Gettin' Dirty

GIBBONS PAINTS KOSTER AS A CRIMINAL IN NEW AD

A failure to pay income taxes, arrested for passing a bad check, taking money tied to the Gambino family, firing a whistleblower, illegally laundering campaign contributions.

These are the charges in Mike Gibbons' newest television ad against Democratic candidate for Attorney General Chris Koster.

"TOO OFTEN ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE LAW"

In Koster's latest ad, he argues Gibbons opposed cracking down on Medicaid fraud.

"My opponent argued against locking them up . . . stating that Medicaid fraud is just a property crime."

Koster Responds: Gibbons Voted To Let Criminals Out

The Democratic campaign for Attorney General sends out an early morning e-mail Wednesday responding to Mike Gibbon's 2nd television ad.

***
"Behind in the polls and with no relevant experience for the job, professional politician Michael Gibbons is trying to deceive Missouri voters about Chris Koster's record with a stealth negative ad," says Koster spokesperson Danny Kanner. "It's impossible to compare Chris Koster's conviction rate with Michael Gibbons' because Gibbons has never prosecuted or convicted anyone. No one. Not a single one."
***
Kanner goes on: "In ten years as Prosecuting Attorney, Chris Koster amassed approximately 20 homicide convictions, two Supreme Court victories, and thousands of felony convictions. While Chris Koster was spending a decade putting criminals behind bars, Senator Gibbons was in Jefferson City voting to let them out."
***
The Notebook has asked the Koster campaign to explain how Gibbons voted to let criminals out through his votes in Jefferson City. UPDATE 11:48 A.M. "In 2003, Sen. Gibbons voted for SB 5 -- a bill that relaxed sentencing standards and resulted in 1,400 new criminals on the streets each year," Kanner tells The Notebook.

Tuesday Night T.V.

3 NEW ADS THAT ARE HITTING OZARKS T.V.

... WITH 3 WEEKS TO GO

The Ad: Mike Gibbons For Attorney General

The Theme: I'm Tough on Crime, He's A Political Opportunist.

Republican candidate for Attorney General Mike Gibbons goes 50-50 in his second T.V. ad in the Ozarks. The first portion of the ad, quickly rolls through his accomplishments, painting him as tough on crime. He cracked down on meth and sexual predators, who can be against that? The second half shines the light on Democratic opponent Chris Koster, claiming he "plea-bargained 90% of his cases." Notice how we go from color to shady black-and-white. Gibbons knows he's got to quickly shape a perception of Koster that didn't sell in the Democratic primary.

The Ad: Chris Koster for Attorney General

The Theme: I Fight For The Little Guy

I didn't think Chris Koster could win the Democratic primary for Attorney General. Boy, was I mistaken. A smart Democrat told me, who didn't back Koster previously, put it this way: "He go to these forums, and he'd tower over Harris and Donnelly. His booming voice, his boyish good looks. He won them over with his authority and his charm." That's what I think is conveyed in this ad. Cool, calm, collected . . . almost cocky, but compassion, for "the victim," not in the courtroom. Koster might be slick, but his ads are even slicker. They are some of the best in this cycle. He picks up the same exact theme from the primary, and it seems to work. The touchy music, the still shots of the faces of real people. I'm too moved to know if the guy is pulling one over on me.

The Ad: Sam Page for Lieutenant Governor

The Theme: I'm a Doctor Who Thinks You Deserve Health Insurance

A couple different themes are wrapped into this 30-second ad for the Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor. First, it establishes Rep. Sam Page's credentials. He's a doctor. You never hear him mention he's a state lawmaker as well. It's not Rep. Page. It's Dr. Page. People love doctors. Can you imagine a politician running as an attorney. ("I'm a trial attorney, I sue companies for people who get injured on the job.") Of course not! The line that should get viewers' attention is when he calls Gov. Blunt and Lt. Gov. Kinder out on the health care cuts. He calls them "wrong," he links Kinder to Blunt, and notice he never says "Medicaid." It's a pretty basic ad when it comes down to it. Not to hard, not to soft. Just right? I dunno, maybe if you don't have health care?

NEA Endorses Koster for A.G.

KOSTER ALSO "WELCOMES" ELECTION CERTIFICATION

"Our campaign remains confident that we are on the path to victory in November . . ."

The Missouri National Education Association endorsed Senator Chris Koster for Attorney General Thursday.

"As Attorney General, I will be a fierce advocate for Missouri’s public education system," Koster said. "Our shared purpose is that our teachers have the resources they need to teach, and our children learn in an environment that is conducive to their diverse needs given the changing world in which we live. I am honored by MNEA’s support and look forward to a productive partnership," he said.

