T.D. El-Amin withdraws as contender for State Senate opening
El-Amin
ST. LOUIS — The intrigue continues to pile up in the push to replace Jeff Smith in the State Senate.
Last night, at a meeting of north St. Louis Democratic committee members, State Rep. T.D. El-Amin announced he is no longer seeking the nomination.
It’s unclear why — though ward rival and alderman Charles Quincy Troupe is probably pleased.
The meeting of African-American committee members, the second in a series, was designed to shape a unified front as the Democratic Party picks their nominee to replace Smith.
El-Amin stepping aside provides a boost to State Rep. Jamilah Nasheed’s hopes of filling the seat.
However, Jerryl Christmas — an aide to U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill — is also lobbying for support.
Voters may remembers Christmas from his runs for circuit attorney against Jennifer Joyce.
The changes on the northside are just part of the maneuvering to fill the vacancy left by Smith, who resigned after pleading guilty to federal conspiracy charges tied to his 2004 Congressional bid.
As Jo Mannies reported at the Beacon, Mayor Francis Slay has entered the fray, announcing that he is supporting 28th Ward Committeeman Joe Keaveny – who ran on Slay’s slate for school board several years ago — for the post.
He’s competing for support with State Rep. Rachel Storch, who decided late last week to seek the position.
Democratic Committee chairman Brian Wahby has tentatively scheduled a meeting for a week from tomorrow to take the vote.
I have served in the State Legislature with T.D., Jamilah, and Rachel. While I believe them all to be caring people who work hard to represent their constituents, Racels Storchs’ ability to understand the pressing issues of the State,articulate and adhere to her core values far exceeds most of our peers in the House, myself included. I do not know Joe Keavney but my sense is he would be better suited to make a run for Rachels vacated House seat and begin the learning process from the ground floor.
For those true Democrats on the County Committee, surely you know of Jamilahs tendency to run to the Republicans when critical votes such as removing campaign contribution limits are too close to call and when one democrat vote made a difference. Although It hasn’t been requested, I am proudly endorsing Representative Rachel Storch for nomination to the vacated Senate seat.
I am supporting Representative Rachel Storch for nomination for the vacated Senate seat. that Jeff Smith disagraced. Rachel has always stayed true to her convections even when faced with loud mouth, no experience challengers (yeah Im talking about the young alcoholic party craving Mike Roberts Jr). I live in Rachel’s district and she has always worked hard for our area and it’s time for her influence to grow and benefit more constituents. Concerning T.D., Jamilah, and Joe, I am a big supporter of T.D but think Rachel is a better fit currently. Although Jamilah is passionate about the issues, she is also a public embarrassment for our local politics and needs polish. Joe is simply too inexperienced.
Hands down, Rachael Stroch is the best candidate for the job. Keaveny is too green for a State Senator position. Storch for state senate!!
Ok, I know everyone cant wait for my thoughts. I know Jamila personally for a long time and like her very much. My interactions with Rachel personally have been few, but underwhelming. You know what they say about elected officials, just return your calls. Not just the ones there’s something in it for you. Rachel is 0 for 2 as I remember. I forgive but will forget, uh, never. That having been said, what’s this tendency black city Republicans have to run to the Republicans? Especially about education where they’re views often bad for black kids. Is it mostly about the money? I like not to think so. I find Jamila polished; I think that criticism unfair. If you’re going to be a Dem be a good Dem. That doesnt mean you have to let the party control you on all issues of conscience on judgment, but gee, if you’re not going to be with them when one vote makes a difference, when are you? That’s not about race that’s about good politics. My favorite candidate for the seat? Me! even two blocks out of the district, I believe. Otherwise, Rachel on the issues, Jamilah on personal qualities. I think I’ll vote for both. Oh, I dont get to vote this time do I?
nice point about Joe and state rep, Ed; so obvious, no one else will think of it; I mean that in good sense; you know about blind ambition; ask my friend Jeff Smith.
It is Now, more than ever, necessary, for those who know Rachel Storch - to stand up and be counted!
She leads the field in every context , that is is important, for being State Senator.
I am saddened that our Mayor has chosen, Mr. Keaveny. The rational for this is beyond my comprehension. This decision on the Mayor’s part is wrong,wrong,wrong.
It is so good to see the amount of backing Rachel has. She deserves to win this seat and she WILL !!!
After 50 years of a city on continual decline, that has been totally controlled by democrats, simiaalr to Detroit, Clevelnad, etc., you would think that people would wake up and try something different. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but getting the same results. Well, the results are different. Unfortunately they keep getting worse. So, my question is; for the city residents, how has your life improved and how is that change going? St. Louis has gone from a first rate city in the 50’s to a third rate city. I know longer live in the area, and I cringe when people ask me where I am from.
When I lived in Rachel Storch’s district, I was pleased to volunteer for her first campaign. Although I disagreed with Rachel on many issues, she was the most intelligent and decent people I’d ever met in politics. And though she hasn’t come to adopt any of my libertarian views, my view on Rachel Storch hasn’t changed a bit. She’s obviously the best choice for this seat.
PS - Bill, I’ve called her numerous times, and she has always returned my call. Perhaps it’s a personal thing.
Bill Haas. Who told you you couldn’t vote twice? When did they pass that law in the City?
I will go against the grain on this one and say anyone but Rachel. She has shown little interest in the future of the city of St. Louis and would be better fit for a county seat. I find her style to be stilted and her concern for anyone who is not white and rich to be lacking. This is a majority black district, so that’s a huge problem. She’s shown no leadership on issues of import to African-Americans.