Kelly gets Republican endorsements

Democrat Chris Kelly’s newest television ads for his 24^th District Representative campaign begins with former governor Roger Wilson proposing the question “Why are so many Republicans supporting Chris Kelly?”

Kelly, who is running against Republican incumbent Ed Robb, recently released three ads with a total of six Republicans explaining their support for him.

“I want to make my commitment to bipartisan public,” Kelly said. “I like the public pressure to keep my promise.”

His history of bipartisanship is nothing new: Kelly said he worked alongside John Ashcroft when he was governor to draft health care reform. Ashcroft, who was governor 1985-93, personally asked Kelly to create the new bill, Kelly said.

Kelly said bipartisan efforts are especially important following this upcoming election.

“The Democrats are either going to win small or win big and take the majority. No matter who holds the majority there will be a need for bipartisanship,” Kelly said.

This effort, according to the speakers in Kelly’s ads, is why he has a Republican backing.

“Chris will not get bogged down in partisan bickering. He will listen to all of us,” said former Boone County Commissioner Dave Horner in the advertisement.

In the commercials, the six Republicans, each having held some sort of political office in Missouri, speak about the importance of Kelly’s bipartisanship in relation to issues facing the state today, such as education.

“Some things are more important than a political party,” said Milt Harper, former Boone County prosecutor and judge.

Kelly also said bipartisanship is important.

“I want to stop bipartisan meanness,” Kelly said. “There is too much partisan vindictiveness. As long as they’ll help, I want to work with them.”

All three advertisements can be found here.

Robb released a campaign commercial of his own at the same time as Kelly, emphasizing the importance he places on education and economics — focusing on his merits rather than Kelly.

Robb could not be reached for comment.

Here is Robb's advertisement.