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Johnson Changes Tune on Hillary [Updated]

By Antonio D. French

Filed Monday, February 04, 2008 at 2:36 PM

Just last week, State Representative Connie Johnson was pushing John Edwards as the only Democrat who could win Missouri in November. Well, it seems the term-limited House Minority Whip has had a change of heart.

Johnson was spotted over the weekend at a rally for Hillary Clinton. And today the Clinton campaign prepared to send out a press release touting her endorsement.

But just a few months ago, Johnson said Hillary Clinton would kill Missouri Democrats chances of winning back the governor's mansion and the house and senate.

Here's what she told CNN on October 19, 2007:
"Here's the deal — If we don't have a good person at the top of the ticket - someone who can help stop the hemorrhaging in Missouri, then we'll go red," Missouri state Minority Whip Connie Johnson said. "It's as simple as that. And it will affect state reps, state senators, treasurers, governors, everybody.

"If Hillary comes to a state like Missouri, we can write it off," Johnson added, referring to Democratic field’s frontrunner, Hillary Clinton.
UPDATE: Johnson tells PubDef that it is Clinton's health care plan that has attracted her support.

"Hillary's is closer to John's," said Johnson in a phone interview.

Johnson said she feels that both Clinton and Obama "have their liabilities and they both have assets. At the end of the day, they both have to work together" to get a Democrat in the White House.

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Ronnie White Endorses Donnelly

By Antonio D. French

Former Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronnie White today endorsed State Representative Margaret Donnelly for Missouri Attorney General. Judge White was the first African-American ever appointed to the Missouri Supreme Court. Rep. Donnelly is seeking to become the first woman ever elected attorney general in Missouri.

"Margaret Donnelly has had a distinguished career in public service and as a lawyer in her own practice," said Judge White. "She will make an outstanding Attorney General who understands the law and is representative of all Missouri."

"Judge White is a respected jurist and attorney," said Donnelly. "I am honored by his endorsement and all the support my campaign has received throughout Missouri."

Donnelly has also been endorsed by former Secretary of State Bekki Cook, former State Treasurer Nancy Farmer, former St. Louis City Prosecuting Attorney Dee Joyce-Hayes, and over 15 current state legislators.

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VIDEO: Carnahans, Green for Obama

By Antonio D. French

Filed Monday, January 28, 2008 at 6:00 AM

Comptroller Darlene Green, former U.S. Senator Jean Carnahan and her son, Congressman Russ Carnahan, were among a dozen Missouri officials who gathered Sunday to show their support for Presidential candidate Barack Obama.

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VIDEO: Missouri Officials for Obama

By Antonio D. French

Filed Sunday, January 27, 2008 at 9:21 PM

More than a dozen Missouri elected officials, including U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, former U.S. Senator Jean Carnahan, and Congressman Russ Carnahan, gathered today to announce Senator Barack Obama is returning to St. Louis next weekend.

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Jean Carnahan Endorses Obama

By Antonio D. French

Filed Monday, January 21, 2008 at 1:06 AM

Over the weekend, former Senator Jean Carnahan joined current Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill and announced her endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President.
"While I know and admire all the Democrats running for president, I am convinced that Barack Obama is the candidate best able to unite our nation and restore our moral leadership in the world," said Carnahan. "As president, he will be a strong voice and a powerful force for change during this critical time in our nation's history. Barack Obama is an inspirational leader, who embodies the ideals of our democracy and the hopes of a new century. I heartily endorse him for president of the United States."
Jean Carnahan was the first woman to serve as a United States Senator from Missouri, serving from 2001-2002. Carnahan joins her son, Congressman Russ Carnahan, Congressman Lacy Clay, Senator McCaskill, State Auditor Susan Montee, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley and several other current and former Missouri elected officials who have endorsed Obama.

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McCaskill to Endorse Obama, Might Have Something to Do with '06 Comment

By Antonio D. French

Filed Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 8:53 AM

The AP is reporting that Senator Claire McCaskill is going to endorse Barack Obama for President today.
McCaskill has praised Obama often and was widely believed to favor the Illinois senator over Clinton. But the Senate freshman had resisted openly supporting a candidate until now, saying she wanted to preserve working relationships with Senate colleagues.

She said last week that she identifies with the desire for change that Obama supporters have reported to pollsters.
One factor in McCaskill's endorsement may have been that her relationship with Hillary Clinton has been a bit shaky dating back to when McCaskill was running for the senate in 2006.

