Previously: Election 2012: 51st Legislative District (November 6, 2011)

Via the Missouri Secretary of State:

State Representative – District 51 (22 of 22 Precincts Reported)

Gary L. Grigsby Democrat 6,236 46.4%

Dean A. Dohrman Republican 6,706 49.9%

Bill Wayne Libertarian 504 3.7%

Total Votes 13,446

It wasn’t exactly a landslide. Looking at the county results makes it appear even less so, via the Missouri Secretary of State:

State Representative – District 51 – County

Johnson

Gary L. Grigsby DEM – 2,459

Dean A. Dohrman REP – 2,610

Bill Wayne LIB – 242

Pettis

Gary L. Grigsby DEM – 360

Dean A. Dohrman REP – 1,190

Bill Wayne LIB – 53

Saline

Gary L. Grigsby DEM – 3,417

Dean A. Dohrman REP – 2,906

Bill Wayne LIB – 209

Saline County didn’t go very well for Dean Dohrman (r), did it? As for the others, what would help the margin? Money.

Dean Dohrman (r) (left) with Rep. Vicky Hartzler (r) (center) at the Governor’s Ham Breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia on July 16, 2012. Gee, you think Dean Dohrman (r) regretted wearing that Akin (r) sticker three days later?

As for ideology, Dean Dohrman (r) found himself in familiar right wingnut company (from his campaign web site):

Right to Life

I believe that life should be protected from conception to natural end.

That’s all of it. No word on what Dean Dohrman (r) thinks about Todd Akin’s (r) or Richard Mourdock’s (r) opinions on the subject.

We’ll look forward to reporting on those future votes against war and to repeal the death penalty.

Gun Rights

My thoughts on a man or woman’s right to bear arms.

Does this foreshadow a future vote in favor of the Equal Rights Amendment?

Role of States

Our Founders established a system of separation of powers and checks and balances.  In Federalist 45, James Madison stated that the primary function of the federal government is national defense and the bulk of other government falls upon the states.  Obviously, this has been lost over the years, and we need to return to the original concept of Madison.  The government closest to the people is the best government.

Ah, a tenther. As if the Constitution and over two hundred years of precedent and stare decisis don’t matter.

Let’s look at the money, starting with a lot of late money for direct mail coming from the Missouri republican party (via the Missouri Ethics Commission):

DIRECT EXPENDITURE REPORT

MO REPUBLICAN PARTY [pdf] 11/2/2012

Dean Dohrman P.O. Box 234 La Monte MO 65337-0234 Representative 51 11/1/2012 $10,654.29

[emphasis added]

On the same report:

ITEMIZED EXPENDITURES OVER $100 SUPPLEMENTAL FORM

MO REPUBLICAN PARTY 11/2/2012

King Strategic Communications 4605 Morse Road Suite 201 Columbus OH 43230 11/1/2012 IE direct mail Dohrman $10,654.29

[emphasis added]

It’s the same expenditure, it has to be reported under both categories (who they gave the money to for the mailing and the candidate on who’s behalf they directed that mail).

But, wait, there’s more:

CONTRIBUTION OF MORE THAN $5,000.00 RECEIVED BY ANY COMMITTEE FROM ANY SINGLE DONOR – TO BE FILED WITHIN 48 HOURS OF RECEIVING THE CONTRIBUTION

C111221 COMMITTEE TO ELECT DEAN DOHRMAN STATE REPRESENTATIVE [pdf] 10/29/2012

House Republican House [sic] Committee Inc PO Box 1313 Jefferson City, MO 65102 10/29/2012 $13,080.50

[emphasis added]

And what did the HRCC spend all that money on?:

ITEMIZED EXPENDITURES OVER $100 SUPPLEMENTAL FORM

HOUSE REPUBLICAN CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE INC [pdf] 10/30/2012

Victory Enterprises 5200 30th Street SW Suite 7 Davenport IA 52802-3039 10/29/2012 Radio Buy-D. Dohrman $13,080.50

[emphasis added]

Over $13,000.00 on radio in a really small media market? That doesn’t even leave room for regular programming.

