St. Louis Public Radio’s Jason Rosenbaum and Jo Mannies take a deep look at Amendment 1 on the latest edition of Political Speaking.
The measure, widely known as Clean Missouri, combines a host of ethics-related alterations with an overhaul of state legislative redistricting. Out of all the things on the Nov. 6 ballot, Clean Missouri is eliciting the most unusual political alliances.
Proponents include left-of-center activists and groups that helped craft the measure, as well as some prominent Republicans. Backers contend that Clean Missouri will make politics more accessible to people — as opposed to special interests or lobbyists.
Detractors believe that the ethics-related items in Clean Missouri, including curtailing lobbyist gifts and slightly lowering campaign donation limits, are aimed at making the state legislative redistricting changes more palatable to voters. While many of the opponents are Republicans, some African-American officials and groups aren’t supporting Clean Missouri because of fears it will lead to fewer black lawmakers getting elected.
This latest Politically Speaking features comments from:
- Clean Missouri campaign manager Sean Soendker Nicholson
- State Sen. Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph
- Former Missouri Supreme Court Judge Michael Wolff
- St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura Jones
- The Rev. Starsky Wilson
- State Rep. Shamed Dogan, R-Ballwin
- Former Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Talent
- U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay, D-St. Louis
- State Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City
Follow Jason on Twitter: @jrosenbaum
Follow Jo on Twitter: @jmannies
Music: “Bicycle Race” by Queen
