Ok…so looking at the websites I think that maybe Chris Molendorp is working very hard and that he might be gaining a lot of ground.
He has a strong list of local supporters and citizens. He has a very strong list of endorsements from higher education groups, teachers, school officials, senior advocacy groups, and small businesses.
He has a nice website…and his bio is pretty good.
Alonzo seems ok too…but his site is all union. Now…I favor unions…but he seems one issue. His veteran credentials are very strong and the fact that he is a current mayor should help (given the Mayor Palin fad).
I hear that he has some help and they are going door-to-door. He has been a popular city councilman and mayor. They have certainly seen some growth in Raymore…one of the fastest growing areas in the state.
However, looking at numbers and the district…it appears that Molendorp has the ability and the backing to hold this seat. It also appears, according to his site that he has teams of citizens helping him with grassroots.
The 123rd District voted for Talent (even though McCaskill won the war). They also voted for Bush in 2002 and 2004. Their state reps have been Republicans at least since 1992…when Ed Hartzler was serving. The district also went for Bond and Blunt.
It may be close…but Molendorp is showing real gain here.
I appreciate the perspective, but if one were to go off the websites in the AG primary, Jeff Harris would have won in a landslide, instead of a distant third.
Do you have any hard numbers?
If you look at the history and voting numbers of the 123rd District it looks like a hard-lean for the Republicans. Talent beat McCaskill in the district…Bond, Bush, Blunt, all won. Their past state representative candidates have been Republican – Hartzler (10 years), Baker (6 years).
56% to 43%…I think the expectation of a pick-up here was off…but I will say both candidates ran a clean campaign. I heard there was no negative mailings. Lawyer friend called said Molendorp won 16 of 17 precincts.