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Tomorrow night, February 1, opponents of the Mayor Francis Slay’s decisions to demoted Fire Chief Sherman George, support the State takeover of the public schools, and veto a police Civilian Review Board will picket outside the Mayor’s Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball from 6 to 7:30 PM on the east side of City Hall.
At approximately 7:00 picketers dressed as the ghosts of the City Fire Department, the Elected School Board, and the vetoed police Civilian Review Board will lead a procession to the front door of the City Hall and seek to join the Ball in a dance of discontent.
From today's Deb Petterson column in the Post-Dispatch:
Twin brothers Jeff and Randy Vines of the St. Louis apparel line STL-STYLE.com (they design those clever, interesting T-shirts with St. Louis icons on them) and Antonio French of the local political blog PubDef.net will represent our town at an upcoming gathering of urban devotees in Buffalo, N.Y. The meeting, which is being sponsored by the Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program, will bring together urban advocates from 10 cities. They will meet Thursday through Saturday. The goal is "to craft a new narrative for industrial cities of the Great Lakes region, the so-called 'Rustbelt,' according to a news release from the group.
JEFFERSON CITY -- As St. Louis Police Chief Joe Mokwa and Police Board President Chris Goodson roamed the halls of the state Capitol today lobbying against a senate bill calling for a return of local control of the St. Louis Police Department on an unrelated issue, a group of city lawmakers were lobbying to return local control to the city police department
At this moment, several St. Louis aldermen are in the audience as the bill is being heard before the committee. Aldermen Terry Kennedy, April Ford-Griffin, Jeffrey Boyd, Kacie Starr Triplett, Frank Williamson, Marlene Davis, and Sam Moore are here in support of the bill.
Senator Maida Coleman is handling sponsoring the bill in the senate and Rep. T.D. El-Amin will be handling the bill on the House side.
UPDATE: There was a tense exchange between between Alderman Boyd, speaking in favor of the bill, asked Senator Harry Kennedy, a member of the committee who seems to oppose local control, if he feels elected officials are "incompetent." Kennedy, who is also a city committeeman, said he was offended by the question. The commiittee chairman quickly ended the exchange.
VIDEO: Barack Obama in Kansas City: 'Don't Fall for the Ol' Okie-Doke'
By Antonio D. French
KANSAS CITY -- When Barack Obama stopped in Kansas City Tuesday, he was welcomed by a crowd so big that the fire marshal wouldn't allow anymore people inside the Municipal Auditorium. The Kansas City Star put the numbers above 6,000. Others put the number closer to 8,000.
Senator Claire McCaskill and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius stood behind the presidential hopeful as he delivered a speech filled with humor and hope.
Obama asked his supporters not to be fooled by his opponents distortions. "People want to hoodwink you," said Obama. "They want to bamboozle you. They want to run the 'okie-doke' on you."
Sorry about the bouncy camera. You wouldn't believe what I had to do to get this video.
JEFFERSON CITY -- Presidential candidate John Edwards stopped in Jefferson City for quick campaign stop Tuesday. He was introduced by former Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell and greeted by a roomful of supporters, including several Missouri farmers.
JEFFERSON CITY -- When Presidential candidate John Edwards stopped in Jefferson City for quick campaign stop Tuesday, State Rep. Connie Johnson was one of two St. Louis elected officials welcoming the former South Carolina senator. The other was Alderman Stephen Gregali.
The following statement is from Congressman Lacy Clay...
On Tuesday, February 5th, voters in the City of St. Louis will be asked to approve a half-cent sales tax increase, allegedly to fund public safety, and police and fire pensions.
As an elected official, a city resident and a home owner, I understand the need to hire more police officers, increase police and firefighter pay, and adequately fund police and fire pensions.
However, as a voter and taxpayer, I think this proposed tax increase deserves a resounding NO!!
In recent years, the City of St. Louis has made a number of financial decisions that have reduced tax revenue.
In 2000, the city eliminated the city earnings tax on stock options, which cost millions in current and future city revenue.
The City of St. Louis continues to give tax abatements and other financial incentives to well-heeled developers for downtown development.
The new stadium, Ballpark Village and the Renaissance Hotel project are just the latest examples of a series of questionable financial decisions that have not delivered expected results.
Instead of a sales tax, we should consider some long-overdue fundamental changes in how our police and fire pension systems operate.
City pension funds have not been restructured in nearly 40 years. Currently, they do not operate like modern pension funds and require the taxpayers to pay 100% of the pension with no employee contributions.
It is estimated that even if the ballot issue passes, the City will face another pension shortfall in 5-7 years.
So this tax increase is just a temporary band-aid that will not produce long-term solvency for the pension funds.
According to the National Association of State Retirement Administrators, a property tax is a more common means to fund pensions than a regressive sales tax, which disproportionately impacts poor people.
While police protection is the City’s single largest annual expenditure, we still refuse to address the issue of local control of the St. Louis Police Department.
So, this new tax creates a unique irony.
St. Louis voters overwhelmingly voted to require police officers to reside in the city.
St. Louis voters still have no control over their own police department.
Yet the police officers totally ignored the wishes of the taxpayers and voters who pay the bills, and went to the state legislature to receive permission to move outside of the City of St. Louis. And they adamantly oppose all efforts to restore local control over the department.
Now we are asked to approve a sales tax increase to help the police who will not have to pay it, whom are no longer required to live in the city, and are not subject to local control,
…I don’t think so.
The fire department has serious problems and deep divisions that have been well chronicled.
The fire pension fund suffers from the same racial animus that is destroying our faith in the fire department and its governance.
Firefighters and retired firefighters choose half of the pension board. Even though 44% of the fire department is African American, only one African American has served on the pension board in its history. He was elected in 1983, and there have been none since. Until we make real progress towards equity and justice regarding promotions in the Fire Department, and proportional representation of African Americans on this pension fund board, we have no choice but to withhold tax increases.
The present administration and leadership of these departments and their unions must get the message that we are dissatisfied with current conditions, and defeating this sales tax increase will force them to make real progress on addressing our concerns.
JEFFERSON CITY -- We heard an interesting rumor today in Jefferson City -- at a John Edwards rally of all places (check back later for video). If Senator Barack Obama wins the Democratic nomination for President, would he select Sen. Claire McCaskill as his runningmate?
Selecting McCaskill would do two important things: repair relations with some female Democrats now supporting Hillary Clinton, and almost certainly ensure the Democrats win the State of Missouri, which has a nearly perfect record for selecting the President.
Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder is looking for a promotion. After his fellow Republican, Governor Matt Blunt, shocked the world (well, at least Missouri) by announcing he is not seeking re-election. Kinder said "me too" and dropped his plans for re-election to pursue the state's top job. Today he launched this video on YouTube.
State Treasurer Sarah Steelman has also thrown her hat into the ring since Blunt's announcement. Other Republicans still considering running include Congressman Kenny Hulshof of Columbia, Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson of Cape Girardeau (she will announce today whether or not she'll run), U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway, Missouri House Speaker Rod Jetton, and Missouri Senate Majority Leader Charlie Shields.
On the Democratic side, Attorney General Jay Nixon still stands alone... for the moment. Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, daughter of the late Governor Mel Carnahan, is still considering entering the race, which would give Democrats who were not all that excited about Nixon a viable alternative.
Is it just me or is YouTube becoming less and less "cool"?
With the once hip, cutting-edge service now being the first choice of the likes of, I'm sure self-admittedly, uncool politicians like Missouri Governor Matt Blunt and Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, YouTube seems to be losing a little something.
It's kind of like when 50 year-olds started saying "bling-bling." It was over.
Citing this video from last week's tumultuous events at the Old Courthouse, the group opposing Mayor Francis Slay is asking jazz artist Wynton Marsalis to forgo his plans to perform in St. Louis next week in honor of the call for an economic boycott of the city resulting from Slay's rift with the black community.
To: Mr. Wynton Marsalis
Dear Mr. Marsalis:
We are forwarding to you a video which captures the recent incident of the Mayor of St. Louis, Francis Slay, being literally shouted down at the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration at the Old Courthouse last week. This video demonstrates how the racial tension in this city is escalating to a fever pitch, receiving front-page coverage last week in both the white and black press and being widely broadcast on every TV and radio station.
We bring this to your attention because I have not heard back from Ms. Stewart, who I understand is your agent, since my January 7, 2008 e-mail to her, which was in follow-up to previous correspondence and e-mails concerning a Boycott Alert that we have issued because of this racial strife.
It is now critical that you communicate with us immediately - prior to your scheduled concert - so that we can make you aware of our position with respect to your appearing here in St. Louis.
We would ask that you show the black community here during this crisis the same kind of courtesy and respect being demonstrated by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), which is threatening to cancel its 2011 convention that is expected to generate $30 million in business for the city. (This information was sent to Ms. Stewart as well).
We hope and trust that you will follow NSBE's example of hearing first hand the concerns of our community, and then let that weigh on your consciousness and conscience. This video amply illustrates how disruptive this situation potentially is because of the deeply felt racial injustice, and we think that you, like NSBE, can and should play an important role in curing this.
Thank you, and because of the urgency, we will expect to hear from you within the next 24 hours.
Eric E. Vickers Chairman Boycott Committee Citizens to Support Fire Chief George
Marsalis is scheduled to perform February 1 and 9 at the Sheldon Concert Hall.
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.
Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of President Bill Clinton and Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, will be at Kayak's coffee shop, on the corner of Skinker and Forest Park Parkway, across the street from Washington University, today (Monday) at 3:00 PM.
Chelsea will be discussing the issues of the 2008 Presidential campaign and speaking on behalf of her mother.
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.
U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill broke the news at a press conference a few minutes ago: Barack Obama will be in St. Louis on Saturday for a 9:00 PM public event (no word yet where). That's just three days before Missouri and 20 other states get a chance to vote on the Democratic and Republican candidates.
Congressman Lacy Clay is scheduled to speak this morning at the Community Church of God on behalf of Presidential candidate Barack Obama.
The north St. Louis County church is led by Rev. Douglas Parham, a leader of the effort to remove Mayor Francis Slay from office.
Check back at 11:00 AM for text of his speech.
UPDATED: Here's the text of Clay's speech.
BROTHERS AND SISTERS GOOD MORNING, AND THANK YOU FOR THAT WARM WELCOME.
FIRST, LET ME GIVE ALL GLORY AND HONOR TO GOD, WHO IS ALWAYS AT THE CENTER OF MY LIFE.
WHAT A WONDERFUL AND GLORIOUS DAY HE HAS MADE.
I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THIS CHANCE TO WORSHIP WITH YOU, AND TO SHARE SOME OF MY THOUGHTS AS WE FACE A HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY.
BEFORE I BRING YOU A MESSAGE ON BEHALF OF A FRIEND OF MINE,
I WANT TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT YOUR GOOD SHEPPARD,
MY GOOD AND COURAGEOUS FRIEND:
REVEREND DOUGLAS PARHAM.
REVEREND,
OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS, YOU HAVE DISPLAYED A SENSE OF COURAGE, DIGNITY AND RESOLVE THAT IS TRULY INSPIRING.
THE TROUBLES THAT DIVIDE OUR COMMUNITY CAN ONLY BE HEALED BY SPEAKING THE TRUTH,
OPPOSING INJUSTICE,
AND HAVING THE COURAGE TO PUT OUR FAITH INTO ACTION.
YOU HAVE TAKEN ON THAT BURDEN WITH GREAT ENERGY AND TOTAL INTEGRITY.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP IN OUR COMMUNITY.
CAN WE HAVE A HAND FOR REVEREND PARHAM? (LEAD APPLAUSE)
BROTHERS AND SISTERS, WE ARE LIVING IN HISTORIC TIMES.
YESTERDAY, A BRIGHT, YOUNG AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADER WON A RESOUNDING VICTORY IN THE HEART OF THE OLD CONFEDERACY..SOUTH CAROLINA.
IN THE VERY PLACE WHERE THE CIVIL WAR BEGAN TO WIN OUR HUMAN FREEDOM,
MY FRIEND BARACK OBAMA SENT A POWERFUL MESSAGE THAT WILL RESOUND ACROSS THIS COUNTRY,
AND ACROSS THE GENERATIONS…
THE DREAM IS NOW, AND OUR TIME HAS COME!
OF COURSE, TODAY, WE’RE IN GOD’S HOUSE,
SO I WON’T TELL YOU WHO TO VOTE FOR.
BUT I WILL ASK YOU TO THINK ABOUT WHAT KIND OF LEADER WE NEED IN OUR COUNTRY.
AND WHEN YOU ASK YOURSELF THAT QUESTION,
ASK YOURSELF, ARE WE READY TO EMBRACE REAL CHANGE, OR ARE WE JUST CONTENT TO TINKER AROUND THE EDGES OF OUR COUNTRY’S PROBLEMS?
