Democrats vie for attorney general bid
Identity theft and public education are important for the Democratic primary.
Aug. 24, 2007
Politicians in Jefferson City are already preparing for the upcoming attorney general Democratic primary.
Current Attorney General Jay Nixon is not seeking re-election because he is instead seeking the governor's office, according to his Web site.
Several politicians have announced their bids to fill the post.
Outgoing House Minority Leader Jeff Harris, D-Columbia, and Rep. Margaret Donnelly, D-St. Louis, have both started campaigning in preparation for the 2008 Democratic primary.
Harris, who served as an assistant attorney general under Nixon, said he thinks this experience will be helpful.
"I understand the office," he said. "That's experience that will come in handy."
Harris has also received endorsements from Senate Minority Leader Maida Coleman, D-St. Louis, and former Gov. Roger Wilson. He said these endorsements reflect the Democratic support of his campaign.
"I'm the guy who's been the Democratic leader," he said. "Democrats are coming home to support my campaign."
Harris said the support of high-ranking party officials will help sway moderates and undecided voters, as well as encourage Democratic voters.
But Donnelly showed little interest in trying to secure similar endorsement. She said her campaign was focused on talking with voters and felt the response has been "wonderful" thus far.
She was also confident that her 30-year record of public service will speak for itself.
"When the ultimate test comes, my record of experience and ideas will result in the voters choosing me as the next attorney general," she said.
Both candidates have plans for what they would like to accomplish as attorney general.
Harris said he plans to protect the privacy of Missourians by forming a cyber crime task force to enforce technology laws and make sure that the present laws are adequate.
He said he would focus on "cracking down" on identity theft perpetrators and work to educate Missourians about the dangers of identity theft. In addition, he said he would oppose school vouchers.
Donnelly emphasized her commitment to combating domestic violence and keeping children safe, as well as her "unwavering commitment to public education, preschool through college."
She said she would be a watchdog against further attacks on student-loan programs and be vigilant in ensuring that student loan programs are being properly run.
More Aug. 24, 2007 News Stories
- 'Course shopping' big among MU students — Course-shopping, or adding and dropping classes based on a student's various needs, is rampant among college students, a University of ...
- Birth control prices at MU stay consistent — MU pharmacy avoids price increase on birth control that sweeps schools.
- Campus Blotter — Saturday, Aug. 18 Lyndey C. Brock, 20, of 511 E. Rollins St., on suspicion of possession of alcohol by a ...
- Columbia Blotter — MONDAY, Aug.20 David D. Wilhite, 26, of 5116 Clark Lane, on suspicion of third-degree domestic assault Katherine G. Dean, 29, ...
- Democrats vie for attorney general bid — Identity theft and public education are important for the Democratic primary.
Most recent News Stories
- Building funding reduced to balance budget — Projects such as painting have been put off in lean budget times.
- Four Front discusses diversity with administrators — The biannual meeting lets Four Front members ask about diversity issues at MU.
- MSA leaders skeptical of KCOU tower plan — MSA and KCOU will discuss revisions to a proposal to fund a new tower.
- Students, faculty work to lower book costs — Students could get more money if professors promise to re-use their books.
- Faculty Council discusses departure of sports medicine faculty — Members decided to take more time in investigating claims against the university.