The West County Democrats meeting this morning was structured to analyze the results of most recent primary election and to discuss the potential for the November 2018 election. Two special guests, Jo Mannies, political reporter with KWMU, and Democratic State Representative Peter Meridith, joined Glenn Koenen to present their views and answer questions.
Some of the key takeaways discussed:
- This is the first state-wide election in Missouri in the age of Trump, and the number of voters increased in this mid-term primary by almost 400,000 compared to 2014.
- State-wide, we had the highest Democratic primary turnout in decades.
Jo Mannies - While Republicans still out polled Democrats by 60,000; the Right to Work amendment was defeated 2 to 1– meaning that a lot of Republicans and independents are with us on economic issues.
Peter Meridith - With $15 Million already spent on negative Claire McCaskill ads and national organizations attacking progressive initiatives in Missouri, we all still need to work hard and get out the vote.
These initiatives that have made the ballot for November 2018 are worthwhile watching closely:
- The CLEAN Amendment with change the Missouri Constitution to change redistricting process, limit campaign contributions, limit gifts to legislators, add new restrictions for lobbyists, fund raising on State property and require legislative records be open to the public.
- A Minimum Wage amendment that will gradually increase the state-wide minimum wage to $12/hour by 2023.
- Three (3) Marijuana proposals regarding legalization, authorization and taxation of Marijuana for medical use are on the ballot.
- A 10 cents per gallon increase in the fuel tax to help pay for infrastructure– which may not pass again but will certainly drive more voters to the polls.
We are all very aware of the November races for Senate and the District 2 Congressional seat, but a newly minted crop of Democratic contenders for state offices presented themselves to the West County Democrats:
Kevin Fitzgerald is a first time candidate, hoping to win the Missouri House 89th District. Bill Otto wants to take the Missouri House District 65 seat in St. Charles County away from an incumbent who has been there far too long.
With your help, Paula Brown can take District 70, Missouri State Rep in northwest St. Louis County. In the District 99 House primary, Mike LaBozzetta drew more votes than his Republican incumbent. Patrice Billings is running for Missouri Senate, hoping to flip District 2. Karen Cloyd represented, Helena Webb, a strong candidate for Missouri House, District 100.
These candidates need your personal help. Yes, you.
Democrats may not need buckets of money from large out-state donors, but they do need individual support of passionate people who are willing to help them make a difference. We encourage you to get involved. Click on their links– they all have events and activities in which you can participate.
Let’s help them win their races in November!
— Mark Toenjes, WCD Member