07.10.2008 3:02 pm
Simckes touts endorsements, but Zweifel gets Clay
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Andria Simckes, one of four Democrats vying to become state treasurer, released a long list of endorsements today, a roster with at least one notable exception.
Simckes counts the support of pastors, community leaders and more than a quarter of the city’s Board of Aldermen, but not U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay — the dean of St. Louis’ African-American political establishment.
Instead of backing Simckes — seeking to become the first black official elected statewide in Missouri — Clay is supporting State Rep. Clint Zweifel of Florissant.
Two others are in the Democratic primary for treasurer: Former Kansas City mayor Charlie Wheeler and current Arnold Mayor Mark Powell.
Who would want Clay anyway after recent revealtions about Koster and Elbert Walton as well as Chuck Hatfield. She is better off without him.
Wow! Simckes has the support of SEVEN ALDERMEN!!! Amazing. What an endorsement. I mean to have so many HARD WORKING, UNDERPAID, UNDER APPRECIATED ALDERMEN TO SUPPORT YOU!!!
Does Simckes support the pay raise the Aldermen gave themselves?
One can only wonder why Clay chose to go the way he has.
If you do not accept the obvious notion that financial incentives were involved then the alternative is even more sinister. A very reliable source directly quoted him saying that an African-American could never win in a statewide race in Missouri. Interesting, so he purports to be a supporter of Obama who says “Yes We Can”…but Lacy Clay says “No We Can’t”.
Either way I agree that Clay’s endorsement of anybody doesn’t carry much weight in St Louis, it might even hurt. Having read the St Louis American this past week http://www.stlamerican.com/articles/2008/07/03/news/political_eye/peye01.txt
it is clear that Simckes wins because of all of her support from women combined with the rest of the African-American leaders. The endorsements she has from people like Sherman George and all those religious leaders carry a lot more weight in the community.
After endorsing Koster, who would want a Clay endorsement. I just don’t know IF Simckes pulls outstate MO. Claire has way more personality and just eeked it out to beat Talent, and didn’t do it against Holden. She’s Black and a Woman, Clay maybe right on that point.
Assuming Simckes in fact wins the primary as predicted, Simckes will win the general election for several reasons.
First, Brad Lager, the self declared “country boy” has already alienated the urban voters with his anti-city campaign ads last election cycle. That is still 70% of the vote by last count.
Second, Simckes has shown great appeal amoung outstate women.
Three, the Obama effect on Demeocrat voters is both powerful and incalcuable and presumably will spill over to Simckes, another brilliant, Ivy leaugue, African -American with innovative ideas to update Missouri’s Treasury.
Four, Simckes is a self declared fiscal-conservative, a Democrat Center-alligned politician. In a year where it is going to be “pick your Democrat” for Republicans, Simckes will do well.
Clay’s endorsement of Zweifel is an example of good, sound leadership,placing his support behind the best candidate for the job. Period.
Janice, what makes Zweifel the best candidate? He has absolutely no executive experiance! He is playing catch up to Simckes on rolling out Policy…he is a state rep for heavens sake. Simckes has far more experiance than him in handling large budgets.
Couldn’t agree more Perculator. Zweifel is just a politico from Florrisant. Simckes headed up Economic Development for Missouri for the St Louis region. She was hand picked by Mel Carnahan for his ofice, she has brought jobs to Missouri. She has proven that she can traverse the state and gain name recognition in a short time. After Andria Simckes wins the primary, the floodgates will open and she will kick some elephant rear end.
Did Clay really say that stuff?? Dang, Rick James comment confirms it…Clay is trying to undo everything we have worked for.
I swear i am tired of that Lacy Clay. He was born crossing home plate wearing a smile like he just hit the home run!
The Zweifel policy knocks are getting a little out of hand from the Simckes campaign. Zweifel headed up policy development for the House Democrats, was their leader on fiscal policy and ran the 2006 campaign that elected the most dems since 1978. Jay Nixon’s Missouri Promise - Clint wrote it, early childhood plan - Clint wrote it, mortgage reform plan - Clint wrote it, property tax reform - Clint wrote it.
I am sure Clint would say he had a lot of help with those proposals, but he was who the House Democrats picked to head it up and he did it successfully. Knocking him on his policy credentials has no legs, so while Simckes campaign staff (perculator and St. Louis Truth) may have fun debating themselves, they need to find a better argument for Democrats not to support Zweifel.