Press "Enter" to skip to content

Franklin County lets allegiances be known, although senate race is up in the air

WASHINGTON, Mo – As Franklin County Republicans entered the Washington Knights of Columbus Hall, they were greeted by supporters of both Rep. Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, and Speaker of the House Tim Jones, R-Eureka. Schatz’s people passed out white stickers. Jones’ people handed out glossy pamphlets.

Speaker of the House Tim Jones addresses the crowd at Franklin County Lincoln Day on Friday
Speaker of the House Tim Jones addresses the crowd at Franklin County Lincoln Day on Friday

Both Schatz and Jones spoke at the Franklin County Lincoln Day event on Friday. Jones refrained from proclaiming his candidacy for the District 26 Senate seat and has yet to file for the office, although sitting Senator Brian Nieves, R-Washington, has publicly encouraged Jones to file for the seat through a long letter posted on Facebook. Currently, Schatz is the only candidate who has actually filed for the open senate seat. Nieves withdrew from the race on Thursday. “Part of the reason I put the deadline on myself is I did not want to keep these people hanging,” Nieves said of his decision. Nieves, Jones, and Schatz were introduced respectively to the crowd before dinner. By far, Schatz received the loudest ovation from the Republican faithful – whistles and cheers included. Jones and Schatz spoke back-to-back after the meal and there was a distinct contrast between the two politicians. Jones presented a picture of polish – keeping his suit jacket buttoned and wearing a constant smile, at ease with a public speaking sphere. He deliberately went through all his key talking points, discussing how as Speaker of the House, he has worked on a pro-gun, pro-life, and anti-union agenda backed by a Republican super majority in the House. “Recently the Missouri Baptist Convention rated me as the strongest pro-life speaker in Missouri history,” Jones said. Schatz was not as comfortable in front of the podium, but he used that as part of his appeal. He stressed how he has lived all his life in Franklin County and that he is not a career politician. He also mentioned his connection to Nieves, still extremely popular in his hometown of Washington. “Senator Nieves was one of the first people I talked to when I decided to run for office,” Schatz said.

Rep. Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan
Rep. Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan

When asked how Nieves felt about Schatz dropping his name, he said, “That’s fine by me.” It’s possible Nieves is softening his pro-Jones stance because Jones is aiming for a different office. Jones talked more in his speech about attorney general than any other position, deploring the fact that a Democrat has held the office for 24 years. “Attorney general is the last barrier between your state and the federal government,” Jones said. Jones has made his desires to run for attorney general in 2016 known, although he has yet to commit to a campaign. Regardless, the people of Franklin County are already choosing sides in a potential senate seat showdown.