ARE WE FINALLY READY TO STAND UP AS A PEOPLE?
ARE WE READY TO REJECT FEAR AND EMBRACE FAITH?
ARE WE FINALLY READY TO THROW OFF THE LAST REMAINING SHACKLES OF OUR FORMER BONDAGE AND FOCUS THE AWESOME POWER OF OUR CITIZENSHIP?
THE ANSWERS ARE OBVIOUS TO ALL WHO CHOOSE TO SEE THE TRUTH. === BY ANY HONEST MEASURE, WHEN YOU CONSIDER THE GRAVITY OF THE ISSUES THAT WE FACE AS A COMMUNITY,
AS A STATE,
AND AS A NATION,
MY FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE BARACK OBAMA HAS THE MORAL CLARITY,
THE POSITIVE VISION,
AND THE BOLD AUDACITY OF HOPE TO HEAL OUR COUNTRY AND ELEVATE THE UNITED STATES TO A NEW PATH. === THE PROBLEMS THAT AMERICA FACES,
AND THE DIVISIONS THAT PLAGUE US,
ARE MUCH TOO DEEP TO BE SOLVED BY THE OLD POLITICS AND THE TIRED REMNANTS WHO ADHERE TO THAT SCHOOL OF THOUGHT.
===
JUST LAST SUNDAY, BARACK OBAMA STOOD IN THE PULPIT OF EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH IN ATLANTA, TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF THAT CONGREGATION’S LATE REVERED PASTOR, AND OUR BLESSED TEACHER: DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
===
BARACK LIKENED HIS HISTORIC MISSION TO THE STORY OF JOSHUA AND THE BATTLE OF JERICHO.
HE REMINDED THE CONGREGATION THAT THE SCRIPTURE SAYS, THAT WHEN JOSHUA AND THE ISRAELITES ARRIVED AT THE GATES OF JERICHO, THEY COULD NOT ENTER BECAUSE THE WALLS WERE TOO TALL TO CLIMB. BUT GOD HAD A PLAN FOR HIS PEOPLE.
HE TOLD THEM TO STAND FAST, HAVE FAITH, AND WHEN THE TRUMPET SOUNDED, SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE.
THEY DID JUST AS THE LORD COMMANDED, AND AS WE ALL KNOW, THE WALLS CAME TUMBLING DOWN. SUCH IS THE POWER OF UNITY. SUCH IS THE POWER OF FAITH. AND BROTHERS AND SISTERS, WE HAVE A CHANCE TO BRING DOWN ANOTHER WALL, RIGHT HERE IN MISSOURI, WHEN THE TRUMPET SOUNDS FOR US ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH.
===
AS SENATOR OBAMA SAID, “UNITY IS THE GREAT NEED OF THE HOUR , AND THE GREAT NEED OF THIS HOUR. NOT BECAUSE IT SOUNDS PLEASANT OR BECAUSE IT MAKES US FEEL GOOD, BUT BECAUSE IT IS THE ONLY WAY WE CAN OVERCOME THE ESSENTIAL DEFICIT THAT EXISTS IN THIS COUNTRY.” BARACK WASN’T TALKING ABOUT A BUDGET DEFICIT, OR A TRADE DEFICIT, OR A RECESSION. HE WAS TALKING ABOUT A MORAL DEFICIT THAT HAS AFFLICTED THIS NATION WITH A KIND OF BLINDNESS THAT PREVENTS US FROM CONFRONTING THE RACISM, INEQUITIES AND INJUSTICES THAT REMAIN RAMPANT. IT IS NO ACCIDENT THAT BARACK DELIVERED THAT MESSAGE FROM DR. KING’S FORMER PULPIT, BECAUSE HE IS THE NATURAL DESCENDENT OF HIS LEGACY.
AND I AM CERTAIN THAT BARACK’S CAMPAIGN IS ADVANCING THE MOVEMENT THAT DR. KING LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR. BARACK IS STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF DR. KING, MALCOLM X, MEDGAR EVERS, BOBBY KENNEDY, AND THE MANY THOUSANDS OF BRAVE SOULS WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR OUR FREEDOM AND FULL CITIZENSHIP. SO ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH, THE TRUMPET WILL SOUND FOR US.
I CAN’T TELL YOU WHO TO VOTE FOR,
BUT I CAN ASK YOU TO LISTEN TO YOUR HEART.
AND IF ENOUGH OF US STAND TOGETHER,
PRAY TOGETHER,
WORK TOGETHER,
BELIEVE IN OUR OWN POTENTIAL,
AND VOTE TOGETHER,
WE CAN MAKE THE GREATEST CHANGE THIS COUNTRY HAS SEEN SINCE EMANCIPATION.
===
BROTHERS AND SISTERS,
IF YOU BELIEVE IN THE STRUGGLE FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE, PLEASE VOTE!
IF YOU BELIEVE IN THE STRUGGLE FOR OPPORTUNITY AND EQUALITY,
PLEASE VOTE!
IF YOU BELIEVE IN THE STRUGGLE TO HEAL THIS NATION AND REPAIR THIS WORLD,
TAKE SOMEONE WITH YOU TO VOTE!
PLEASE JOIN ME AS WE MARCH TO THE POLLS ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH TO CHANGE THE WORLD,
TRANSFORM OUR COUNTRY,
CHANGE HOW AMERICA SEES US,
AND ULTIMATELY,
CHANGE HOW WE SEE OURSELVES.
===
BROTHERS AND SISTERS,
THIS IS NOT A TIME TO BE TIMID,
THIS IS NOT A TIME TO STAY ON THE SIDELINES,
THIS IS A TIME TO STAND UP FOR CHANGE,
AND TO RECALL JUST AS DR. KING TAUGHT US:
“THE FIERCE URGENCY OF NOW COMPELS US TO ACT, NOT LATER…BUT TODAY.”
WE CAN’T WAIT ANYMORE!
THE WAVE OF CHANGE IS UPON US,
THE TIDE OF HISTORY IS ROLLING ACROSS THIS COUNTRY,
THE TIME IS NOW,
HELP US MAKE HISTORY!
THANK YOU.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU. AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THE UNITED STATES.
Senator Barack Obama defeated The Clinton Machine 2-1 in the South Carolina Democratic Primary last night.
With 99% of the precincts reporting, Obama received 295,091 (55%) votes to Hillary Clinton's 141,128 (27%) and South Carolina native John Edwards' 93,552 (18%) votes.
Obama has won more delegates (not including so-called "super delegates", Obama has won 63 delegates, Clinton 48, and Edwards 26) and more votes (in all the primaries and caucuses so far) of any other Democratic candidate.
This contest is not about white vs. black, rich vs. poor, or women vs. men, said Obama in his eloquent victory speech last night. This contest is simply about the future vs. the past.
President Bill Clinton was in Missouri last night in the town of Independence. The beginning of his speech sounds a lot like a re-election speech, rather than an endorsement or surrogate speech.
The funniest line is when Clinton asserts he was in Missouri "in my current capacity, post-politics..."
Really? Bill Clinton is out of politics? And he declared this on a Saturday night... at a campaign rally... in Independence, Missouri.
In today's edition, The Wall Street Journal's Peggy Noonansays it as well as it can be stated...
We begin, as one always must now, again, with Bill Clinton. The past week he has traveled South Carolina, leaving discord in his wake. Barack Obama, that "fairytale," is low, sneaky. "He put out a hit job on me." The press is cruelly carrying Mr. Obama's counter-jabs. "You live for it."
In Dillon, S.C., according to the Associated Press, on Thursday Mr. Clinton "predicted that many voters will be guided mainly by gender and race loyalties" and suggested his wife may lose Saturday's primary because black voters will side with Mr. Obama. Who is raising race as an issue? Bill Clinton knows. It's the press, and Mr. Obama. "Shame on you," Mr. Clinton said to a CNN reporter. The same day the Web site believed to be the backdoor of the Clinton war room unveiled a new name for the senator from Illinois: "Sticky Fingers Obama."
Bill Clinton, with his trembly, red-faced rage, makes John McCain look young. His divisive and destructive daily comportment—this is a former president of the United States—is a civic embarrassment. It is also an education, and there is something heartening in this.
There are many serious and thoughtful liberals and Democrats who support Mr. Obama and John Edwards, and who are seeing Mr. Clinton in a new way and saying so. Here is William Greider in The Nation, the venerable left-liberal magazine. The Clintons are "high minded" on the surface but "smarmily duplicitous underneath, meanwhile jabbing hard at the groin area. They are a slippery pair and come as a package. The nation is at fair risk of getting them back in the White House for four years."
That, again, is from one of the premier liberal journals in the United States. It is exactly what conservatives have been saying for a decade. This may mark a certain coming together of the thoughtful on both sides. The Clintons, uniters at last.
Mr. Obama takes the pummeling and preaches the high road. It's all windup with him, like a great pitcher more comfortable preparing to throw than throwing. Something in him resists aggression. He tends to be indirect in his language, feinting, only suggestive. I used to think he was being careful not to tear the party apart, and endanger his own future.
But the Clintons are tearing the party apart. It will not be the same after this. It will not be the same after its most famous leader, and probable ultimate victor, treated a proud and accomplished black man who is a U.S. senator as if he were nothing, a mere impediment to their plans. And to do it in a way that signals, to his supporters, How dare you have the temerity, the ingratitude, after all we've done for you?
Watch for the GOP to attempt swoop in after the November elections and make profit of the wreckage.
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.
Aldermanic President Lewis Reed was in Jefferson City yesterday asking the Missouri Ethics Commission to let him keep his over-the-limit campaign contributions.
Reed was elected president of the board in an election last April, but campaign finance reports show he continued to receive over-the-limit contributions after the election.
Records show Reed received several contributions over $1,500, including a $10,000 donation from City Centre LLC in St, Louis and three $5,000 donations from other groups.
In total, Reed accepted more than $27,000 in over-the-limit contributions. His campaign’s latest finance report shows just over $9,000 on hand...
Reed, who was accompanied by an attorney at the hearing today, declined to comment, and only reluctantly gave his name to a Star reporter.
A law removing limits on contributions went into effect Jan. 1 of last year, but was overturned by the Supreme Court in July. The Ethics Commission is holding hearings to allow candidates who believe returning the excessive funds would be a hardship to argue for keeping the money.
According to the Star, Republican State Senator Tom Dempsey also appeared before the Ethics Commission yesterday.
Senator Claire McCaskill told reporters yesterday that President Bill Clinton was playing "fast and loose" with the facts when attacking Senator Barack Obama on his wife's behalf.
"Because of the larger megaphone he has as a former president," said McCaskill, an Obama supporter, "he needs to be very careful with the truth. … He has tried to manipulate the facts in a way that is patently unfair."
State Rep. Brad Robinson (D-Bonne Terre) and his wife were reportedly caught on camera driving away after hitting a man with their pickup truck. Robinson has been charged with a felony hit-and-run while his wife is accused of lying to police by saying she was the driver.
Police say Robinson's wife, Tara, first told them they saw a man in the ditch and tried to help. She later told them she was driving a pick-up truck when she struck something and went back and saw a man laying on the side of the road. At the time, the other passengers as well as Brad and Tara Robinson said Tara was the driver.
Later, police found surveillance video of the Robinson vehicle pulling into the parking lot of the North County High School. Police say the video shows Brad Robinson leaving the driver's side of the trucka nd switching positions in the vehicle with his wife.
After another interview, all the people in the Robinson truck said Tara Robinson was in fact the driver of the vehicle when the man was struck.
Reporter Lucas Hudson interviews Mayor Francis Slay in this week's issue of the Vital VOICE.
From Hudson's intro:
The city’s sweltering racial thermometer portends an all-out political meltdown as Mayor Francis Slay was booed right out of the Old Courthouse by supporters of the city’s ousted first black fire chief, Sherman George, as he gave a speech Jan. 21 honoring Martin Luther King Jr. This humiliating show of resentment demonstrates that Slay’s legacy is in danger of being permanently branded with the scarlet R of racial unrest.
African-American displeasure with his administration did not start with the political game of chicken that resulted in the public demotion of George, but that event lit the match in an environment already filled with the fumes of African-American distrust, suspicion and anger at what some have described as Slay’s "racial politics."
In a Jan. 11 interview with the Vital VOICE, Mayor Slay speaks to these issues, and also outlines African-American progress that has taken place under his administration, declaring that "There isn’t enough coverage of positive news."
From the interview:
The Vital Voice: We both know that some of the city’s African-American leaders are up in arms over what many have described as your “racial politics.” With racial tension inflamed in the wake of Fire Chief Sherman George’s removal, The National Society of Black Engineers has threatened to move its 2011 conference scheduled to take place in St. Louis unless the situation changes. In addition, a citizen’s group primarily made up of African-Americans called the Citizens to Recall Mayor Slay has started an effort to recall you from office.
Consultant and blogger Antonio French’s site (www.PubDef.net) lists major gripes the black community has with your administration, which I have paraphrased. They include:
Disassembling the city’s largest black voting ward (the former 20th).
Removal of the city’s only ever black fire chief and the subsequent 4-to-1 promotion of whites over blacks.
The closing of more than a dozen schools (neighborhood anchors) in North St. Louis.
The disproportionate investing of hundreds of millions of tax dollars in downtown and white neighborhoods, while northern black neighborhoods continue to suffer.
Mayor Slay, if you don’t agree with African-American disillusionment regarding your administration, can you at least understand it?
Mayor Slay: I am very aware of some racial unrest in the City of St. Louis. I am very aware of some of the reaction to what happened in the Fire Department. I will also tell you that if Chief George had made the promotions, he would still be the chief. I talked to civic, political and clergy leaders throughout the community during the process before any decisions were made. I want you and the community to know that I did everything I could to try and get the promotions done without confrontation or controversy. I respect Sherman George as a man of principle, but ultimately, we disagreed how to handle that situation.
There isn’t anybody in St. Louis that agrees with every decision I have made, but there are some people that want to divide the city. However… I don’t think anybody can argue with the fact that St. Louis is much better today than it was seven years ago. We were losing jobs and people faster than virtually any other city in America. Now, our job base has stabilized, our population is on the increase, and we’re getting national and international recognition for our successes. Chief Mokwa and I just announced that crime in the city has dropped 16 percent from last year. Crime is now at a 35-year low. That is something that impacts everybody positively.
Have we solved all the issues? We have not. And some of those allegations like disassembling the largest black ward in the city…Well, the people are still there. If that was the largest black voting ward the city, it is still the largest black voting ward in the city, but it just has a different number on it.
Most people only hear the negatives, and there is no balanced view. For example, the affordable housing initiative that I helped pass is spending $5 million a year, with much of that money impacting people of color. When I took office in the year 2000, 31 percent of the kids tested were positive for lead, and now it is only six percent. The neighborhoods with high incidences of lead poisoning are in predominately African-American areas. I am not suggesting there are no more challenges and everything is fine, but there isn’t enough coverage of positive news.
VV: What specifically have you done, and what more can you do to defuse the current racial tension in the city?
MS: I have been working hard to call upon fair-minded people who are very interested, regardless of what they think of my decision or how it was done—to pull together, begin the healing process and move the city forward. I believe that is going to take some time, but I have been very encouraged by conversations with a number of black leaders. I believe I realize how deep this issue goes, and I am not taking this tension for granted. It is going to take a lot of work and leadership from me and my office.
Click here to read the entire Vital VOICE interview.
Peter Downs, President of the St. Louis Board of Education, today expressed disappointment that Cole County Circuit Court Judge Richard Callahan upheld the State's takeover of St. Louis Public Schools.
"We were all aware that Judge Callahan had a record of ruling against education for children in Missouri, but it was still hard not to hope that this time would be different," Downs said. "So, although this ruling was expected, it is still disappointing. This was never about us as board members, this was about fighting for better schools for city children."
Noting that most of the members of the present board were elected on promises to stop the demolition of public education that began in 2003, Downs said the state board of education took control of the district to continue the process of demolition.
"The reports from the state board of education, and the comments of top Republicans like Rod Jetton, made very clear that their chief goals for St. Louis were to close schools and cut spending for they wanted cheaper education, not better education. The state-appointed board's proposed school closings show that they are following that mandate," he said.
"In the coming weeks, we have to decide what are our best strategies for blocking continued cuts and fighting for quality education," he added.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which includes individuals and the St. Louis Board of Education, have 30 days in which to decide if they want to appeal the decision. Downs said he expects the school board will decide at its meeting on February 12 whether it will join an appeal of Callahan's decision. That meeting will be at Carr Lane Middle School, 1004 N. Jefferson Ave.
In a ruling issued today, Cole County Circuit Court Judge Richard Callahan gave state education officials a clear victory involving last year’s decision to strip the St. Louis Public Schools of accredited status.
“We are gratified with today’s decision by Judge Callahan,” said Commissioner of Education D. Kent King. “This ruling affirms the State Board of Education’s decision regarding the St. Louis school district. Every one of the district’s efforts to overturn the board’s accreditation decision was rejected by the judge.”
In March of 2007, the State Board of Education declared the St. Louis Public Schools to be unaccredited, after concluding that the district had met only four of the state’s 14 academic performance measures. That decision took effect on June 15, 2007, allowing the state to remove the local board of education and replace it with an appointed, three-person special administrative board.
At a hearing in Judge Callahan’s court last October, the elected St. Louis school board sought to overturn the State Board of Education’s decision. The district claimed numerous technical, legal and constitutional reasons why the accreditation decision should be reversed.
In today’s ruling, Judge Callahan stated: “Based upon the facts presented at trial, the credibility of the witnesses presented to the Court, and the totality of the circumstances facing the State Board of Education, this Court finds that the State Board of Education’s accreditation decision was reasonable, that it was amply supported by the facts, and that it was neither arbitrary nor capricious.”
In addition, the ruling specifically upholds the authority of the special administrative board to govern the St. Louis Public Schools, in place of the elected board of education.
“This case provides clear confirmation of the state’s authority to set and enforce accreditation standards which are designed to protect the educational interests and welfare of children in every school district,” King said.
From St. Louis Public Schools:
Today Judge Richard Callahan of the Cole County Circuit Count ruled that the state legally had the right to name the Special Administrative Board (SAB) to govern the St. Louis Public Schools. In his 61-page ruling, Callahan agreed with the state on all claims.
Most notably, Callahan ruled that the Special Administrative Board assumed complete control of SLPS operations on June 15, 2007. State law allows the elected board only the powers of “auditing and public reporting.” Elected board members may continue to meet, as well as to monitor and report on district activities.
Today’s court ruling – according to SAB members – reaffirms that the appointed board governs the St. Louis Public School District. The Special Administrative Board is made up of Rick Sullivan, Melanie Adams, and Richard Gaines.
The SLPS elected board made more than a dozen claims, among them:
- The law providing for the creation of the SAB and the Transitional School District for the City of St. Louis was unconstitutional.
- The process that the State Board followed in removing the SLPS’ accreditation was unlawful.