So, big money from outside the district floods in from republican campaign committees funded by big dollar donors and the beneficiary manages to lose in county with the largest population in the district? And the candidate barely manages to eke out a win overall against a severely underfunded opponent? Hallelujah! That’d be a considered a mandate for a right wingnut.

Wait, there’s even more, via the Missouri Ethics Commission:

Committee Expenditures for Candidates

Report Year: 2012 Last Name: Dohrman

Dean Dohrman PO Box 234 La Monte MO 65337 House 51 Support 07/18/2012 $17.70 MO RIGHT TO LIFE PAC 8 Day Before Primary Election-8/7/2012

Dean Dohrman PO Box 234 La Monte MO 65337 House 51 Support 10/10/2012 $11.81 MO RIGHT TO LIFE PAC 8 Day Before General Election-11/6/2012

Dean Dohrman PO Box 234 La Monte MO 65337 House 51 Support 10/18/2012 $25.35 MO RIGHT TO LIFE PAC 8 Day Before General Election-11/6/2012

Dean Dohrman PO Box 234 La Monte MO 65337 House 51 Support 10/29/2012 $23.39 MO RIGHT TO LIFE PAC 24 Hour Expenditure Report-11/6/2012 General

[emphasis added]

What? Mail lists? Phones?

This Missouri Right to Life:

Missouri Right to Life president writes impassioned plea for support for Akin

By Rudi Keller

Posted August 25, 2012 at 11:18 a.m.

….”Over the course of this past week, Missouri Right to Life has been inundated with requests for interviews regarding Todd Akin. We responded by issuing a statement in support of Cong. Akin’s defense of the life of an unborn child conceived in rape. Nothing has changed with the MRL PAC endorsement of Cong. Akin for the U.S. Senate.

“Cong. Akin’s statement defending the lives of unborn children conceived in rape has been misinterpreted and attacked by the media, anti-life extremists, and many squeamish Republicans who lack the intestinal fortitude to defend their own platform which states: ‘we assert the sanctity of human life and affirm that the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed.’

“While Cong. Akin stumbled in making the point that there is a difference between a rape assault and statutory rape, and the incidence of pregnancy resulting from rape is low, his statement to not punish an innocent child for the crime of the father and defending the life of that child is what really has the anti-life extremists so exorcised….

Nah, Dean Dohrman (r) probably wasn’t concerned about wearing that Todd Akin (r) sticker at the State Fair.

Wait, there’s even more. Who are some of those big dollar contributors?:

24 HOUR NOTICE OF LATE CONTRIBUTIONS / LOANS RECEIVED C111221 [pdf]

COMMITTEE TO ELECT DEAN DOHRMAN STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Friends of Todd Richardson PO Box 1226 Poplar Bluff, MO 63902 10/30/2012 [$]500.00

[emphasis added]

24 HOUR NOTICE OF LATE CONTRIBUTIONS / LOANS RECEIVED C111221 [pdf]

COMMITTEE TO ELECT DEAN DOHRMAN STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Parson For State Senate 940 N Redel Place Bolivar, MO 65613 11/1/2012 [$]1,000.00

Citizens For Hoskins PO Box 118 Warrensburg, MO 64093 11/1/2012 [$]500.00

[emphasis added]

There’s more, from the “8 Day Before General Election” report:

CONTRIBUTIONS AND LOANS RECEIVED

COMMITTEE TO ELECT DEAN DOHRMAN STATE REPRESENTATIVE [pdf] 10/29/2012

Friends of Diehl 2404 White Stable Rd Town and Country MO 63131 10/9/2012 $1,000.00

Citizens For Hinson PO Box 67 St Clair MO 63077 10/15/2012 $250.00

Friends of Caleb Jones PO Box 5 California MO 65018 10/19/2012 $250.00

[emphasis added]

Gee, that’s a chunk of republican politicians from outside the district kicking in.

