By Antonio D. French
Filed Wednesday, August 01, 2007 at 7:44 AM
After quickly spreading like wildfire, first on independent blogs, then newspaper blogs, then to TV, all that remains for the rumor of Republican State Senator Chris Koster's crossover to the Democratic Party to become fact is... well, a press conference. Labels: 2008, Breaking_News
How about three press conferences in three parts of the state?
At 9:00 this morning, Koster will make a "major political announcement" at the University of Missouri in Columbia.
Then at 11:30, Koster will make either the same "major political announcement" or an even bigger one (like he's converting to Islam or joining the NAACP) outside the Cass County Justice Center in Harrisonville.
And last but (hopefully) not least, at 3:30 this afternoon, the Chris Koster Show comes to St. Louis as the by-then-Democratic State Senator makes his "major political announcement" in front of his high school alma mater, Saint Louis University High School, 4970 Oakland Ave.
In the meantime, Democrats around the state are already taking shots at their soon-to-be newest member.
This flier was emailed to us this morning. It outlines some of the controversial legislation that Koster supported as a Republican. The disclaimer at the bottom says it was paid for by the Boone County Democratic Central Committee.
UPDATE @ 9:55 AM: The following is a statement from Jared Craighead, executive director of the Missouri Republican Party, on Koster's decision to "abandon" the Republican Party:
"Republicans are surprised that Senator Koster who has championed so many Republican causes, participated in leadership of the Senate Republican Caucus and served as a member of the Republican State Committee would decide suddenly that he is a Democrat. Chris is a personal friend of mine but I fear he has blinded himself with his desire for higher office and the hollow promises of Jay Nixon’s political machine rather than keeping his commitment to the constituents who elected him to represent them.
I expect that Chris will resign from the Senate immediately and stand for election as a Democrat in a special election so that the people of the 31st Senatorial District have an opportunity to decide whether they want him representing them now that he has totally reversed his positions on important issues like gay marriage, Second Amendment rights and Medicaid reform.
If I had to guess, Chris will likely quote Winston Churchill to describe his decision saying, 'some men change their party for the sake of their principles; others change their principles for the sake of the party.' But I would remind Chris that Churchill also remarked on the occasion of a party switch that it was the only instance he could recall of a rat swimming towards a sinking ship – that sentiment seems particularly applicable in this case.
Simply stated, Chris has done the political calculus and does not believe he can win a Republican primary and does not believe that Jeff Harris is a formidable opponent."
9 Comments:
I heard Koster is opposed to a ban on stem cell research. I hope Burke puts a stop to his announcement of joining the dark side at the Catholic institution of SLUH.
8/01/2007 11:28 AM
According to the Antonio's post, the announcement will take place "in front of" SLUH. This probably does not mean on school property. While some of us may suspect that the Archbishop would like a theocracy in which he could control who can and cannot use a public sidewalk in front of a Catholic institution, he fortunately does not have that power.
8/01/2007 12:21 PM
I have heard that Koster is selling bean pies and the Final Calls at the anouncments.
As for the NAACP I don’t think he will be attending the county chapters dinner, Hannaway is getting an award.
8/01/2007 12:31 PM
SLUH is a Jesuit Institution and is technically not under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop. The Jesuits report to a Jesuit Provincial that reports to Rome.
8/01/2007 1:26 PM
I can not believe that this "flier" was creted after the Koster announcment. Looks like a standard piece opposing him for AG, made prior to this bombshell.
To imply that Dems are now attacking him...not welcoming his conversion, based on this ...is bogus.
8/01/2007 3:00 PM
The flier's points are no less true today.
8/01/2007 3:23 PM
If I were Donnelly and/or Harris, I would be fuming with the Democratic Party for accepting Koster with open arms.
Shenanigans like this do not happen overnight. This is a well orchestrated and carefully planned "outing" by Koster.
The million dollar question remains--who sold out our Democratic Party to Koster?
8/02/2007 11:46 PM
Let me guess - Jay Nixon and Jeff Smith?
8/04/2007 10:05 AM
As an Independent, I wonder:
Have Democrats foolishly embraced Koster, this self righteous and deceitful snake with open arms as they have with dishonest and flip flopper Hilary Clinton? She is not Bill by far, and I doubt that this lady will accept Bill's advice. Bill is a genius, Hilary is not all that bright.
Remember how she intentionally insulted Obama, calling the man naive, but is now agreeing with his view that the U.S. should be diplomatic and talk with Iran. Don't all think Hilary ows Obama an apology? Or does she think that would be too lady like?
11/04/2007 2:23 PM
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