Back in the fall of 2012 the organizers of the candidate forum held by Lindenwood University were repeatedly assured by the campaign rep for Ann Wagner that the Second Congressional District Republican candidate was ‘on her way.’ The organizers twice changed their running order. The Democrat candidate (me) waited, as did the Libertarian and Constitution parity candidates. Ann Wagner, of course, never showed.
Ann blew off the League of Women Voters event too. Two other planned forums were canceled because, well, it became apparent Wagner had no intention of showing herself to voters.
Now, these were forums – not debates. Some didn’t even offer audience members a chance to pose questions. Still, Wagner stayed away.
Alas, she avoided engaging with all the other challengers to her queen-ship since 2012. She actively avoids being with any concerned voters, she cowers from people who might ask her questions. She never holds open town halls (telephone ‘events’ controlled by her staff with her employees relaying the questions don’t count).
How does she get away with it? The St. Louis media, at every opportunity, rolls over and plays dead…
In 2012 the St. Louis Post Dispatch editorial board interviewed Ann Wagner. I got an 11 minute phone call from one board member. (I don’t think the other two candidates even got that much attention).
The TV news stations covered several Republican-only events which included Wagner: the news crews missed every Democrat event, and, well, two stations backed up and left without recording any tape [it was 2012] when the League moderator announced that Wagner would not be there. Even public radio only talked to me once – a few hours after the election was decided – yet found time for a dozen stories on Wagner.
So, again this year we have a Democrat who works hard at being a candidate, attending forums, meeting voters, stating their positions getting little notice while no one seems to hold Wagner accountable for her positions or actions.
Let’s take a quick look at two topics Ann champions and ask for explanations of her actions…
- The House of Representatives petitioned for the release of the Epstein files. Even today Ann brags about her leading the fight for protection of abused women. Yet, when the abuser is a great friend of the President and the proven allegations involve hundreds of young women (some underage), well, where’s her outrage? Why didn’t she sign the petition?
- As the chair of the subcommittee dealing with pensions and financial transactions, Wagner has repeatedly opposed making those giving out retirement advice be required to act in the best interest of the client. The Department of Labor developed fiduciary standards to protect working people, then Ann shotgunned them dead. She argues that the rules would prevent some people from getting professional advice. In other words, it’s better to get taken advantage of by a shady investment guy than be restricted to only honest ones.
Wait, you think everyone selling retirement products is trustworthy?
Sorry to burst your bubble. I can document one national-firm rep in the metro area who used their account authority to buy two $5,000, 20 year bonds. The client was 95 years old woman in a coma, hours from death, when the transaction was made. Thanks to Ann, it was all legal and irrevocable.
I have heard of many other seniors pushed or pressured into lousy investments, again, thanks Ann!
Over the years I’ve asked friends to vote for the good, honest Democrats running against Wagner. I have a Fred Wellman sign in my front yard. I think he has an excellent chance and would well represent the Second District. After all, he’s the only major party candidate in the race meeting people and explaining what he will do if elected. Ann always cowers.
Glenn Koenen
Editor’s Note: Republican candidates across the country are actively avoiding appearing in public forums this year because their unconscionable lack of action. Ann Wagner though has been uniquely unavailable though for her entire tenure in office. When elected representatives refuse to meet with their constituents, that is an issue that must be addressed, and can only be rectified with your vote.