What have we here, a “wink, wink, nod, nod” shell game? (from the same 8 day report):

EXPENDITURES AND CONTRIBUTIONS MADE

COMMITTEE TO ELECT DEAN DOHRMAN STATE REPRESENTATIVE [pdf] 10/29/2012

C. Contributions Made (Regardless of Amount)

HRCC PO Box 1313 Jefferson City MO 65101 10/10/2012 $10,000.00

[emphasis added]

Why, yes, that’s the same [sic] republican committee that dropped $13,080.50 in radio in the district on behalf of Dean Dohrman (r).

From Dean Dohrman’s (r) campaign web site, a quick mention of education:

Job Growth

The government cannot grow the economy.  There are certain public services and works that must be paid for, police, education, roads and bridges, but these functions do not provide the growth needed for a healthy economy.  The best way to reach prosperity is for the government to provide an environment where entrepreneurs and workers can thrive.  Individual motivation, innovation, and competition are the keys to Missouri’s future.

We look forward to covering Dean Dohrman’s (r) constituent town halls. Especially in the three counties with higher education institutions.

Via the Missouri Secretary of State:

State Representative – District 51 (22 of 22 Precincts Reported)

Gary L. Grigsby Democrat 6,236 46.4%

Dean A. Dohrman Republican 6,706 49.9%

Bill Wayne Libertarian 504 3.7%

Total Votes 13,446

Unlimited money and attack mail from the Missouri republican party win the day.

One October event in west central Missouri which draws large crowds, and in an election year, a significant number of candidates for political office, is the annual University of Central Missouri Homecoming Parade through the streets of Warrensburg. The parade took place this morning, in a break between rain storms, with a crowd of several thousand people lining the streets to watch. In addition to the political entries, their are floats, various organization and group entries, and, of course, high school marching bands.

The Fire Fighters brought their campaign land yacht in support of Senator Claire McCaskill (D).

Lineup for the parade started at 8:30 a.m. The Democratic Party entry number was in the 170s (the republicans were a number of entries behind that), so there’s plenty of time for candidates to visit and work the crowd in the lineup area before the candidates and their volunteers hit the parade route.

Elgene Ver Dught (left), the Democratic Party candidate in the 21st Senate District.

State Treasurer Clint Zweifel (D) (left).

Jason Kander (left), the Democratic Party candidate for Secretary of State, and State Treasurer Clint Zweifel (D).

Gary Grigsby, the Democratic Party candidate in the 51st Legislative District.

Attorney General Chris Koster (D).

A volunteer for Cass County Prosecutor Teresa Hensley, the Democratic Party candidate

in the 4th Congressional District, and Attorney General Chris Koster.

(From left to right) Chris Koster, Jason Kander, Clint Zweifel.

It’s nice to have a sister who looks like you walking in a parade on your behalf if you can’t be there. You could hear people in the crowd say as she approached, “Is that Claire?” She shook hands and waved, introducing herself as Claire’s sister, Lisa.

The statewide candidates (and many of the local candidates) dive into the crowd to shake hands and introduce themselves to voters. Much of the time you hear the response, “You’ve got my vote.”

Attorney General Chris Koster (D).

State Teasurer Clint Zweifel (D).

Jason Kander, the Democratic Party candidate for Secretary of State.

Clint Zweifel (D).

Gary Grigsby (D).

Elgene Ver Dught (D) walking the parade route.

International students in the parade.

The republican presence in their parade entry, while not insignificant, appeared to be much smaller in numbers than those of the Democratic Party candidates.

Saline County Democrats held their first annual Ike Skelton Sevice Award dinner in Marshall, Missouri on Friday, August 31st. The recipient of the first award – for service to the people of Saline County – was Hazel Willet, a long time legislative assistant for Saline County legislators in the Missouri General Assembly. The award was a well kept secret until the announcement that evening and a complete surprise to the recipient who was in attendance.

Former Congressman Ike Skelton (D) at the annual Ike Skelton Service Award Dinner in Marshall, Missouri on August 31, 2012.

A number of Democratic office holders and candidates, statewide and local, attended the dinner. It was an opportunity to visit with Democratic Party voters and an opportunity for those voters to meet and interact with their various representatives and candidates. It’s retail politics at its best.

