Tea Party on Safari: The Hunt for American RINO

Greg Fettig and Monica Boyer are the heroes of the coalition of Indiana Tea Parties that defeated Dick Lugar (R-IN). Under the united banner of Hoosiers for a Conservative Senate, Fettig and Boyer led the grassroots effort that saw Tea Party favorite Richard Mourdock win the Republican nomination for US Senate this past May. Their role was pivotal because it enticed other people and organizations to help Richard Moudock's campaign.

From my observation of  Indiana's Republican primary for US Senate, I believe that the strategy to get a conservative candidate elected boils down to three steps. These three steps are driven by the candidate:

1. Get the backing of the party
2. Get the backing of the grassroots
3. Get the backing of well funded PACs (FreedomWorks, Club for Growth, etc.)

Richard Mourdock accomplished step 1 when he announced his candidacy in February of 2011. Over 70% of Indiana's Republican county chairmen endorsed Mourdock's bid for US Senate when he announced. Winning the support of the grassroots is step 2 and Fettig's book--Tea Party on Safari--details what happened in Indiana. It's a messy, almost ungovernable process fraught with treachery and ankle-biting time wasters. If the grassroots can coalesce around a particular candidate, then the money to push that candidate across the finish line should be available from PACs--step 3. In Mourdock's case, steps 1 and 2 effectively cleared the field so that the race was always Lugar v Mourdock. Lugar couldn't ignore the competition as Roy Blunt did in Missouri when he ran for Senate in 2010.

With those steps in mind, here are my observations about a couple of the primary races decided this past Tuesday here in Missouri.

In the governor's race, Bill Randles had overwhelming support from the grassroots, but he never really had the backing of the party. As a result, his campaign never attracted the money it needed to boost Randles name recognition with radio and television ads. Fred Sauer's entrance into the race split the vote ensuring that Dave Spence would win and that neither Randles or Sauer had a serious chance in the primary.

The Republican primary for US Senate in Missouri was fascinating to watch. None of the candidates really had the backing of the party, though I think Akin probably scored better on that than either Steelman or Brunner. Steelman is a bit of a pariah among some Republicans who blame her for damaging Kenny Holshof in the 2008 Republican primary for Governor resulting in his defeat later that year. Akin had much better grassroots support than either of his competitors. Steelman was able to win some key endorsements including Sarah Palin; however, they didn't translate into the sort of primary spending she needed to pull out a win.

Related articles

• Video: The Daily Caller Interviews Indiana Tea Party Leader Greg Fettig (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)
• Tea Party Sets Its Sights on the Senate - Bloomberg (bloomberg.com)
• Romney Stumps for Tea Party-Backed Senate Candidate Mourdock (abcnews.go.com)
• Mourdock Outraises Donnelly (advanceindiana.blogspot.com)
• Video: Richard Mourdock on Jobs and the Economy (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)

Hector Maldonado wins

Last night I received the following results for a Vernon County Straw Poll conducted this past Tuesday. Obviously, it's a small sample size; nonetheless, it's impressive that Hector Maldonado bested the three amigos: Todd Akin, Sarah Steelman, and John Brunner:

Sent: Wednesday, August 1, 2012 4:54 PM
Subject: RE: Straw Poll results from Vernon County Candidate Forum

Here are results from the straw poll conducted on Tuesday July 31st.

US Senate
Claire McCaskill – 4
Todd Akin – 8
Sarah Steelman – 2
John Brunner – 5
Mark Memoly – none
Mark Patrick Lodes – none
Robert Poole – none
Hector Maldonado – 9
Jonathan Dine – none

Related articles

• Video: GOP Senate Candidate Hector Maldonado Stands with Sheriff Joe Arpaio (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)
• Is Claire McCaskill helping Todd Akin in the GOP primary? (stltoday.com)
• McCaskill Trails Akin, Steelman, and Brunner in Latest Poll (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)
• Missouri: Claire McCaskill trails all three potential Republican opponents (michellemalkin.com)
• #MOSen: Hector Maldonado's Dark Horse Campaign (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)

Sarah Palin is Coming to Missouri to Support Sarah Steelman

I just received the following press release from Republican candidate for US Senate, Sarah Steelman:

Steelman Surge BBQ and Picnic with Governor Sarah Palin

Kansas City, MO - Governor Sarah Palin will be coming into the Show-Me State to help Sarah Steelman finish the final days of the primary with a “Steelman Surge” BBQ and Picnic.

