Missouri 2016 Megathread

[Attorney General, LGC Speaker, and Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

After being one of the least interesting states in the country this year, Missouri will re-enter the competitive spectrum in 2016 with a vulnerable senator in Roy Blunt and an open seat Governor's Race.

To start this off, we already have some declared candidates.

Governor:

Catherine Hanaway (R)

Senate:

Roy Blunt (R, inc.)
Mike Sanders (D)


Hanaway also has an internal poll out showing her leading Chris Koster (D) 35/33 in a hypothetical matchup.

So, what sort of chances do the democrats have in these races? Will any of the U.S. house districts somehow become competitive? You can bring up the presidential some, but I'd like this to focus on things besides Missouri's status (or lack thereof) as a battleground state in the 2016 presidential race.

[publicunofficial]

Probably the most interesting potential candidate for Governor is Claire McCaskill. She's ran for Governor before, and is said to prefer being an executive to a legislator. Running for an open Governor's race in a Presidential year would be easier than running for Senate again in 2018, and she'd be able to pick her Senate replacement in the event that she won.

The main front runner for the Democratic nomination at this point is AG Chris Koster, but he is currently under ethics investigations. It's possible that McCaskill runs and gives Koster the Senate seat once she takes office, where he wouldn't face voters until the heat from his scandal cools down.

[Miles]

Clint Zweifel will be termed-out as a Treasurer in 2016 and won't run for anything else.

[Flake]

Clint Zweifel will be termed-out as a Treasurer in 2016 and won't run for anything else.

RIP Democrats holding this seat

[Suburbia]

It looks like Missouri Democrats may lose the Governorship, State Treasurer, and Attorney General seat if Republicans have a good year. Peter Kinder may run again for Lieutenant Governor, although his scandals. Jason Kander may remain as Secretary of State, but the Republicans have an edge in Missouri. I don't know if the Ferguson riots and unrest will affect African-American turnout in 2016 with the governor's race. Will they punish MO Democrats by voting for Hanaway or Schweich for governor on the Republican side?

[Talleyrand]

Democrats will lose every statewide race.

Next.

[KCDem]

Democrats will lose every statewide race.

Next.

This. Close this thread.

[Türkisblau]

Democrats will lose every statewide race.

Next.

"Wow, guys how are we ever going to recover from that disastrous midterm that culled the ranks of our party in almost every state?"

"Ignore any state that looks even slightly inhospitable to democrats!"

This will surely work.

[IceSpear]

Democrats will lose every statewide race.

Next.

"Wow, guys how are we ever going to recover from that disastrous midterm that culled the ranks of our party in almost every state?"

"Ignore any state that looks even slightly inhospitable to democrats!"

This will surely work.

Yes, of course. Republicans should've just surrendered and become a regional party after 2006/2008. One election = forever.

[henster]

Koster is a formidable candidate and a good fit for the state. If Hillary is getting 45-47% of the vote in Missouri then he has a very strong chance of winning. Kander should definitely look at a Senate run because his opportunities are limited, assuming Koster wins the Governorship that path is closed for 8 years probably and I doubt McCaskill is going anywhere unless she's beaten a Senate run makes sense for him.