Party leaders rally behind Holden at Democrat Days

HANNIBAL, Mo. -- State Democratic leaders on Saturday rallied behind Gov. Bob Holden's re-election campaign in 2004, but a few of the rank-and-file said they hope there will be a Democratic alternative.

Holden, appearing to cheers at the annual Democrat Days, dished out plentiful scoops of ice cream and campaign stickers to the party faithful gathered at Hannibal.

State party leaders confidently declared Holden their candidate. Yet there was an undercurrent of curiosity about whether Holden would face a primary challenge, either from Democratic State Auditor Claire McCaskill or someone else.

McCaskill has publicly declared that she intends to run for governor someday and has been gauging whether to try next year. But Democratic Party leaders are trying to discourage a primary, which could leave the winner politically wounded and financially weakened.

Asked if McCaskill was running for governor, state Democratic Party chairman May Scheve replied: "We're hoping she doesn't, but we're supporting Holden."

But some Democrats are, indeed, hoping for a primary. Holden was no better than a third choice for former state worker Nancy Maylon.

"I'm kind of waiting to see" who to support, said Maylon of Cole County. "I kind of like Claire McCaskill. I haven't been that satisfied with a lot of the things Holden's done."

Ernestine Kinsey was equally undecided. As a member of the Polk County Democratic Central Committee, she was upset Holden has passed over the committee's nominee to run the local driver's license office. She, too, said McCaskill "has great possibility."

So far, Holden is the only Democrat to say he is running for governor.

Most of the people at Democrat Days were wearing Holden stickers, which the governor said was a good sign.

"The feedback I'm getting is very strong," said Holden, dismissing a question about people interested in a candidacy by McCaskill or another Democrat, by saying, "when was the last time that wasn't said" during a campaign?

McCaskill's banners only advertised her Internet Web site -- not a specific office. Likewise, her supporters wore vague stickers bearing a basketball with the message: "Democrats Rebound 2004."

Her supporters also displayed a map of Missouri at the convention with red flags marking all the House seats won by Republicans in 2002 and silver tacks showing all the counties won by McCaskill in her auditor's race last year. The subtle intent was to show her strength as a candidate.

Asked whether she was running for governor, McCaskill said: "I don't think it's a secret I'm considering it. I'm taking input."

McCaskill said she planned to announce a decision after the legislative session ends in May -- or perhaps even later.

Kelley predicted McCaskill would opt not to run.

"I think Claire's going to find that everyone's with Governor Holden," he said.

Sen. Ken Jacob of Columbia, the chamber's Democratic leader, also doubted whether McCaskill or anyone else would challenge Holden, largely because of the huge fund-raising effort it would take.

"I just don't see it happening. I think it's a very remote possibility," Jacob said.