhood at Berthold)
8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
St. Louis Labor Club Meeting
St. Louis Electrical Industry Training Center
2300 Hampton
Gambaro said he plans to announce other NO MORE Business As Usual
initiatives later this spring.
Harriett Woods has leukemia
Blunt stuck at 37%
Via Combest, the latest SurveyUSA numbers.
April 12, 2006
McCaskill Staffs Up
From the campaign announcement:
* Richard Martin, Campaign Manager. Richard comes to the campaign from
Sprint, where he served as Director of Tax Policy since 2001. He previously
served as Campaign Manager for Bob Holden's successful 2000 gubernatorial
bid, State Director for the Clinton-Gore Campaign in 1996, and Executive
Director for the Missouri Democratic Party from 1993-6.
* Adrianne Marsh, Communications Director. Adrianne served as Press
Secretary to Congressman Bart Stupak (D-MI), as Press Secretary for the 2004
Michigan Coordinated Campaign, as Communications Director for the Michigan
Democratic Party, and as Associate Director for Public Relations for a Human
Service Agency.
* Brandon Davis, Political Director. Brandon served as the Political
Director for the Missouri Democratic Party, the Political Director for Bob
Holden's 2004 campaign for Governor, and as a regional field director for
Jean Carnahan's 2002 campaign for U.S. Senate.
Biz License Increase will be back
April 11, 2006
Iran in '06
It is hard to see this not becoming an issue in the '06 elections.
Iranian President Confirms Uranium Enrichment.
Even more so since the statement comes on the heels of a series of stories like Seymore Hersh's "The Iran Plans".
In 2002, Iraq was a defining issue for many and Republican success was seen a a go-ahead for the President's foreign policy agenda, particularly Iraq.
Whether current stories represent administration rhetoric, attempts by the military to define the coming debate or mere speculation is difficult to know.
Ahmadinejad's announcement is provocative, but whether Iran is actually capable of enriching uranium to the necessary levels on the scale needed is still in dispute. (For more extensive information on Iran, nuclear proliferation and affiliated topics check out Dr. Jeffrey Lewis over at Arms Control Wonk. More national security info than you can shake a stick at.)
StLJR finds donor
Few things
Listen to an interview I did with Ed Bishop, editor of the St. Louis Journalism Review, on Reality Now (KDHX, FM 88.1). Bishop says, "At a time when accepted wisdom says that newspapers are dying, the Arch City Chronicle went from nothing to a must-read, not by dumbing down it content, just the opposite, by respecting the intelligence of its readers."
Remember, we offer free classified ads. It's easy. Go here, type it in and click.
Finally, I put up photos (thanks to Chuck Miller) from last weekend's Young Democrat / Young Republican softball game.
April 10, 2006
Upcoming meetings
Wednesday April 12th, 7pm at the Lindbergh High School cafeteria, there will be a meeting to discuss Villages at Gravois Creek. Councilmembers Odenwald and Campisi are expected to attend as well as neighborhood representatives.
Monthly Young Republicans meeting is Thursday, April 13 at 7:30 PM at the St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. The speaker is Crane Durham from 97.1 FM Talk.
The Jefferson Township Democratic Club will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 25th at 7:30pm. The Club meets at The Shrewsbury Community Center, 5200 Shrewsbury Ave, St Louis MO 63119. The speaker will be Governor Bob Holden.
NY Schools hire Alvarez & Marsal
New York City Schools hire Alvarez & Marsal.
Meanwhile, SLPS teacher writes book about tumultuous Roberti year. (Via SLS Watch)
April 09, 2006
New committeepersons
The Democratic St. Louis City Central Committee elected two new committeepersons: Chuck Miller, committeeman of the 24th ward and Betul Ozmat, committeewoman of the 28th ward.
YDs Beat YRs
Yesterday the Young Democrats bested the Young Republicans in a Forest Park softball game 22-15.
April 07, 2006
Marston's Family Tree
His Commonspace commentary gets reprinted in this week's American.
The breakdowns w/ non-aligned candidates
Post-Game Analysis
Unofficial Results.
Both KWMU and Pub Def have these results color-coded by winner.
And Jake has them by percentages.
Political Eye does some analysis.
Oracle talks about the race.
April 06, 2006
Sorry for the technical troubles
earlier today. We're back now.
KWMU has story on ward-by-ward breakdown of Tuesday's election.
Clinkscale, Buford lost mayor's ward.
April 05, 2006
New issue out today
Check it out.
You can find it in businesses throughout the central corridor and near south side.
Couple of articles about the Show-Me Institute, a nice column by Michael Allen, plus the usual stuff: Urban Almanac, Inside Dirt, Guzy Says and others.
Sherman Parker's Blog
And now the questions
The morning after - oops. Sorry, the afternoon after.
Trying to look around the corner.
Ron Jackson will assume the role of Board president as Clinkscale vacates position at next meeting?
After that, who will the new majority elect to be Board president? Most people I talk to think it will be Purdy, due to his prior experience.
