OK folks, it is time for the Kerry campaign to come back into Missouri

[MadHound]

About a month ago the Kerry campaign pulled out of Missouri, a battleground state, stating that the poll numbers showing Bush ahead 49% to Kerry's 41% put Mo firmly into the red. They pulled advertising and personal visits, giving us up for lost. This was seen as a premature move on Kerry's part by many in the state, and there was a sense of betrayal felt by many of the party faithful. It was also perceived to drag down the chances of other Democrats in statewide races, thus dooming those of us who live here to being ravaged by Republicans in the governor's slot and controlling the legislature.

Well, we soldiered on and guess what. THE RACE IN MISSOURI IS NOW IN A STATISTICAL DEAD HEAT! The latest KMOU/KSDK poll, performed for these stations by Survey USA shows Bush ahead by two, at 49% to Kerry's 47%, with a 3.8% margin of error.<http://www.komu.com/html/htmlfall2004/politicalpoll100504.htm> This is great news, and shows that Kerry's message is getting through, and that we are working our ass off to put him in the White House. BUT WE NEED HELP HERE, WE CANNOT DO THIS ALL BY OURSELVES! We need Kerry to once again invest in advertising, to make some personal appearances. If there was some help from the national campaign, Missouri's 12 electoral votes would become a virtual lock for Kerry, and it would help out enormously with the state and local campaigns. We need Kerry's coatails to help propel Claire McCaskill into the govenor's mansion, we need Kerry's coatail's to help make Nancy Farmer's run against Kit Bond more competitive, we need Kerry's coatails to help stem the tide of neoconservatism that is slowly enveloping this state.

We are going to continue to fight for Kerry in this state no matter what, but if any of you have any contact with the Kerry campaign, please urge them to come back into Missouri. We need help, and Kerry needs our 12 electoral votes. Please don't give up on our state, we aren't, and the Kerry campaign shouldn't either. Thank you.

[MissouriTeacher]

1. The Kerry campaign IS in Missouri!

Believe me, they are out there canvassing every weekend. I was helping out about three weeks ago. The ground game is in full gear here.

[MadHound]

3. Yes, yes, I realize that the people are out there, I'm one of them

What I'm talking about is the advertising that has been pulled and the personal appearances that have been pulled. The Kerry campaign threw their hands up in dispair last month and pulled all of their advertising, perceiving us to have gone over firmly into the Bush camp. Likewise, they canceled all personal appearances by the candidate. And I the even the DNC/DLC pulled their advertising out, I've only seen one in the past month.

But it is the efforts of those like you and me, on the ground, pounding the pavement that have brought about this comeback in the state. But we need help, we need the TV ads to come back, we need at least one personal appearance before election day. It would not only help put Kerry over the top in the state, but would boost all Democrats chances substantially in the state.

I realize we're all doing the footwork in the state, but we need the national campaign to reinvest in the advertising and appearances in order to put Missouri in the Democratic column.

And thank you for your work, it is greatly appreciated.

[MissouriTeacher]

4. The DNC was still running ads

even after Kerry himself pulled his.

I agree though that a personal appearance would be great. Hopefully right before the election to fire everyone up.

[MadHound]

5. Where are they running the DNC ads?

I live in Mid Mo and haven't seen one for three weeks now. Are they just running in St. Louis and KC? They need to start putting them back into the smaller markets, Columbia(a solid blue area) and even in Springfield. Make the 'Pugs work for those votes.