During an appearance that year on NBC's "Meet the Press", McCaskill said she didn't want former President Bill Clinton, who had previously appeared at a rally for McCaskill in St. Louis, anywhere near her daughter. PubDef.net learned that the next day a fundraiser the Clintons had scheduled for McCaskill in New York was canceled.

Here's the transcript from that October 8, 2006 show:
MR. RUSSERT: You’re having Bill Clinton come in to raise money for you. Do you think Bill Clinton was a great president?

MS. McCASKILL: I do. I think—I have a lot of problems with some of his, his, his personal issues. I said at...

MR. RUSSERT: But do you...

MS. McCASKILL: I said at the time, “I think he’s been a great leader, but I don’t want my daughter near him.”

MR. RUSSERT: You said that, according to New Yorker magazine, that you don’t think Hillary Clinton would be a good Democratic nominee because she couldn’t win Democrats in Missouri. True?

MS. McCASKILL: Well, you know, honestly, the presidential politics is going to get very intense and very, frankly, there’s going to be a lot of back and forth after November. I don’t want to get into presidential politics today.

MR. RUSSERT: Would you like to see her president?

MS. McCASKILL: You know, I, I, I think any Democratic nominee is going to be better than this president.

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Kerry to Endorse Obama

By Antonio D. French

Filed Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 9:11 AM

U.S. Senator and 2004 Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry is about to announce his endorsement of Illinois senator Barack Obama for President, according to reports.

The message here seems to be: John Edwards (Kerry's former running mate) can't win the primary election, Hillary Clinton can't win the general election.

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Koster Lands Another Big Union

By Antonio D. French

Attorney General candidate Chris Koster* landed another big union endorsement this week. The former Republican who is now seeking the Democratic nomination for A.G. has picked up the support of the 4,000-member Springfield Building and Construction Trades Council.

"Senator Koster has shown that his commitment to organized labor is unwavering and no one knows as well as building and construction trades unions in our state of Missouri how important it is to have a strong Attorney General who will fight for workers’ rights," said Jim Tyson, president of the organization.

The Springfield Building and Construction Trades Council is comprised of Boilermakers Local 83, Bricklayers Local 15, Carpenters Local 978, Ironworkers Local 10, Operating Engineers Local 101, Roofers Local 20, Painters Local 203, Electrical Workers Local 453, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 178, Sheet Metal Workers Local 336, Heat/Frost/Asbestos Workers, and Teamsters Local 245.

Koster's labor support is running very deep. The latest list of endorsers includes:
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters including Teamsters Local 6, Teamsters Local 41, Teamsters Local 245, Teamsters Local 541, Teamsters Local 600, Teamsters Local 604, Teamsters Local 610, Teamsters Local 618, Teamsters Local 682, Teamsters Local 688, Teamsters Local 823, Teamsters Local 833, Teamsters Local 838, Teamsters Local 955; the Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters including IAFF Local L3122, IAFF Local L3739, IAFF Local L1084, IAFF Local 3133, IAFF Local L2460, IAFF Local L2743, IAFF Local L2945, IAFF Local L3228, IAFF Local L1786, IAFF Local L1211, IAFF Local L0671, IAFF Local L2618, IAFF Local L0042, IAFF Local L3808, IAFF Local L2952, IAFF Local L3987, IAFF Local L2195, IAFF Local L1889, IAFF Local L2184, IAFF Local L3031, IAFF Local L1030, IAFF Local L2543, IAFF Local L2665, IAFF Local L2921, IAFF Local L2001, IAFF Local L1730, IAFF Local 3905, IAFF Local 0757, IAFF Local L3410, IAFF Local L3705, IAFF Local 0077, IAFF Local 3112, IAFF Local L2677, IAFF Local L3904, IAFF Local L0152, IAFF Local L0073, IAFF Local L3769, IAFF Local L3923, IAFF Local L4026, the Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council, the Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO, Bricklayers #15, Electricians #124, Heat & Frost Insulators #27, Roofers #20, Operating Engineers #101, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1287, Carpenters' District Council of Kansas City and Vicinity, which is comprised of the Lathers #27-L, Carpenters #55, Carpenters #61, Carpenters #106, Carpenters #110, Carpenters #168, Carpenters #201, Carpenters #244, Carpenters #311, Carpenters #444, Carpenters #510, Carpenters #515, Carpenters #714, Carpenters #777, Carpenters #918, Carpenters #945, Carpenters #948, Carpenters #978, Carpenters #1055, Floorlayers #1181, Carpenters #1329, Carpenters #1445, Millwright #1463, Millwright #1529, Cabinetmakers #1635, Carpenters #1904, Millwright #2834, Service Employees International Union Local 2000, and the Fraternal Order of Police, Missouri State Lodge.
*Koster is a client of A D French & Associates (website design)

