The race receiving the most regional attention ahead of the August primary in Missouri is the contest for the Democratic nomination for St. Louis County executive. Three candidates are seeking the nomination including 10-year incumbent Charlie Dooley. County Councilman Steve Stenger, D-Affton, is his chief opponent.
St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh talked with political reporter Jo Mannies, who says the race became extremely heated early on. “The stuff that the two candidates are tossing at each other as far as accusations and attack ads, it’s unusual in that they’ve started doing it so early, especially within (their) own party,” said Mannies.
Mannies said Stenger has two attack ads currently airing, one in which St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCullough accuses Dooley's administration of corruption.
Dooley has one attack ad linking Stenger to Romney.
“Attack ads work. That’s why candidates have attack ads,” said Mannies, who emphasized that Dooley and Stenger have been pulling out all the stops to win the Aug. 5 primary.
The Democrat will face Missouri House Budget Chairman Rick Stream, R-Kirkwood, or Green Park Alderman Tony Pousosa.
St. Louis Public Radio’s political reporters have covered both the candidates and the issues in the county executive race.
- Profile of Charlie Dooley
- Profile of Steve Stenger
- Profiles of the Republican candidates
- On The Issues: Stream And Pousosa Share Vision For St. Louis
- St. Louis County Executive Candidates Shy Away From Backing City-County Union
- Race Looms As Potential Factor In St. Louis County Executive Contest
The transportation ballot measure was also discussed:
- Five things you need know about the transportation tax
- A group supportive of the transportation tax has received a deluge of campaign cash in recent days.
St. Louis on the Air provides discussion about issues and concerns facing the St. Louis area. The show is produced by Mary Edwards and Alex Heuer and hosted by veteran journalist Don Marsh.