[MoJoWorkin]

2. I am seeing a LOT of K/E signs in heavily Repug SW MO

Sure, there are LOTS of B/Cs too, but I AM encouraged by the vocal nature of those willing to take the risk EVEN to put up a sign in this area.
Edwards rally in Springfield back in Aug drew 7.000 they say, and was mammoth for this area. W. made Springfield, his first stop after the Dem Convention, as it is his STONGEST area---Ashcrofts home town and the HQ for Assembly of God (Bible belt)
YES we need both of them back, and a lot.:kick:

[Search Party]

14. Ads still running here in SW MO also

Carthage/Joplin area...lots of signs...nothing like 2000

[sistersofmercy]

6. I totally agree! I just had a conversation with a fellow Dem on Friday!

Some are so upset by Kerry pulling his ads b/c MO has swung with the winner in every election in the past 100 years except one (two if you include the selected squatter) It's a superstitious thing. Many of the Dems I know are now thinking Kerry won't win the GE. They're voting for him but think he won't win and feel very deflated. I have running bets with several Dems I know about the election.

[MadHound]

7. This move by the national campaign is irritating myself and others no end

I think that if Kerry loses this fall, this withdrawl from Missouri will be a major factor. If the national campaign would restart advertising and personal appearances here in Missouri, they would not only put the state back into Kerry's column, but would also force Bush to divert resources from other key battleground states, thus putting those states into Kerry's pocket also.

[sistersofmercy]

12. Maybe Kerry will do some appearances and ads after the debate

Friday. I hope so!

[seabeyond]

8. you guys are kicking ass

and it may be you all need to do the ground swell cause kerry and edwards dont make it everywhere. they cannot.

what i am saying, i think we so have the momentum and obvious choice for candidate. and i think with the voter reg and youth vote, this is going to be huge. i hope kerry and edwards will be able to hit a lot of different state, yours included cause i want mandate, i want landslide

keep working, knowing you and those in colorado, florida, and lots of others states are kicking ass

i really really want colorado

[seabeyond]

9. you guys are kicking ass

and it may be you all need to do the ground swell cause kerry and edwards dont make it everywhere. they cannot.

what i am saying, i think we so have the momentum and obvious choice for candidate. and i think with the voter reg and youth vote, this is going to be huge. i hope kerry and edwards will be able to hit a lot of different state, yours included cause i want mandate, i want landslide

keep working, knowing you and those in colorado, florida, and lots of others states are kicking ass

i really really want colorado

[MadHound]

10. Thanks for the kind words friend, really do appreciate them

And we will keep working hard as we can through the election. But damn, we need help, a little nudge from the national campaign, not only to put Kerry over the top here, but to also help our state and locals. Claire McCaskill is only one point behind her Repug opponent, and Kerry's coattails would put her over the top. Robin Carnahan is in a dead heat with the Repug for Sec of State, Catherine Hannaway. God forbid that Hannaway gets in, she'll make Missouri's voting system so biased that Florida will look good in comparison. We are being threatened with a complete neo-con takeover in our state, and a little help from the national campaign would go a long way, and be very much appreciated.

Besides, if Bushco has to redivert resources to Missouri, it loosens things up for all battleground states, including Colorado.

[BillZBubb]

11. If their internal polls are showing the same thing, they'll be back.

They've got limited resources. They have to allocate them in a way that gives them the best shot at 271 electoral votes. Since polling was showing MO getting firmer for Bush*, they had to concentrate on more favorable states.

If the tide has really turned, they'll put some effort back into Missouri. Bet on it.

[WI_DEM]

13. He'll be in Missouri Friday for the debate

I'll bet he'll hold a rally there too.

[MadHound]

15. I hope so

I would love to be at Wash U to watch, but wife is out of town, and I've an injured dog to babysit, so I'll be watching from the house.

I hope that Kerry does take the time for a rally in St. Louis. It would be nice to see him do one elsewhere also. It would be a real kicker to see him do a rally in Springfield, the heart of fundie darkeness. I'm betting it would bring out lots and lots of supporters, sway some serious fence sitters, and really put a twist to the knickers of those damn fundie neo cons down there.

[sistersofmercy]

17. Absolutely, 2 rallies, 1 in St Louis and 1 in Springfield would be ideal!

I hope the campaign does rallies and ads.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

16. If he was going to be in the state anyway, it'd be crazy NOT to have a

major rally. Very time efficient to do so.

