Jeff Smith for Missouri

The St. Louis American
Wednesday, February 22, 2006

With filing set to open this week for state offices, the local election that will garner the most interest is the contest in the 4th Senatorial District. Because of term limits, incumbent Senator Pat Dougherty cannot seek reelection, and the race to succeed him is wide open. So far, four contenders have announced their candidacy: state Rep. Amber Boykins, state Rep. Yaphett El-Amin, former state Rep. Dario Gambaro and Washington University professor Jeff Smith. Smith’s claim to fame was his spirited novice campaign for the 3rd District Congressional seat in 2004, which ended in a narrow loss to Russ Carnahan.

Because St. Louis is a two-party city, black Democrats and white Democrats, the winner of the Democratic primary is most likely going to be the next 4th District senator. The history of voting along racial lines in the city will make it very difficult for a black candidate to win the primary with two blacks in the race.

While acknowledging this fact, Boykins says that experience in the Legislature should matter most to voters. Smith agrees and has told the EYE he will campaign on the issues. Boykins, El-Amin and Gambaro all argue that Smith’s lack of legislative experience is a problem for someone who wants to be one of 34 Missouri state senators. With term limits restricting a senator to only two terms, Boykins believes the voters cannot afford to have a rookie legislator trying to learn the ropes while in state office.

Unfortunately, unless lighting strikes and the voters are struck color-blind, the election will turn on racial demographics (and who can get the most votes out of their base). Boykins and El-Amin will split not only the black vote but also what Alice Walker would call the “womanist” vote. If black elected officials and party players really intent to elect a black candidate as 4th District senator, some serious negotiating needs to occur between now and the end of March, when the filing for state offices closes. Folks need to pick a horse – Boykins or El-Amin – now, if they want to see a black bottom in that seat.

On the other hand, if one attempts to set aside the goggles of race for a moment, progressives of any color or creed would have to admit that Smith – whatever his experience as a legislator – talks the sharpest progressive game in all of the state.

Coach Smith huddles with his team, the Wolverines at the Matthews-Dickey Boys Club.

Dear Friend,

Much has happened since our last update.

First and foremost, the campaign’s field organization is up and running. With a solid group of 8 full and part time interns already contacting voters on a daily basis, we have begun an unprecedented grass-roots effort. Look forward to hearing from one of them soon. I’ve been knocking on doors myself in neighborhoods across the district, from Lewis Place to Lindenwood Park, Shaw to Cheltenham. The break in the weather has given us an excellent chance to hit the streets without threat of hypothermia – unusual for a St. Louis January.