Steelman, who received the endorsement of Governor Palin on July 17th will show Governor Palin just how much the Show-Me state is ready to get rid of the status quo. “I am so grateful to have Governor Palin’s support and very excited to say she will be coming into Missouri to participate in this BBQ. I know she will excite folks to come out and take a strong stand against the status quo. I thank Governor Palin for conservative leadership she always shows and I want to thank each and every individual for the help they have given to me over the course of this campaign,” said Steelman, “The Steelman Surge is underway and I invite everyone to attend this event and help to continue our tidal wave of momentum.”

The BBQ is set to start at on Friday August 3 at 6:00pm and will be held at The Berry Patch, a “you pick” blueberry farm just south of Kansas City. Steelman and Palin will be serving the food as a way of saying thank you for all the support and encouraging people to get out and vote. Accompanied with the food will be refreshments, live music and several other local candidates.

“This is a way of saying thank you for all the folks who have been supportive of me and also to remind them that this battle isn’t over, we have to buckle down for the finish,” Steelman concluded.

Event Details:

Steelman Surge BBQ and Picnic on Friday August 3 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Gates Open at 5:00 pm. Food and Entertainment start at 6:00
The Berry Patch
22509 State Line Rd. Cleveland, MO 64734

I assume that John Brunner and Todd Akin will be meeting at a St. Louis area bar to cry into their beers.

Related articles

• Palin Endorses Steelman for US Senate (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)
• Palin Endorses Steelman; Brunner Campaign Calls Palin "Unaware" (mopns.com)
• Liz Cheney Splits With Father on Palin Remarks: 'More Qualified Than Obama and Biden Combined' (theblaze.com)

Video: GOP Senate Candidate Hector Maldonado Stands with Sheriff Joe Arpaio

The two part video above produced by ConservativeTVOnline features Hector Maldonado, a Republican candidate for US Senate in Missouri. Hector posted the videos on his campaign website with following message:

If there’s one guy I know who is not getting a fair shake from the MSM, it’s Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Please join me in lending him our support. Please take the time to watch these videos. In doing so, you will learn the truth. 

Thank you, 

Hector Maldonado

Maldonado took the time to travel to Arizona and interview Sheriff Joe about border control. The videos above clarify how the Federal government has targeted the Sheriff because of his efforts to enforce existing immigration laws. I find it commendable that a week out from his own primary, Maldonado took the time to solicit help for someone else.

While immigration issues are only a secondary consideration for me when deciding which candidate to vote for in Missouri's August 7th primary, I admire the leadership that Maldonado has shown here. It's consistent with what I've seen from him in the past.

To date, I've been disappointed with Sarah Steelman, Todd Akin, and John Brunner. None of them have shown the leadership Hector has evidenced. But does Hector have a chance? Could he really win in a week?

No doubt it would be hard; however, I believe he could pull out an upset victory. A recent Post Dispatch poll showed that almost 20% of the electorate was undecided about this race. With a late surge, this becomes a four-person free-for-all and the bar for victory drops to 25% or maybe 30%. In late June, Brunner was touting a  20 point lead over Akin and Steelman; however, that P-D poll shows him up over Steelman by only 5 points now.

Brunner is collapsing in the polls.

America has a lot of problems. One that does not get enough attention is the dearth of leadership in Congress. Perhaps its absence has caused us to forget what it looks like. Seeing an under-funded US Senate candidate like Maldonado exhibit poised yet polite steadfastness might just be the reminder that we need.

I plan to vote for Hector Maldonado on August 7th and I encourage you to do the same.

