A large crowd packed the Holiday Inn ballroom here Saturday in celebration of The 57th Annual Truman Day Rally.
Sponsored by the Butler County Democratic Women’s Club as well as a number of individual sponsors, the event featured music and Pledge of Allegiance by Chuck Banks, God Bless America performed by Kellendria Johnson, a silent auction, a supper catered by Qulin’s Tasteful Creations and speeches offered by a number of Democratic candidates, including US Senate candidate Trudy Busch Valentine.
Valentine brought her “I’m No One’s Senator But Yours” bus tour to Poplar Bluff to address the enthusiastic audience.
Former Missouri State Senator Jerry Howard served as Master of Ceremonies.
Howard welcomed the crowd and spoke, placing emphasis on Missouri’s healthcare issues and millions of dollars in taxpayer funds paid to a Texas construction firm for unbidded projects.
After an invocation by Marjorie Rushin, Judy Potter continued Howard’s welcome and heaped praise on area resident Mack West for her involvement with the Democratic organization.
Potter then introduced the evening’s honored speakers, Missouri Auditor Democratic Candidate Dr. Alan Green; Missouri 8th District US House of Representatives Candidate Randi McCallian; and Valentine.
McCallian, a health educator and mother, informed the audience of issues faced by 8th District residents. She faces Republican US Rep. Jason Smith in November.
“I felt like I needed to step up for my district,” she said. “We are the hungriest district in the State of Missouri.
“We’re the poorest district in the State of Missouri,” she added. “We die two years earlier on average than any other district in the State of Missouri. We have the highest rates of cancer, asthma and diabetes. The highest rate of disability.”
For these reasons and more McCallian decided to run for office, she said.
Dr. Alan Green told the crowd he’s the most experienced candidate for the position.
Green noted his law enforcement past and his education would serve both himself and the state well if he’s elected auditor.
He will provide the state with independent oversight and continuity of services by retaining and training existing staff, he said.
“I’ll be a watchdog who will aggressively identify how taxpayer dollars are spent,” Green said. “I’ll maintain and improve the public’s trust in the State Auditor’s office and increase visibility throughout the State of Missouri.”
Valentine said a seat in the senate would continue her life’s goal of public service.
“I’m not in this for ego, power or money,” Valentine said. “I can’t be bought.
“I’m not taking corporate PAC money,” the candidate added. “I’ll publish my schedule so you know who I meet with and who I don’t meet with.
“I will be nobody’s senator but yours.”
The standing-room-only audience was delighted by all the candidates’ words and responded to them with thunderous applause and standing ovations throughout the event.