ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Cardinal’s opening day Monday quickly turned political from opposition social media campaigns.
Missouri Rising launched attacks against Chris Koster, running Facebook and Twitter advertisements for those in and around Busch Stadium, hoping to highlight what they believe to be “three strikes that make [Koster] unfit” to be governor.
“The St. Louis Cardinals and their devoted fans set the standard for excellence in professional sports, and they deserve the same from their political leaders,” said Jeremy Adler, Communications Director, Missouri Rising. “Unfortunately, Chris Koster has already struck out for the people of Missouri with a clear record of unethical behavior, hypocrisy and brazen political opportunism. Missouri Rising is excited use Opening Day as a chance to help inform Cardinals’ fans about why Koster is the wrong choice this November. Go Cards!”
Koster’s campaign did not respond on social media, instead remaining on message promoting equal pay and Medicaid expansion.
Additionally, the Missouri Democratic Party jabbed Republican gubernatorial hopeful Eric Greitens for donations from the owners of both the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers.
With “investments” from @EricGreitens‘s MLB-owner pals in NL Central, we’re not sure he’ll root on the @Cardinals… pic.twitter.com/SNnVfWUkx0
— MO Democratic Party (@MoDemParty) April 11, 2016
Greiten’s quickly responded on Twitter, saying he was on the way to the stadium at the moment, later posting a picture from the game.
Typical desperate politicians… Looking forward to a great home opener today – heading down to the stadium now. https://t.co/ob5xjyLjgK
— Eric Greitens (@EricGreitens) April 11, 2016
Rachael Herndon was the editor at The Missouri Times and also produced This Week in Missouri Politics, published Missouri Times Magazine, and co-hosted the #MoLeg podcast. She joined The Missouri Times in 2014, returning to political reporting after working as a campaign and legislative staffer.
Rachael studied at the University of Missouri – Columbia. She lives in Jefferson City with her husband, Brandon, and their two children.