Columbia - In a glowing editorial, The Kansas City Star has endorsed Representative Jeff Harris in the Democratic race for Attorney General. While the Star praised both Harris and Representative Margaret Donnelly for their integrity, the newspaper's editorial board said Harris "has an edge based on his leadership role and prosecutorial experience."
The Star is the second major newspaper to endorse Harris, more than either of his rivals. Harris is also the first candidate to receive the support from a publication other than his hometown newspaper.
Harris thanked the Star's editors for their endorsement, and said that it demonstrated that his campaign's strategy, agenda and message are working. "The Star's endorsement absolutely affirms our commitment to campaign in every corner of the Missouri," said Harris. "Voters want an Attorney General who will fight for them. We have built the strongest statewide campaign, and voters are embracing our common sense agenda and our message for strong leadership."
The Star's endorsement is also Harris' second significant pick up of support in Kansas City. In June, he won the backing of the area's leading political club, the Committee for County Progress. Harris also has earned the endorsements of Jackson County Legislator Theresa Garza and Kansas City Councilmen Terry Riley and John Sharp.
In its endorsement, the Star pointed toHarris' strong leadership as House Democratic Leader, in which "he effectively managed diverse interests, which is no small task." Additionally, the Star pointed to Harris' "sound ideas," which he has aggressively laid out during the campaign:
"He wants to use the office to emphasize open government and preservation of public records, for starters. He would work to protect consumers. One of his good ideas is to transfer the Office of Public Counsel, which represents consumers in utility rate matters, to the attorney general's office to give it more independence.
"As a legislator he worked to protect Missouri's environment from pollution by factory farms. He also championed limits on campaign donations.
"Those are ideas that would carry over well into the job of attorney general."
Harris previously was endorsed by the Columbia Daily Tribune. He has won the support of prominent Missouri Democrats, including former Governor Roger Wilson, former Governor Warren Hearnes, former Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell, and Senate Democratic Leader Maida Coleman.
The complete Kansas City Star endorsement is available at:
http://voices.kansascity.com/node/1739 |
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