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Starting tomorrow, Republicans from across Missouri will gather in Springfield for their annual Lincoln Days event.
All three announced Republican candidates for governor, current Governor Matt Blunt, federal, state and local elected officials.
U.S Congressman Kenny Hulshof, Lt. Governor Peter Kinder and State Treasurer Sarah Steelman will meet with attendees and share their plans for building on positive accomplishments made through Republican leadership.
The event is from Friday, February 8, to Sunday, Feb. 10. A host of approximately 20 hospitality suites will be open to the public beginning at 9:00pm on Friday & Saturday evening.
Supporters of Barack Obama will be watching tomorrow's Super Tuesday results at the Moolah Theater, 3821 Lindell Blvd, starting at 7:00 tomorrow evening.
Lines wrapped around three sides of the Edward Jones Dome before the doors opened and crowds of supporters poured onto the stadium floor.
"I haven't seen so many people in this dome since the Rams were having better days," Congressman Lacy Clay told the crowd, which by stadium officials numbered at 20,000 22,500.
The man they all came to see, Presidential candidate Barack Obama, was accompanied on the stage by Clay, Congressman Russ Carnahan, former U.S. Senator Jean Carnahan, State Auditor Susan Montee, County Executive Charlie Dooley, and U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, a woman PubDef first reported as a possible Vice-Presidential selection and who is currently featured in an Obama campaign commercial running nationwide.
As you may have heard, the biggest thing in politics since the ballot box is coming to St. Louis today and they could barely find a place big enough to hold the expected crowd.
The "Stand for Change" Rally with Senator Barack Obama is today (Saturday) at the Edward Jones Dome. Doors open at 7:00 PM and it is free to the public. So come on down!
State representative candidate Shamed Dogan, a Republican running in the south St. Louis County district being vacated by Neal St. Onge, is holding a fundraiser tonight at 6:00 PM at Mandarin, 44 Maryland Plaza, in the Central West End.
For your $25 ticket, you will receive two free drinks during the event, and Mandarin is offering specials for those who hang out afterwards.
A group of young Democrats celebrating a George W. Bush speech? It must be his last State of the Union speech ever.
The Young Democrats of Greater St. Louis say they will be "rejoicing" watching the last time Bush, who leaves office in 11 months, makes his annual address.
The speech is on Monday, January 28, and the Dems will be gathered at Sol Lounge, 4239 Lindell Blvd (enter through the Grind Coffee Shop), from 7:30 to 10:00 PM.
After waiting for more than three hours, the gymnasium which held thousands of Hillary Clinton supporters erupted in cheers as Bill and Hillary Clinton finally arrived at McCluer North High School.
After waiting for more than three hours, the gymnasium which held thousands of Hillary Clinton supporters erupted in cheers as Bill and Hillary Clinton finally arrived at McCluer North High School.
President Bill Clinton and his wife, presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, will be in St. Louis Saturday for a town hall meeting dubbed "Solutions for America" at McCluer North High School in Florissant.
The event is open to the public and will be from 8:00 to 10:00 PM.
As America prepares to elect another president this year, Missourians for Honest Elections is sponsoring a viewing of the documentary "UnCounted" next week to highlight what can — and has — gone wrong when Americans try to cast their ballots.
"UnCounted," a documentary about how many Americans' votes were not counted in the 2004 and 2006 elections — and what could happen in 2008 — will be shown next Thursday, January 10, at 7:00 PM at Epiphany United Church of Christ, 2911 McNair Ave.
PubDef will be spending the evening at J. Buck's at state senate candidate (and A. D. French client) Rodney Hubbard's star-studded fundraiser. All are invited. Tickets are just $25. Check back tomorrow for video and photos.
Hometown recording artists The St. Lunatics, Jibbs and Vic Damone, local political heavyweights, including former mayor Freeman Bosley, Jr.; Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce; Aldermanic President Lewis Reed; and License Collector Mike McMillan, are expected to show their support for Hubbard's 2008 senate campaign.
"We're trying to really bring our region's successful young hip-hop entrepreneurs into the political arena," said Hubbard, who at 35 years-old considers himself part of the hip-hop generation.
"I appreciate the support of these artists who could spend their Thursday night anywhere in the world," said Hubbard. "To come home to St. Louis to support my senate campaign means a lot."
Congressman Lacy Clay, who has endorsed Hubbard, and Dr. Ben Chavis, former head of the national NAACP and president of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, are also expected at the event. Chavis, who co-founded the Hip-Hop Summit with Russell Simmons, is a longtime supporter of Hubbard and of involving the hip-hop generation more in the political process.
The event is TONIGHT from 9:00 until midnight, at J. Bucks, 1000 Clark Ave. in downtown St. Louis. Tickets are open to the general public at just $25. Tickets to an 8:00 VIP event are $100.
* Rodney Hubbard is a client of A D French and Associates (campaign management)
Photographer Rosalind Guy was one of 130 Missourians who traveled to Iowa last week to campaign for Barack Obama. We've posted some of her great photos from the event on our .Mac web gallery.
Click here to view, download, and even upload your own photos from the trip.
Hubbard Fundraiser to Feature Hip-Hop and Political Heavyweights
By Antonio D. French
Filed
Monday, December 17, 2007 at 1:30 PM
State Rep. Rodney Hubbard*, a candidate for the 5th District state senate seat soon to be vacated by the term-limited Sen. Maida Coleman, is holding one of the largest political fundraisers of the year this week.
National recording artist Nelly and his band of St. Lunatics are expected to make appearances, as are hometown rappers Jibbs and Vic Damone. Local political heavyweights, former mayor Freeman Bosley, Jr.; Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce; Aldermanic President Lewis Reed; and License Collector Mike McMillan, headline the host committee.
"We're trying to really bring our region's successful young hip-hop entrepreneurs into the political arena," said Hubbard, who at 35 years-old considers himself part of the hip-hop generation.
"I appreciate the support of these artists who could spend their Thursday night anywhere in the world," said Hubbard. "To come home to St. Louis to support my senate campaign means a lot."
