Missouri's 8th Congressional District special election, 2013
The 8th Congressional District of Missouri held a special election for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013. The general election date was June 4, 2013.[1] There were no special primary elections. Instead, the Democratic and Republican Party Committees chose their nominees.[2] Candidates nominated by the political parties had until March 30, 2013, to file their candidacy with the secretary of state. The special election was held on June 4, 2013.[3]
The election was held to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Representative Jo Ann Emerson (R). Emerson officially resigned on January 22, 2013.[2]
| Candidate Filing Deadline | Special Election |
|---|---|
Candidates
General election
Steve Hodges, state representative[4]
Jason T. Smith, state representative[5][6][7]
Bill Slantz, owner of a broadcasting consultation company[8]
Doug Enyart, U.S. Marine and professional forester[9]
Thomas Brown: Write-in candidate[10][11]- Robert George: Write-in candidate[10][11]
- Wayne Byington: Write-in candidate[12]
- Theo Brown Sr.: Write-in candidate[12]
Not selected by party committee
- Mark Richardson
- Sarah Steelman, former treasurer
- Lloyd Smith, former chief of staff under Emerson
- Peter Kinder, Lieutenant Governor
- Eddy Justice
- Todd Richardson
- Kevin Engler
- Clint Tracy
- Scott Lipke
- Wayne Wallingford
- Linda Black, state representative[8]
- Mark Fitchpatrick, a former mayor of Blodgett, Missouri[8]
- Todd Mahn, funeral home director[8]
- Jack Rushin, a chiropractor[8]
Election results
General election
| U.S. House, Missouri District 8 Special General Election, 2013 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  Jason T. Smith |
67.1% | 42,141 | |
| Democratic | Steve Hodges | 27.4% | 17,207 | |
| Libertarian | Bill Slantz | 1.5% | 968 | |
| Constitution | Doug Enyart | 3.6% | 2,265 | |
| Write-in | Robert George | 0.1% | 75 | |
| Write-in | Thomas W. Brown | 0.1% | 85 | |
| Write-in | Wayne Byington | 0% | 25 | |
| Write-in | Theo Brown Sr. | 0% | 0 | |
| Total Votes | 62,766 | |||
| Source: Missouri Division of Elections "2013 Special Election Results" | ||||
Race background
Emerson resigned from Congress in February 2013 to become President and CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Emerson stated, "I am not leaving Congress because I have lost my heart for service — to the contrary — I see a new way to serve. I did not go seeking this opportunity, but I am excited about the new challenge it offers to find ways to promote strong rural policy." Emerson easily won re-election to the seat in 2012 with roughly 72% of the vote.[2] Republicans were heavily favored to retain control of the seat.[7]
Endorsements
Democratic
On May 14, 2013, Democratic nominee Steve Hodges, a state Representative, received an endorsement from Gov. Jay Nixon.[13] Hodges has also received endorsements from Attorney General Chris Koster (D), Secretary of State Jason Kander (D) and Treasurer Clint Zweifel (D).[13][14] Hodges has received many group endorsements in past campaigns, including those from the National Rifle Association and Missouri Right to Life.[13]
Republican
On May 15, 2013, Republican nominee Jason Smith announced an endorsement by former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.[13]
Smith's campaign also announced endorsements from large business, right-to-life, farming and pro-gun organizations and groups, including the Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Corn Growers Association, the Missouri Cattlemen's Association and Missouri Right to Life.[15] Additionally, endorsements include all of Missouri's current Republican members of Congress, including Ann Wagner, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Vicky Hartzler, Sam Graves and Billy Long, along with former 8th District representative Jo Ann Emerson and Republican Sen. Roy Blunt, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and Auditor Tom Schweich.[13][15]
Campaign donors
Jason Smith
Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s Sarah PAC contributed $5,000 on May 14, 2013 to Jason Smith.[16] Smith reported raising $200,313 from April 1 to May 15, and has $228,147 cash on hand as of May 15th.[16] Smith has raised $509,919 so far in 2013.