Cass County Prosecutor Teresa Hensley (D) (center left) and former Congressman Ike Skelton (D) (center right). Teresa Hensley is the Democratic candidate in the 4th Congressional District which to 2010 had previously been Ike Skelton’s seat.

Yes, there’s always good food and patriotic table decorations at these events:

 

Cass County Prosecutor Teresa Hensley, the Democratic Party candidate in the 4th Congressional District.

Former State Representative Jim Seigfreid (D) (left) and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (D) (right).

Gary Grigsby, the Democratic Party candidate in the 51st Legislative District which includes portions of Marshall and Saline County.

Phyllis Domann (far left), the Democratic Party candidate in the 52nd Legislative District and Teresa Hensley. Elgene Ver Dught (right), the Democratic Party candidate in the 21st Senate District.

Office holders and candidates were given the opportunity to speak. In every instance they kept their remarks brief, in deference to the purpose of the evening – and also already having spent time meeting and greeting the dinner attendees before the start of the formal activities.

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (D). His district will include Marshall and Saline County when redistricting takes effect.

Teresa Hensley (D) (left) and Attorney General Chris Koster (D) (right).

ElGene Ver Dught (D).

Phyllis Domann (D).

Gary Grigsby (D).

Former Congressman Ike Skelton (D) addressed the audience before the award was announced.

An excerpt from Ike Skelton’s remarks:

Ike Skelton (D): ….I, uh, can step back a little bit from the political fray and I, I feel somewhat heartbroken. America became great because of our positive attitude toward life. What we’ve had is the challenges, some pretty tough ones, but we always overcame them. It was a positive attitude of America.

Alexis de Tocqueville, in eighteen forty, visited America and he went back and wrote a book, Democracy in America, in his native France. And he wrote that America is great because America is good. And should America ever stop being good then America will stop being great.

And all you have to do is listen to the radio and the television and read the items in the newspapers and you will see an America that is bathed in negativism. This really, really bothers me. And if our country is to continue to be the bastion of freedom in this world we’re gonna have to change the tune of what we hear. We’re going to have to regain America is good attitude all across the board. And politicians ought to lead that effort and say what’s going to better our country and we can make it better. That’s the challenge that we ought to be accepting, rather than the challenge of tearing down another party or tearing down another candidate. It’s got to change. [applause]

Politics is not a dirty word. Politics is the art of government. It’s a good thing. I’ve enjoyed it all my life. My daddy was very involved with it, my mother was very involved with it. And I also became involved with it. And it was a good ride for me. I enjoyed it. Most of all I enjoyed the serious friendships that we made through the years. And memories are great. And that is the greatest pay I can, anyone in public office can receive.

[….]

You know, we have with us two previous prosecuting attorneys, Teresa Hensley, Chris Koster, and both of them are tied for a prize. Both of them win the prize for being the second best prosecuting attorney [laughter] in the State of Missouri. [applause] Being modest, I will not tell you who is the best one [laughter].

[….]

Attorney General Chris Koster (D) (right).

Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D).

After the dinner and speeches the conversations continued.

Ike Skelton and Teresa Hensley. Photo by Jerry Schmidt.

We’ve been covering the retail politics Gary Grigsby’s (D) 51st Legislative District campaign. Last night he advanced to the general election, garnering two thirds of the vote in his primary race.

Gary Grigsby (D) at the Johnson County Courthouse last night getting results by phone from the two other counties in the 51st Legislative District.

Via the Missouri Secretary of State:

Office / Candidate Name Votes % of Votes

State Representative – District 51 (22 of 22 Precincts Reported)

Gary L. Grigsby DEM 1,303 66.9%

Raymond F. Kinney DEM 646 33.1%

Dean A. Dohrman REP 2,588 100%

Bill Wayne LIB 26 100%

Total Votes 4,563

[emphasis added]

Previously:

Gary Grigsby (D) in the 51st Legislative District: retail politics (August 4, 2012)

Signs: Party, what party? (July 14, 2012)

Interview with Gary Grigsby (D), candidate in the 51st Legislative District (May 26, 2012)

For the candidates with primary opponents this is the last weekend before the election on Tuesday to get some campaigning in.