Congressman Lacy Clay, who has endorsed Hubbard, and Dr. Ben Chavis, former head of the national NAACP and president of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, are also expected at the event. Chavis, who co-founded the Hip-Hop Summit with Russell Simmons, is a longtime supporter of Hubbard and of involving the hip-hop generation more in the political process.
The event will be Thursday night, from 9:00 until midnight, at J. Bucks, 1000 Clark Ave. in downtown St. Louis. Tickets are open to the general public at just $25. Tickets to an 8:00 VIP event are $100.
Listen to the radio commercial:
Here's the invitation. Click to enlarge.
* Rodney Hubbard is a client of A D French and Associates (campaign management)
The opponents of the takeover of St. Louis Public Schools are having another fundraising concert tomorrow to raise money to fund their legal fight.
The benefit concert for the "Save Our Children’s Education Fund" will be on Saturday from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the Atomic Cowboy, 4140 Manchester Rd, in "The Grove" neighborhood.
Musical talent slated to jam the afternoon away include: The Black Notes with The Raw Earth Experience, The Ivory Coast Drummers, and DJs Toby and Britton.
Tickets are $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for children.
Jamala Rogers from the Organization for Black Struggle was the first person to testify at yesterday's hearing of the House Committee on Slavery Impact.
The committee, which is considering State Rep. T.D. El-Amin's resolution calling for the State of Missouri to apologize for its role in enslaving blacks, met in the historic Old Courthouse where the historic Dred Scott decision was first heard.
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.
U.S. Senator and Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton took a break from her campaigning in Iowa to rally the troops and raise some quick campaign cash here in St. Louis Sunday.
Clinton was introduced at The Pageant by former St. Louis Congressman and House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt, who wasted no time making the case, as he sees it, for why the country needs a change in the White House.
"This president we have now is the worst in president in the history of the country," said Gephardt.
Gephardt also took a subtle shot at Senator Barack Obama, who has a slight lead on Clinton in the latest Iowa polls. "What we need most now is somebody that doesn't need on-the-job training," said the former south St. Louis representative.
In her speech, Clinton proposed opening the same health plan offered to members of Congress to all Americans. She also promised to bring the troops home from Iraq "as quickly and as responsibly as we possibly can" and to end Bush's "No Child Left Behind" education plan, which Clinton called an unfunded mandate.
Clinton delivered her speech in front of bleachers full of supporters, including Reverends B.T. Rice and Earl Nance. As far as we could tell, the only current elected officials in attendance were State Reps Rachel Storch and Ester Haywood.
Mayor Francis Slay, who has endorsed Clinton, did not attend the event. Protesters threatened to picket the event if he showed up. However, his chief of staff, Jeff Rainford, was in the audience.
The Clinton campaign may have dodged an embarrassing protest by a group opposed to one her biggest local supporters, Mayor Francis Slay, but the New York senator's support for the Iraq War is bringing out another group of protesters — and they'll be wearing pink!
The women's anti-war group, CodePink, is targeting Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton not just for her votes in favor of the war in Iraq, but also for not ruling out a possible preemptive strike on Iran.
"As Clinton travels throughout the country, CodePink, a national women's peace organization, has focused on educating the public about Clinton's war profiteering," states the group's press release.
"Hillary Clinton has received more money from employees of the top five U.S. arms manufactures than any other Presidential candidate, including leading Republicans," the release goes on to say.
"She has voted to authorize Bush's war on Iraq and she voted against legislation to ban the sale of cluster bombs for use in civilian areas. Clinton has also supported controversial legislation that would not rule out attacking Iran," charges CodePink.
If endorsements were as good as votes, St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce, armed with the largest host committee of current and former elected officials that anyone can remember, would have already won her 2008 election by a landslide.
Most of those hosts were on hand Wednesday night (we doubt all of them could've fit in one room) at Sqwire's restaurant in Lafayette Square as Joyce kicked off her campaign for a third term as the city's top elected law enforcer.
Hillary Clinton might have picked up more than she bargained for when she accepted the support of beleaguered mayor Francis Slay. A coalition seeking to remove him from office is moving forward with plans to protest Clinton's St. Louis appearance this weekend because he is scheduled to introduce her.
Yesterday, Sean Thompson, with the Clinton campaign, told State Rep. Jamilah Nasheed, who is active with the recall effort, that there was no need for the protest because Slay was no longer going to introduce Clinton because of a "scheduling conflict."
"Upon hearing that news and confirming it myself with his office," said Thompson on a voicemail message, "I called Mr. [Eric] Vickers and talked to him and told him that the mayor would not be in attendance at the Pageant."
"It is my sincere hope that it changes the dynamic of the demonstration that you all had planned," said Thompson.
But when the Clinton campaign was unwilling to confirm in writing that Slay would not be introducing the presidential candidate, organizers moved on with their plans.
Tomorrow the Citizens to Recall Francis G. Slay, the Citizens to Support Fire Chief George, and other organizations and community leaders will hold a press conference to announce their protest plans.
"Mayor Slay, Senator Clinton's top supporter in the City, is scheduled to give the opening remarks at the Clinton Rally. Because of this, Senator Clinton is being placed on notice that protest demonstrations will take place at the rally — both inside and outside the Pageant," said the group in a press release today.
Tomorrow's press conference is scheduled for 10:00 AM in front of The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd.
Comptroller Darlene Green and License Collector Mike McMillan were among the estimated 350 people who attended a "Unity Rally" yesterday organized by Citizens to Recall Francis G. Slay.
State Representative Jamilah Nasheed, who has been the most visible elected official in the recall effort, served as emcee for the event which was also sponsored by the St. Louis Clergy Coalition and the Gateway Green Alliance. The event took place at the Gateway Classic Foundation building downtown.
According to the event's flyer: "The mayor has a history of playing racial politics, and a history of ignoring the wishes of the people. The Unity Rally is to show the power of the people – of all races – to stand against this racial and social injustice."