Smith raised $114,083 from individuals.[16] Smith also received $4,500 from nine individuals at the Washington, D.C. lobbying firm of Livingston Group LLC.[16] Besides Sarah PAC, the American Society of Anesthesiologists PAC also gave $5,000, as well as the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association PAC. During the period from April 1 to May 15 PACs gave $82,749 to Smith's campaign.
Jason Smith for Congress spent $62,588 on media expenses and another $18,096 on TV expenses, $23,600 on research and $18,833 on payroll.[16]
Steve Hodges
Steve Hodges reported raising $107,728 from April 1 to May 15, 2013.[16] He raised $51,223 from individuals and $32,550 from PACs and other committees.[16] Hodges spent $20,896 on payroll, $24,400 on polling and campaign strategy.[16] Hodges had $142,103 cash on hand as of May 15, 2013, and he had raised $228,501 in 2013.[16]
District history
2012
The 8th Congressional District of Missouri held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 6, 2012. Incumbent Jo Ann Emerson won re-election in the district.[17]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Jack Rushin | 24.6% | 73,755 | |
| Republican | Jo Ann Emerson Incumbent |
71.9% | 216,083 | |
| Libertarian | Rick Vandeven | 3.5% | 10,553 | |
| Total Votes | 300,391 | |||
| Source: Missouri Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election" | ||||
2010
On November 2, 2010, Jo Ann Emerson was re-elected to the United States House for an eighth term. She defeated Tommy Sowers (D), Larry Bill (Independent), and Rick Vandeven (Libertarian).[18]
| United States House, Missouri General Election, 2010 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | Jo Ann Emerson Incumbent |
65.6% | 128,499 | |
| Democratic | Tommy Sowers | 28.8% | 56,377 | |
| Independent | Larry Bill | 3.7% | 7,193 | |
| Libertarian | Rick Vandeven | 2% | 3,930 | |
| Total Votes | 195,999 | |||
See also
- United States Congress special elections, 2013
- Missouri's 8th Congressional District
- United States House of Representatives elections in Missouri, 2012
- United States House of Representatives elections, 2012
- BP News: Republican nominee wins Missouri congressional special election
External links
- Missouri's Election Division
- Upcoming Elections
- Election Results
- Missouri Established Political Parties
Footnotes
- ↑ The Hill, "Emerson’s resignation sets off free-for-all in Missouri House race," January 22, 2013
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 The Washington Post, "Missouri Rep. Jo Ann Emerson to resign from House," December 3, 2012
- ↑ Missouri Secretary of State, "Special Election," accessed February 1, 2013
- ↑ Southeast Missourian, "Hodges tapped as Democratic nominee in 8th District," February 17, 2013
- ↑ Politico, "Republican wins Missouri special election" accessed June 4, 2013
- ↑ Missouri Secretary of State elections division, "Special Election 2013" accessed June 4, 2013
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Washington Post, "Republicans nominate Jason Smith for Missouri special election," February 9, 2013
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 The Daily Dunklin, "Democrat Hodges says he's in for 8th District," February 14, 2013
- ↑ Missouri Secretary of State, "Special Election Filings" accessed April 15, 2013
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 SE Missourian, "Major party 8th District candidates get endorsements from Nixon, Palin" accessed May 21, 2013
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Daily Statesman, "8th District candidates collect endorsements for June election" accessed May 21, 2013
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Daily Journal, "Candidates seek 8th Congressional District seat" accessed June 2, 2013
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 SE Missourian, "Major party 8th District candidates get endorsements from Nixon, Palin" accessed May 21, 2013
- ↑ Daily Statesman, "8th District candidates collect endorsements for June election" accessed May 21, 2013
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Daily Statesman, "8th District candidates collect endorsements for June election" accessed May 21, 2013
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6 16.7 16.8 Roll Call, "Palin Gives $5,000 to Smith in Missouri Special Election" accessed May 28, 2013
- ↑ Politico, "2012 Election Map, Missouri," accessed November 7, 2012
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
