Contested primary race for governor

Missouri faces the possibility of a contested primary race for Governor on the democratic ticket in 2004. For only the second time, an incumbent governor could have a significant primary opponent. State Auditor Claire McCaskill is expected to announce this week that she will challenge Governor Bob Holden’s re-electlion effort next August. Voters approved a change to the constitution in August, 1965, allowing a Governor to be elected for a second consecutive four-year term. Warren Hearnes was the first Governor to succeed himself under that provision. Christopher Bond, a Republican, was the first Governor after that to lose a re-election bid when Joseph Teasdale, a democrat, defeated him in 1976. In 1980, Teasdale became the first sitting governor since the constitutional change to face a major challenge from within his own party.State Treasurer James Spainhower challenged Teasdale in the August election. Teasdale won, 359,263 to 294,917, but was defeated by Bond in November, 1,098,950 to 981,884. Since then, Missourians have elected John Ashcroft and Mel Carnahan to two consecutive terms each. Jim Spainhower, now 75, is retired and living near Rogers, Arkansas. Teasdale, who is 64, is an attorney in Kansas City. Missourinet News Director Bob Priddy interviewed both men October 15.
Related web sites:
Claire McCaskill Official Campaign Website