Gov. Nixon Endorses Lacy Clay for U.S. Congress

U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-St. Louis) scored a major endorsement Tuesday from the head of Missouri's Democratic Party.

Gov. Jay Nixon issued a press release in support of Clay, who faces a primary fight from fellow incumbent Democrat U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-St. Louis.)

"For over 25 years, Lacy Clay has been a powerful voice for working families and a tireless advocate for the people of St. Louis," Nixon said. "He’s the right man to continue serving the people of the First Congressional District, and I fully support his re-election."

City of St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley backed Clay earlier, when Carnahan said he was in the 1^st District contest.

Clay also received the support of the local AFL-CIO on April 4.

“Organized labor is standing with Congressman Clay because he has always stood with us,” said Hugh McVey, president of the Missouri AFL-CIO told PoliticMO. “In Congress, Lacy Clay has been a fearless defender of American jobs, American workers, and the right to organize and maintain a safe workplace.”

Carnahan's 3rd Congressional District was redrawn and nearly eliminated in the St. Louis area, after the 2010 census revealed St. Louis had lost significant numbers of voters since 2000. He could have run for office in either the 2nd or the first districts, and must move into either district within the next year, if he should win.

The St. Louis City Democrat had considered running in the Republican-leaning 2nd Congressional District, which now includes Chesterfield after redistricting, but instead decided to enter the race against Clay.

Last week, Carnahan received the endorsement of the St. Louis chapter of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). 

Mark Woolbright, vice president of IAFF, told PoliticMo that Carnahan has always supported first responders.

“Whether it’s trying to find ways to save jobs in the region or ensuring that we have top of the line equipment and training, we know the public safety community has a true fighter for our issues in Russ Carnahan.”

Carnahan was scheduled for a campaign stop in Webster Groves Tuesday.

See related Clay/Carnahan stories on Patch: