In what is being described as a rare primary endorsement, Senator Claire McCaskill is endorsing Steve Brown in his bid for state representative of the 73rd District.

As far as I know, McCaskill had made no other primary endorsements.

Here is the press release. 

ST. LOUIS September 24, 2007 - United States Senator Claire McCaskill has endorsed Democratic Steve Brown, candidate for State Representative in the 73^rd District.

            Although it is extremely unusual for an incumbent Senator to endorse a candidate in a primary, McCaskill cited Brown’s experience and character as reasons for her support.

“Steve Brown is a smart, hard-working public servant,” McCaskill said. “I know he will be a fantastic state representative and I strongly endorse his candidacy.  His experience as an assistant attorney general will serve him and his district very well.”

Brown, who served in the Attorney General’s office as Deputy Chief Counsel for the Eastern District of Missouri, is the nephew of legendary Representative Sue Shear, who represented the district in the 1970’s and 1980s. In the Attorney General’s office, Brown handled a variety of consumer protection and criminal cases, serving as the lead prosecutor on the “No-Call Attack Team” where he tracked violators of the state’s no-call laws and made sure they paid hefty civil penalties for harassing citizens.

“I am honored to have the support of Senator McCaskill,” Brown said. “Her election to the U.S. Senate represented a new era for the Democratic Party in Missouri. She has been a strong and outspoken voice for many of the progressive causes I will champion in the Legislature.”   

McCaskill is the second high-ranking Missouri Democrat to endorse Brown. In early September, Brown received the support of former State Treasurer Nancy Farmer, who cited Brown’s staunch support of public education and reproductive freedom.

Born and raised in St. Louis County, Brown graduated from Denison University in Ohio and received his law degree from Washington University.  He and his wife, Rebecca, have two children, 3-year old Ben and 3-month-old Sarah.

In the latest of the early labor endorsements:

Columbia -- House Democratic Leader and Democratic candidate for Attorney General Jeff Harris continues to gain support with organized labor picking up the endorsement of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 148.

Local 148 represents an estimated 3,000 skilled plant personnel at Ameren UE, other industrial power plants, mechanical service contractors, and in the public sector, which includes MODOT. 

The following email made some waves in St. Louis attorney circles for its vivid imagery, and also its message that Chris Koster is most electable in November.

Dear Fellow Attorneys;

            Jeff Harris is one of the candidates.  Over the past couple of years I have followed the action in the Missouri legislature closely.  As the former Democratic leader in the House, Jeff Harris has shown the political savvy and leadership skills of a sea urchin.  During his tenure, Jeff Harris has somehow managed to accomplish less than nothing. 

            I have a great deal of respect for Margaret Donnelly.  She is a hard working legislator, but far too liberal to ever be elected to statewide office.  If Margaret is our candidate for Attorney General, she will be eaten alive.

            Chris Koster is the man.  He has shown a keen understanding of the issues that confront both the judicial system in Missouri and the issues that we trial lawyers hold dear.  If you haven't met Chris, I guarantee you that you will be impressed by this man.   There is simply no question that Chris Koster is the strongest and best Democratic candidate for Attorney General. 

            We're holding a fundraiser for Chris Koster at McGurks on Thursday, September 6, at 5:30 p.m.  Please come and meet Chris as my guest.  If you are not impressed with this guy, you need not make a donation.  I'll buy your food and drink.

            You share my interest in politics, and I hope to see you there.

                                                                        Very truly yours,

Continuing the trend of early endorsement, the United Auto Workers endorsed Sen. Tim Green in his re-election bid. Rep. Juanita Head Walton is his expected primary opponent.