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Believing in Obama - Part 1

By Antonio D. French

Filed Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 10:51 AM

I spent 11 hours on a bus yesterday riding to and from Iowa to campaign in a snow storm for Barack Obama. I was one of 130 St. Louisans — including a statewide elected official, two state senators and a former mayor — that made the long trek on a snowy Saturday morning because we believe Senator Obama is the best person to restore America's promise of hope and greatness.

After I get a bit more rest, I'll piece together some video and photos from the trip for you all to see. But here are a few thoughts about the journey.

First, it was remarkable to see the wide range of people whose lives Obama has touched and to whom he brings personal inspiration.

It was former St. Louis mayor Vince Schoemehl who told the rest of our group yesterday that every generation has a great and inspirational leader — in the same tradition as Presidents J.F.K. and F.D.R. For this generation, he said, that man is Barack Obama.

Along with Mayor Schoemehl, other believers on board included State Auditor Susan Montee from St. Joe, MO; State Senators Maida Coleman and Jeff Smith (St. Louis City); St. Louis Aldermen Kacie Starr Triplett (6th Ward) and Sam Moore (4th Ward); Northwoods Alderman Errol Bush; Committeewoman Yaphett El-Amin (1st Ward); and dozens of students, professionals, educators, teens, and homemakers.

After the five-hour drive to Ottumwa, we stopped by the Obama campaign headquarters for a quick training in door-to-door campaigning and were quickly out in the snow, making our way from house to house.

To a one, every Iowan I spoke to was extraordinarily nice, especially considering I must've been the 15th campaigner to knock on their door this month. And most that I talked to were leaning towards or definitely caucusing for Obama. Three times I was told "anybody but Hillary." I coded that ABH.

The one thing I wished I could share most with my St. Louisans back home — especially my African-American brothers and sisters — is how frustratingly wrong so many of them are when they say this ignorant rant of "white folks ain't gonna support no black man for president."

This was something I recently discussed on the "Sunday Morning Live" radio show (see video).

Every Obama supporter I saw in Iowa was white, middle-class, tired of the direction of our country, and inspired by the hope represented by Barack Obama.

This is a different country than the one my parents and grandparents knew. The problem is that too many of our political leaders haven't realized it. Obama does.

On the way back, I read on my phone that the Boston Globe had endorsed Obama in the very important New Hampshire primary on Jan. 8.

The editorial, like our Iowa trip, was truly inspiring.

From the Boston Globe, Dec. 15, 2007:
THE FIRST American president of the 21st century has not appreciated the intricate realities of our age. The next president must. The most sobering challenges that face this country - terrorism, climate change, disease pandemics - are global. America needs a president with an intuitive sense of the wider world, with all its perils and opportunities. Senator Barack Obama of Illinois has this understanding at his core. The Globe endorses his candidacy in New Hampshire's Democratic presidential primary Jan. 8.

Many have remarked on Obama's extraordinary biography: that he is the biracial son of a father from Kenya and a mother who had him at 18; that he was raised in the dynamic, multi-ethnic cultures of Hawaii and Indonesia; that he went from being president of the Harvard Law Review to the gritty and often thankless work of community organizing in Chicago; that, at 46, he would be the first post-baby-boom president.

What is more extraordinary is how Obama seals each of these experiences to his politics. One of the lessons he took from organizing poor families in Chicago, he says, was "how much people felt locked out of their government," even at the local level. That experience anchors his commitment to transparency and accountability in Washington.

Similarly, his exposure to foreign lands as a child and his own complex racial identity have made him at ease with diversity - of point of view as well as race or religion. "I've had to negotiate through different cultures my whole life," he says. He speaks with clarity and directness, and he is also a listener, a lost art in our politics.

In what looks like prescience today, Obama was against the Iraq war from the start. But his is not the stereotypical 1960s antiwar reflex. "I don't oppose all wars," he said in the fall of 2002. "I'm opposed to rash wars."

When it comes to waging peace, Obama has the leadership skills to reset the country's reputation in the world. He notes, for example, that the United States would be in a stronger position with Iran if it took more seriously its own commitment to the nuclear nonproliferation treaty. His bill, cosponsored with Senator Richard Lugar, to add conventional weapons to the nation's threat reduction initiative, became law this year.

