SAINT LOUIS, Mo. — Professional political junkies that were hoping to see a bloody and expensive battle for St. Louis County executive appear to be getting just that, as the Democratic primary candidates continue to publicly trade shots.
Last week, county Councilman Steve Stenger released two new television ads, both highly critical of incumbent County Executive Charlie Dooley. The first ad looks to paint Dooley as a poor steward of taxpayer dollars, chiding the longtime incumbent for threatening to make huge cuts in the parks budget while also approving thousands for new park vehicles.
While Stenger takes credit in the ad for balancing the budget and keeping the parks open, Dooley’s camp was quick to respond that Stenger himself voted for the new vehicles as well.
Stenger’s second ad takes aim at Dooley’s so-called corruption, noting the history of FBI investigations and touting the endorsement of St. Louis County’s own prosecutor.
Dooley’s camp was quick to dub Stenger as “Double Standard Steve” for running his ads on KSDK Channel 5. Stenger has overwhelming backing from labor in the region. The IBEW, one of the labor groups supporting him, is currently embroiled in a bitter boycott of KSDK.
A spokesperson for Dooley said Stenger “suddenly throws tantrums and stomps his feet two months before an election.”
Stenger’s camp said they believe their ads compared with Dooley’s statement speak for themselves.
The hostility is likely to lead to continued strained relationships between Stenger and his supporters and the embattled Dooley, who has been forced to brush off several scandals and investigations over the last two years, including accusations he acquired a contract for a friendly donor or that he overplayed his authority in handling the Children’s Service Fund.
Stenger has ducked repeated calls to release more of his tax returns, which he has declined to do to protect the privacy of his ex-wife, with whom he jointly filed for several years. His wide support among organized labor make him a tough opponent for Dooley, who has continued to lose support from unions over the last several years. Most recently, both men took different positions on the proposed sales tax increase for the ballot that would fund Missouri roads projects.
Dooley spoke against increasing sales taxes for the new roads, while Stenger offered his tentative support.
With accusations already flying in ads and statements and sharp tongues on both sides, observers can expect the race to be perhaps the bloodiest in the region during the 2014 cycle. St. Louis City Council meets every Tuesday, typically at 6pm.
Collin Reischman was the Managing Editor for The Missouri Times, and a graduate of Webster University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.