Missouri NEA recommends candidates who work to strengthen public education, maximize students learning, ensure our children’s health and safety and respect public school employees,” said MNEA President Chris Guinther. "We look forward to working with Attorney General Koster to benefit our children, their public schools and their future," said Missouri NEA President Chris Guinther.

The Missouri National Education Association represents over 34,000 teachers and education professionals in Missouri’s public education system.

Koster also issued this statement in response to the certification of the election results:

"Our campaign welcomes the certification of the results of the primary election. We are confident that the election was administered fairly, and appreciate the competence and timeliness with which the certification was handled. Our thanks go out to the many county clerks and election officials who worked so hard to make this such a well-run election. It is out belief that they and Secretary of State Carnahan got the results right. As we’ve said before, it is within Representative Donnelly’s rights to verify the election's results. If she chooses to do so, we look forward to having the results verified quickly. Our campaign remains confident that we are on the path to victory in November, and will continue to make the affirmative argument that there is only one candidate for Attorney General with the law enforcement experience required to be Missouri’s next chief law enforcement officer," said Koster.

Koster, Acting As Nominee, Meets Gibbons

MOVING ON: "Now that the Democratic primary is Behind Us . . ."

Rule number one: When an election is close, act like you are the undisputed victor.

It will be difficult for State Rep. Margaret Donnelly to overturn Tuesday's result in the Democratic primary for Governor through a recount. And it makes it a tad bit tougher when Koster is already acting the part.

The Koster campaign put out a release noting that the Democratic nominee debated "issues critical to Missouri's agricultural industry," with Republican nominee Mike Gibbons, before the Missouri Farm Bureau Thursday. Gibbons ran unopposed in the primary.

"Now that the Democratic primary is behind us, I intend to fulfill my promise of campaigning for every vote in every corner of Missouri, and speaking to the issues that affect rural, urban and suburban families from border to border,” said Koster.

"The people of this state are best served by a chief law enforcement officer who has authentic law enforcement experience, and I intend to present that message to every single Missourian," Koster added.

The forum with Gibbons covered issues from CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations), to the Missouri River to the meth problem.

And if there was any doubt, Koster's camp tagged out its release with these lines: "Koster won the Democratic primary for Attorney General on Tuesday, August 5th. He is the only candidate for Attorney General with any prosecutorial experience."

Donnelly's campaign is mulling a recount and an election official has said Koster's win is unofficial.

"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.

"Just Look At My Experience"

DONNELLY GOES DOOR-KNOCKING IN CENTRAL SPRINGFIELD
Searches for Edge in Unpredictable 3-way Democratic Primary for Attorney General

If Margaret Donnelly is reluctant to distinguish herself from her Democratic rivals for Attorney General, her top Springfield surrogate is not.

"Jeff was our leader and he did a great job. But when it came down to the budget and key legislative decisions and battles, Margaret was the one," chimes in Rep. Sara Lampe, referring to Rep. Jeff Harris, one of Donnelly's opponents in Tuesday's primary.

When the conversation in the #138th district living room turns to Senator Chris Koster's prosecutorial experience, Lampe is quick to discount it. "I don't think that's relevant," she says.

We are sitting in the heart of Lampe's central Springfield district, in the living room of Joyce and Bill Pyle, both longtime (now retired) Springfield educators. On a rare, and final swing through the Queen City, Donnelly is in the midst of explaining why her experience sets her apart from Harris and Koster.

"Look at what we've done in our lives, and ask who you would want in that office," Donnelly says, replying to my inquiry about how to crystallize the differences between the candidates.

She refutes the assumption that she might have an advantage in this primary just because she's a woman. "It's not just that I'm a woman. The issue is, it goes back to the profile. People care about education, they care about child advocacy, they care about mental health. That's my advantage over my two opponents," Donnelly says.

Donnelly has been a social worker, a lawyer and a school board member. But she seems most proud of her work on special boards and committees representing women and children in difficult situations. She was regularly appointed by judges to represent children in abuse cases and thorny domestic disputes.

Her trump card with voters, and women especially, is that real human experience.

But Lampe makes sure it's known Donnelly is no shrinking violet. She's competent and damn tough when she has to be. "It takes three guys to take her on from the other side," Lampe says, describing Donnelly on the House floor. "When she's asking the questions and they stumble, she catches them every time . . . I sooo wanna be like you," Lampe gushes.

