Missouri's U.S. Senate Candidates Stir Up Novel Approaches For Fundraising

The last few iterations of this column have noted how several candidates for the U.S. Senate utilized creative means to entice fundraising efforts. For instance, Rep. Todd Akin (R-Wildwood)  

And Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) has directly attacked

McCaskill’s campaign staff continued on a creative path in an email that was sent to supporters earlier this week. They played on the fact that McCaskill had lost her voice right before she was supposed to make a speech at a Democratic gathering in Kansas City.

“Between fighting on the floor of the Senate, riling up the troops back home, and making endless calls to rally support, Claire has already lost her voice—and it's only May,” said campaign manager Adrianne Marsh in an email. “I'm not kidding either, her doctor has ordered her not to talk for two days. We're all placing our bets on whether she'll be able to make it.”

The fundraising pitch included a picture of McCaskill wearing a nametag that said “so sorry, I have lost my voice.” She noted on Twitter that she ended up sounding like a “bullfrog.”

McCaskill, who is seen as one of the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents of the election cycle, will likely face off against Akin, former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman or Frontenac businessman John Brunner in November

Gone country?

Akin’s campaign announced this week that it will be having a fundraiser on Friday night in Old Monroe, located in Lincoln County.

Dubbed the “Boot Scootin' Boogie to benefit the Todd Akin for U.S. Senate campaign,” a $35 donation will get somebody “country dinner of fried chicken and kettle beef, beer, wine, soda.” 

“If you're in the St. Louis area, you can ‘scoot’ by the Old Monroe Knights of Columbus hall this Friday night the 18th and get your boots on!” wrote Akin communications director Ryan Hite. “This will be a night of good old fashioned food, music, and fun!”

Lincoln County was previously a part of the 2^nd Congressional District, which Akin represented before deciding to run for the U.S. Senate. It is now part of the 3^rd Congressional District, which will likely be represented by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-St. Elizabeth) after 2013.