Former state rep Joan Barry kicked off her campaign for the State Senate Friday at the IBEW Local 1439 union hall in south St. Louis. Joining her were Dems from across the state, including State Sen. Harry Kennedy, the term-limited Democrat she's seeking to replace.
The host committee of the event included: former Congressman Dick Gephardt, Congressman Russ Carnahan, County Executive Charlie Dooley, County Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch, Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce, State Senators Harry Kennedy and Jeff Smith, State Reps. Sue Schoemehl, Mike Vogt and Pat Yaeger; Democratic Party chairman John Temporiti, and Committeepeople Earl Blasé and Ann Pluemer.
About a dozen teenagers attended a free hip-hop journalism seminar today at the University of Missouri in St. Louis. Instructor MK Stallings taught the students composition, reporting and interviewing techniques. The seminar was sponsored by the Urban Artist Alliance for Child Development.
St. Louis Congressman Lacy Clay was all smiles Friday night as he and visiting House majority whip Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-SC) helped raised over $100,000 for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The fundraiser was held at the home of Bob and Ellen Clark. Bob Clark is the founder, chairman and CEO of Clayco Construction Company.
Pictured are Lewis McKinney, an executive with Anheuser-Busch, James Clyburn and Clay.
French, Rosenbaum, & Martin to Address Mizzou Journalism Students Tonight
By Antonio D. French
Filed
Wednesday, November 07, 2007 at 7:21 AM
As more media publications become converged, what challenges do professional reporters face? That's the subject of tonight's panel discussion "Clashes in Convergence?: Challenges of working in Dual Mediums" on the campus of the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO.
Speakers include: Jason Rosenbaum, reporter and blog writer for the Columbia Daily Tribune; Brent Martin, managing editor of MissouriNet; and yours truly, Antonio French, editor of PubDef.net.
The program starts at 7:00 PM in 110 Lee Hills Hall.
The St. Louis stop of a national tour to raise awareness of the genocide in Darfur has been booked to capacity. Voices From Darfur, a speaking tour of Darfuri refugees is scheduled at SLU's Busch Center tonight, but every one of the 310 open seats has been reserved.
"We had so much interest that we had to take reservations," says Cecilia Nadal of Gitana Productions, the event's local sponsor. "We booked every seat...it's a good problem it have."
The event will feature stories of genocide told by those who lived them. While the purpose is to raise awareness, groups will be on hand to take donations.
Gitana Productions are sponsoring Voices From Darfur in preparation of an original play they will present next year. Written by St. Louis Lee Patton Chiles, the play will be based entirely on true stories from Darfur.
Probably best known (as much as he probably wishes he wasn't) as the "angry black guy" from the first season of the mother of all reality shows, The Real World, hip-hop author Kevin Powell, who is now running for Congress, is coming to St. Louis.
Powell, the former editor of Vibe magazine, is running as a Democrat in the 10th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York. The invitation to his St. Louis event says that Powell is "widely considered one of America's most important voices in these early years of the 21st Century."
Wow! That's coming a long way from throwing a phone at Julie and claiming that black people can't be racist because they don't have power.
Powell will be at the Regional Arts Commission building, 6128 Delmar Blvd, on Monday, November 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Last weekend, State Rep. Jane Cunningham (R-Chesterfield) launched her campaign for the state Senate.
According to Jo Mannies at the Political Fix, former St. Louis Democratic state rep. Fred Kratky's "Facts 'O Life" band was there, as was State Senator Scott Rupp, State Rep. Allen Icet and Speaker-Elect Ron Richard.
The kick-off's host committee included the mayors of Chesterfield, Town & Country, Creve Coeur, Manchester, and Fenton.
Rep. Jane Cunningham with State Rep. candidate Robin Harris and Wanda Harris
Nicholas Britto, St. Louis City school board member Veronica O'Brien, Celeste Oakland, and Jack Hoffmann of Chesterfield.
Guests at the Stand by Me fundraiser, left to right around the table...Dr. Ben Mayes (closest), Joan Kehr, Kent Kehr, Donna Hearne, Mark Hearne, Bob Bacon (mostly hidden), Karen Bacon and Ellen Mayes.
Chesterfield Township Republican Committeeman Paul Matteucci, Alicia Matteucci and Donna Hearne.
Carl and Debbie Bearden.
Cunningham campaign manager Kit Crancer with Molly Tallarico, who represents the University of Missouri.
Saturday night, the St. Louis Democratic Central Committee and the Young Democrats of Greater St. Louis hosted their annual Halloween party at the Glazier's Union Hall.
Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce and her husband.
A much slimmer Circuit Clerk Mariano Favazza.
Under all that hair gel is State Senator Jeff Smith.
Before his rally at Union Station Friday, Presidential Candidate Barack Obama met with a group of local elected officials at his Washington Ave. campaign office.
Local electeds in attendance included: Congressman Lacy Clay; State Auditor Susan Montee; St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley; President of the Board of Aldermen Lewis Reed; License Collector Mike McMillan; Aldermen April Ford-Griffin and Frank Williamson; State Senator Rita Days; State Reps Rodney Hubbard, Robin Wright-Jones, and Ted Hoskins; Chairman of the City Democrats, Brian Wahby; U-City Councilwoman Hazel Erby; former St. Louis mayor Vince Schoemehl; and former state representative Betty Thompson.
Just a couple of days after opening a campaign office here, Senator Barack Obama will be in St. Louis today at a rally at Union Station.
Organizers say they are undertered by the sprinkles of rain. "I think it's going to be a great crowd and a great event," said Mike Dorsey, the Obama campaign's state director for Missouri. "Rain or shine, we're fired up and ready to go!"
Doors open for the St. Louis "Countdown to Change" rally will at 5:00 PM at the south parking lot of Union Station. Tickets are $25 ($15 for students).
Also tonight, city Democrats — young and old — will be putting on the make-up and wigs for their annual Halloween Party.
The St. Louis Democratic Central Committee and the Young Democrats of Greater St. Louis host their annual party tonight from 6:00 to 10:00 PM at the Glazier's Union Hall, 5916 Wilson Ave. (Southeast of Hampton and I 44). Tickets are a less-than-frightening $15 per person.