Still, both Koster and Harris tout experience: Koster as a prosecutor and Harris as an assistant under Attorney General Jay Nixon.

"It's not to discount it, but in the 16 years Jay has been there, he's tried one case as Attorney General," she says, referring to Koster. "That's not the job. We all know that work is essentially handled at the local level."

"Jeff worked as an assistant at a business firm. His clients were corporate, not individuals. Then he worked just for a year as an assistant Attorney General. Just look at my experience," she offers once again. "All these obscure areas of the office that people don't know about. I've been through it. You have to know the agencies you represent. That's what I've done on budget, gotten into the policies and gotten to know the people at Corrections, Social Services . . ."

The lack of time these candidates have spent down here indicates that the Ozarks is no battleground in this race. Still, Donnelly is making the rounds, stopping at the Ozark Empire Fair, knocking on doors, sending out mailers and making calls. No robo calls. Just personal calls, she says. Her daughter has flown in from Chicago this weekend to help. And she thinks she's the only one in doing mailers in this area.

"Many people haven't distinguished the players," Donnelly says, referring to the undecideds left. "But when you are in front of them, you can make a difference."

Going door-to-door is hard in a Democratic primary in Springfield. It's not like there are rows and rows of houses of identifiable Democratic voters. "People are so spread out. You knock on one door, then you may have to go a few blocks," Donnelly explains.

Still, in a statewide primary that many politicos can't seem to get their hands around, even a few door-knocks are worthwhile.

"I think since no one is (based) here in Springfield, I think the three of us will divide it fairly evenly," she says. "I take my other two opponents very seriously, but I think we've done everything we can to do this right."

Donnelly Plans Springfield Stop Saturday

Democratic candidate for Attorney General Margaret Donnelly will campaign at Springs Park and the Ozark Empire Fair Saturday

***

She plans to be in Springfield from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Her itinerary begins at the Park Day Reunion Silver at Springs Park on 1119 North National at 3:30 p.m. She will then canvass a neighborhood with Springfield Rep. Sara Lampe and finally stop at the Greene County Democratic Booth at the Ozark Empire Fair.

Jeff Harris Sets Out To "Give 'Em Hell"

THE 72-HOUR SWING

The Democratic candidate for Attorney General plans a non-stop campaign swing beginning Saturday and ending Monday

Harris will kick it off Saturday at 7 a.m. in Moberly

It ends Monday at 5 p.m. in St. Louis

The tour is being billed by the campaign as the "Give 'Em Hell" swing

***

Harris will stop in the Ozarks Sunday night. He will attend a 9 p.m. rally at the IBEW Hall at 2902 East Division. He will then head to Branson at 11 p.m. at a location TBD. He will then be back in Springfield from 1:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. His location for that time has not been determined yet.

Jeff Harris Meets The Press

DON'T CALL ME, I'LL CALL YOU

The Democratic candidate for Attorney General calls for banning robo-calls by political campaigns but won't rule out using them himself during this campaign

"IT'S NOTHING PERSONAL"

Harris details why he's been so tough on rival Sen. Chris Koster, who switched parties last summer. He calls his disagreement with Koster "philosophical," not personal. Harris then lists his differences on the Photo I.D. bill, local control of CAFOs and the Medicaid cuts. "There wasn't a single Democrat in the House under my leadership who voted for those cuts. If we can't stand up against the Medicaid cuts, then shame on us," Harris said.

In addition, Harris won't touch rival Rep. Margaret Donnelly. When asked about differences with her, he quickly points to experience and leadership, but steers clear of specifics.

WHAT'S YOUR NUMBER?

When asked about fundraising and polls, Harris doesn't put too much stock in either. He makes it clear he is aiming to play well in southwest Missouri, because he's been here, and he'll be back.

OVERALL:

Harris was focused and forceful. While visibly a bit road-weary when he arrived, he quickly proved he was ready for a fight and armed with answers. He gets points just for just showing up to an area that's been mostly overlooked by the candidates for Attorney General. Neither Donnelly nor Koster have held similar press availabilities here yet, and Harris did indeed lay out a host of specifics. Southwest Missouri may not have a real impact on this primary, but if it does, Harris looks to have an edge down in the Ozarks.

Jeff Harris Spreads The Love

HARRIS HITS SPRINGFIELD THURSDAY

The Democratic candidate for Attorney General will hold a morning presser to present "his comprehensive agenda to protect consumers"

10 a.m. @ Greene County HQ

We haven't seen much of the Dem A.G. candidates down here in Springpatch, so we feel "special."

