Posted on 03/08/2004 10:07:47 PM PST by JohnnyZ
HANNIBAL, Mo. - In a polite but tension-filled encounter, Gov. Bob Holden and primary challenger Claire McCaskill shared a stage Saturday before Democrats for the first time since both filed for an August showdown in the governor's race.
Holden showed off the influence of incumbency, introducing New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson as keynote speaker for a party banquet and welcoming the endorsement of his fellow Democratic governor.
McCaskill, the state auditor, was introduced long after Richardson's exit and - standing at the microphone next to the seated Holden - acknowledged at the outset: "I know this is a little tense."
She and Holden never mentioned one another by name during speeches at Missouri Democrat Days, one of the party's largest annual gatherings. But their operatives were busy handing out yard signs, lapel stickers and bumper strips, and audience members were weighing every word from the stage before applauding.
Holden got a standing ovation by declaring that his governorship was "one last obstacle" to Republican domination of the statehouse; the GOP controls both chambers of the Legislature.
"There's a Democratic governor on the second floor who's not afraid to use the veto pen," Holden said, pulling a pen from his pocket and thrusting it into the air.
When it was her turn, McCaskill also acknowledged GOP gains in Missouri - and said those losses left many Democrats "walking with their head down."
"They are very, very concerned about what might loom on the horizon," McCaskill said. "It is time we fielded our strongest candidates ... they want strong, principled leaders who can get the job done."
In an unmistakable shot at Holden's political strength after three years beset by slumping revenues and a variety of stumbles, McCaskill said: "It does no good to beat up the Republicans if we cannot beat the Republicans ... we don't do that by standing on protocol or tradition - especially this year."
She added: "This is not an easy speech for me to make and this is not personal."
But there was still a sharp edge to the evening, and protocols were uneven. When Holden was introduced, McCaskill was first at the head table to rise in applause. Most of the room followed.
When McCaskill was introduced later, Holden and his wife, Lori, remained in their seats and didn't clap - but their chilly reaction was obscured to the audience when a table full of union members rose in front of them to cheer McCaskill. Far fewer audience members joined the ovation for the challenger.
Some elected officials attending the Hannibal event said they were steering clear of the governor's primary - and hoping for quick post-primary healing.
Attorney General Jay Nixon, the senior statewide Democratic officeholder, said in an interview with The Associated Press that he will stay neutral.
"Then I will work my tail off for the nominee. I see my role, when we get to August, as being to stress having the discipline to work out our differences before November," Nixon said.
Meanwhile, Republicans are uniting behind their party's best-known gubernatorial nominee, first-term Secretary of State Matt Blunt.
May Scheve, chairwoman of the Missouri Democratic Party, urged a brunch audience in Hannibal to look past the gubernatorial primary to "the end goal - keeping the Gov.'s Mansion."
"I hope we fight together and join hands after August," Scheve said.
Until then, many Democrats are choosing sides.
Lt. Gov. Joe Maxwell, who is retiring from office after a single term, pledged in a brunch speech to work for Holden's re-election. He said Holden has had a tough job during the last three years, balancing a state budget with painful spending reductions while working to keep and create jobs.
"They're going to blame this guy," Maxwell said, putting his hand on Holden's shoulder, who was seated next to him. He said party activists shouldn't sit still for attacks on Holden's job performance: "You've been, as a party, not defending us out there on the local level."
Other Democrats said auditor McCaskill, an outspoken former Kansas City prosecutor and state legislator, will be a more dynamic campaigner against Blunt than Holden. Among those working the Hannibal crowd Friday night before McCaskill's arrival was former Gov. Roger Wilson, who called her "a fighter who can carry Missouri."
Sherwood Smith, a union firefighter from Kansas City, made his first trip to Hannibal to seek support for McCaskill. "To me, this is about who can beat Matt Blunt, and Claire is simply more dynamic and solid on the issues," Smith said.
Union backing is an important component of Democratic campaigns, and support is divided. Teamsters were handing out McCaskill literature in a hospitality room next door to a United Auto Workers room where Holden yard signs were distributed.
David Hurst, a UAW member from St. Louis, said he was backing Holden's re-election "because Bob showed a lot of guts pulling out his veto pen over and over for some of these Republican bills."
During Saturday's brunch, speakers repeatedly referred to the primary without calling names, all saying the party must come together for the fall.
Reconciliation even found its way into the brunch invocation, with the Rev. Wesley Foster praying aloud that Democrats "will not be fighting against each other, but fighting together." Another minister who handled the evening blessing wore a sticker for Holden on one lapel, a McCaskill sticker on the other.
I'll applaud that! Here's to Blunt defeating that last obstacle!
Culturally, I can tell you firsthand Missouri is a markedly conservative state compared to California, Oregon, and Washington. Here, it's "normal" to be pro-life, not a fringe position. Overall, people treat one another like human beings, not like competing animals. Natives probably do not notice these things.
The Democrats know this and see it as a doomed train they may have to ride....hence the primary challenge.
It will be interesting to see how the media portrays Blunt's youth and modest experience. Long tenure in political office is a detriment to my support, but others love the political class and want someone who has "paid their dues".
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