The GO Primary Guide

Hulshof	Steelman

With the world focused on November’s presidential election it’s easy to overlook the August 5 primaries. But in our day-to-day lives, it might be just as important. A number of local and state contests will be narrowed down (if not decided) that day, including the ultra-testy Republican race for governor; the GOP nomination for Greene County sheriff; and several state representative primaries. Here are a few that caught our attention, with some commentary from local political sensei David Catanese, KY3’s political reporter and author of the KY3 Political Notebook blog (ky3.blogspot.com), which constantly has the latest from the local and state political arena.

Governor

Why it’s important: Matt Blunt bailed without seeking re-election, meaning Missouri’s most powerful office is up for grabs. There’s a lot of stuff to fix. The action is in the GOP, where Kenny Hulshof is the establishment candidate and Sarah Steelman the neo-Republican, running on a platform of change and accountability. Favored Dem Jay Nixon awaits the victor.

Dave says: This race sums up the political year well, Catanese says. “There’s a lot of dissatisfaction nationally with Bush and the war and Hurricane Katrina. It’s trickling down and Republicans are saying, ‘Hey, where are we going?’”. This race will go a long way toward taking that temperature, and Catanese says it will likely be decided by southwest Missouri voters.

Greene County Sheriff

Why it’s important: Jack Merritt has had a long run as Greene County’s top law enforcer. The new sheriff will face challenges including overcrowded prisons, budget woes and meth.

Dave says: The GOP candidates come from several camps—Jim Arnott is outgoing sheriff Jack Merritt’s choice, Mark Webb is backed by county prosecutor Darrell Moore, and Gene Thomlinson is the third choice, running on the strength of populist connections—many religious. “This is one of those bellwether races to see how much angst is really out there,” Catanese says. A three-way race like this usually favors the establishment candidate (Arnott), but Webb’s tireless campaigning and grass-roots tactics could make it interesting.

Greene County Commissioner

Why it’s important: To see if a changing of the guard can happen in 2008. Harold Bengsch and Roseanne Bentley, a couple of respected local institutions, are running for re-election. Opposing Bentley is motivated 26-year-old Lincoln Hough. Bengsch is running unopposed. On the Libertarian ballot is a Mark “Majic” Jones. Yes, Majic.

Dave says: Despite the fact that he thinks he has huge uphill battle, Catanese says Hough is getting nods of approval even from establishment Republicans—and even the most successful politicians often lose their first campaigns.

State Representative, 138th District

Why it’s important: Again, a new generation is everging. Two years ago, sitting Democrat Sara Lampe had to fight off a stiff challenge from Republican Steve Helms. This year, two twentysomethings—Jeremy W. Cady and Michael Goodart, Jr. (who ran unsuccessfully against Helms two years ago)—are duking it out for the right to take on the area’s most popular Democrat. Both are pounding the pavement and running on small-government ideals. Will it be enough?

Dave says: Both Cady and Goodart are Republicans in the Ron Paul mold and have been tireless. “Cady has actually outraised Sara [Lampe],” says Catanese. “She’s going to be tough, she’s popular... but Cady has some buzz going.”