- The appointment of Rick Sullivan, chief executive officer of the Special Administrative Board, was improper.
- The elected board retained governing authority over the SLPS, even after the district lost its accreditation.
SAB members hope that today’s ruling will answer all questions concerning governance of the district. The appointed board says it wants to put the legal issues behind and move forward with its primary mission – the education of children.
Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D-St. Louis) today blasted House Republicans as they once again failed to join with the Democratic majority to override President Bush's veto of the expanded State Children's Health Insurance Program. The effort failed by just 15 votes.
“Today, President Bush and House Republicans stood between 3.8 million additional children who would be covered by SCHIP and the health care they need.,” said Congressman Clay. “Over 56,000 children of hardworking Missouri families will remain uninsured because the President and the Republican minority continue to refuse to cover them. That is indefensible, especially when the economy is teetering on the brink of a recession. One of the most irresponsible things we could do is to leave millions of children uninsured as their parents struggle with foreclosures, layoffs, and higher prices for gas, utilities and groceries. As a parent, I want every child in this country to grow up healthy, with insurance coverage that helps keep them well. There is no excuse for sustaining this veto, and we continue the struggle to cover every child in this nation."
The legislation vetoed by the President provided a $35 billion expansion of the SCHIP program which would have provided health care coverage to 10 million American children. The existing SCHIP program was extended last December until March 2009. But without this legislation, 3.8 million additional low-income children of working families will not be covered under the program. In addition, state budget shortfalls and administrative rules from President Bush put children who are covered now in jeopardy of losing health care.
Missouri Attorney General and Democratic candidate for governor Jay Nixon responds to Gov. Matt Blunt's announcement that he will not seek re-election.
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.
Sixth Ward Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett is featured in next month's Ebony magazine as one their "30 Young Leaders on the Rise."
"I am thrilled to be honored," said Triplett, who is 27. "I look forward to many years of service and contribution to the St. Louis community."
The annual feature recognizes exceptional men and women age 30 and under who are making a difference in their communities through their professional and charitable accomplishments.
Saying his mission as governor has been accomplished, Gov. Matt Blunt made the surprise announcement of the decade today.
"What we set-out to achieve four years ago has been accomplished," said Blunt in a video address.
"Once when asked if he were running for re-election another governor responded, 'Yes, I like being governor.' When I read that I thought at the time that I never wanted to run for any office just to hold it. I did not run for governor to have a title, but to bring change to state government," said Blunt.
"The habit of politicians is to remain in office and the desire to prove oneself in the next election is strong. After a great deal of thought and prayer, and with the knowledge that we have achieved virtually everything I set out to accomplish, and more, I will not seek a second term in the upcoming election. Because I feel we have changed what I wanted to change in the first term there is not the same sense of mission for a second."
Statement by Missouri Republican Party Chairman Doug Russell on Governor Blunt's decision not to seek re-election:
“Governor Blunt has been a remarkable leader that changed Missouri for the better. His conservative policies and values turned our state in a new, hopeful direction. Under his administration, budget deficits were replaced with surpluses, education was restored to its place atop our priority list, children are safer, more Missourians are working and healthcare for low-income Missourians has been transformed so that we are preventing sickness rather than treating illness once it has reached a chronic stage. I wish Governor Blunt, the First Lady and Branch all the happiness in the world as they embark on a new journey when the governor’s term expires. I also appreciate Governor Blunt’s commitment to ensuring the next governor of our state is a Republican who will continue to employ the principles of personal responsibility, fiscal conservatism and limited government so that we can be assured Missouri’s brightest days are ahead.”
Will State Treasurer Sarah Steelman be the new Republican candidate for governor?
She released this video today. Notice the lack of specificity when it comes the office she's running for.
And let's not forget about Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder.
Democrat Jay Nixon's response:
“My campaign for Governor has always been about moving Missouri forward. I will continue to focus on changing the direction of our state so that more Missourians have access to health care, more Missourians can find good-paying jobs and more Missouri children can get the quality education they deserve.
“I wish Gov. Blunt and his family all the best in the future.”
THIS JUST IN... Kinder is in.
"As Lt. Governor and President Pro Tem I have brought fundamental change to state government. I have served as a change agent my entire career and look forward to continuing my positive leadership. Missourians deserve a strong economy to create new higher paying jobs, a world class education, and affordable and accessible health care. I am the right person to deliver the positive change Missourians deserve. I am heartened by the outpouring of support and I will be formally announce my plans for Governor in the coming weeks."
Draft "Land Assemblage Tax Credit" Application Ready for Comments
By Antonio D. French
The Missouri Department of Economic Development announced today that a draft of the application for the controversial Land Assemblage Tax Credit has been posted on the department’s web site for public review and comment. Click here to see it.
Passed during a special legislative session last summer, the Distressed Areas Land Assemblage Tax Credit Act received a lot of attention for seeming to be a $100,000,000 tax credit which only one man could currently qualify for. That man, of course, was "Blairmont" developer Paul McKee.
The Act authorizes a tax credit equal to 50 percent of the costs and 100 percent of the interest incurred for the acquisition of an eligible parcel of land located within an economically challenged community. The Missouri Department of Economic Development is charged with administering the program.
“I strongly encourage all interested parties to visit our Internet site to view the draft application and guidelines and provide comments and suggestions,” said Economic Development Director Greg Steinhoff. “This program will provide another excellent tool for transforming economically distressed areas of our state into viable centers of job creation and economic development.”
Comments on the Land Assemblage Tax Credit application are due by 5:00 p.m. on Feb. 29, 2008 and may be sent my email at missouridevelopment@ded.mo.gov, by regular mail at Land Assemblage Tax Credit-Comments, P.O. Box 118, Jefferson City, MO 65102 or by fax at 573-751-9462.
Gov. Matt Blunt has appointed Todd H. Epsten to the St. Louis City Board of Police Commissioners.
“Todd Epsten has made tremendous contributions to the St. Louis area and to the State of Missouri, and I am pleased he has agreed to serve the city and our state in this important position,” Gov. Blunt said.
Mr. Epsten, 47 of St. Louis, is the Chief Executive Officer of Major Brands, Inc., Missouri’s largest wine and spirits distributor. Epsten holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from American University in Washington, DC. He lives in St. Louis with his wife, Susan McCollum, and his sons, Michael and Brian. His appointment is subject to Senate confirmation for a term ending January 31, 2012. He replaces Jo Ann Freeman, whose term expired.