Aldermanic President Lewis Reed*, State Representative Rodney Hubbard*, and Vice-Chair of the City Democratic Party Yaphett El-Amin helped the Barack Obama Presidential campaign open their St. Louis headquarters yesterday.
Reverend James Morris told the crowd of hundreds gathered in front of City Hall yesterday that he could no longer sit by in good conscience and allow this city to be divided for political gain.
"There is a time to pray," said Morris, a candidate for state representative. "Then there is a time to get up off your knees and go to work."
It looks like the Barack Obama campaign will be the first to open an office in St. Louis.
This week, supporters of the junior senator from Illinois' bid for President will open a campaign office in downtown St. Louis, in the Jack Thompson Square Building on the corner of Washington Ave. and Tucker.
The opening of the headquarters, which will likely occur on Tuesday Wednesday, comes just a few days before Sen. Obama comes to St. Louis for a rally on Friday at Union Station.
Democrat Sam Coleman officially kicked off his campaign for state representative last night. By the campaign's estimate, several hundred people packed the Kappa House in midtown in support of Coleman's campaign to replace State Rep. Rodney Hubbard (D-58th), who is running for state senate.
Among those elected officials in attendance last night were President of the Board of Aldermen Lewis Reed, Comptroller Darlene Green, License Collector Michael McMillan, Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce, State Reps Rodney Hubbard, Jamilah Nasheed, and Sam Page (who's also running for Lt. Gov.), Aldermen Freeman Bosley, Sr., April Ford-Griffin, Charles "Quincy" Troupe, Marlene E. Davis, and Sam Moore, Committeepeople Ernestine Hill, Lucinda Frazier, Columbus Edwards, Arthur "Chink" Washington, and Curtis Royston (who's also running for State Rep. in the 61st District), and former State Representatives Louis Ford and Stan Piekarski.
Former New York City Mayor and Presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani appeared at a $1,000-a-plate breakfast at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Clayton this morning. The fundraiser was organized by St. Louis County real estate broker Mike Becker.
FLICKR:CLICK HERE to see our photos from today's event.
Here are some photos from last night's mixer of Young Democrats. We only sprinkled in a few embarrassing shots. The rest are for our blackmail file (Look out, Wahby!).
FLICKR:Click here to see all of these pics on Flickr. Have fun. Rate 'em! Comment on 'em! Add us as a contact!
VIDEO: Russell Simmons Defends the Use of Certain Words in Hip-Hop
By Antonio D. French
Filed
Wednesday, October 03, 2007 at 7:25 AM
PUB DEF EXCLUSIVE
During a panel discussion hosted by Congresswoman (and St. Louis native) Maxine Waters (D-CA) at the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. last weekend, hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons made a surprise visit and jumped into a discussion about the use of words like "nigga," "bitch," and "ho" in urban music.
Simmons, the co-founder of Def Jam Records and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, talked about his recent appearance on Oprah Winfrey's show, where he discussed the same topic. He said that appearance may have been a mistake because the audience already had their minds made up and weren't hearing what he had to say. Simmons soon found some panelists and audience members in D.C. also had their own strong opinions on the subject.
Simmons received some opposition from some of his fellow panelists, including a spoken word artist and actor Hill Harper, who was recently in St. Louis at a St. Louis American Salute to Excellence banquet.
St. Louis' Young Democrats are coming together tomorrow for their Fall Social.
The event is Wednesday from 5:30—7:30 PM at the Laclede Street Bar & Grill, 3818 Laclede. All Democrats are welcome and admission is free. Plus free food and 2-for-1 drink specials!
Spread the word. Bring your friends. Enjoy a fun evening with fellow Young Democrats.
When we were in Washington D.C. last week for the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference, we also dropped by the Hip-Hip Action Network's "Get Your Money Right" D.C. Summit.
Watch this Red Carpet video of Russell Simmons, Dr. Ben Chavis, Mya, Lil Mo, Big Daddy Kane, La Toya Luckett, and more...
FLICKR:Click here to see our photos from the red carpet.
Singer Mya at the "Get Your Money Right" Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment in Washington, D.C.
From left to right: Martin Luther King III, Dr. Ben Chavis, Mya, Cong. Barbara Lee, Cong. G.K. Butterfield, Valeisha Butterfield, and a representative of sponsor Chrysler Financial.
Mya with Congresswoman Barbara Lee from California.
Missouri Attorney General candidate Margaret Donnelly is holding her first St. Louis fundraiser tonight at 8025 Maryland Avenue. The event starts at 5:30.
So far, over 150 people are co-hosting the event. The cost for the evening is $1,275 for hosts, $500 for sponsors and $250 for friends.
UPDATE: Not really the ideal way to end a fundraiser (From the Political Fix):
So packed that the event set off the fire alarm.
The ear-splitting sound came just as folks continued to eat and right before the speeches. The upshot: all those who were able had to walk down 18 flights of stairs. Donnelly, D-Richmond Heights, stayed on the roof with those who couldn’t.
Their invitation promises "a stimulating evening" filled with art, drinks and hors d'oeuvres. It will be hosted by State Representative Mike Talboy.
The event is on September 19 at 5:30 PM at the Pi Gallery, 419 E. 18th Street, in Kansas City. Members and candidates can get in free, but non-members will have to pay $20.
Today in Sherman Park, Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay dedicated a grove of trees to slain police officer Norvelle Brown, who was killed a few blocks away from the park.
Governor Matt Blunt was in north St. Louis yesterday — not to tour the so-called Blairmont properties (although he did witness firsthand the blight and crumbling buildings of the third ward), but for a press event recognizing the efforts of Cool Down St. Louis, an organization that gives air conditioners to those in need.
With temperatures above 105 degrees and surrounded by the stark signs of urban decay — boarded up buildings, piles of bricks, homes with fallen porches — the Governor's people and representatives of Cool Down arrived to the 4300 block of Linton Avenue in the comfort of air conditioned cars. A Mercedes and Lexus stood out in their the impoverished surroundings.