Gibbons Raises $227,460

Republican candidate for Attorney General Mike Gibbons raised $227,460 during the second quarter fundraising period, according to his campaign.

He has $379,909 on hand to spend.

This part, we don't get?

"Despite an aggressive campaign that has been embraced by thousands of Missourians, Gibbons reported $379,099 through the end of the quarterly reporting period," said spokesperson Caleb Jones.

Despite?

Does that mean they're unhappy with the $379,099 number? Alert me if I'm missing something here.

UPDATED . . . Spokesperson Caleb Jones called to clarify with a corrected statement . . . "Thanks to an aggressive campaign that has been embraced by thousands of Missourians, Gibbons reported $379,099 through the end of the quarterly reporting period," he amended.

Hey, we understand. It happens.

Ad Wars: Harris Hits Koster

IN RESPONSE TO KOSTER, HARRIS LAUNCHES AD

(WATCH BELOW)

Airing in St. Louis & Kansas City, NOT Springfield

Harris Campaign Hopes To Raise Money to Begin Ad Campaign in the Ozarks

Koster's ad can be viewed HERE

DONNELLY Campaign Response: "Today the Republican attempt to buy our Democratic primary will begin in earnest in Kansas City and St. Louis. Koster and his expensive team will try to pull the wool over the eyes of voters. He will use his ads to avoid answering for his horrible record by saying that he is above politics. We must remind voters that it isn’t politics to ask him to be accountable for his record, it’s common sense. You don’t get “do-over’s” in politics, especially when we are talking about people’s lives," said Margaret Donnelly spokesperson Daniel Nava.

***ALSO: Rep. William Clay Endorses Koster for A.G.

“Chris Koster is the most prepared Democrat to effectively partner with local law enforcement to keep the streets of our communities safe and to stand up to corporate interests on behalf of the people of St. Louis and the entire state of Missouri as our next Attorney General,” Congressman Clay said.

Donelly's A.G. Platform Includes Texting

CONSUMER SCAMS, SEX CRIMES TOP PRIORITIES

Democratic candidate for Attorney General Margaret Donnelly said today that fighting consumer scams and busting sexual predators would be her top priorities if elected in November.

Donnelly spoke about the Children's Product Safety Act, which will require mandatory removal of all recalled children's toys and products and a ban on toxic chemicals in these products.

She also discussed the establishment of a Senior Citizen Consumer Fraud Hotline to provide an easy way for seniors to check on and report consumer and financial frauds.

The St. Louis-area representative announced she would create a variety of consumer alert options that fit different citizens, including text messages, special RSS feeds and e-mail alerts.

She also called for establishing a special fugitive unit within the Attorney General's office to work with local authorities to track sex offenders who violate parole or do not register.

“Scammers, sexual predators, and those who bring unsafe products to this state will find my administration standing guard to keep Missouri families safe,” said Donnelly.

Donnelly is vying with Rep. Jeff Harris and Senator Chris Koster for the Democratic nomination for Attorney General.

The Sound Of Web Ads

KOSTER'S "FAVORITE THINGS" WATCH IT HERE

PLUS: DONNELLY EXPRESSES WORRY ABOUT "STALKING HORSE"

Democratic candidate for Attorney General Jeff Harris has released a new campaign web video that parodies The Sound of Music's "Favorite Things."

The video features a few of rival Chris Koster's "favorite things," according to the Harris camp.

The new lyrics highlight portions of Koster's record, including his support for the "deep cuts to Medicaid that he helped push through" during his Republican tenure in the Missouri Senate.

"In this election, Democratic voters are being asked to believe that candidate who lined up for George W. Bush and John Ashcroft and Matt Blunt should now represent the Democratic Party as our candidate for Attorney General," said Harris Campaign Manager Christian Badger.

"Democrats aren't going to buy it, and they shouldn't. Chris Koster is a Republican who continues to side with wealthy special interests and against Missouri consumers who deserve a voice.

Meanwhile, another rival of Harris for the Democratic nomination for Attorney General, Rep. Margaret Donnelly has sent out a fundraising appeal to help stop the "dirty tricks" of Koster.

Donnelly points to an article by the Kansas City Star that speculates whether A.G. candidate Molly Williams (who hasn't been seen or heard from) was placed on the ballot to siphon votes from herself.

"If this is true, that in fact Koster had Molly Williams enter the race as a "stalking horse" candidate to steal votes from me, it does have a huge impact on my campaign. It is now more critical than ever that I have enough money to make sure there is no confusion between Margaret Donnelly and Molly Williams when casting a ballot on the August 5th primary election day," Donnelly writes in the fundraising appeal.