The St. Louis City Board of Police Commissioners is responsible for operation of the St. Louis Police Department. The commissioners set policy, determine promotions and work with the chief of police in providing public safety services to the citizens of St. Louis.
Mayor Francis Slay's words were drowned out yesterday by the boos and protests of his opponents.
Slay was trying to deliver a speech at the Old Courthouse during a ceremony honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As soon as the mayor was introduced, protesters began to shout and wave signs. Former fire chief Sherman George, whose demotion by Slay helped spark this fiery political backlash, tried to calm down the crowd down, but to no avail.
These videos are from people in the audience. The video quality is pretty low, but you can clearly hear what happened.
Last week members of the effort to recall Slay warned organizers of the MLK event that there would be problems if Slay was allowed to speak.
After Slay was booed off stage, he stormed out of the Old Courthouse and did not participate in the traditional march or ceremonies afterwards.
On the day before the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, Senator Barack Obama addressed the congregation of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.
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.
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.
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.
Following the sudden resignation of Denise Watson-Wesley Coleman as attorney and clerk for the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, in a closed session this morning, the board quickly hired a member of the Aldermanic President to fill the position.
According to documents obtained by PubDef through a "Sunshine Law" request, Dave Sweeney, looks to be getting a $22,000 pay raise — from $73,545.94 per year to Coleman's salary of $96,014.10 annually. That is, unless the Board voted to change the salary, which we have not heard yet.
Here's Coleman's resignation letter, dated January 11, and also obtained via a "Sunshine" request. In it, she writes that her resignation would be effective February 10.
Coleman was the first African-American to hold that position. She was the compromise candidate and was voted on unanimously after the Board was bitterly divided, mostly along racial lines, between two other candidates, Hope Whitehead, the former head of the state Liquor Control Division, who was black, and Annette Kolis Mandel, a former mayor of Creve Coeur, who was white and an employee of Richard Callow's Public Eye PR firm.
Looks like St. Louis is going to have a presidential trifecta this weekend.
As we reported earlier, presidential candidate John Edwards is coming to town for a rally at the Carpenters' District Council headquarters at 9:15 A.M. on Saturday.
Now the Postreports that Bill and Hillary Clinton will also be in town Saturday (no details yet on when and where).
Missouri supporters of presidential candidate Barack Obama are taking to the streets this weekend, going door-to-door to get out the vote for the Illinois senator.
The statewide canvass will be taking place this Saturday, according to Hollie Saunders, one of the organizers. "We will be having volunteers knock on doors in the community to help encourage people to get out and vote on primary day, and talk to voters about why they are supporting Barack for the presidency," said Saunders.
Missourians will have their first chance to vote for the presidential candidate of their choice ofn February 5.
Those interested in canvassing for Obama this weekend can meet at one of the following locations Saturday at 10:00 AM:
Frontyard Feature 2000 S. 39th Street St Louis City 314-436-5426
Congressman Russ Carnahan's Campaign Office 7370 Manchester, Suite 20 St Louis County 314-436-5426
The Obama campaign's Chesterfield office is holding an open house tonight at 6:00. The office is located at 16401 Swingley Ridge Rd., 63005.
And all you Obama Girls are welcome to come out to Flamingo Bowl, 1117 Washington Ave., Friday night for St. Louis Women for Obama's "Ladies Night Out" starting at 7:00.
And make your cell phone do the talking for you. Get your Barack Obama ringtones right here.
Group Wants Slay Disinvited from Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
By Antonio D. French
Filed
Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Dr. Henry Givens, Jr. Chairman Martin Luther King, Jr. State Celebration Commission 3026 Laclede Avenue St. Louis, Mo. 63103
Re: St. Louis Racial Climate - Economic Boycott Alert
Dear Dr. Givens:
We write concerning the current intense racial climate in the city of St. Louis, which was sparked by Mayor Francis Slay recently ousting the city’s first and only black fire chief, Sherman George, replacing him with a less qualified white, and then promoting white firefighters to 80% of thirty-four high-ranking captain and battalion chief positions that were open.
As you may be aware, we have initiated a Recall campaign against the mayor, and have also issued a Boycott Alert to organizations, entertainers and celebrities planning to come to St. Louis, advising them of the atrocious racial circumstances and conditions now pending in the city, and of our intention to launch a boycott of the city if this situation is not corrected.
As you may also be aware, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), in responding to the Boycott Alert, has put the city on notice that it may cancel its national convention that is scheduled to be held in St. Louis in 2011, and that is expected to draw over fifteen thousand and have a $30 million economic impact on the city.
We are aware, of course, of the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. activities being planned by your Commission for January 21, 2008, including the program at the Old Courthouse and the march to Powell Symphony Hall.
Because of the manner in which the mayor has totally disrespected the black community with his handling of this issue, we respectfully request that your Commission not invite Mayor Slay to either speak at the Old Courthouse or participate at the head of the march. Frankly, given what the mayor has done, it would be slap in the face to the memory of Dr. King for him to participate in any sort of prominent way at this hallow event.
We commend you and the Commission for the fine work you have done over the many years in honoring and preserving the important message of Dr. King, and we thank you for your earnest consideration of this request.
Sincerely yours,
Eric E. Vickers Chairman Economic Boycott Committee
The Columbia Tribune reports that former Sen. John Edwards will be in St. Louis Saturday at the Carpenters' District Council headquarters at 9:15 A.M.
The Tribune also reports that Sen. Barack Obama "said yesterday in response to a Tribune query that he would arrive in Missouri - with Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri - before Super Ultra Mega Tuesday on Feb. 5."
BREAKING EVEN: State Rep. Jamilah Nasheedraised almost $13,000 last quarter. But she also had almost $13,000 in expenditures (mostly returning over-limit contributions). Before the quarter, she had $16,569.58 in the bank. At the end of the quarter, she had $16,540.06.
BARELY ON THE BOARD:Don Calloway, candidate for state rep in north St. Louis County, raised less than $500 last quarter. And Committeeman Curtis Royston, candidate to replace State Rep. Connie Johnson, raised just $1,400.
MAYBE IF HE HADDA SPENT IT: Former Aldermanic President Jim Shrewsbury is still sitting on $40,000.
THE LAST-TERMERS: State Sen. Maida Coleman raised $1,750 (including $250 from software giant Microsoft and $650 from pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly). State Sen. Harry Kennedy raised $9,000, spent $2,000, and had $12,000 in the bank.
For the second time, State Senator Jeff Smith has decided not to support Gov. Matt Blunt's appointment to the state board of education.
