“Mr. Smith” filmmaker reels in support for Trout
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.



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