Cool Down President Kevin McGowan (who arrived in the passenger seat of a Porsche) joined Blunt, Police Chief Joe Mokwa, Fire Chief Sherman George, and Alderman Marlene Davis for the photo opp on the city's hottest day of the year. The group knocked on three pre-screened doors and offered residents free air conditioners before taking the podium to congratulate each other for a job well done.
Learn more about Cool Down St. Louis by visiting their website.
Freshman alderman Kacie Starr Triplett will tackle one of the city's most persistent issues tonight as she hosts a forum on homelessness in the downtown portion of her ward.
Triplett has invited representatives from the Department of Health & Human Services; The Horizon Club, St. Louis' first 24-7 safe haven for the homeless; the St. Louis Downtown Partnership; and the mayor's office to discuss with residents of the 6th ward strategies for addressing downtown's large homeless population.
"There has been a lot of time, effort and energy in improving downtown," said Triplett. "However, problems with homelessness and crime still exist. This event will provide an opportunity for me to update the citizens of downtown on recent proactive developments as well as a forum for my constituents to share their concerns."
The event is at the St. Louis Public Library, 1301 Olive, from 7:00 to 8:30 tonight.
The region's political players came together last night for what has become one of the largest annual events in St. Louis politics. License Collector Mike McMillan played the role of "cash collector" once again as the region's elite literally lined up to drop off their $500 and $1,000 contributions to McMillan's future endeavors.
Among those spotted: County Executive Charlie Dooley, East St. Louis Mayor Alvin Parks, Democratic State Senators Maida Coleman and Chris Koster, announced Attorney General candidates Jeff Harris and Margaret Donnelly, Lt. Gov. candidate Sam Page, Comptroller Darlene Green, President of the Board of Aldermen Lewis Reed and most of the city's aldermen, nearly all of St. Louis' state legislative delegation, committeepeople, citywide elected officials, and many, many others.
Earlier this week, State Representative Talibdin El-Amin and his wife, Committeewoman (and former state representative) Yaphett El-Amin hosted a town hall meeting at Wohl Community Center in north St. Louis. Here are a couple of videos from that event.
For the second year, State Senator Jeff Smith brought his A-game to Fairgrounds Park, but this time a lot more people joined him.
While Smith showed his love for the game, others showed their love of an incumbent senator. Several faces who were not at "Candidate Smith's" event last year came out Saturday to support "Senator Smith's" 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
New faces included: Mayor Francis Slay, Attorney General and candidate for governor Jay Nixon, State Sen. Chuck Graham, License Collector Mike McMillan, Alderman Jeffrey Boyd, and Committeewoman Mattie Moore.
One of the few elected officials that did show up at last year's event (and gave us this priceless endorsement video) was 22nd Ward Committeeman Joe Palm, who again made an appearance.
Organizers estimate that over a thousand people — roughly five times the turnout last year — came out Saturday.
Nixon played referee for a game in which Smith played. His team, which included aide and rumored state rep candidate Chris "I can guard anybody" Carter, came in third place in the 17-and-over age division.
First place in each age division got bikes, second place got tickets to Six Flags, and 3rd place teams received gift certificates to area businesses. All players got either backpacks or school supplies.
Supporters of Shamed Dogan's run for the Missouri House seat of the term-limited State Rep. Neal St. Onge (R-Ellisville) gathered at the Ballwin home of Henry and Becky Viola for his official campaign kick-off Saturday.
Former U.S. Senator Jim Talent, along with St. Onge, who supports the 28-year-old Dogan's campaign to replace him, State Rep. Jeff Grisamore (R-Lee's Summit), Ballwin Aldermen Tim Pogue and Jim Terbrock, former State Rep. Sherman Parker, and blogger John Combest were all on hand to show support.
State Representative Connie Johnson and an awkward State Senator Harry Kennedy joined celebrity doctor Ian Smith, comedian J. Anthony Brown, old school hip-hoppers Biz Markie and Slick Rick, St. Louis Ram legend Marshall Faulk, and other celebrities at the 50 Million Pound Challenge event at Union Station this weekend.
The Challenge is a party with a purpose, promoting physical fitness and health among African Americans while bringing some great (and free, thanks to State Farm) music performances to cities all across America.
Organizers called the St. Louis event a huge success, with thousands of people showing up and tens of thousands of pounds pledged to be lost.
DOWNTOWN — The 50 Million Pound Challenge is at Union Station today from noon until 4:00. Hosted by Dr. Ian Smith (from VH1's Celebrity Fit Club) and funny man J. Anthony Brown, this FREE event will feature performances by Joe, Kelly Price, Slick Rick, Shirley Murdock, and DJ Biz Markie (also from Celebrity Fit Club).
NORTH SIDE — State Senator Jeff Smith brings his second annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament to Fairgrounds Park today. The tournament, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., is free for all, and all players will receive free T-shirts and back-to-school supplies. DJ Charlie Chan will be spinning and free food and drink will be provided. And for those with a sweet tooth, Ben and Jerry's will be there with 500 scoops of ice cream.
U-CITY — Crack-Smoking Republicans, beware. Blake Ashby is running for president again. His campaign kick-off is today at 11:00 at the Tivoli Theater in University City. The kickoff event will feature a speech by Ashby and a rundown of "The Top Ten Ways You Can Tell a Republican Has Been Smoking Crack."
BALLWIN — State Rep candidate Shamed Dogan is also holding a campaign kick-off event today at the home of Becky and Henry Viola. The event will feature barbecue by Red the Bar-B-Que Man, chosen by the Riverfront Times last year as the "Best Barbecue in St. Louis" (but what do they know?), and an appearance by Dogan's former boss, former U.S. Senator Jim Talent.
CHECK BACK MONDAY FOR VIDEO FROM ALL OF THESE EVENTS
In the interest of promoting fitness among African Americans — and having some good, free fun on a Saturday afternoon — the 50 Million Pound Challenge is coming to St. Louis this weekend.
