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.