On domestic issues, the major Democratic candidates are reduced to parsing slivers of difference. But Obama has been more forthright in declaring his slightly heterodox positions to traditional Democratic constituencies. His support for merit pay for teachers, or a cap on carbon emissions, suggests a healthy independence from the established order.

The first major bill to Obama's name in the Illinois Legislature was on campaign ethics reform. In Washington, he coauthored this year's sweeping congressional lobbying reform law. When he describes his approach to healthcare negotiations, he says, "The insurance and drug companies will get a seat at the table, but they won't get to buy every chair."

Obama's critics, and even many who want to support him, worry about his relative lack of experience. It is true that other Democratic contenders have more conventional resumes and have spent more time in Washington. But that exposure has tended to give them a sense of government's constraints. Obama is more animated by its possibilities.

In our view, the choice on the Democratic side is between Obama and Hillary Clinton. Clinton has run a diligent, serious campaign, and her command of the issues is deep and reassuring. But her approach is needlessly defensive, a backward glance at the bruising political battles of the 1990s. Obama's candidacy looks forward.

Obama's memoir, "Dreams From My Father," is divided into three main sections. The first is a reflection on his youthful search for identity. The second recounts his days in Chicago, which include the first stirrings of a religious life. The third is a roots pilgrimage to Kenya, to better understand his often absent father. It is hard to read this book without longing for a president with this level of introspection, honesty, and maturity - and Obama published it when he was only 33.

"I genuinely believe that our security and prosperity are going to depend on how we manage our continued integration into the rest of the world," he says. Obama's story is the American story, a deeply affecting tale of possibility. People who vote for him vote their hopes. Even after seven desolating years, this country has not forgotten how to hope.

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VIDEO: Young Lawyers, Triplett and Smith Come Out for Barack Obama

By Antonio D. French

Filed Friday, December 07, 2007 at 12:29 PM

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO

Braving the winter weather last night, a group of young local attorneys and Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett, the local spokesperson for the Barack Obama for President campaign, came out to raise some money for the Illinois senator and talk about the importance of the upcoming Iowa primary.

Also officially coming out for Obama last night was State Senator Jeff Smith, who said it was in the interest of "domestic tranquility" that he had not come out earlier. Smith's girlfriend, Elisabeth Smith, is a John Edwards supporter. She's moved to Illinois to work on a Congressional campaign, leaving Jeff free to join the surging Obama campaign.


State Representative Jake Zimmerman (D-Olivette) was also in attendance.

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Carpenters Endorse Steelman, Black Businessmen Throwing Fundraiser

By Antonio D. French

Filed Tuesday, November 27, 2007 at 6:11 PM

State Treasurer Sarah Steelman announced today that the Carpenters’ District Council of Greater St. Louis had endorsed her re-election bid.

"We don't normally endorse candidates before the filing date closes, but we decided to make an exception in this race because Sarah Steelman has demonstrated the qualities we expect from our elected officials," said Terry Nelson, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Council.

Steelman is also receiving the support of a group of St. Louis African-American businessmen.

David Stewart, of Worldwide Technology; Charles Kirkwood, of Midwestern Construction; entrepreneur and political operative Tim Person; and former state representative Sherman Parker are hosting a fundraiser for Steelman on December 12.

The event will be at the offices of Midwestern, 1415 Mullanphy, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.

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Clay Endorses Morris for State Rep

By Antonio D. French

Filed Wednesday, November 07, 2007 at 6:43 AM

Congressman Lacy Clay will be endorsing the campaign of Rev. James Morris, who is running for the state House seat currently occupied by Rep. Rodney Hubbard*, who's running for the state senate. Clay earlier announced his endorsement of Hubbard's senate bid.


Rev. James T. Morris, pastor of Lane Tabernacle Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, will officially kick off his canvassing activities on Saturday at 1:00 PM. The event will be held on the parking lot of SEIU, Local 2000 offices, 5585 Pershing Ave. Clay will be on hand to publicly announce his endorsement of Morris.

From the press release:
In addition to Lacy Clay, the following elected officials have endorsed Morris: Alderman Terry Kennedy (18th Ward), Alderman Frank Williamson, State Reps. Robin Wright-Jones (63 rd District), Esther Haywood (71st District), Rachel Storch (64th District), and Juanita Head Walton (69th District), and 2nd Ward Committeewoman Mattie Moore.

