Sunday, August 03, 2008

"We're Going To Be Successful"


WITH 48-HOURS TO GO, HARRIS MAKES FINAL PUSH
"There are great Democrats in Southwest Missouri, and I will take that message everywhere."

Jeff Harris is betting on a significant turnout in outstate Missouri and loyalty from those he's helped and championed in the past in order to win the Democratic nomination for Attorney General.

Harris made a late-evening stop in Springfield Sunday night at the IBEW union hall on Division Street, where he met with about 20 supporters. He is in the middle of a final 72-hour campaign swing through the state.

In his stump speech, Harris touted a recent endorsement from the 11,000-member United Food and Commerical Workers, as well as his fundraising prowess on the Internet. "It's probably the only time in my life I'll raise more money than Mark Warner," said Harris, referring to a recent survey of statewide candidates abilities to raise money online. (Harris was second on the nationwide survey; Warner was fourth.)

Harris is battling against State Representative Margaret Donnelly and State Senator Chris Koster for the Democratic nomination.

In an interview with the KY3 Political Notebook, Harris wouldn't pinpoint a certain geographic area he has to perform well in to win the race. "I think we'll do well all over the state. It's a down-ballot race in August, that means every vote counts," Harris said. "I'm going 24 places in 72 hours. I don't know anyone doing that."

On Saturday, Donnelly said she would be the strongest Democratic nominee because of her experience. Harris refuted that claim. "I've been a lawyer for 20 years. I'm not going to diminish anybody's legal work, but I'm ready to hit the ground running on day one. That's why Jay Nixon tapped me to defend Bob Holden over collective bargaining."

Harris also responded to television commercials being run by Koster, which tout his courtroom experience in criminal trials. "If he's running for Greene County or Jackson County prosecutor, it's probably relevant. If he's saying Jay Nixon's not been effective because he's tried one case in 16 years, I'd disagree with him on that."

With a spring in his step, Harris seemed confident going into Tuesday.

"We think if he can take second in St. Louis and second in Kansas City and then win in the rural areas, he can win it," said Lebanon Democratic supporter Bill Williams.

Harris made sure no matter what, he wouldn't forget southwest Missouri. "Make no mistake. There are great Democrats in southwest Missouri, and I will take that message everywhere," he said.


1 comment:

Unknown said...

If we aren't careful Koster will win. Get out and do what you can to support Jeff tomorrow. Tell everyone you know to support Jeff. The future of our party depends on it.