Hosted by Dr. Ian Smith (from VH1's Celebrity Fit Club) and funny man J. Anthony Brown, the event will feature free performances by Joe, Kelly Price, Slick Rick, Shirley Murdock, and DJ Biz Markie (also from Celebrity Fit Club).
Things kick off Saturday, July 28, at Union Station at noon and continues until until 4:00. All are welcome to this free event.
Tonight will mark the directorial debut of St. Louis American editor Chris King. "Blind Cat Black," King's first feature film, premieres tonight as part of The St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase.
"Blind Cat Black," which features several local well-knowns appearing for the first time on film (some of them in ghoulish zombie make-up), starts at 7:00 p.m. at The Tivoli Theater in the Delmar Loop.
The party starts at 6:00 p.m. at the Arena Bar and Grill, 5760 W Park Ave. There will be multiple televisions to catch all the debate's one-liners and political side-stepping.
Event organizers say all are invited, not just Richardson supporters. If you're interested, email richardsonmovc@hotmail.com.
Nearly 300 local supporters of Presidential candidate Barack Obama gathered yesterday evening at the Mad Art Gallery in south St. Louis.
The racially-mixed audience listened to regional coordinators with the Obama campaign as well as local organizers discuss plans for upcoming events and strategies for organizing ahead of the February Presidential Preference vote.
Darryl Piggee, chief of staff for Congressman Lacy Clay, and Steve Engelhardt, aide to Clay, who helped publicize the event, were also in attendance, as were numerous business people, students, activists, longtime- and first-time Democratic campaign workers.
A large group of local grass-root supporters of U.S. Senator and Presidential candidate Barack Obama are scheduled to meet Wednesday night in St. Louis.
Not another fundraiser, and not another meet-and-greet for local political big shots, tomorrow's event is supposed to be a chance for the real engines of the Democratic Party; the field workers, the neighborhood activists, the people who do the hard, less glamorous work of campaigns.
The event is Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the Madd Art Museum, 2727 S. 12th Street.
State Senator Jeff Smith is preparing for his second annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Fairgrounds Park. Our camera was there last year when then-candidate Smith brought his dribbling skills to north St. Louis.
The event will be on July 28, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Smith has set up a website (www.jeffsmith3on3.com) where teams can register online. The deadline is July 23.
According to Smith, the tournament is free for all, and all players will receive free T-shirts and back-to-school supplies. A local DJ will be spinning music, free food and drink will be provided, and for those with a sweet tooth, Ben and Jerry's will be there with 500 scoops of ice cream.
The age divisions are 10 and under, 11-13, 14-16, and 17 and up. The winners of each age division will win brand-new bikes from Big Shark Bicycles; runners-up will receive free passes to Six Flags, and 3rd place finishers will receive gift certificates for everything ranging from clothes to CDs to oil changes.
You may have heard that two concert-goers were injured Sunday at Beyonce's concert at the ScottTrade Center. They were reportedly taken to Barnes-Jewish Hospital where they were treated for minor burns.
You may have also heard that Beyonce visited the two victims at Barnes later that night.
"Last Thursday, our system failed to protect our youngest and most vulnerable. But the system was broken long before the evening of July 6th," said Jamilah Nasheed.
"If a 12-year-old boy can be spurred to this type of violence, there is something inherently wrong and out of order. Our community needs to come together and fix it."
The "Save Our Children" Prayer Vigil and Rally will take place at the intersection of Vandeventer and St. Louis Avenue, near Purtty's home, on Wednesday, July 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Click here to read the press release.
Democratic State Rep. Rodney Hubbard kicked off his state senate campaign with a strong show of support from elected officials, former elected officials, and even some Republicans.
[WARNING: The following video features music containing language which some may find objectionable. NSFW.]
Among those spotted at Friday's event at the Carr Community Center in north St. Louis:
State Senators Jeff Smith and Chris Koster (R-Harrisonville); State Representatives Jamilah Nasheed, Talibdin El-Amin, and Jim Lembke (R-St. Louis County); former State Reps Yaphett El-Amin, Betty Thompson (D-St. Louis County), and Mark Wright (R-Springfield); President of the Board of Aldermen Lewis Reed; License Collector Mike McMillan; former Mayor Freeman Bosley, Jr.; and Committeemen Jesse Todd (18th Ward) and Curtis Royston (27th Ward).
EXTRA: Watch Rodney Hubbard's full 23-minute speech at PubDef.TV
Governor Matt Blunt is in St. Louis today. He is scheduled to present a proclamation and participate in a Heat-Up St. Louis event at 11:45 a.m. at the McGowan/Walsh Sales Center, 2200 Washington Ave.
Later, Blunt will sign into law Senate Bill 384, which addresses license plate tab theft, something city residents are all too familiar with.
The signing event is at 1:45 p.m. in the St. Louis Police Board main board room, 1200 Clark Avenue #603.
U.S Senator and recently declared candidate for the 2008 Republican Presidential Nomination Fred Thompson will be in Missouri this Friday to speak at the Missouri Bankers Association’s 117th Annual Convention in Osage Beach, MO.
Thompson will deliver the closing keynote speech of the event.
Thanks to fellow Missouri blogger John Combest for the links. Check out the Convention's Brochure for yourself here.
On Friday, June 15, friends of the late Marti Frumhoff will gather in Forest Park to honor, memorialize and celebrate the life and times of a woman who touched the lives of many St. Louisans.
"Rain or shine! We will be creating the space as we come together," writes friend Christopher Thiemet. "Some of us may want to share a story, read a poem, put up art work, lead us in a song... We see this as a informal time."
The event will be from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pavilion 5, across from the Zoo. The focused phase of this gathering will begin at 5:30. If well-wishers are unable to attend, but wish to have something read they are are asked to email them to mel@changingtide.org and they will make sure that someone reads it for you.
"This memorial is a time of celebration in a park Marti cherished," said Thiemet.
If you've ever wanted to see drunken public employees Karaoke the night away, here's your chance.
St. Louis City Recorder of Deeds Sharon Quigley Carpenter will be hosting her 28th Annual Loyal Staff Party tonight at Johnny Gitto's, 6997 Chippewa, from 5:30 "until".