Gary Grigsby, a Democratic party candidate in the 51st Legislative District, sets out for some last weekend before the primary campaigning.

Unlike many of the statewide campaigns and some state senate races with their very large media budgets – you’ve seen the television commercials – most House candidates work the phones, go door to door, put up signs, run a few newspaper ads and drop a few home grown mail pieces. The mail and other contacts are directed at frequent voters – those people who actually bother to show up and vote in off year, primary, and local issue elections. On Tuesday evening the candidates will find out if it all worked.

It’s retail politics the way it should be.

Tonight the Johnson County Democratic Central Committee and the Johnson County Democratic Club hosted the fifth annual James Kirkpatrick Heritage Dinner at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Warrensburg. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver was the keynote speaker and award recipient. A number of statewide and state legislature candidates were in attendance.

Before dinner and the speeches those statewide, state legislature, and local candidates have the time and opportunity to work the room, visiting with engaged Democrats from the local area and surrounding counties.

Cass County Prosecutor Teresa Hensley (D), the Democratic Party candidate in the 4th Congressional District.

Attorney General Chris Koster (D).

Now that’s complete coverage from your Missouri progressive news blog.

Gary Grigsby (D), a Democratic Party candidate in the 51st Legislative District.

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (D).

Johnson County Democrats met at the Trails Regional Library in Warrensburg at 7:30 p.m. to elect delegates and alternates to the 4th Congressional District meeting (and Missouri Democratic Party Convention) in the next step of the national convention delegate selection process. Unlike the republican beauty contest primary in February and their subsequent public relations disaster (and in some cases amusing) caucuses, the Democratic Party primary on the same date was binding as to the distribution of delegates.

People interested in participating started showing up and signing in around 7:00 p.m. The doors were closed at 7:30 p.m. If an individual showed up after 7:30 p.m. they could observe, but not participate.

The Johnson County chair appointed a temporary caucus chair who the ran the election for the permanent caucus chair. Once that process was finished the caucus proceeded to make nominations for and elect delegates and alternates to the congressional district meeting in April. Each congressional district is allocated a certain number of national convention delegates and alternates to be elected at those meetings. Those same county delegates and alternates will also attend and vote at the Missouri Democratic Party Convention in June for at-large national delegates and alternates.

Brennan Wallace (center), age 17, was elected a delegate to the 4th Congressional District meeting (and the state Democratic Convention). Under party rules he can run as a delegate if he will be old enough to vote in the November General Election. He will be. Brennan is running to be a delegate to the national convention.

Gary Grigsby (left), a candidate in the 51st legislative District encompassing part of Johnson County,

was elected the caucus chair and ran the delegate and alternate elections.

Nancy Maxwell from Holden, Missouri, the Democratic Party candidate in the 54th Legislative District,

will be facing Denny Hoskins (r) in the November general election.

Courtney Cole, the Democratic Party candidate in the 121st Legislative District in 2010, on being elected a delegate to the 4th Congressional

District meeting, stated, “Hey, I finally won an election!” The entire caucus broke out in laughter.

Thirty-four votes.

From the Missouri Secretary of State:

Unofficial Election Returns

State of Missouri Primary Election  – 2010 Primary Election

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

State Representative – District 122 – Summary

Precincts Reporting 21 of 21

Grigsby, Gary DEM 1,052 49.2%

Osborne, Holmes DEM 1,086 50.8%

McGhee, Mike REP 3,671 100.0%

Total Votes   5,809

State Representative – District 122 – County

Grigsby, Gary DEM

CASS 273

JOHNSON 329

LAFAYETTE 450

Osborne, Holmes DEM

CASS 162

JOHNSON 153

LAFAYETTE 771

McGhee, Mike REP

CASS 817

JOHNSON 1,142

LAFAYETTE 1,712

[emphasis added]

A primary race decided by thirty-four votes. And, of course, turnout sucked.

Today is the first day of the week-long American Legion Boys State of Missouri program on the campus of the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. Approximately 1000 boys from across Missouri will participate this week. This is the third year we’ve been able to cover the session.