Below is a partial list of many clergy and community leaders who have endorsed Morris: Rev. Sammie Jones, Rev. Douglas Parham, Bishop Willie J. Ellis, Rev. Anthony Witherspoon, Rev. Charles Brown, Rabbi Susan Talve, Sherman George, James Buford, Mary J. Armstrong, Zaki Baruti, Gary Boyd, Bernie Hayes, Ollie May Stewart, and Atty. Donnell Smith.
Morris is running against Sam Coleman. Coleman is being backed by License Collector Mike McMillan, Aldermanic President Lewis Reed, State Rep. Rodney Hubbard, and Alderman April Ford-Griffin.

*Hubbard is a client of A D French & Assoc.

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Bond Endorses Giuliani

By Antonio D. French

Filed Saturday, November 03, 2007 at 10:25 AM

The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced Friday that Senator Kit Bond (R-Missouri) has endorsed Giuliani for President. Senator Bond will serve as National Co-Chairman and the liaison to the United States Senate for the campaign.

"America is hungry for a President who will say what he means, and do what he says. The American people want and deserve a genuine leader, and that is Rudy Giuliani," said Bond. "Rudy has the leadership qualities and the experience to handle whatever challenges America faces in the next 10 years."

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AFSCME Endorses Harris for AG

By Antonio D. French

Filed Thursday, November 01, 2007 at 3:06 PM

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) has thrown its support to State Rep. Jeff Harris for Attorney General.

"Throughout my career, I have been honored to stand with organized labor on behalf of the working men and women of Missouri," said Harris in a statement. "As the Democratic Leader in the Missouri House, I am proud to have fought against the Republican agenda pushed by Matt Blunt that has rolled back protections for Missouri's working families."

"When Republican special interests sued the state to get Governor Holden's collective bargaining executive order rescinded, Jay Nixon turned to me as assistant attorney general to handle that case. I successfully defended that executive order in court and would do so again as attorney general."

Harris has previously been endorsed by the Sheet Metal Workers, Operating Engineers Local 513 and Operating Engineers Local 148.

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Clay Endorses Hubbard for Senate

By Antonio D. French

Filed Monday, October 01, 2007 at 8:29 AM

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D-MO) announced today his support for State Representative Rodney Hubbard for State Senate.

Citing Hubbard’s experience and proven leadership, Congressman Clay, a former state senator himself, said St. Louis would greatly benefit from having Hubbard in the senate.

“I’ve known Rodney for several years and I’ve watched as he’s been able to bring diverse people together to benefit the people of his district,” said Congressman Clay.

“St. Louis needs Rodney’s passion and energy in the Missouri senate fighting for jobs, economic development, and educational opportunities for the people of the 5th District,” said Clay.

State Representative Hubbard said he was honored to have the congressman’s support. “I am blessed to have Congressman Clay’s support and endorsement, as well as the support of several other elected officials, including President of the Board of Aldermen Lewis Reed and License Collector Mike McMillan. These are people who I respect greatly and I am proud to have their support in my campaign for state senate.”

Clay also echoed the sentiments of many others in noting the importance of keeping St. Louis’ legislative delegation diverse.

“As a former state senator who represented a district specifically drawn to ensure the City of St. Louis would have fair and diverse representation in the senate, I feel the need is just as strong today to ensure that fairness and diversity are reflected in our elected leadership,” said Clay.

State Representative Rodney Hubbard has served in the Missouri House of Representatives since 2002. His district is composed of parts of Downtown, Old North St. Louis, and Central West End.

*Hubbard is a client of A.D. French & Associates

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Mrs. Kratky Gets Nod from City Dems

By Antonio D. French

Filed Saturday, September 08, 2007 at 2:00 PM

As expected, Michele Kratky, wife of former State Rep. Fred Kratky, has been selected as the Democratic nominee to replace her husband in February's special election.

Southside Democratic committeemen and -women met this morning to select their candidate. According to the press release, Kratky was the only candidate considered. Here's the press release:
Democrats in the 65th Legislative District chose Michele Kratky Saturday as their nominee to run for State Representative. Michele Kratky hopes to succeed her husband, former State Representative Fred Kratky, who resigned the seat in June.

Last week, the Governor called a Special Election for February 5, 2008, to fill the seat, triggering the process held Saturday that decided the nominee for the Democrat Party.

"I am delighted to be able to finally choose our nominee, and hopefully, our next State Representative," said Jack Stelzer, chairman of the 65th Legislative District Democrats. "I know Michele will work hard in her campaign, and our committee people will work hard to ensure her successful election."

