Could Lager’s anti-urban ad haunt his bid for treasurer?
The Arch City Chronicle had an interesting item this week, posting past campaign literature from State Sen. Brad Lager, who recently announced that he will be running for state treasurer.
The piece from the young Republican, who represents northwest Missouri, takes something of an anti-urban posture.
“When St. Louis and Kansas City special interests threaten our way of life,” the piece reads, “we need a senator who will fight for us.”
As the Chronicle points out, it’s a standard strategy in Show-Me politics: An “Us v. Them” appeal to rural voters.
And it’s not just rural legislators who take that stance: Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, a St. Louis resident, irked Mayor Francis Slay a few years back by running an ad out-state that slammed the new Busch Stadium.
Lager’s folksy pitch might play in Peoria - but will it hurt him in Chesterfield?
As the presidential primaries show, suburban counties like St. Louis and St. Charles go a long way toward determining the winner statewide. Sure, the demographics there are different than the city itself, but many local suburban voters identify more with Soulard than soybeans.
Though current Treasurer Sarah Steelman has sought to frame her bid for governor with a heartland charm - the kick-off was at her brother’s kitchen in Springfield - she has not shied away from the cities.
I recall meeting Steelman at a downtown fundraiser hosted by developer John Steffen. She’s also been a friend of housing tax credits, a vital tool for city redevelopment.
As Lager looks for inroads - and probably campaign dollars - from supporters in Kansas City and St. Louis, it will be interesting to see if he tweaks his presentation.
Meanwhile, one of Lager’s potential Democratic rivals, Creve Coeur lawyer Andria Simckes, is already seeking to shore up the urban vote - she was at City Hall today, pressing flesh at the Board of Aldermen meeting.
Lager’s Senate ad, with a hat tip to the Arch City Chronicle
Oh, gee… and just how many votes was Lager likely to get out of the city of St. Louis? 3? 4?
As opposed to Simckes who NEEDS the city, and a good turnout there, to have a chance.
Jake: no issue… go have (another) beer at the Missouri Bar and Grill.