[missouri dem]

18. I think that we need to trust the Kerry campaign to do whats best.

It is possible that they think that we have already locked Missouri up. The Kerry campaign has the best ground campaign in Missouri that I have ever seen. The Joplin phone bank is doing 5,000 calls a week.
I would love for Kerry to have a rally in St. Louis/Kansas City with Obamma. I think that they could have huge turnouts and would pay off big time at the polls.

[MadHound]

19. Like we trusted the Gore campaign to do what was right in Florida?

Look what that got us, a rollover by the Dems, and four years of Bush. No thank you friend. Look, I realize that the national campaign has many things on its plate, but it really does need to learn how to listen to its state and local Democratic leaders, instead of thinking they can micro manage every little thing.

And no, that is the whole problem, the national campaign think that Missouri is a lock for Bush, not Kerry. That is why they pulled out the ads and personal appearances a month ago. This poll, and other signs throughout the state show that they were premature in writing off Missouri, and now we need their help in getting us over the top.

And rather than have a rally with Obamma, as much as I like him, why not have a rally with McCaskill. She needs the help, and something like that could also put her over the top.

[liberal N proud]

20. I heard a story out of a small college town on MO last Sat.

This college town was celebrating the Homecoming parade on Saturday. In election years the political candidates always participate, this year was no different from what was said. Each party had a float in the parade with local candidates accompanying.
From the story I was told, when the Democrats came down the street, the crowd was cheering and the candidates were shaking hands but when the repug float appeared, the reception was quite cold. It is my understanding that the crowd actually booed the repugs and they ended up just sitting on the edge of the float.
This college town is about 12,000 population and 10-15,000 students plus alumni and others it draws.
If this is any kind of indication, MO is no problem.

[SeanQ]

21. Bring this up on the Kerry blog

http://blog.johnkerry.com/ and/or email (and have other MO volunteers) the campaign. Make sure they are at least planning a couple big rallies while in the area.

As for advertising, the unfortunate truth is that money in the campaign is tight, and they are trying to spend it as wisely as they can. We may not agree, but they have to concentrate on a relatively small number of states.

But that doesn't mean _you_ can't do something. What is there from keeping an independent organization in MO from doing local fund raising and airing ads on it's own. I'm sure the Kerry campaign would be happy to assist with advice and raw materials for ads (if legal to do so). If there is really that much momentum, perhaps you could work with an organization like moveon.org to collect the funds you go out and raise and use that money for some local ads.

Just some ideas, HTH.

[MadHound]

22. I appreciate the ideas, and we're going to be contacting the Kerry

Campaign about this. And the idea of raising the money for our own ads is fine and dandy except for a couple of points. The main one is where are going to find the time for this? We're literally working our ass off around the clock, more so since Kerry pulled out, and there is literally none left over to plan, solicit money for, and air ads. This IS the job of the national campaign, and quite frankly, they're falling down on this one.

I realize that money is tight, but look at it this way, you put some resources back here into Mo, put it back in play again, and not only with we put Kerry back on top(with twelve electoral votes) but you will also force Bush to divert resources here, thus easing the burden being born by states like Ohio and Pennslyvania. Surely somewhere in the Democratic coffers there some money for some ads here in Mo. Hell, you could even do it more on the cheap and simply have Kerry and/or Edwards take a tour of the state.

It is all fine and good to rely on the state folks to take up the slack, which we have done. We've put the race back up into the air for Kerry, we've worked our asses off to do so, but damnit, it is time for Kerry to step up to the plate and finish it off here.

[sandersadu]

24. MadHound

Totally agree that Kerry should have NEVER "written off" Missouri. It's too important a state, it puts Bush on the defensive, and most importantly it helps us win the ELECTORAL COLLEGE, which is what this is all about.

