Jeff Smith for Missouri

Dear Friends,

As some of you may know, I’ve decided to run for office in 2006. I plan to seek the 4th District State Senate seat, which covers the western half of the City of St. Louis. The district stretches north from Walnut Park south to St. Louis Hills, and includes much of the 3rd Congressional District including Shaw, Tower Grove, Clifton Heights, Dogtown, and the Hill. It is an area with rich racial, economic, and cultural diversity.

Serving in the State Senate would permit me to focus on an issue close to my heart – the continued rejuvenation of the City. As the 4th District’s Senator, I would be one of 34 members of the State Senate, and one of only 11 Democrats. I could have a major impact on some of the key issues facing our City and State: education reform, Medicaid reform, and redevelopment of the urban core.

I was born and raised in St. Louis, and the central focus of my adult life has been improving education here. Serving in the State Senate is a prime opportunity to focus on the future of the City and region – and no issue is more crucial to our future than education. The City needs a strong voice dedicated above all to the City’s health – fiscal, educational, and physical – rather than to one neighborhood or another.

While I am in a strong position to win this race after the near-miss last August, it won’t be easy and I won’t take a single vote for granted.

Of course, I begin with one tremendous advantage: you.

Last time, I ran against four proven vote-getters and beat three of them. I did it with your help. We proved that you don’t need a big name or major endorsements to get votes. You get votes with good ideas and shoe leather. We earned those votes and we’ll do it again.

Our great achievement last year was winning the City without a single ward endorsement. This achievement – your achievement- had never occurred in the history of St. Louis. One reason we were able to do so well in the City last time is that I am not beholden to any faction; I merely seek to offer new ideas and energy. It is vital that we begin to elect this new type of leaders. Too often, St. Louis’ people are better than its politics.

I will not play on anyone’s fears. I will instead appeal to our hopes and aspirations. This campaign will be about the future of the City, a City that will live or die as one. It is about One St. Louis, and win or lose, I will work to move our City’s politics toward a healthier place.

The people of St. Louis are ready to rewrite history – and they are willing to take chances on public servants who go into the neighborhoods, knock on doors, listen to people’s problems and put their best foot forward to solve them. In last year’s Congressional primary, St. Louisians sent a resounding message to their leaders that they are more concerned with the public interest than with the status quo. I’ll offer them that choice for the State Senate in 2006.

You may remember that our slogan last time was “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they attack you, then you win.” Well, your hard work turned some heads last time so this time they will not ignore us. But this time, we will win. And you will make it possible.

Of course, campaigns are not cheap and this will take a significant investment. It is very important that we make a strong statement upon entering this race, and your financial support is greatly appreciated. If you can help, please click on this link. If you want to help in other ways, send me an email at jeffsmith2006@gmail.com, and I’ll be in touch soon.

Best regards,
Jeff