Related articles

• #MOSen: Hector Maldonado's Dark Horse Campaign (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)
• Sheriff Joe Arpaio Responds to Nasty F-Bomb Tirade By Obama Supporting Leftist George Lopez (Video) (thegatewaypundit.com)
• Sheriff Joe Arpaio: "I'm Not Stopping Anything" (Video) (thegatewaypundit.com)
• Cold Case Posse's Findings Largely Ignored by MSM (bobmccarty.com)
• Sheriff Joe Arpaio's campaign signs burned and knocked down across Phoenix (azfamily.com)

McCaskill Trails Akin, Steelman, and Brunner in Latest Poll

Todd Akin

Hotline on Call: Poll Shows McCaskill Way Behind:

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) trails all three of her potential Republican rivals, according to a new survey conducted for two Missouri news outlets, cementing her status as this cycle's most vulnerable incumbent. 

Businessman John Brunner (R) holds the largest advantage over McCaskill, leading by a 52 perent to 41 percent margin. Former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman (R) leads by a 49 percent to 41 percent margin. And Rep. Todd Akin (R) leads by a 49 percent to 44 percent margin.

Related articles

• Latest Polls Show Obama & Lapdog McCaskill Getting Trounced in "Battleground" Missouri (thegatewaypundit.com)
• GOP U.S. Senate hopefuls criticize McCaskill on stage, each other off stage (missouri-news.org)
• U.S. Senate, Missouri: Three Republicans lead the field seeking McCaskill's seat (kansascity.com)
• All Three GOP Senate Candidates Lead Claire McCaskill in Rassmussen Poll (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)

Introducing Hector Maldonado, Republican Candidate for US Senate from Missouri

Hector Maldonado is running in the Republican primary for US Senate for Missouri. If he prevails on August 7th, 2012, against Todd Akin, John Brunner, and Sarah Steelman, he will face Claire McCaskill in the November general election.

Related articles

• #MOSen: Hector Maldonado's Dark Horse Campaign (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)

#MOSen: Hector Maldonado's Dark Horse Campaign

The Missouri Republican Primary for US Senate became a four man race on Saturday when Hector Maldonado joined Sarah Steelman and Todd Akin at the Americans for Prosperity's Missouri Summit. Maldonado was added to the forum when St. Louis businessman John Brunner backed out. PoliticMO reported on Friday about Brunner's withdraw from the Saturday forum in Springfield.

Earlier this week the Cape County Tea Party held a candidate forum in Cape Girardeau. During the forum they conducted a straw poll for both local and state-wide offices. While Maldonado did not win the straw poll for US Senator from Missouri, he placed second besting both Brunner and Steelman.

That doesn't surprise me because Maldonado ran for US Senate in 2010. While he finished fourth in that primary behind Roy Blunt, Chuck Purgason, and Kristi Nichols, he was able to develop his name recognition among conservatives across the Show Me state. In fact, I thought he won a 2010 AFP US Senate candidate forum.

All three of Maldonado's primary opponents have demonstrated significant weaknesses. Steelman is a disastrous public speaker with ties to unions and trial lawyers. Brunner has demonstrated a propensity for blaming others and an inability to control his campaign spending. Akin's greatest weakness is that he'd have to defend his numerous earmarks against Claire McCaskill's strict no earmark policy. In effect, McCaskill would be able to credibly run to Akin's right on fiscal issues during the general election.

Given the weak field, his respectable performance in 2010, and the fact that he seems to be garnering some interest at candidate events around the state, it is conceivable that Hector Maldonado could ride his dark horse campaign to victory on August 7th in what's shaping up to be a four-way race.

Related articles

• "Conservative Republican" John Brunner Can't Name ONE Federal Program to Cut (mopns.com)
• Sarah for Sarah (ozarkspolitics.wordpress.com)
• Tort reform continues to split Brunner, Steelman (missouri-news.org)

Blame Shifting Brunner Bus Strikes Again

Photo credit: Missouri Political News Service

For the second time Republican John Brunner's campaign has introduced his children into the media narrative and then bizarrely blamed one of his GOP rivals for having done so. It would seem that his children are little more than the political equivalent of human shields dragooned to bear whatever blame Brunner wants to shift.

