Jeff Smith for Missouri

Receives Major Endorsement From Dean of Central Committee

Today, 23rd Ward Committeeman Francis Slay, Sr. announced that both he and 23rd Ward Committeewoman Gina Hagerty will endorse Jeff Smith, Democratic candidate for the 4th State Senate seat. The 23rd Ward Organization is widely considered to be one of the city’s strongest; it tends to produce higher turnout than almost any other city ward.

By Jo Mannies
Published: 12/16/2005
STLtoday.com: Political Fix

State Senate contender Jeff Smith, among four Democrats seeking the city’s 4th District seat, announced Thursday that he’d snagged the support of 23rd Ward Democratic Committeeman Francis Slay and Committeewoman Gina Hagerty.

In just a few weeks our first corps of interns will be hitting the ground. They’re coming all the way from New Hampshire to help their former teacher lay the groundwork for another energetic grass-roots campaign, and we couldn’t be more excited to have them.

We also hired our field director and deputy campaign manager, Ross Macholan. Ross comes to us from the office of Greg Daly, the city’s License Collector, who edges out Alderman Mike McMillan for the title of City’s Best-Dressed Politician. Ross is a graduate of Truman State and a specialist in grass-roots organizing.

All these new folks will mean that we need more space, and today we found some – we’ll be moving after the first of the year. Our office will just west of the intersection of Olive and Taylor in a warehouse that was built over a century ago. I’m not exactly sure of the address, and this time, I’m not going to release it until I’m absolutely sure. I suppose you understand.

In just a few days I’ll be announcing another endorsement or two and also the January dates of the first coffees of the campaign.

JRS

Dear Friend,

My name is Andy Smith – I’m Jeff’s big brother (and the proud father of his new 1-week old nephew). I’m writing today to give you a brief update on Jeff’s campaign.

The campaign to elect Jeff to the Missouri Senate is off to an excellent start. Our kickoff event a few weeks ago attracted 170 people and raised over $10,000 in addition to the money he had already raised. Thanks to all of you who were able to attend and/or contribute.

Since then, Jeff has attended numerous events. He has visited the Women’s Democratic Forum, the NAACP annual banquet, the ACLU Bill of Rights Dinner, and various local union halls, and he has spoken at the 18th Ward Organization meeting, several neighborhood association meetings, two fraternity houses, and even his old high school. He has judged an elementary school poetry contest, resumed coaching a youth basketball team, and given several tours of the charter schools on whose board he sits. I guess you could say it’s been a busy few weeks (for both of us).

But as well as Jeff is doing, he still needs your help. He has several full-time interns starting soon who will be taking a leave from college, and he needs to raise at least $5,000 to ensure that they have adequate space, materials, and living expenses.

So, for Jeff’s 32nd birthday – December 9th – I am asking everyone he knows to contribute $32 (or $320, or any other amount you can afford!) to his campaign. Those of us who know Jeff know that he has little use for material things, so this would be an ideal birthday gift. You may click here to contribute.

We appreciate your help and look forward to your continued support in spreading Jeff’s message. Please consider:

• Hosting a coffee to introduce Jeff to your friends and neighbors.
• Volunteering your time to help on the campaign.

Whatever you can do is greatly appreciated. Please email jeffsmith2006@gmail.com to let us know how you can help. Together we can elect a candidate who will lead this region into a brighter, stronger, healthier tomorrow.

Warm Wishes for Happy Holidays,

Andy Smith