According to Missouri Constitution and Statute, Democratic committeemen and committeewomen from the city wards that make up the 65th Legislative District decide the Democratic Party’s nominee for a Special Election. Michele Kratky was the only candidate considered during the group’s meeting.

"I am honored to be the nominee," Michele Kratky said, "and I am looking forward to running an aggressive campaign."
Officers also were elected during the meeting. Jack Stelzer will serve as chair; Antoinette Poole, vice chair; Louise Tonkovich, secretary; and Chuck Miller, treasurer.

Previous Stories:

Kratky Resigns State Rep Seat

Keeping it in the Family

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Democratic Women for Donnelly

By Antonio D. French

State Representative Margaret Donnelly is receiving support from some pretty well-known women in her fight for the Democratic nomination for Attorney General.
ST. LOUIS – The Donnelly Campaign today announced the endorsement of several prominent women in the Missouri Democratic Party. Former State Treasurer Nancy Farmer, Former Secretary of State Bekki Cook, Former Democratic Party State Chair May Scheve and Former St. Louis City Prosecuting Attorney Dee Joyce Hayes jointly declared their support of Donnelly for Attorney General.

“Margaret has had an incredible and distinguished career as a lawyer and public servant," said Bekki Cook. “She is the most qualified and best prepared to be the ‘People’s Lawyer’.”

"Margaret will make a great Attorney General and is in the best position to win,” added Nancy Farmer. Farmer won the 2000 Democratic primary for state treasurer in a three way race and went on to win the general election.

"Margaret Donnelly and her over 20 years of experience in family law dealing with tough and gut wrenching juvenile cases have prepared her to be the state’s lawyer,” said Dee Joyce Hayes. “Margaret is a tough no nonsense lawyer who is ready to step in to the job of Attorney General on day one.”

“Nancy Farmer, Bekki Cook, May Scheve and Dee Joyce Hayes are some of the most influential women in the Democratic Party. Their knowledge and ability to win races across the state down to the local level will be an instrumental part in ensuring my victory in both the primary and general election,” commented Donnelly.
So far, the only announced certain candidates for Attorney General are Democrats. State Rep. Jeff Harris and new Democrat State Senator Chris Koster* are the other two. On the Republican side, U.S. Attorney and former Speaker of the Missouri House Catherine Hanaway is expected to run, as may Senate Pro Tem Michael Gibbons.

*Client of A D French & Associates (website design)

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Sheet Metal Workers Endorse Harris

By Antonio D. French

Filed Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 11:50 AM

Attorney General candidate Jeff Harris today picked up the support of the Sheet Metal Workers Local 36.

From the press release:
David Zimmerman, President and Business Manager for Local 36, said today that, “Jeff Harris is our choice for Attorney General because he has always been there on the issues important to the working people of this state. Jeff has stood up and fought for what’s important and we have no doubt he’ll do the same as our next Attorney General. Working families should rally around Harris. We are proud to endorse him."

"It has been my privilege to stand with organized labor on behalf of the working men and women of this state,” Harris said. “Today, I am proud to have the members of Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 36 standing with me and supporting my candidacy for Attorney General.”

As Attorney General, Harris has vowed to aggressively enforce minimum wage and prevailing wage laws to ensure that hard-working Missourians are fairly compensated for the work they do.

Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 36 has over 3,000 members in eastern Missouri, including the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, Columbia, Jefferson City, and Springfield.

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McCulloch Endorses Koster

By Antonio D. French

Filed Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 7:19 AM

St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch has joined the Chris Koster bandwagon. The County's top law enforcer joins a long (and growing) list of endorsers of the Republican-turned-Democrat's bid for Attorney General.

From the press release:
"Chris Koster has been a true member of Missouri's law enforcement community," McCulloch said. "He has walked the crime scenes, examined the witnesses, and made closing arguments in big cases time after time. When it comes to street-level law enforcement, Koster has truly walked the walk."

McCulloch continued, "Koster was vice-president of the Missouri Association of Prosecutors when he joined the senate. Prosecutors throughout Missouri trust his leadership. It is critical that we have someone with his law enforcement background as Attorney General. I look forward to communicating with the citizens of the greater St. Louis area and telling them why Chris Koster will be a great Attorney General."

"I am honored to have the support of Bob McCulloch," Koster said. "Bob has been a leader in the law enforcement community both in Missouri and the nation for many years. Because of that, his endorsement today is especially close to my heart."

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The 23rd Annual Wine and Roses Ball

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