It’s official!
On Tuesday, February 28th at approximately 12:35pm, I filed as a candidate for the office of Missouri Lieutenant Governor. Since last fall, even in the face of a looming republican “juggernaut”, I saw a path to victory in this race and now that I am on the ballot, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. My plan for victory is in motion and my campaign is surging ahead.
As I exited the Secretary of State building, where filing takes place, someone asked me, “How does it feel to be one of six Democratic candidates running for Lieutenant Governor?”
“Six! There are six now?” I responded in disbelief.
“Yeah, six. For now. But it’s only the first day… and it’s still early.”
Six? How did we get here? It was only a few short months ago that, as the Democratic Party Chair, I couldn’t recruit anyone to run for Lieutenant Governor. Now there are six. Six! Who isn’t running for Lieutenant Governor?
On the way back to my campaign office I looked at people walking up and down the sidewalk and pondered who amongst them will be the next to enter the race? I considered stopping for coffee, but thought, what if the barista gets off work and files for Lt. Governor? If I tip for good service do I risk contributing to the campaign of an opponent in waiting? Hmm…
You might think this news would distress me. But I like to keep a positive attitude and try to look for the good in all things. Six candidates is unexpected, but is it necessarily bad? Maybe not. And, if not, then might seven be even better? Perhaps.
With this theory in mind, I’m on the cusp of a new recruiting drive. The more the merrier! If six candidates is democracy in action, then doubling up to twelve should be a democratic party.
Spring is nearly here and the weather is awfully nice already. With just three more candidates we can field a touring softball team (four more and we can play American League baseball). Of course, then we have to decide who would play where. I’ve got the best pitch, but I’m also the obvious designated hitter. Looking at this roster, I’m confident we have left field covered.
Some might say I’m inappropriately making light of a serious issue. But if we can’t laugh at the situation, we’re half way to being the guys and gals on the other side of the political fence. And we don’t want that. I welcome everyone to the democratic process. This is the way it’s meant to work.
I know that a crowded field benefits my candidacy. I was the front runner and favored to win this primary when there were two or three candidates. Now that there are six it only makes me stronger. Having run statewide twice before, I have the highest name recognition and each new entry into the race further splinters the remaining votes.
I don’t ask for your support just because I will win the primary election, but also because I am the best candidate. The primary job of Lieutenant Governor is to be ready to be Governor should the need arise. I am the only candidate with the experience to assume the office of Governor on day one. I am also in the best position to advocate for our veterans and seniors that rely on the office of Lieutenant Governor.
We will get through this primary election, but will still have a tough road ahead. Regardless of which Republican we face, the general election will not be easy. I need you to stand with me today.
P.S. I am very hopeful that at the end of this primary election I will also have the support of my new LG primary election softball team. I will work hard to make that happen.
