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07.16.2008 3:36 pm

“Mr. Smith” filmmaker reels in support for Trout

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Filmmaker Frank Popper proved his affinity for the political underdog with the well-received documentary — “Can Mr. Smith Get to Washington Anymore?“– following Jeff Smith’s insurgent but ultimately unsuccessful run for Congress in 2004.

Now Popper is making a pitch for another officer-seeker facing long odds: Jim Trout, a Democrat running for State Senate in St. Louis County.

Popper and his wife Regina will host a fundraiser for Trout at their Webster Groves home tomorrow night. Other Democrats appearing on the invitation as co-hosts include State Reps. Mike Vogt and Jeanette Mott Oxford, and former State Rep. Fred Kratky.

Though this time Popper is focusing cash instead of a lens on the candidate, the similiarities between Trout’s bid and Smith’s congressional campaign are interesting.

Both of their opponents inherited a political legacy. Smith was narrowly defeated by Russ Carnahan, whose father was govenor and mother was a U.S. Senator.

Trout is up against Steve Eagleton, whose uncle was legendary U.S. Sen. Tom Eagleton.

If Trout can manage a victory, he’ll head to the State Senate — where he would serve with Smith, who wrote his own successful sequel by capturing the Fourth District Senate Seat in 2006.

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8 comments

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Hmm…seems like Popper likes to focus on all things fishy.

— anonymous
3:51 pm July 16th, 2008

Too bad the “Mr. Smith sequel” is the story of an underdog who wins a State Senate seat and becomes corrupt.

— Daniel
4:38 pm July 16th, 2008

“If Trout can manage a victory, he’ll head to the State Senate”

The entire context of that remark is the Democratic primary contest between Trout and Eagleton. It seems to overlook one tiny little technicality: the November general election against a well-funded Republican for a seat held by a term-limited Republican. Jake doesn’t even mention Eric Schmitt, the unopposed Republican.

— St Louis Oracle
6:17 pm July 16th, 2008

Good point, as usual, Oracle. Should have mentioned that the winner of the Democratic primary must still face a Republican challenger.

— Jake Wagman
6:55 pm July 16th, 2008

If I were Mr. Trout… I would stay as far away from “Mr. Smith” as possible. Seems that “Mr. Smith” is the slimy one.

— yellow dog dem
1:25 am July 17th, 2008

So, yellow dog dem, Trout should stay away from one of the smartest campaign minds in the state who chairs the Campaign Committee for the Senate Democrats and will be doling out lots of money to favored candidates for the general election? What a silly remark. Trout should seek his advice - and of course, some of the $$$ that Smith raises.

— Jason
9:09 am July 17th, 2008

Smith favors dirty tactics and skirting finance laws. That doesn’t make him one of the smartest campaign minds in the state. It just means he’s crafty. Obviously some members of the party reward this behavior.

— Daniel
11:23 am July 17th, 2008

I was fortunate enough to stop by Frank Popper’s last week, to meet Jim Trout. He’s an appealing candidate, smart, sincere, imaginative, concerned, hard-working… qualities that seem to have vanished in Jeff City. Yes, Schmitt will be a formidable candidate… it’s hard to drive more than a few blocks without seeing one of his yard signs. To me that means he’s well-funded by well- heeled Republicans who still believe Bush was a fine president, who want to keep Missouri in their vest pocket… and all the more reason to get Trout to the Senate. As far as Jeff Smith goes, I thought it was an excellent documentary that Popper made. Shows you what we as a society lose when we vote for a name, not the person.

— Gerry Mandel
4:09 pm July 23rd, 2008