This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Jan. 19, 2012 - State Rep. Jamilah Nasheed, a St. Louis Democrat out to unseat state Sen. Robin Wright-Jones, outraised the incumbent during the final quarter of 2011, finishing the year with far more cash in the bank.
Nasheed announced her primary challenge earlier this month of Wright-Jones, who has said she plans to seek a second term this year. Nasheed raised $27,103 during the fourth quarter of 2011, according to documents filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission. After spending $6,843.87 during the quarter, Nasheed has $39,245.60 on hand.
Wright-Jones, D-St. Louis, added $9,225 to her coffers and also received a $1,500 in-kind donation. She has $1,206.18 on hand, after spending $8,712.11 during the quarter.
Nasheed's campaign received $5,500 in donations from NGG Ltd. President Lawrence Hiboldt, $2,000 from Stone Leyton and Gershman and $1,000 from Noranda Aluminum. All of the reported donations were sent to Nasheed before she announced her challenge against Wright-Jones.
Wright-Jones' campaign nabbed a $1,500 in-kind donation from Kansas City resident Hugh Zimmer, $1,000 from Philip Klawhun & Associates PC and $1,000 from Ameren's PAC.
Even though the state Senate districts are in flux after a Missouri Supreme Court ruling, Nasheed has released a statement saying she would stay in the 5th District race. The 5th District now includes about half of the city.
Nasheed's residence was thrown into a House district that includes the homes of state Rep. Chris Carter, D-St. Louis, and state Rep. Karla May, D-St. Louis. The new House district boundaries are not affected by the state Supreme Court's ruling.
In addition to Nasheed, the Beacon confirmed last month that Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford, D-St. Louis, also was looking into the 5th District contest.
According to documents with the Missouri Ethics Commission, Oxford raised no money during the quarter and spent $208.88. She has $651.51 on hand.
Jason Rosenbaum, a freelance journalist in St. Louis, covers state and local government and politics.