This blog broke the Humane Farming Association (HFA) donation story in late June with the post, John Brunner: A Free Range Chicken in Every Pot. When Brunner responded to that post by saying that one of his children had made the donation, I called him a chicken.

This past Monday, Sarah Steelman released a TV ad criticizing Brunner for the HFA donation. That elicited the following response from the Brunner campaign (make sure you watch the Steelman ad first so you can better appreciate this non sequitur from Team Brunner):

Ginny Becker Responds to Sarah Steelman’s Personal Attack 

Steelman attacks Brunner’s youngest daughter in first television advertisement 

ST. LOUIS, MO — Sarah Steelman continued her personal attacks on John Brunner’s family today with the release of her first television ad. For months Steelman and her campaign operatives have been running a smear campaign focused solely on attacking John Brunner’s youngest daughter for her charitable donation. 

Ginny Becker, John Brunner’s youngest daughter released this statement in response to Steelman’s negative, dirty, and personal family attacks: 

“Christmas for our family means incorporating the spirit of charity and sharing God’s blessings.  Some of my favorite memories involve ‘adopting’ a military family in need. What this means is that we would help the family of a U.S. soldier who had been injured or killed in active duty, by shopping, wrapping, and shipping every item on their Christmas list. 

In lieu of gifts, one year, my father and mother allowed us to make charitable donations to the charity of our choice. For example, some of us chose as beneficiaries Autism Speaks and the Fischer House. 

One year, I chose as my beneficiary the Human Farming Association. It was solely my decision; made with the best of intentions. My charitable donation has nothing to do with a political race, and in my opinion, there are more significant issues to discuss today.” 

Todd Abrajano, Brunner spokesman called for Sarah Steelman to immediately apologize to John Brunner and his family for her uncalled for personal attack on his family. 

“The latest ad from Sarah Steelman is a despicable attack on John Brunner’s family and is completely outside the bounds of a political campaign,” said Todd Abrajano, Brunner spokesman. “It’s noteworthy that her ad does not address the kitchen table issues, such as spending, debt, and the economy that affect every Missourian, rural and urban. Sarah Steelman should be ashamed of herself for putting this ad on the air and I call on her to apologize to John Brunner’s family immediately.” 

# # #

When I first blogged this story I included a link to the 2008 990-PF for The Brunner Foundation. That document not only lists the $10,000 donation to HFA, but it also identifies the trustees of the Foundation. As you can see in the snapshot below, none of Brunner's children are among the trustees:

If Brunner's campaign wants to shift the responsibility for this (and possibly other donations), then they should ask the Brunner Foundation to amend their 990's to accurately reflect who is responsible for the foundation's donation decisions--add his children as trustees.

Related articles

• Roll Call: John Brunner Goes Negative Against His GOP Foes (mopns.com)
• GOP U.S. Senate hopefuls criticize McCaskill on stage, each other off stage (missouri-news.org)
• Brunner launches first ad featuring health care ruling (missouri-news.org)
• State Sen. Rob Schaaf announces support for Steelman (missouri-news.org)
• Ron Johnson (R-WI) endorses John Brunner for US Senate (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)

Video: Paul Curtman fills in for GOP US Senate Candidate John Brunner

On Friday, Missouri State Rep. Paul Curtman (R) spoke to the St. Charles Pachyderm Club. Curtman was filling in for Republican US Senate Candidate John Brunner who had been scheduled to speak but was called away at the last moment.

Related articles

• Ron Johnson (R-WI) endorses John Brunner for US Senate (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)
• GOP U.S. Senate hopefuls criticize McCaskill on stage, each other off stage (missouri-news.org)
• Roll Call: John Brunner Goes Negative Against His GOP Foes (mopns.com)
• John Brunner: A Free Range Chicken in Every Pot! (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)

John Brunner Chickens Out

John Brunner

My post yesterday about John Brunner's past support of the radical Humane Farming Association elicited the following response from the Brunner campaign (via Gateway Pundit):

U.S. Senate candidate John Brunner released the following statement in response to attacks from Sarah Steelman’s campaign regarding a donation to the Humane Farming Association: 

“As a young child, my father taught me the value of charitable giving and I passed those same, important, values on to my children. 