“As I noted when his appointment was first announced, Derio Gambaro has been a dedicated public servant for a decade, from his tenure in the state House to his work on the Election Board. He continued this work as a diligent and thorough member of the State Board of Education.
“However, given the specificity with which I outlined my opposition to the governor's earlier appointee from the 4th District, I was disappointed that the administration chose the same path. These appointees have vocally supported school vouchers and the consideration of religious theories of human origin in public school settings. While I continue to support public school choice, I fear that the aforementioned positions may breach the separation of church and state, and I cannot sponsor nominees who advocate them.
“I thank Mr. Gambaro for his service in the interim, and hope to have the opportunity to work with the governor's office to help find a suitable replacement.”
Gambaro, a former state representative, was one of Smith's opponents when he was elected in 2005 in a five-person race. Smith also opposed Blunt's previous appointment to the Board of Education,Donayle Whitmore-Smith
Because Gambaro lives in Smith's district, according to senate custom, Smith's support is needed for Gambaro's appointment to be confirmed by the senate.
Gambaro has served on the Board of Education since June 2007. His nomination was briefly withdrawn in August to avoid a senate vote.
The appointed Special Administrative Board running St. Louis Public Schools will hold a special board meeting Thursday at 2:00 P.M. at the offices of Lewis, Rice & Fingersh, L.C., Attorneys at Law, 500 N. Broadway, Suite 2000.
The SAB will immediately go into executive session. The agenda is as follows:
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.
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
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.
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.
Boston Herald, AP Report on Slay's Fire Dept Race Relations Debacle
By Antonio D. French
Filed
Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 5:09 PM
First the New York Times, now the Associated Press via the Boston Herald.
From yesterday's Herald:
Few brotherhoods are as strong as the one among firefighters, who depend on one another just to stay alive. But powerful racial tensions have divided the St. Louis Fire Department and spilled over recently to City Hall.
In October, the city’s white mayor, Francis Slay, demoted black Fire Chief Sherman George after a three-year dispute over the firefighter promotion exam.
Since then, the FBI has investigated two incidents inside engine houses that were reported as possible hate crimes — one involving a stuffed monkey hung by the neck, the other a noose tied around a cracker box.
More...
George — the city’s first black chief — himself won his first promotion only because of a federal court order in 1978 that found the department’s tests for promotions discriminated against blacks. George, 63, and other black veterans of the department say racism hindered their rise at every step.
"The fire department was a country club for white folks," said retired Capt. Baby Webber, who is black. "Then the black folks started coming in and breaking up their country club."
St. Louis County state rep. John Bowman, the former chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus, has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of paying a Bank of America vice president $1,000 to influence the approval of a false credit application.
Bowman faces up to one year in prison and/or a $100,000 fine. According to the Post-Dispatch, officials said he will likely get probation as part of the deal. The Post also reports Bowman has agreed to resign his office at the end of the month and not run for office while on probation.
The political blog "The Turner Report" says State Rep. John Bowman may change his plea today from not guilty to guilty.
Rep. John Bowman, D-St. Louis, the final defendant in a bank and credit card fraud scheme, is scheduled to change his plea, which is currently not guilty, today in U. S. District Court in St. Louis.
According to court records, the session is set for 10:30 a.m. before Judge Henry Edward Autrey. Bowman's trial was scheduled to begin Monday, Feb. 4.
The other defendants in the case have either pleaded guilty, or in the case of the ringleader of the scheme in which Bowman was allegedly involved, former Bank of America Vice President Robert Conner, been found guilty by a federal jury in December.
Conner is free on $65,000 bond while awaiting his sentencing, which is scheduled for Feb. 20.
Conner and Bowman were indicted in January 2007 by a federal grand jury, which said Bowman and his co-defendants agreed to a scheme in which Conner took a bank lending program which provided money to small businesses by offering a $25,000 credit limit, then arranged with the other defendants to apply for the loans, often with fictitious companies, then give Conner kickbacks ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 on each loan.
According to the indictment, Conner approved $1,213,970 in fraudulent loans.
The Missouri Republican Party today slammed the Democrats for three elected officials' hig-profile run-ins with the law.
From the GOP press release:
In a stunning miscarriage of justice, Democrat Sen. Chuck Graham will not face the same mandatory revocation of his driver’s license that other Missourians would face after being convicted of drunken driving. Meanwhile, Democrat Rep. John Bowman is set to plead guilty in St. Louis on federal fraud charges while Democrat Jeff Smith is in court in Cooper County over his illegal entry to a Missouri casino.
“Missouri Democrats are a disgrace for violating the very laws they are sworn to uphold on behalf of hard-working Missourians. It is disturbing to most Missourians that an ever-increasing number of Democrat lawmakers are being exposed as lawbreakers,” said Paul Sloca, communications director for the Missouri Republican Party. “With their ongoing pattern of malfeasance, Missouri Democrats are the last people Missourians want to hear a lecture from regarding the behavior of elected officials. Even more disturbing is that the head of the Democrat Party, Jay Nixon, is the attorney general of the state.”
The Columbia Daily-Tribune reports that after a two-minute hearing, Boone County Associate Circuit Judge Carol England reinstated Graham’s license even though a mandatory suspension of his license is required because he refused a Breathalyzer test. Ironically, Graham serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee that hears bills proposing new Missouri laws.
“Obviously, there is one justice system for Democrats like Chuck Graham and another justice system for average, hard-working Missourians,” Sloca said.
Smith, who was charged last year for using a fellow Democrat lawmaker’s identification to enter the Isle of Capri casino in Boonville, is facing a hearing in Cooper County today on those charges. Democrat Joe Aull, who provided the identification to Smith, is scheduled for his hearing in February. Smith also serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee. “Jeff Smith violated the law and now he must face the consequences, although Smith has spent months hiding behind his attorney’s legal maneuvering,” Sloca said.
The Turner Report today says that Bowman is going to change his plea from not guilty to guilty for his role in a bank and credit card fraud scheme in U.S. District Court. Bowman was indicted for agreeing to a scheme in which a bank executive took a lending program which provided money to small businesses by offering a $25,000 credit limit, then arranged with Bowman and others to apply for the loans, often with fictitious companies, in which the executive received kickbacks ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 on each loan. Incredibly, Bowman serves on the House Budget Committee which handles taxpayer dollars.
“John Bowman broke the public trust and must be punished as any other Missourian would be punished. Democrats must realize that they are not above the law,” Sloca said.