She then asks for campaign contributions of $45, $135 or $220 to help beat back "the stalking horse" candidate in the race.

Gibbons To Hold Women's Event in Springfield Saturday

Republican Attorney General candidate Mike Gibbons will hold a "Women for Gibbons" event this Saturday at Sen. Norma Champion's home.

According to the release, the event will highlight Gibbons' "long history of success in writing and supporting laws protecting the interests and well-being of Missouri women and their families."

Gibbons will be accompanied by his wife Liz and daughter Meredith, 19, at events in Springfield, Columbia and St. Louis.

“I have long been a champion of supporting issues that protect the interests and well-being of Missouri women and their families, and as the next attorney general I pledge to build on those successes by fighting hard every day to uphold the laws that protect both our families and communities. Missouri’s women deserve an attorney general who will stand up for their interests and that’s what I will do," said Gibbons in a release.

Gibbons stop in Springfield will begin at 5 p.m. at Champion's home on 3609 South Broadway.

Gov. Hearnes Endorses Harris for A.G.

Former Governor Warren Hearnes and his wife Betty Hearnes, herself the 1988 Democratic nominee for Governor, announced their endorsement of Representative Jeff Harris for Attorney General today.

"During this campaign season we have heard a lot of talk about change," said Betty Hearnes. "One thing Democrats don't want to change is our commitment to our values. Jeff Harris has long been a reliable voice for Democrats and Missouri families. We can count on him to stand up for what's right when he is Attorney General."

"Jeff Harris is the future of the Democratic Party," said Governor Hearnes. "He will bring energy and excitement, along with tremendous experience to the Attorney General's office. We've watched Jeff emerge as a strong leader for the party, and we look forward to seeing him continue serving our state as Attorney General."

Hearnes served as Missouri Governor from 1965 to 1973.

Harris to Gibbons: Gay Marriage Isn't The Issue Here

The first Democratic candidate for Attorney General has responded to Sen. Mike Gibbons' challenge to stand up for traditional marriage with a counterattack.

Gibbons is the presumptive Republican nominee for Attorney General while Harris is fighting in a 4-way primary for the Democratic nomination.

Rep. Jeff Harris issued a statement Friday saying that the recent court ruling in California regarding same-sex unions isn't an issue in Missouri.

"As Attorney General of the State of Missouri, I will consistently work to support and uphold the constitution that governs our state," Harris said. "However, the issue being raised by Senator Gibbons is not one that presently affects our state. Senator Gibbons is attempting to distract the voters – notably in the very first press release of his AG campaign – with rhetoric that is more about divisiveness than substance. These are actions I cannot and will not support. If I had Senator Gibbons' record of caving in to corporate interests instead of fighting to protect consumers, I think I would rather talk about a California court ruling, too."

Gibbons' First Release Targets Gay Marriage

Following Gov. Matt Blunt and Congressman Kenny Hulshof's lead, Republican Attorney General Candidate Mike Gibbons is now challenging the Democratic attorney general candidates to tell the people of Missouri where they stand on an effort to challenge a California court’s decision to allow same-sex marriages.

The issue might be moot now that California's top court rejected an appeal to stay its decision. But it still shows that Republicans at all levels are ready to use the gay marriage issue in what looks to be a tough year for the party.

“I am challenging all the Democrat attorney general candidates to publicly support Missouri’s decision to fight the California Supreme Court’s ruling that allows same-sex marriage. I am extremely disappointed that the California court rejected the request for a stay,” Gibbons said, in what looks to be the first press release of his campaign for Attorney General. “I have fought to protect the sanctity of marriage through law and the constitutional amendment overwhelmingly passed by Missourians in 2004, I believe it is important for the Democrat candidates to tell the people where they stand on this very important issue.”

Going to Kansas City . . .

Well, no we're not going but the Democratic candidates for Attorney General are apparently participating in their first debate Thursday in Kansas City.

According to a press release from Rep. Jeff Harris, the debate will be held at the University of Missouri Kansas City at 6 p.m.

Here are the debate details:

May 22 @ 6 p.m.

Debate panelists inlcude Kansas City Star's Steve Kraske, Hispanic News' Joe Arce, KMBC-TV's Mike Mahoney, and The Call's Erik Wesson. The debate will be followed by a meet and greet reception. Both events are free and open to the public.
Doors Open at 5:30 PM/Debate Begins at 6:00 PM
White Recital Hall, UMKC Campus, 4949 Cherry Street