Were Republicans rooting for Baker to win in 9th?
Could Democrat Judy Baker’s primary victory in the 9th Congressional District last week been a victory for Republicans, too?
Perhaps, according to an item in the Politico news site, which suggests that the GOP was hoping Baker, a state representative from Columbia, would be their opponent in November.
“Several Missouri Republican operatives privately said they were rooting for Baker to win the nomination because they believe she will have trouble winning over culturally conservative voters in a general election,” writes the Politico’s Josh Kraushaar. “Baker received an early high-profile endorsement from EMILY’s List, a group that endorses abortion rights-supporting female Democrats.”
But the Democrats are by no means ready to concede the seat. As the Post-Dispatch’s Mark Schlinkmann wrote earlier, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee already has reserved nearly $1 million in ad time for the general election, which will pit Baker against former state tourism director Blaine Luetkemeyer.
Both candidates, Schlinkmann reports, won the nomination by scoring big in their bases — the liberal-leaning Columbia for Baker, and the rural Ozark counties for Luetkemeyer.
Anybody know what portion of the vote for that district is in Columbia? After a quick glance at the district map, I have to agree, this will be VERY hard for an “EMILY’s List” candidate to win. Frankly, I don’t see where that endorsement helps a candidate in any congressional district in Missouri.
while I think Steve Gaw might have been a stronger candidate, I do not think this district is as Republican as people think. Senator Wes Shoemyer (democrat) won a competitive race for the Senate that covers much of the district, excluding the liberal base of Columbia.
Most people do not know what “EMILY’s list” is so I do not think that will matter. But the fact that EMILY’s list has access to trained political operatives and lots of cash will.
It would be an upset, but I think Baker could win this seat. That combined with Kay Barnes win in the NW would make Missouri a very different state politically…
Maybe a few voters, Democrat and Republican will reassess what it means to be “Pro-life” or “Pro-Choice.” When it comes to a Supreme Court decision, that is out of the hands of any U.S. Representative. A U.S. Representative is not even able to influence who sits on the Supreme Court. Congressional District Nine includes all of the city of Columbia. It has two counties in what is widely known as the Ozarks (Miller and Maries). The vast majority of this district is Corridor of Northeaastern Missouri. This district takes almost a triangle shaped chunk out of St. Charles County that is all south of I-70. It is safe to say that most of the people that will vote in this district are “Pro-Life.” A lot of these individuals will be very concerned about keeping taxes low. I would suggest that the Republicans really did not care that much about any of the Democratic choice in the primary. I also humbly suggest that Rep. Onder did not excell in his own area which gave Luetkemeyer a big boost in carrying that priamry.
I am always interested in what Republican operatives anonymously have to say about what the Democrats should do. They are honest people that would never try to lead anyone astray. Also, they are the reason the Republican party is so STRONG right now, so I trust their judgment without hesitation.
The Republicans don’t think a woman can win the 9th District, period.
If Margaret Donnelly doesn’t seek and receive a recount for attorney general, I will have full time to devote to supporting Judy Baker’s campaign among my fellow country folks with the same vigor I devoted to Margaret. And if Margaret does wind up on the ballot, I will load my old car with signs for both candidates and fan across the 9th, just as I worked for Margaret in central Missouri. My motivation is not just that I am a Democrat, but the image of a bunch of smug Republicans chuckling that they face the weak woman candidate.
GO JUDY GO!
ADDENDUM to Jake’s post:
Missouri’s most powerful Republican congressman,Rep. Roy Blunt, headlined a fundraiser Friday for Luetkemeyer in the district.
Blunt said in an interview earlier Friday that he believed that Baker was the Democrat who least fit the 9th District, and would be easiest to beat, a view that apparently reflects the anonymous comments by other Republicans.
Blunt said he planned to be very active in helping Luetkemeyer.
I wouldn’t use Wes Shoemeyer as an example that Judy can follow, Richard.
If I am not mistaken he is a pro-life Democrat, and I think he won the NRA’s endorsement, as well.
If Blunt is going for Luetkemeyer that should help Judy. While Blunt has lots of cash, I can’t imagine why anyone wants to be associated with that name. And yes, I am aware that this is the father, not the crappy Governor, but I do not think it will matter much. Campaigning with him is like campaigning with Bush, better make sure it is in private only.
Pat, I am not sure about all of Wes’ politics. But I do know he was pro-stem cell and the MRL went all out for Behnen (Rep. candidate).
I agree with Holly, republicans think a woman can’t win in the 9th.
As the victor of a tough primary against some great candidates Judy Baker has shown herself to be a tremendous candidate and will give Blaine Luetkemeyer a tough race.
If Mrs. Baker is such a liberal and weak candidate and can’t win outside of her home county of Boone then please explain to me how she beat Steve Gaw by 18% in the northern most county of Clark and 13% in the southern most county of Crawford?
The most conservative Dem. Lyndon Bode lost Crawford Co by nearly 41% and Clark by 38%. I think this is going to be a very exciting race and look forward to a Baker victory in November.
I’m sure if Gaw had won the Republicans would have said the same stuff. (edited for language/JW)