Will new majority dismantle standardized curriculum? Purdy's on the record in favor of keeping Open Court, but O'Brien voted against it.
What specific actions will be at the top of the new Board's agenda?
St. John's
Worship at St. John’s Church in Holy Week! Principal Services:
Palm Sunday, April 9, 10:00 a.m.
Maundy Thursday, April 13, 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday, April 14, 8:00 a.m.
Easter! April 16, 10:00 a.m.
For a full list of Holy Week services and more info about St. John’s,
please visit www.towergrovechurch.org or call 772-3970.
st. john’s episcopal church, 3664 arsenal street, saint louis, missouri 63116
El-Amin Kick-off
For her 4th District race.
Thursday April 6
6-10 pm
5600 Delmar (corner of Delmar and Clara)
Young Softball Game
Young Democrats vs. Young Republicans Charity Softball Game
To help abused and neglected children in the St. Louis area, young political activists from both sides of the political spectrum will be at Forest Park on Saturday, April 8 at 2 PM to play a softball game to raise money for Our Little Haven, a residential treatment facility for infants and children through seven years of age. In exchange for watching a fun game of softball, and a free BBQ after the game, voluntary donations will be accepted that day.
"This will be an exciting event where both groups can come together for a good cause", said Monica Durrwachter, President of the Young Republicans. Ross Macholan, President of the Young Democrats stated, "Our Little Haven does great work for children in the St. Louis area, and both groups look forward to helping them out on April 8."
In the event that the game is rained out, the Young Democrats and Young Republicans will go bowling at Tropicana Lanes, 7960 Clayton Road.
KWMU election wrap up
Big Deal in South County
St. Louis County Council Chairman Kurt S. Odenwald, R-Shrewsbury, announced that the Council’s Committee of the Whole will hold a public hearing on the ‘Villages at Gravois Creek’ proposed development on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council chambers at 41 S. Central in Clayton. The regular Council meeting that evening has been moved up to 5:30 p.m. to accommodate the committee meeting and the expected large crowd. The Council received the report of approval from the Planning Commission last week, which was referred to the Committee of the Whole by Sixth District Councilman John Campisi. Councilman Odenwald stated, “I feel that there are several issues of concern relating to the proposed development that warrant committee review of the proposal and an opportunity for all parties to present their views to the members of the County Council.” Issues of concern raised as a result of the density of the proposed development include traffic safety on Gravois Rd., flooding potential for the Affton Athletic Association and Grant’s Trail, and future expansion opportunities for Cor Jesu Academy.
April 04, 2006
Mid-day results from Sunset Hills
Looks like incumbents going down.
Polling the polls
I managed to visit a few polling sites in the middle of the day today. The turnout so far was unsurprisingly light, but picking up.
Visiting the 18th Ward polling station at Washington Montessori, one block north of Fountain Park on Euclid, I met publisher and community activist John Curtis.
Curtis was talking with voters; answering their questions and providing his opinion on the candidates and other issues on the ballot. In the 18th ward, Curtis' word is trusted. At the top of the handout the Downs-Jones supporters were handing out was a picture of Curtis with the two candidates, his name was also the first in the long list of endorsements.
Curtis said that he supported integration not separation, which he believes the Downs-Jones ticket represented. For Curtis, it made no sense to for Democrats to support Buford, a Republican.
People vote in their own interest, said Curtis, and what is of greater interest than money? Curtis believed the South Side might be voting against their own interests if they vote in favor of the incumbency, which many predict will happen.
Fanning Middle in the 15th Ward.
Roosevelt High School in the 6th Ward.
Representatives of the Downs-Jones slate seemed predominant. One poll worker at Mann School in the 15th Ward was from the Buford-Clinkscale slate. He said they had a number of workers around the city. I just missed a few at in the 18th ward. According to other poll workers, they had just left to head to another polling site.
An unofficial poll of the workers was indeterminate.
Good Weather
Said to favor Clinkscale-Buford. Still turn-out is expected between 15-18%.
Please make time - VOTE!
April 03, 2006
Feel like I'm being set-up to play Ross Perot
But it's the most important issue we face. Please join us. 7pm 88.1 FM.
April 01, 2006
House divided?
Rep. Sherman Parker's (R-St. Peters) challenge to Rep. Todd Akin (R-Town and Country) for Akin's 2nd District Congressional seat gets some national attention via National Journal.
NJ's John Mercurio notes that this race may force the Republican party to hash out some issues over which issues will lead the party, social or fiscal issues. The national party is watching this race to see how voters react, especially suburban voters.
The question is, will this be a one-issue race? Akin's status as an incumbent and his significant financial lead may allow him to, if not sidestep the issue, than at least downplay its significance.
Akin's conservatism is not a surprise to the voters who elected him twice. The question is, has the ground shifted enough (or at all?) for Parker to gain traction?
Third Dem in Auditor's Race
Loudon's manuever and another person filed - Darrell Wattenbarger.
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