In that spirit, I set up the Brunner Foundation to encourage my children to become active in charity. I made it clear that each of them could give to the charity of their choice and that it would remain, solely, each child’s individual decision. 

In 2007, one of my children chose as a beneficiary the Humane Farming Association. I am extremely proud of my children, but, as with most families, I do not always agree with their choices or decisions. Regrettably, there are organizations that far too often use deceptive rhetoric and tactics to deceive well-meaning people into supporting their far more dangerous agendas. But, let me be perfectly clear, I, personally, have never supported the Humane Farming Association. 

As Missouri’s next citizen-Senator, I pledge to fight for Missouri’s agribusiness by halting absurd EPA mandates, work tirelessly to repeal crippling regulations, and eliminate barriers to trade that are preventing Missouri farmers from exporting their crops. I firmly stand with Missouri farmers who are in a constant struggle against extreme groups like the Humane Farming Association and the Humane Society of the United States that seek to end the agriculture industry in Missouri. 

Furthermore, I fully expect that families remain free from political attacks. I will keep this campaign focused on the issues and I fully expect my fellow opponents to do the same.

Rather than a bold statement, he seems to have chickened out. His closing caveat about families remaining "free from political attacks" is interesting. It's as if he realized only afterward that he himself just inserted his family into the story. Um, John, don't do that again until after the November election.

As MoSenateRace clarified, Brunner's children are not trustees of the Brunner Foundation. Only John and his wife are, so Brunner (and his wife) are ultimately responsible for the donation decisions of the Foundation.

In a way it's laudable that Brunner would share the stewardship of his Foundation with his children. As a stay-at-home dad, I sometimes let my children help prepare dinner and assist with other work around the house. That's one aspect of raising a family.

Of course, in another way it's rather horrifying. If Brunner is elected to the US Senate, will he share the responsibilities of that office with his children? Would his son, say, be in charge of making decisions for his US Senate office on all Department of Defense issues? Does his daughter have more of an aptitude for military affairs? Will they squabble over whether or not the MRE's include free-range chicken?

I don't think that Brunner's candor about his parenting techniques is in the best interests of his campaign. Talking about his children may endear him to his supporters, but it makes his family a potential target in the media. It also feels like he's shifting the blame to a family member much as his Democrat opponent Senator Claire McCaskill once did over her back taxes (from the 8/14/2004 KC Star):

As for the condo at the Lake of the Ozarks, McCaskill acknowledged there were unpaid taxes on it in 1994, when her brother, Will, was living in it. The Kansas City Star reported the story in 1994 after Camden County published a notice that it was going to put the house up for auction. 

"The agreement was he (Will) was supposed to cover all taxes, overhead, everything - utilities, taxes, condo fees - so he didn't have to pay rent," McCaskill said. "My brother didn't pay them." 

McCaskill's brother later paid the $2,337 in taxes dating to 1991, and the property was sold soon afterward.

Related articles

• Ron Johnson (R-WI) endorses John Brunner for US Senate (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)

John Brunner: A Free Range Chicken in Every Pot!

John Brunner

Agricultural issues are important to every Midwestern state, so the three candidates running in the GOP primary for US Senate from Missouri--Todd Akin, Sarah Steelman, and John Brunner--need to prioritize agricultural issues if they hope to secure the votes of rural Missourians in the August primary.


That's especially true this year. Conservative Missouri farmers remember with disappointment the narrow margin of victory in 2010 of Proposition B which regulates certain animal breeding techniques. That ballot initiative was so controversial that after the voters approved it, the state legislature struck a compromise with Democrat Governor Jay Nixon to amend it to mitigate the initiative's regulatory impact.


With that in mind it came as a surprise to me that Republican US Senate candidate John Brunner appears to have once supported a radical animal rights group. According to the Brunner Foundation's 2008 form 990-PF (embedded below), the Foundation donated $10,000 to the Humane Farming Association (HFA). John Brunner and his wife serve as the two trustees of that foundation, so, does Brunner support the leftist agenda of HFA?

