More than 100, mostly African-American and largely Democratic, supporters of Republican Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder came out last night to support his re-election bid.
The host committee included several well-known St. Louis African-American Republicans, including James Buford and Jerry Hunter. But it also featured the names of several prominent black Democrats, including St. Louis Argus Publisher Eddie Hasan, developer Tony Thompson, attorney Rufus Tate, and Sal Martinez, among others.
There were also several Democrats in attendance, including Alderman Freeman Bosley, Sr.; Tom Shepard, chief of staff for Aldermanic President Lewis Reed; former State Rep. Betty Thompson; and former alderman and Anheuser-Busch executive Wayman Smith.
In this exclusive video, Smith jokingly compared the African-American turnout at Kinder’s fundraiser to those Barack Obama regularly draws.
In his speech and in an interview with PubDef (check back later for video), Kinder talked about the importance of Missouri’s rural and suburban legislators recognizing that the St. Louis region is the “economic engine of the state.”
“As the economy here goes, so goes the economy of the State of Missouri,” said Kinder.
Kinder highlighted his support of historic tax credits, which helped fuel development downtown, and the new Land Assemblage Tax Credit, which he hopes will spur similar development activity in blighted areas of the city, particularly north St. Louis.
Kinder will likely face Democrat Sam Page in the general election in November.
April 25th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
It’s nice to see that Lewis Reed, James Buford, Bosley Sr., and Eddie Hasan support Paul McKee’s blockbusting and the fact that the State of Missouri is compensating him for such racist, illegal activity.
It seems politics and integrity truely are irreconcilable.
Supporting the man who called St. Louis “Berlin Circa 1945″ is unforgiveabe!
April 25th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Sam Page better get going on trying to bring some of these people back to the fold.
April 25th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
I’m surprised Rodney Hubbard wasn’t there expecting a check for his support!
April 26th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I participated in a tour of a housing development in North STL a few weeks ago. Our church synod had contributed a substantial amount to the project. One of the guides showing us around said Peter Kinder had been very involved in helping them get through the tax credit maze in Jefferson City. They also said Sarah Steelman, Kit Bond and Jim Talent had all taken a very personal interest in the project which has built around 40 homes, all occupied by low income residents. In the presentation, they said since they are a charity, they are able to build three bedroom homes for around 175,000 each. I noticed in the recent story about Montee’s audit that most two bedroom apartments build by developers were running about 240,000 or something like that. The development was immaculate. Lawns were all perfect, no trash anywhere and they said because of the first development several other projects have begun in the area. There was a lot of construction going on when we were there. The fellow said they were very surprised to see so many Republicans show up to help the Alderman, Bosley get the project done. Maybe that faith-based system does work after all. Anything that gets Bosley, Bond and Kinder to work together has to be a miracle. I am kind of disappointed that Kinder didn’t stay in the Gov race.
April 27th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Peter Kinder is a Republican. When everybody gets done talking, Peter Kinder is a Republican. Just think of what would happen if all of the Democrats stuck together to back Democrats the way they back Republicans now days.
There are so many Democrats that are really Republicans, but holding office in the Democratic Party. This is totally unacceptable, but the Democratic Party in Missouri lacks leadership! Leadership that is not afraid to speak out against these “DEMOPUBLICANS”!
If Democrats had the right leadership in power controlling the economic funding, Democrats would not have to kiss the Republicans gluteus maximus as shown in this video. This is a shameful day in Missouri for Democrats and African Americans in particular! Due to the actions of some African-American Democrats, Republicans seem to believe that most of the African-American political leaders can be purchased like slaves. These same African-Americans political leaders probably go to church on Sunday, and claim that they stand up for principles on what is right.
Don’t lie to God, and don’t lie to yourself. Join the Republican Party, we don’t want you anymore representing the Democratic Party. We don’t want you anymore representing African-Americans. We don’t want you anymore providing leadership for our community. We don’t want you anymore PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 27th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
“DEMOPUBLICANS” hits the nail on the head! It also explains how Chris Koster is a viable Democratic candidate.
May 4th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Just like the “old boys club” in the senate. Kinder fooled them all and VOILA… the r’s took over and they have been raping the citizens ever since. And, there’s Koster. Ever read little red riding HOOD?