The annual fundraiser will feature beer, a "Trash and Treasure" raffle, more beer, Karaoke, and probably some more beer. Requested donations start at $25.
As for the Karaoke, according to invitation, impersonations of American Idol's infamous SanjayaMalakar are strictly prohibited under Loyal Staff™ Party Code 6.2.(a)3.
Senator Claire McCaskill will be in town for the grand opening of her new St. Louis office Saturday.
McCaskill's St. Louis office staff, including regional director Michelle Sherod, will be on hand from 10-11:00 a.m. for the opening of the new office at 5850 Delmar Blvd, Suite A.
McCaskill currently has offices in Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, and Cape Girardeau.
The League of Women Voters, Metropolis St. Louis, and FOCUS St. Louis will be hosting a panel discussion and public forum tonight on the future of St. Louis Public Schools.
Speakers on the panel include: State Sen. Jeff Smith, a supporter of charter schools; school board member David Lee Jackson, an opponent of the state takeover; former school board member Ron Jackson, a supporter of the state takeover; and Superintendent Diana Bourisaw.
The Community Concerns Forum will be at the Carpenter Branch Library, 3309 S. Grand, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. tonight. All are welcome.
St. Louis Congressmen Lacy Clay and Russ Carnahan served as hosts to U.S. Senator and Presidential Candidate Barack Obama yesterday as he made stops at the Moolah Theatre and the Renaissance Grand Hotel to rally his Democratic supporters and raise some needed cash — two things that the "rock star" from Illinois is very good at.
There are a lot of people running for the nomination, Clay told the crowd filling the Moolah space usually occupied by leather couches. Some of those other candidates are his friends, Clay said.
"But running for President isn't about friendship," said the Congressman. "It's about winning. And in Barack Obama, we have a winner!"
Supporters of U.S. Senator Barack Obama's bid for the Democratic nomination for President will have several opportunities today to demonstrate their level of support for the charismatic Illinoisan who polls show may be the Democrats' best chance at regaining the White House.
In the latest Rasmussen poll, Obama is within a single point of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who is at the moment the leading Republican candidate. Giuliani nominally leads Obama 45% to 44% when voters consider a general election match-up. In mid-April, Giuliani led by three points. The two had also been neck-and-neck in March.
Obama now holds a four-point lead over Republican Senator John McCain 46% to 42%. In April, Obama's lead over McCain was six points; prior to that, they were tied 44% to 44% for a couple months in a row.
The Obama campaign will hold two main events today in St. Louis. The first is a rally at the Moolah Theatre, 3821 Lindell Blvd. Tickets to that event are just $25. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
The second event is at the Renaissance Grand Hotel, 800 Washington Ave., at 7:00 p.m. Tickets to this event range from $500 to $2,300.
Obama's chief rival for the Democratic nomination, Sen. Hillary Clinton, was in town last week. Another candidate, former Sen. John Edwards, will be in St. Louis later this month.
EXTRA: The St. Louis American's Chris King interviewed Sen. Obama by phone yesterday. Click here to read the transcript.
Yesterday, Missouri House members in support of Affirmative Action held a press conference in Jefferson City to express their opposition of an anti-Affirmative Action ballot initiative being pushed by a group calling itself, rather ironically, the Missouri Civil Rights Initiative.
State Rep. Talibdin El-Amin (D-St. Louis City), one of the organizers of the event, told PubDef that this issue is not just about reserving jobs and spots in higher education for African-Americans. He contends that the entire country benefits from diversity.
"We wanted to convey that this is not solely an African-American issue," said El-Amin. "We're trying not to be reactionary... trying to make sure people are being educated as to the deceptive language that is being used."
El-Amin went on to say that he expects any bill attacking Affirmative Action to receive strong Democratic opposition, and that he has spoken to some Republican lawmakers that he has worked with in the past that will also "be inclined to support" Affirmative Action.
While opponents contend that Affirmative Action programs have outlasted their usefulness, El-Amin couldn't disagree more.
"You can look at the numbers, and there is a disparity. It is obvious that you need some type of remedy," he said. And he will continue to feel that way, "until they can show me some numbers" to the contrary.
Regional leaders, current and former elected officials, and a wide assortment of other early birds attended an 8:30 A.M. breakfast this morning and the St. Louis Zoo in celebration of the fifth anniversary of the innovative River Ring plan.
Developed by the Great Rivers Greenway District, the region-wide system of 600 miles of greenways, parks and trails covers an expanse of more than 1,200 square miles.
KMOX host Charlie Brennan emceed this morning's event and introduced Mayor Francis Slay, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley and St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann, who each spoke briefly.
The morning's featured speaker, respected Senator John Danforth, praised The River Ring plan as a model for other cities to follow. He said getting this project done was a break from the all too familiar obstructionism that St. Louis is known for.
"The positive approach — making things happen isn't easy," said Danforth. "Blocking things is easy."
The former Republican senator and U.N. Ambassodor singled out St. Louis City's mayor for his role in rebuilding the region. He praised Slay as "one of the city's greatest mayors."
"Let's not be satisfied with the status quo," said Danforth. "Let's not be satisfied with a riverfront that looks like something the cat dragged in."
This year's Cinco de Mayo celebration downtown in Keiner Plaza was much wetter than last year. But that didn't stop people from having fun and dancing in the rain.
A group of Missouri lawmakers are preparing to fight a potential ballot initiative anti-affirmative action groups are trying to put before voters in 2008 targeting colleges admission standards, employment opportunities and access to public contracts for minorities.
The Missourianreported last week that a group called The Missouri Civil Rights Initiative will be part of a "Super Tuesday for Equal Rights" campaign led by the American Civil Rights Institute, which also hopes to ban racial preferences in Colorado, Oklahoma and Arizona.
State Rep. Talibdin El-Amin, a Democrat from north St. Louis, is among those ready for the fight.
"Beneath the claim that ability and merit should be the only basis for advancement is the documented history of denial of opportunity to minorities and women that must be remedied," El-Amin said in a statement.
