Politics shifting in Stoddard County

Voters could see a change in Stoddard County politics after the approaching election.

Traditionally, the county has overwhelmingly voted Democratic and has filled nearly all seats at the county level with Democrats.

But in recent years, the political dynamic seems to have shifted, as Republican Russell Oliver unseated longtime incumbent Democrat Briney Welborn for Stoddard County prosecuting attorney. Likewise, the Stoddard County Commission saw two seats vacated by Democrats and filled with Republicans -- as did the county clerk's office.

Michael Moroni, chairman of the Democratic Central Committee, said the pendulum does appear to have swung.

"I think there could be any number of reasons for the shift," Moroni said. "But I'm not going to concede that everything has changed entirely. We've got a lot of work ahead of us, but I'm confident for the future."

Moroni said he believes people in Stoddard County traditionally lean right of center and likely are swayed by right-leaning media.

"But when I talk to people, it's pretty clear that most individuals are progressive in their views," Moroni remarked. "I think that's true of just about everywhere, but it's also true here."

Wayne Jean of Dexter, Missouri, who is chairman of the Republican Central Committee, said he believes the shift to Republicans taking local and regional offices has been coming for a while.

"A long time ago, Cape County was the only Republican county," Jean said. "But it started to filter down this way. I think it hit Butler County first and then came to Stoddard County. So, maybe it was just a natural progression."

Jean refused to speculate further as to why the political climate has shifted.

Records from the Stoddard County Clerk's office show the August 2014 primary election had 4.953 ballots cast. Of those, 3,951 were Republican while only 971 Democrat ballots were cast.

"I think, traditionally, the Republicans vote more in the primaries," Moroni said. "I think this past primary was a poor one to judge the local political landscape. The Democratic Party is still strong."

Jean said the Republican Party is active in the region and even has a Young Republican club that has been attracting a new generation.

"That is something we really need to do," Moroni said. "As a party, we need to find a way to reach out to the younger crowd and get them involved."

Jean said the Young Republican club has existed locally for seven or eight years.

"Ten years ago, we didn't have a county Republican club," Jean explained. "Now, we meet regularly and have anywhere from 60 to 80 people attending every meeting."

Jean went on to explain he believes many of the younger voters relate to Republican values, and many of those young voters continue to live in Dexter after starting their careers.

Moroni noted some area officials have changed their political affiliations -- switching from Democratic to Republican.

"I don't know why some of them do it," Moroni remarked. "I can't answer for any of them."

Moroni said he does believe the political realm is attracting fewer people.

"That's the biggest issue, I think," Moroni said. "There are several good people that would make good public officials, but, thanks to certain media outlets, the good people are afraid to run for office."

Moroni also said campaign financing has become an overwhelming issue.

"You have to raise so much money just to run now," Moroni said. "So, let's say you're running as a Republican and you get 10 people to donate $300 and you're grateful; but then a corporation donates $30,000 with one check. Who's going to get your attention? Who are you going to owe more to once you get elected? What does that do for the working-class people that donated what little they could?"

Despite the reduced number in Democratic officials, Moroni said he is confident looking down the road.

"In the 2012 general election, the Democrats kept the majority of their seats here in the county," Moroni remarked. "They turned out and showed that we're still strong."

For the Republican Party, Jean said he, too, is optimistic.

"I'm confident and hopeful that Republicans will take the governor's office in a couple years," Jean explained. "And we've got some very strong candidates that could do it."