Our opening day coverage from last year: Missouri Boys State 2009

Warrensburg American Legion Post 131 member Jim Whitfield, a volunteer at Missouri Boys State for over fifty years, helps direct participants at registration.

The Boys State staff is very efficient at implementing the logistics of registering close to 1000 Boys State citizens.

Warrensburg American Legion Post 131 member Gary Grigsby assists a Boys State citizen, directing him to the line for registration.

And of course, we’ll be covering the statewide office holders and others in public service who make up the session’s impressive list of keynote speakers:

[Missouri] ATTORNEY GENERAL CHRIS KOSTER

Saturday, June 12, 2010 (7:30-8:20 PM)

Following Opening Night Ceremonies of the 71st session of Missouri Boys State current Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster will deliver the keynote address at a special assembly in Hendricks Hall. Following his prepared remarks, Attorney General Koster will hold a question and answer session.

MISSOURI GOVERNOR JAY NIXON

Sunday, June 13, 2010 (7:00-9:00 PM)

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon will deliver the keynote address at a special assembly on Sunday evening in Hendricks Hall. Governor Nixon has been an outstanding supporter of the Boys State program throughout his years as Missouri’s Attorney General and Governor. We are very pleased to have him back to Boys State. The Governor will hold a question and answer session following his prepared remarks.

MISSOURI STATE TREASURER CLINT ZWEIFEL

Monday, June 14, 2010 (7:00-9:00 PM)

Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel will deliver the keynote address at a special assembly on Monday evening in Hendricks Hall. We are very pleased to have Treasurer Zweifel at Boys State for the first time this year. The Treasurer will hold a question and answer session following his prepared remarks.

FORMER U.S. AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED NATIONS JOHN BOLTON

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 (7:30-9:00 PM)

John Bolton will accept the 22nd Annual George W. Lehr Memorial Speakers Chair on Tuesday night at Hendricks Hall. John Bolton is one of America’s most prominent policy voices. As the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Bolton was strong in his defense of American economic and security interests, no matter whether there was popular or waning public opinion. Bolton provided a forward-thinking vision on issues vital to the U.S. and its allies including human rights and working to forge sustainable global communities and infrastructures. He will share his views on domestic policy issues, global security, diplomacy and how the interconnectedness of the global economy will affect the country in the coming years. Bolton currently serves as a foreign policy senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a contributor to FOX News Channel and his op-ed articles are regularly featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Times. Following his prepared remarks Mr. Bolton will hold a question and answer session.

MISSOURI SECRETARY OF STATE ROBIN CARNAHAN

Thursday, June 17, 2010 (7:15-9:15 PM)

Missouri Secretary of State will deliver the keynote address and swear-in the newly elected state officials at the Joint Session of the Boys State House and Senate on Thursday evening at Hendricks Hall. Following her prepared remarks, Secretary of State Carnahan will swear-in the new MBS Governor and all new MBS constitutional officers and Supreme Court justices.

FEDERAL JUDGE DUANE BENTON

Friday, June 18, 2010 (6:45-7:00 PM)

U.S. Court of Appeals (8th Circuit) Judge Duane Benton will briefly address Boys State on Friday evening at Hendricks Hall. Judge Benton, a great friend to the Boys State program and member of The American Legion, will offer his best advice to participants of Boys State drawn from his experiences as MO Director of Revenue, MO Supreme Court Justice, little league baseball coach and his years on the federal bench.

WHITE HOUSE FELLOW AND NAVY SEAL COMMANDER

ERIC GREITENS

Friday, June 18, 2010 (7:00-8:30 PM)

White House Fellow, Navy Seal Commander and Rhodes Scholar Eric Greitens will speak to MBS participants on Monday at Hendricks Hall. One of the most accomplished Boys Staters in recent memory, Greitens will share his extraordinary career with Boys Staters in a special assembly. Greitens returned from his last tour of duty in Iraq in 2007. As an award-winning humanitarian leader, Eric has traveled to many war and crisis torn countries to reveal not only the hardship of the people, but also their strength and compassion. Following his prepared remarks he will hold a question and answer session.