According to El-Amin, Californian Ward Connelly, "the African-American face of the anti-affirmative action movement", was in Missouri on April 24 to announce efforts to launch an initiative drive to eliminate affirmative action this state. Connelly helped put such a measure, Proposition 209, before California voters.
Assistant Senate Minority Leader Chuck Graham, D-Columbia, said protections to help women and minorities advance should be preserved.
"Achieving the maximum potential of society can only be done when all people are allowed to participate in the system," Graham said.
"This country has made significant strides with the passage of civil rights legislation, but all of the goals of those landmark bills have not been met nor negated the legacy of centuries of discrimination and racism."
El-Amin, Graham, and other legislators will hold a press conference on the anti-affirmative action proposal on Tuesday, May 8, at 9:00 a.m. in the State Capitol.
A group of Soulard neighborhood residents are planning to attend Mardi Gras Inc.'s annual Mardi Gras Forum tonight to voice their concerns and opposition to the annual celebration of beer and boobs.
The residents say they began organizing last year out of fear for their safety and that of their neighbors. They say they are outraged at the destruction of their private property that follows the event.
In a press release, the residents say they are "discouraged by the general disrespect of the neighborhood by Mardi Gras planners and attendees [and] decided it was time to join together and speak out against the event."
"Mardi Gras has increasingly become an overly promoted, dangerous and out-of-hand event that the current event promoter, Mardi Gras, Inc., cannot or is unwilling to adequately oversee," the group writes.
The Mardi Gras Forum is tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Boilermaker's Union Hall, 1547 S. Broadway.
Click here to see our photos from Mardi Gras 2006 (Warning: some NSFW).
The Kennard Classical Junior Academy Parent Teacher Organization and The League Of Woman Voters are hosting a candidate forum for those running for two open seats on the school board.
The event is Saturday, March 31, at 7:00 p.m. at Kennard CJA Magnet Gifted School, 5031 Potomac (between Hereford and Brannon, two blocks east of the S. Kingshighway Business District). Free childcare is provided.
St. Louis is one of a handful of cities that will host a screening of the new documentary film, "American Blackout", which examines the alleged voting irregularities that occurred during the presidential elections of 2000 and 2004.
American Blackout chronicles the recurring patterns of voter disenfranchisement from Florida 2000 to Ohio 2004 while following the story of controversial Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney.
Click here to RSVP for the screening on April 9th at Hartford Coffee Company. Seating is limited.
The legendary reporter who still today is considered one of the finest and most respected journalists in America, Bob Woodward, will be speaking at St. Louis University tonight.
SLU College Democrats, College Republicans, and the Great Issues Committee are sponsoring tonight's event, which begins at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Louis Room of the Busch Student Center (Grand Ave. at Laclede). The event is free to the public and will be followed by a book-signing and refreshments.
From Wikipedia: Robert "Bob" Woodward is assistant managing editor of The Washington Post. While an investigative reporter for that newspaper, Woodward, working with his co-employee Carl Bernstein helped uncover the Watergate scandal that led to President Richard Nixon's resignation. Woodward has written 12 best-selling non-fiction books and has twice contributed reporting to efforts that collectively earned the Post and its National Reporting staff a Pulitzer Prize.
With a fundraiser planned for Thursday, 27th Ward Committeeman Curtis Royston is making it official. He will indeed be seeking term-limited State Rep. Connie Johnson's spot in 2008.
Royston will be joined Thursday by supporters, including Johnson, State Reps. Rodney Hubbard and Talibdin El-Amin, Committeepeople Yaphette El-Amin (1st Ward), Claude Brown (2nd Ward), Johnny Sadler and Lucinda Fraisier (3rd Ward), and Arthur "Chink" Washington (21st Ward) in celebrating his candidacy as well as his 38th Birthday.
Royston is expected to face young Chris Carter, aide to State Sen. Jeff Smith and nephew of 27th Ward Alderman Greg Carter, in the 2008 primary election.
The event is on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. at Charlotte's Banquet Hall, 8709 Riverview.
State Rep. Connie Johnson will be hosting a public forum to encourage open dialog with the Police Board on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in the auditorium of Northwest High School, 5140 Riverview Blvd.
The Forum will be co-hosted by the Northside Neighborhood Action Association, Area F Neighborhood Counsel, the Organization for Black Struggle, and the Urban Progressive Caucus.
This is the first of several forums being conducted by the Board of Police Commissioners; however this forum will focus specifically on the activity that has occurred in the Walnut Park and the Mark Twain Neighborhoods.
Walnut Park and Mark Twain are part of the 6th Police District where two new appointments have been made. Alfred Adkins is the new Major for North Patrol and Dan Isom is the new Captain. Both Akins and Isom, who are residents of the district, have previously worked in the District and will be in attendance at the forum.
Democrats young and old, incumbents and challengers, watchers and winners crammed into the southside hip spot, The Royale, Tuesday night to watch (and jeer) the President as he delivered his next-to-last State of the Union address.
With just two weeks left before Election Day, the McCaskill campaign will be looking to raise some last-minute moolah at the Moolah tonight.
Ellen R. Malcolm, the founder and president of EMILY's List, a political action committee that supports pro-choice female candidates, will be the special guest at a fundraiser for U.S. Senate candidate Claire McCaskill tonight at the Moolah Theatre and Lounge, 3821 Lindell Blvd, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Other guests scheduled to stop by include former Senator Jean Carnahan, former Congressman Richard Gephardt, and St. Louis County Executuve Charlie Dooley.
Two Rivers Greens, the St. Louis branch of the Progressive Party of Missouri, will be hosting "How to Impeach a President", a 90-minute presentation on Oct. 26 at the Carpenter's Branch Library.
The event will feature a video presentation by the Center for Constitutional Rights, followed by discussion led by David Sladky, Progressive candidate for Congress, and Lydia Lewis, Progressive candidate for U.S. Senate.
The Carpenter's Branch Library is located at 3309 S. Grand. The meeting is from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