I for one don't trust the DNC and the "national campaign." The state folks know best their own state, and how to turn out the vote. Where in the hell is Gephardt?

Edwards and Gephardt could do an event in St. Louis and in Columbia at the University. If they don't it's political malpractice!

[dolstein]

23. According to Kerry's website, a post-debate rally will be held

in St. Louis. I wouldn't be surprised if he puts in some kind of appearance earlier in the day, but I'm sure they want to make sure his voice in in good form for the debate.

[adreamer]

25. From today's StL Post Dispatch...

...Afterward is another story. Kerry will show up at a public rally at Art Hill that his campaign is promoting heavily. Meanwhile, Bush is headlining an invitation-only Republican breakfast Saturday morning at America's Center to help raise money for the GOP candidate for governor, Secretary of State Matt Blunt.

Both men's campaigns say that more events, featuring the candidates or allies, are expected over the next few days as both sides seek to use their time in the state to woo new supporters and energize existing ones...

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/election2004/story/B81F571BB4BB2DAF86256F25001225FE?OpenDocument&Headline=Bush,+Kerry+will+stay+on+after+debate

[SaintLouisBlues]

26. Here's the Missouri strategy, according to a STL Post columnist:

Snip:

"The Democratic National Committee and allied independent groups are sending in unprecedented numbers of people and spending a record amount of cash to sway voters in Missouri on Kerry's behalf. Whether they succeed or fail could set a template for future presidential campaigns.

Speculation about Kerry's intentions in the state has been heated since he stopped airing ads in Missouri and other states right before the Democratic convention in late July. While he stayed off the air last month everywhere, to conserve cash, the Democratic National Committee paid for an expensive flurry of its own ads in a number of states - Missouri among them.

Since last month, the DNC's ad spending alone in Missouri is more than $3.4 million. That's the most that the national party has ever spent for presidential ads in the state, its operatives say.

Most weeks, the Democratic National Committee is outspending the Bush campaign on TV spots in the state's three largest media markets: St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield. The DNC spending has continued even as Kerry's campaign confirmed last week that it had postponed plans for any new ad buys in Missouri."

snip

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/columnists.nsf/jomannies/story/F1EAAA84AAB1E31486256F1C00087E9A?OpenDocument&Headline=Democrats+aren't+letting+up+in+spending+on+political+ads

Also, Kerry is getting lots of free publicity here in St. Louis with the next debate happening here.

Kerry just announced a big rally in Forest Park immediately after the debate.

I still say MO's going blue.

[sistersofmercy]

28. "I still say MO's going blue." Me too! n/t

[MadHound]

30. OK, well that's at least some signs of caring

But here in Mid Mo, we haven't been seeing those DNC ads at all. It is pretty much taken for granted that Columbia is going to go blue out here, but Callaway and Cooper counties could also be turned blue with a little effort. Lots of Columbia transplants(like myself) who have gone over the Boone County line, enough to sway the normally Republican counties over to the Dems.

But yes, I do agree with you, Mo is going to go with Kerry. I think with a little help, Mo could go solidly Democrat in the state and local races also.

[IIgnoreNobody]

27. 'Kerry campaign pulled out of Missouri' is pure media spin

not consistent with reality. Kerry campaign stopped buying tv ads in Missouri is the reality.

[dolstein]

29. Oh please, let's be honest

The willingness of the campaign to devote scare resources to television ads is the surest sign that the campaign considers the state to be in play. If I'm not mistaken, the Kerry campaign hasn't run any television ads in Missouri since the convention. So clearly they believe their resources would be better spent elsewhere.

[IIgnoreNobody]

31. Let's be honest: 'Kerry campaign pulled out of Missouri' is untrue.

It is a false statement.

You are welcome to draw any conclusions you want from the fact that the DNC, not the Kerry campaign has been running ads in Missouri. However, as a simple statement of fact, 'Kerry campaign pulled out of Missouri' does not meet the truth test.