The 74th State Rep district, which covers parts of Florissant, Black Jack and Spanish Lake, is proving to be a very quietly but closely watched primary in North County.
The current state representative, Steve Webb, has his work cut out for him, and the residents of the area are noticing. Having won in 2008 by 91 votes, Webb is no stranger to a running in a very tight race, but with two opponents against him, one of them with old, deep North County ties and money, this is quite an interesting race.
Webb is African-American, and his challengers are white. While this isn’t news of any sort, there is a strong possibility that after August 3, there will be fewer African-American legislators in Jefferson City, depending on how the votes go in a few races.
Maybe the two white challengers will split the white vote and Webb will win? Maybe?
Webb has been running for this seat since 2004. In 2006, he and another black candidate split the black vote in the district, and the white incumbent won. In 2008 in a two-person race, Webb became the victor.
Tony George was the freshman state rep Webb unseated back in 2008. He has union backing and name and family recognition, but Don Zykan is the one to watch. He’s got the most money and the support of a few established North County families who have deep pockets with political and business influence throughout the region.
In 2008, only 3,123 votes were cast in this state rep race when Webb won by 91 votes. Just like it did before, every vote will count on August 3. Many are hoping that Webb can defend his seat, but hope needs to translate into serious action and political maneuvering.
One suspicious source
On a much lighter note, last Wednesday I decided to stop by O’Fallon Park for the weekly summer concerts that are sponsored by 21st Ward Alderman Antonio D. French and the Sheldon Concert Hall. The concerts take place every Wednesday through August 26.
Kim Massie was fabulous when I went. Food, drinks, Ted Drewes and good times were had. The Three-On-Three Basketball Tourney taking place on Saturday July 24 was being promoted. Despite the heat there was a great turnout. State Rep Jamilah Nasheed, Alderwoman Kacie Starr Triplett, License Collector Gregg F.X. Daley, and President of the Board of Alderman Lewis Reed were just a few of the politicos on the scene.
What I find most interesting about the event was an article written in the Post-Disptach. A fundraiser held at the park was taking place an hour before the concert began, and apparently “one city resident” – who is never named in the story – was questioning the legitimacy of this fundraiser.
Even the usual P-D internet peanut gallery, which always feels the need to add in their two cents on every post, felt that this was a non-story considering that there was nothing fishy going on with holding a fundraiser to support the free concerts.
It just goes to show you that when you are becoming a bit too successful, the haters start circling around. When French passes gas, please write the non-story on that too, Post-Disgrace. There should be at least “one city resident” interested in that as well.