This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Oct. 17, 2011 - Amid uncertainty about the composition of their turf, incumbent state senators in St. Louis County continued to bring in sizable hauls for their expected re-election bids.
For instance, State Sen. Jim Lembke outraised his likely Democratic opponent during the last fundraising quarter for what could be aclose bid for re-election. Lembke -- a Republican from Lemay -- raised $31,848 during the October fundraising quarter. After spending $10,810 during the quarter, Lembke has $68,988.99 of cash on hand.
Lembke won election by the slimmest of margins to the 1st District state Senate seat in 2008. He's taken on some controversial issues since joining the Senate, including the introduction of a constitutional amendment to alter Missouri's nonpartisan court plan. He also made news earlier this legislative session for joining a filibuster against extending unemployment benefits.
That filibuster apparently was the catalyst for former state Rep. Sue Schoemehl, D-Oakville to jump into the race against Lembke. Schoemehl raised $6,100 during the fundraising quarter but spent $7,747.58.She has $17,538 of cash on hand.
The 1st District could be significantly changed by state legislative redistricting. The matter is being settled by a panel of appellate judges, but a Democratic proposal placed Lembke's residence in the same district as Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale .
But south St. Louis County is closely divided politically and could be a stage for a close election campaign, even if Lembke isn't paired with anotherRepublican incumbent.
7th District:
Another lawmaker who could tread into new territory next year is Sen. Jane Cunningham, R-Chesterfield.
Cunningham, who decided against running for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District, raised $18,225 during the last fundraising quarter. She has $73,144.19 on hand after spending $1,036.
The composition of the 7th District could be dramatically changed depending on the results of legislative redistricting. If appellate judges adopt a Democratic proposal that moves Sen. John Lamping's district to southwest Missouri, Cunningham's district could encompass more of Democratic-leaning Creve Coeur, Olivette and St. Ann. But if judges are more favorable to a plan put forward by nine incumbent senators, Cunningham's district could become more Republican with the additions of Eureka and Wildwood.
15th District:
Meanwhile, Schmitt's fundraising haul this quarter may scare away any serious Democratic opposition.
Schmitt took in $171,434.27 during the October fundraising quarter. After spending $11,568, the first-term lawmaker has $336,297 cash on hand.
Schmitt, an attorney at Lathrop & Gage, is lead Senate sponsor of a set of incentives aimed at cementing a "China Hub" at Lambert-St.Louis International Airport. That proposal was included in an economic development bill but was scaled down during the special session.
The 15th District, which includes Kirkwood and Webster Groves, was expected to be competitive in 2008. But things changed when then-Gov. Matt Blunt appointed a potential Democratic candidate -– Kevin Gunn -- to the Public Service Commission. After a razor-thin Democratic primary, Schmitt easily defeated Democrat James Trout.
Redistricting could also affect Schmitt's election plans. A Democratic proposal places his residence in Lembke's district. The plan he introduced with state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City, would place him in a south-central St. Louis County District.
