Democratic candidates will speak Sunday

Annual Boone County Democrats Day celebration will be held Sunday in the multipurpose building at the Boone County Fairgrounds. Doors open at 1 p.m., speeches start around 2:30 p.m. and dinner will be served after 5 p.m. Admission and the dinner are free of charge.

Rep. Paul LeVota (D), minority leader in the Missouri House of Representatives, will give the keynote speech.

Democratic candidates for local and state office were invited to speak and meet with voters. Donated items — including desserts made by candidates — will be up for grabs in a live auction. Traditional picnic fare will be served to the sounds of local musicians. Last year, over 270 people attended, according Mark Buhrmester of the Boone County Democrats.

Democratic candidates for Congress to speak at forum tomorrow

Candidates in the Democratic primary for the Ninth District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives are scheduled to speak at tomorrow’s Muleskinners meeting.

Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. at Stamper Commons on the Stephens College campus, and the forum is expected to begin around noon. State Rep. Judy Baker, Marion County Comissioner Lyndon Bode, former Sen. Ken Jacob, and former Public Service Commission member Steve Gaw are expected to attend and answer questions from the audience.

Missouri Right to Life endorses Bode

Anti-abortion rights organization Missouri Right to Life has endorsed Democrat and Marion County Commissioner Lyndon Bode for Ninth District State Representative. Bode said in a news release that the endorsement shows his campaign is gaining momentum.

Bode is the only anti-abortion rights candidate in the Democratic primary contest for the Ninth District.

“There are a lot of pro-life Democrats in the Ninth Congressional District,” said Patty Skain, Missouri Right to Life executive director. “This lets them know that he would support their issues and the bills that he might vote on as far as protection of life when he gets to Washington.”

Missouri Right to Life has also endorsed Republican and former state Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer.

“We certainly hope that Mr. Bode wins his primary and Mr. Luetkemeyer wins his and that we have two pro-life folks running against each other,” Skain said. “That would be the best scenario for us.”

Bode is running against State Rep. Judy Baker, former Sen. Ken Jacob, and former Public Service Commission member Steve Gaw.

Congressman Clay Endorses Zweifel for Treasurer

Representative Clint Zweifel, one of the Democratic candidates for Missouri State Treasurer, picked up the endorsement of Congressman William Lacy Clay today.

Congressman Clay represents Missouri’s first district, and feels that Zweifel shares his views on education.

“As a cosponsor of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Clint and I see eye to eye on the importance of providing educational opportunities for all children,” Clay said. “Clint stood up to Governor Blunt and his plan to raid MOHELA and divert funds away from affordable student loans. Clint was the first member of his family to graduate from college, and he has a real plan to provide Missouri students with low-interest loans again,” a news release stated.

“I am honored to have the support of Congressman Clay,” Zweifel said. “His work in Congress, providing more educational opportunities for all children — is creating the next generation of Missouri scientists, teachers and engineers. I will do everything in my power as treasurer to invest in Missouri families and give them the financial break they need.”