Politically Speaking continues its interviews with Missouri’s most prominent behind-the-scenes players. St. Louis Public Radio’s Jason Rosenbaum and Jo Mannies speak this week with “the pride of St. James,” aka political consultant Jack Cardetti.
Note: You can subscribe to us on iTunes now.
The Phelps County native has served in two gubernatorial administrations, most recently as Gov. Jay Nixon’s communications director. He was also the chief spokesman for the Missouri Democratic Party in the mid- to late 2000s. He now works as a consultant for Tightline Strategies.
Cardetti – who shares the honorable distinction of being a Vox Magazine “30 Under 30” recipient the same year as Rosenbaum – is currently working on a high-stakes ballot initiative to raise the state’s sales tax to fund transportation projects. He’s also worked on successful statewide campaigns for Nixon and Secretary of State Jason Kander.
On the show, Cardetti said:
- He started as the “lowest low man on the totem pole” working for Nixon when he was attorney general. Cardetti also worked in Gov. Bob Holden’s administration.
- When he served as communications director for the Missouri Democratic Party, the state’s political parties were arguably more powerful. That’s because candidates operated under strict campaign finance limits, but political parties had looser strictures. “A lot of the organizing both on the political side, but also on the message side, was coordinated directly through the party,” he said.
- The transportation tax brings together groups often in conflict with one another, such as business groups and organized labor. He also said the measure showcased the GOP-controlled legislature can tackle tough issues.
- Nixon and former U.S. Sen. Kit Bond, a Republican, are two Missouri politicians who have a “brand” in the state. Cardetti suggested that Nixon would be more interested in transitioning to an “executive branch” position, such as a federal cabinet appointment.
- State Rep. John Wright, D-Rocheport, and St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura Jones are the “rising stars” within the Democratic Party.
Follow Jo Mannies on Twitter: @jmannies
Follow Jason Rosenbaum on Twitter: @jrosenbaum
Follow Jack Cardetti on Twitter: @jackcardetti
