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Statewide Democratic Candidates in 2008

Governor

Jay Nixon

One of Missouri's best known and most respected public servants, Attorney General Jay Nixon announced his campaign for Governor, pledging to focus on three goals: "a broader prosperity for all Missourians, a more efficient and effective state government, and a more economically competitive Missouri." Nixon also said "an educated and healthy workforce is essential to a vital economy."

Lieutenant Governor

Sam Page

State Representative Sam Page is a physician, as is his wife, Jennifer. They live in Creve Coeur, the parents of three children, Logan, 9, Luke 6, and Jake, 4. Logan and Luke attend the neighborhood public school. Page served on the Creve Coeur City Council for two terms before becoming a Representative in 2002. He will have a decade of combined, elected legislative experience as City Councilman and State Representative when he takes the oath of office for Lt. Governor. The Lt. Governor presides over the Senate and acts as Governor when the Governor is out-of-state. He also by law serves on 12 Commissions. Half of the Commissions deal with medical issues and a trained experienced legislator/physician will make a profound difference. The office should be treated seriously.

Michael E. Carter

When then Governor Mel Carnahan wrote Michael E. Carter's recommendation to Mizzou's law school, he highly recommended Carter because of his family's reputation and respect for "education and hard work." Carter is now a Senior Lecturer for the University of Missouri and attorney focusing on real estate and business. Carter knows the true nature of the Lt. Governor's office. Current and past Lt. Governors have commented on its part-time nature. The late Sen. Eagleton noted that the biggest part of a Lt. Governor's day was watching the Missouri river flow by the window. Others have campaigned to abolish the office or serve for reduced pay. When working for Senator Carnahan, the Missouri Attorney General's office, and the Missouri Western District Court of Appeals; Carter noted that there was too much to do, too little time, and not enough money. Carter pledges to analyze and critique the Lt. Governor's office. If the office cannot be given meaningful purpose for the salary received, then Carter will give no less than $10,000.00 back to the state treasury or charity.

Secretary of State

Robin Carnahan

Robin Carnahan learned about public service at a young age. Today, as Secretary of State she hasn't forgotten why public service is important. Robin is dedicated to ensuring fair, honest elections, reducing red-tape in government and protecting Missouri investors. Robin will continue to work hard as Secretary of State.

Treasurer

Mark Powell

In 2004, Arnold Mayor Mark Powell won the Democratic nomination with a strong grassroots effort and his family's Dodge Caravan. Powell announced he would again run for Treasurer, promising his second campaign "will be similar to 2004. I will travel the state, meet people, and share this message: The taxpayers of our state deserve to have professionals managing their money." Powell has a degree in accounting and previously served as Arnold's city treasurer.

Andria Danine Simckes

Andria has dedicated her time to public service, community organization, economic development, and her family. She now returns to public service with the strength of her diverse experience, heritage and family to lead during our country's time of change and transformation. As Comptroller of Win '96-Missouri's Coordinated Campaign, she oversaw the $1.6 million budget for that successful election year. She then went on to serve as Executive Director of the St. Louis Regional Empowerment Zone, where she was responsible for $18.9 million in available funds and $130 million in bonding authority. She is associated with Kodner Watkins Muchnick Weigley, LLC. Andria currently resides in Creve Coeur, MO with Elan and their children Liam, 6; Naava, 4; Ayden, 2. Their oldest, Maayan, attends Tufts University in Boston, Mass.

Clint Zweifel

Clint is a three term State Representative who knows about tough elections. He won his first election in 2002 beating a long-term incumbent by 67 votes. Then in 2004 he won with a 70 percent margin and in 2006 he ran unopposed when the Republicans finally gave up trying to defeat him. He has served on the Joint Committee on Tax Policy and as Ranking member of the Ways and Means Committee and the Special Committee on Tax Reform. He believes the Treasurer s office should play a larger role in protecting Missouri homeowners against foreclosures and in making college affordable for our young people and their families. A graduate of the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a Masters Degree in Business Administration, Clint has been honored as a Distinguished Alumni by both the University and the Political Science Department. Clint and his wife, Janice, are licensed Missouri foster parents. Janice works for the Special School District, primarily with children on the autism spectrum. They live in St. Louis County.

Attorney General

Margaret Donnelly

After 20 plus years as a public servant and family practice lawyer, I recognize the modern threats to our children and families. I want to take my commitment to safeguarding families to the Attorney General's office. In the coming days, we will be outlining our plans for a strong Attorney General's office. Thank you for your interest in my campaign.

Jeff Harris

House Minority Leader Jeff Harris led Democrats in the Missouri House to their first increase in legislative seats since 1986 and their largest increase since 1978. He has led the opposition to Governor Matt Blunt and his slashing of health care for more than 100,000 Missourians. A former Assistant Missouri Attorney General, Harris is committed to keeping our families and communities safe, to protecting consumers, to safeguarding Missouri seniors and to preserving Missouri's environment. Harris and his wife Katie live in Columbia.

Chris Koster

Chris Koster serves in the Missouri State Senate, where he represents Missouri’s 31st District counties of Cass, Johnson, Bates and Vernon. During his time in the General Assembly, Koster has played key roles in the debates over stem cell research, tort reform, and the elimination of Medicaid fraud. Additionally, in 2006 Chris successfully carried legislation in the Senate to dramatically over-haul Missouri's eminent domain laws. On August 1, 2007, Chris Koster made Missouri political history when he announced that he was leaving the Missouri Republican Party and becoming a Democrat. Citing his longstanding differences with the Republican Party on issues like stem cell research, workers’ rights, and the non-partisan court plan, Chris said that the Missouri Republican Party had become too beholden to the extreme right wing to lead the state of Missouri forward. He is the first high-profile elected official in Missouri EVER to have taken such a leap. Prior to his election to the Missouri Senate in 2004, Chris served as Prosecuting Attorney of Cass County, Missouri for ten years. He was first elected prosecutor in 1994 and was subsequently re-elected in 1998 and 2002 by wide margins.