This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Oct. 1, 2012 - As GOP attorney general hopeful Ed Martin released his first television ad in his general election campaign, incumbent Attorney General Chris Koster is touting a rare Democratic endorsement from the National Rifle Association.
Martin’s ad – entitled “Waste Not” – features the St. Louis attorney rapidly moving from backdrop to backdrop providing short bursts of information. Martin justifies the speedy transitions by stating “unlike my opponent, I don't have gazillions from trial lawyers, so I'm not gonna waste your time or money.”
(While Koster has raked in plenty of money from law firms in his bid for re-election, he’s also received donations from traditionally GOP donors such as retired financer Rex Sinquefield and Harbour Group founder Sam Fox. Martin received a $15,000 donation from Sinquefield last week.)
In the ad, Martin makes quick references to his children, his prior service on the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners, his wife’s profession as a doctor, his opposition to the federal health-care law and his pledge to oppose agricultural regulations. He also takes a subtle shot at Koster for raising “office pay,” which his campaign said in a follow up e-mail is a reference to Koster’s efforts to renovate his staff's office.
"Ed Martin won't waste our time. Or money," a voiceover states. "Ed Martin for attorney general."
Jeff Smith, a former Democratic state senator who now teaches in New York, tweeted that the spot had some stylistic similiarites with a 1990s-era ad from former U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn.
Martin released a television ad during the primary season on his opposition to the federal health-care law. Koster unveiled his first general election TV ad in September. It focused on Koster's tenure as Cass County prosecutor and Martin's lack of criminal law experience.
Koster nabs NRA endorsement
Martin's ad also mentions how Martin is a “sportsman” that’ll “protect constitutional rights,” undoubtedly to show that he’ll support gun rights in office. But Koster is the one with an endorsement from the National Rifle Association.
According to the NRA Political Victory Fund's website, Koster received an ‘A’ rating and the organization’s endorsement. He's the only Democrat running for statewide office to receive such a distinction.
Martin received an “AQ,” which means – according to the NRA’s site – that Martin is a “pro-gun candidate whose rating is based solely on the candidate's responses to the NRA-PVF candidate questionnaire and who does not have a voting record on Second Amendment issues.”
“I am honored to receive the NRA’s endorsement,” Koster said in a statement. “As attorney general, my job is to protect and defend the rights of all Missourians — and this includes their right to bear arms."
Along with Koster, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, GOP secretary of state nominee Shane Schoeller and state Treasurer hopeful Cole McNary all were endorsed by the NRA. GOP gubernatorial nominee Dave Spence received an “AQ."
Other Democrats didn't fare as well as Koster. Gov. Jay Nixon received a “B-“ rating, state Treasurer Clint Zweifel nabbed a “C,” Democratic secretary of state candidate Jason Kander got a “F." Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Susan Montee received a question mark, which the NRA site says means she didn't turn in a survey.
