State Rep. Tom Villa, a possible candidate to replace Maida Coleman in the state senate, hasn’t raised much money for his effort (less than $4,000 in 9 months), but when you’re rich, you don’t have to.

Villa, whose family owns Villa Lighting Supply (in 2001, according to the St. Louis Business Journal, the company did $47.5 million in sales), has loaned his campaign committee $165,000, according to finance reports filed today.

The only two candidates that have formally announced so far that they are running for the open seat are state representatives Rodney Hubbard* and Robin Wright-Jones.

Coleman is currently St. Louis City’s only African-American senator. Both Hubbard and Jones are black. Villa is white. The racial dynamics of the race and the desire of black St. Louisans to keep some representation in the Missouri senate have made this a closely-watched race across the state.

*Hubbard is a client of A D French & Associates

Here’s State Rep. Robin Wright-Jones‘ full 30-minute speech from her campaign announcement Tuesday.

Among her supporters in attendance: state rep candidate Rev. James Morris, Slay recall leader Rev. Douglas Parham, radio personality Hank Thompson, and political operative Harold Brown.

*Wright-Jones’ opponent, Rodney Hubbard, is a client of A D French & Associates

State Representative Rodney Hubbard has hired Antonio French to manage his campaign for state senate.

This is the third senate campaign for French. Previous campaigns for Senators Wayne Goode and Patrick Dougherty were both successful. French most recently worked on Lewis Reed’s successful campaign for President of the Board of Aldermen earlier this year.

Hubbard is seeking to replace term-limited State Senator Maida Coleman. Other possible candidates include State Reps Tom Villa and Robin Wright Jones.

The Democratic primary election is August 5, 2008.

It is a favorite political pastime to watch the financial accomplishments of those thoroughbreds of political fundraising; the Blunts, Slays and McMillans of the political world. But with the end of contribution limits, what was once a horse race is now more like NASCAR.

This post will be updated throughout the day with updated numbers. Stay tuned.

The Race for Governor

We’re still waiting for Governor Matt Blunt’s and Jay Nixon’s July reports to post. But on his April campaign finance report, Blunt proved this was indeed a whole new world by raising $2.9 million with the help of numerous $25,000, $50,000 (one from a happy “homemaker” in Monett), and $100,000 donors.

The 5th Senate

The rumor was true, by raising an eye-popping $111,011.54 last quarter, State Rep. Rodney Hubbard* removed any doubt that he is the frontrunner in the race to succeed State Sen. Maida Coleman.

According to his report, Hubbard transferred $11,886.54 from his state rep. committee and got large donations from Rex Sinquefield ($30,000) and License Collector Mike McMillan ($10,000). Much of the rest of Hubbard’s money came from dozens of $25 and $50 contributions from local supporters.

As we reported last week, State Rep. Tom Villa, who is also running, raised just $500. State Rep. Robin Wright Jones‘, another possible candidate, report has not been posted yet.

*Hubbard is a client of A D French & Associates

UPDATE: Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder raised $347,015 last quarter, bringing his total cash on hand (after spending $36,000) to just over $400,000. Notable names on his report: Kwame Building Group ($2,000), Paul McKee and his McEagle Properties ($5,000 plus a $1,856.58 in-kind donation), and Steve Stogel ($2,000).

More later…