While I have never met Mike Jr, if he is anything like his father, we should be so lucky to have someone like him in the state legislature.

Rachel Storch has done a disservice to the district, failing to get anything done in the House, while running off on fool’s errands (such as serving as Hillary Clinton’s state director) that go contrary to the interests of our district. Her lack of local ties and weakness was exposed when Hillary lost the district.

I’m looking forward to hearing more from Roberts Jr. in the future.

In addition to extending Missouri’s fascination with family dynasties, this contest also signals the growing party split along the fault lines of the increasingly bitter Democratic presidential battle.

Storch will have no trouble raising money either - she has the natural advantage of being an incumbent, a $23,000 head start as of the January reporting period, national contacts developed while working on the Clinton campaign, and a father who is a well known physician who is capable of throwing one heck of a fundraiser. And it isn’t quite accurate to say that Junior will “have access to his family’s wealth” - so far as I know, parents are governed by the same contribution limits as the rest of us. Unless, of course, the Roberts brothers go the route of Rex Sinquefield.

This will be an interesting race and it is unfortunate that Roberts could not have run from another district. We badly need any but especially we need good Democrats in the state capitol. If things have not changed too much during Storch’s term it is not because she has not tried very hard. She is an exemplary legislator and very tuned in to her district. She has fully earned reelection.

If Storch were tuned into her district as “unfortunate” says, it is unlikely that she would be facing this challenge.

Many were surprised when Storch initially ran for this seat, thinking that one of the Clayton districts would be a more natural fit for her. But she showed her hand when immediately after winning she turned around and tried to run for state senate, making it clear she had no attachment to the district or the community beyond using it as a cheap political vehicle. Mike Roberts Jr, on the other hand, has long-standing city ties and a true commitment to improving the city along with the rest of his family.

Any complaints about pitting Democrat against Democrat is silly- this is clearly a safe Democratic seat.

Rachel is doing a wonderful job as State Representative. She will have no problem winning in August. The real story from yesterday’s close of filing is the strength of the Democratic candidates in House races around the state.

24th ward - You are wrong when you say that Storch ought to have run in a different district. Sure, a Clayton district would be fine. But this district includes U City, the city between Delmar and Forest Park west of Kingshighway, Dogtown and an area heading southwest along the north side of 44, a bit of the CWE and Forest Park Southeast. Which is to say, this district is a much better fit for Storch than for Roberts.

Every time I’ve been in Jeff City at an event with numerous representatives, Storch has been mute. Just wandering the room and saying nothing, connecting with no one. It would be great to have a real rep for our district.

Kasoff, you’re out of your mind if you think that the political game is played by campaign contribution limits when you are talking about the wealthy family context. Storch’s 23K head start, and her doctor dad throwing “one hell of a fundraiser” means NOTHING in the face of a man (Mike Sr.) whose net worth is approachin $1Billion USD. While Storch’s fundraising capacity is strong indeed, it’s NOTHING compared to what Roberts can do if he wants to. Thye could drop 500K for a four month stae rep campaign and nevre flinch. don’t forget the free TV time on My46.

> Thye could drop 500K for a four month stae rep campaign and nevre flinch.
> don’t forget the free TV time on My46.

Both of these things would be violations of Missouri’s campaign finance laws.