Jeff Smith, Gep's district, leads in fundraising for quarter.

[madfloridian]

http://www.jeffsmith2004.com/
WE ARE IN THE LEAD
SNIP.."The fundraising numbers are in and WE ARE IN THE LEAD. We raised over $150,000 and we have almost $273,000 on hand to get our message to voters over the next few weeks. That's more money than anyone else in this race has to communicate with voters. We are in an unbelievable position heading into the election on August 3rd. We have more volunteers, a better message, and more money than all of our opponents.

When I began this race, I believed the voters of the 3rd District were looking for a positive, progressive choice to take Dick Gephardt's place and fight for our future in Washington D.C."

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/politics/9164614.htm
SNIP.."University professor Jeff Smith, who's used the Internet to raise money Howard Dean-style, reported $272,963 cash on hand. He raised $151,116 in the second quarter, bringing his overall total raised to $387,006."

Jeff at podium introducing Gov. Dean, who is behind him. Fundraiser also for Missouri State House - Maria Chappelle-Nadal

[madfloridian]

1. "Jeff Smith hopes to use hoop moves in political arena, too"

Great article on Jeff.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/Columnists.nsf/0/043318B61BAE301586256ED00038EBE3?OpenDocument&Headline=Jeff+Smith+hopes+to+use+hoop+moves+in+political+arena,+too

SNIP..."Smith, 30, a political science instructor at Washington University and the University of Missouri at St. Louis, is one of 10 Democratic candidates vying for the 3rd District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt.

I knew state Rep. Russ Carnahan, son of the late governor Mel, was in the race. Other Democratic names I recognized included state Sen. Steve Stoll and former state Rep. Joan Barry. Barry has strong ties to labor. Stoll is a social conservative from Jefferson County who has support from teachers. Russ Carnahan, of course, has the name and endorsements from key party activists. That usually translates to big money."

SNIP..." How could Smith compete? He's "different," his friends told me. Former presidential candidate Howard Dean endorsed Smith's candidacy a few weeks ago. Deaniacs are known for their zeal and for coming up with inventive ways to raise money.

Part of Smith's platform includes enhancing public education and addressing racial inequities. Smith teaches courses in public policy, race in American politics and the immigrant experience. He co-founded a charter school in north St. Louis focusing on math, science and technology. I interviewed Smith last week. He claims that his campaign has re-energized young, disengaged and disillusioned voters. He said he was gaining support from voters "tired of President Bush's irresponsible fiscal policies."