HFA is a radical animal rights group based in California. They work to limit or even outlaw the use of antibiotics and pesticides by ranchers and farmers. From their website:

HFA's goals are to protect farm animals from cruelty and abuse, to protect the public from the misuse of antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals used on factory farms, and to protect the environment from the impacts of industrialized animal factories.

The responsible use of antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals serves two purposes. First, it promotes the health and welfare of the animals which insures a successful agri-business and, second, it keeps consumers safe. Does Brunner want to outlaw or over-regulate the use of antibiotics and pesticides? If not, why did he donate to HFA?

The Brunner funded HFA also supports outlawing cage-raised poultry. Such a policy would drive up the cost of the eggs and chickens you buy at the grocery store because the new regulations HFA espouses would force farmers to change their farming practices increasing the cost of production. HFA seems to be advocating policies that would ensure that every chicken sold in the country is a free range chicken.

The fact that Brunner gave thousands of dollars to this radical group is extremely disconcerting. It suggests that either he does not understand the importance of Missouri agriculture or that he uncritically accepted HFA's anti-agriculture propaganda. This raises serious questions. Why did he donate $10,000 to a radical, leftist animal rights group? How does he in good conscience fly around the state of Missouri touting his support of farming while financing a radical group like HFA? And, most importantly, does he support their radical agenda?

--

Thanks to MoSenateRace for linking and providing excellent follow-up! Also, thanks to Bob McCarty and Gateway Pundit for picking up the story!

I've placed copies of the Brunner Foundation's form 990-PFs from 2008 thru 2010 on Scribd. The 2008 990 is embedded below.

Related articles

• Ron Johnson (R-WI) endorses John Brunner for US Senate (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)
• Roll Call: John Brunner Goes Negative Against His GOP Foes (mopns.com)
• Akin: Food stamp program should be "phased out" (missouri-news.org)
• GOP U.S. Senate hopefuls criticize McCaskill on stage, each other off stage (missouri-news.org)

Photos: Jefferson County Grassroots Campaign Kickoff

Thanks to Wes for sending in these shots from the grassroots kickoff in Jefferson County this past Saturday!

All Three GOP Senate Candidates Lead Claire McCaskill in Rassmussen Poll

Rassmussen Reports: Election 2012: Missouri Senate:

Missouri Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill’s three leading Republican challengers all now earn 50% or more of the vote in matchups with her. 

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Missouri Voters shows former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman with the widest lead. She’s ahead of McCaskill by 12 points, 51% to 39%. Three percent (3%) like another candidate, and seven percent (7%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

First it was the damn plane, then the damn condo... is it any wonder that Claire McCaskill is trailing in the polls?

Related articles

• State Sen. Crowell endorses Steelman for U.S. Senate (missouri-news.org)
• Latest polling offers mixed messages for incumbent Missouri Democrats (missouri-news.org)
• Race for Senate: 'Toss Up' says Poll (stlouis.cbslocal.com)

Ron Johnson (R-WI) endorses John Brunner for US Senate

US Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) (left) endorses GOP candidate John Brunner (right) for US Senate from Missouri

US Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) was in St. Louis on Wednesday to endorse Republican John Brunner who is running to replace Claire McCaskill (D-MO) in the US Senate. In the video below, Johnson explains that we need candidates running for office, like John Brunner, who are running not for the title or as career politicians, but because they feel they have a duty to serve the country in this time of need.

Additional videos from the event:

• Businessman and US Senate candidate John Brunner introduces fellow businessman and sitting US Senator Ron Johnson
• Q&A with Ron Johnson at John Brunner HQ. I led off the questioning by asking about the lessons Senator Johnson learned in his race for Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference last December.

Photos:

Related articles

• Tort reform continues to split Brunner, Steelman (missouri-news.org)
• Soybean farmer's group endorses Brunner for U.S. Senate (missouri-news.org)
• Poll: Steelman bests McCaskill 49% to 42% (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)

Video: John Brunner at the Bonhomme Women's Republican Club

Todd Akin Speaks to the Gateway Civil Liberties Alliance

Republican candidate for the US Senate from Missouri Todd Akin spoke to the Gateway Civil Liberties Alliance earlier this week. Akin spoke about his conservative record in the US House of Representatives--a record which has earned him an 80% rating from Heritage Action, the best rating of Missouri's Congressional delegation. He intertwined his family's story with American history in talking about our core values of liberty, faith, and freedom. After his 18 minute introduction, Akin took questions from the audience (below).

Akin faces a crowded field in the August Republican primary against John Brunner, Sarah Steelman, and Hector Maldonado. If he prevails, he'll face Democrat Claire McCaskill next November.

Related articles

• Todd Akin at Bonhomme Republican Women's Club (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)
• Barack Obama Tries to Smear MO Rep. Todd Akin - FAILS ...Update: Todd Akin Responds (thegatewaypundit.com)
• Earmarks report cites Akin-owned property (missourijournal.com)
• Poll: Steelman bests McCaskill 49% to 42% (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)
• GOP Senate Hopeful Catches Claire McCaskill in Lie (bobmccarty.com)

Todd Akin at Bonhomme Republican Women's Club

Todd Akin talks about his campaign for US Senate at the Bonhomme Republican Women's Club on Friday. Akin noted the overwhelming debt confronting the country. He also reviewed his record and his vision for the state and the country.

Akin faces a crowded Republican primary against John Brunner, Sarah Steelman, and Hector Maldonado.

Thanks to Bob Keough for filming this!

Related articles

• MO Conservative Sarah Steelman Releases Ad on Obama's HHS Mandate (Video) (thegatewaypundit.com)
• GOP Senate Hopeful Catches Claire McCaskill in Lie (bobmccarty.com)
• Poll: Steelman bests McCaskill 49% to 42% (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)

Poll: Steelman bests McCaskill 49% to 42%

Election 2012: Missouri Senate - Rasmussen Reports:

Two of her three Republican challengers still lead Democratic incumbent Claire McCaskill in Missouri’s 2012 U.S. Senate race but by slightly narrower margins. 

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in Missouri finds former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman ahead of McCaskill by seven points – 49% to 42%. Steelman had a 10-point lead a month ago.  Two percent (2%) still prefer another candidate given this matchup, and six percent (6%) are undecided. 

Congressman Todd Akin posts a five-point lead over McCaskill – 48% to 43%. Two percent (2%) like someone else in the race, and seven percent (7%) are undecided. Last month, Akin led by seven. 

The incumbent also trailed retired businessman John Brunner by seven points in mid-March, but now the two run dead even with 45% support each.  Three percent (3%) favor some other candidate, and seven percent (7%) are undecided.

I'm hoping that Hector Maldonado can get some traction. Arguably, he's already debated Clare McCaskill once, so he's battle tested:

Related articles

• Tilley joins Steelman campaign (missouri-news.org)
• MO Conservative Sarah Steelman Releases Ad on Obama's HHS Mandate (Video) (thegatewaypundit.com)
• Steelman Picks up Tea Party Senator's Endorsement (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)
• McCaskill: "Let's try national health care first, let's just see." (jeffcoteaparty.com)
• Missouri Races Yield Surprising Poll Results (bobmccarty.com)

Video: Ed Martin's Campaign Open House

Ed Martin, Cole McNary, John Brunner, representatives from the Todd Akin and Sarah Steelman campaigns, Dave Spence, Shane Schoeller, Ann Wagner, Jim Lembke, Dwight Scharnhorst, Rick Stream, and Lloyd Smith all spoke at the new west county campaign office that Ed Martin opened this past weekend. Thanks to Bob Keough for shooting the video above.

I posted pictures from Ed Martin's open house Sunday evening.

Related articles

• MO Conservative Sarah Steelman Releases Ad on Obama's HHS Mandate (Video) (thegatewaypundit.com)
• GOP Senate Candidates Agree to Debate (missouri-news.org)

Ed Martin Campaign Open House

Ed Martin, a GOP candidate to be Missouri's next Attorney General, held an open house at his campaign office in west St. Louis county. Most of the photos above were taken Wes Bradley. Thanks Wes!

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• Rolling out Dave Spence for Governor (rebootcongress.blogspot.com)