2000 United States Senate election in Missouri
{{Short description|none}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name = 2000 United States Senate election in Missouri
| country = Missouri
| type = presidential
| ongoing = no
| previous_election = 1994 United States Senate election in Missouri
| previous_year = 1994
| next_election = 2002 United States Senate special election in Missouri
| next_year = 2002 (special)
| election_date = November 7, 2000
| image_size = x150px
| image1 = MO Governors - 51 Melvin Carnahan (1993-2000) (52976484531) (cropped).jpg
| nominee1 = Mel Carnahan †
| party1 = Democratic Party (United States)
| popular_vote1 = 1,191,812
| percentage1 = 50.46%
| image2 = File:John Ashcroft.jpg
| nominee2 = John Ashcroft
| party2 = Republican Party (United States)
| popular_vote2 = 1,142,852
| percentage2 = 48.39%
| map_image = {{switcher
|275px|County results
|File:2000 United States Senate election in Missouri by Congressional District.svg|Congressional district results}}
| map_size = 275px
| map_caption = Carnahan: {{legend0|#a5b0ff|40-50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}}
Ashcroft: {{legend0|#ffb2b2|40–50%}} {{legend0|#e27f7f|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#d72f30|70–80%}}
| title = U.S. Senator
| before_election = John Ashcroft
| before_party = Republican Party (United States)
| after_election = Mel Carnahan †
| after_party = Democratic Party (United States)
}}
{{ElectionsMO}}
The 2000 United States Senate election in Missouri was held on November 7, 2000, to select the next U.S. senator from Missouri. Incumbent Republican senator John Ashcroft lost re-election to a second term to Democratic governor Mel Carnahan despite Carnahan's death in a plane crash 20 days before Election Day. Due to the timing of Carnahan's death, state law did not allow his name to be replaced on the ballot. Newly inaugurated governor Roger Wilson appointed Mel Carnahan's widow Jean Carnahan to fill the seat pending a 2002 special election.
Following his defeat, Ashcroft would later be appointed United States Attorney General by George W. Bush and served from 2001 to 2005.
As of 2025, this is the only time a deceased person has won a U.S. Senate election.
Background
John Ashcroft had first been elected in 1994, with close to 60% of the vote, amidst a national Republican wave. During his tenure in the senate, he established a reputation as a conservative, advocating for welfare reform and tax reform, and for being a favorite of social conservatives such as Pat Robertson.{{Cite web |last=PBS NewsHour |date=2000-12-22 |title=Attorney General-Designate John Ashcroft |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/law-july-dec00-ashcroft_12-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903114657/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/law-july-dec00-ashcroft_12-22 |archive-date=2021-09-03 |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=PBS NewsHour |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |last=Franken |first=Bob |date=1998-01-12 |title=Ashcroft Takes A Stab At Tax Reform - 01-12-98 |url=https://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1998/01/12/ashcroft.taxes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010502202455/https://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1998/01/12/ashcroft.taxes/ |archive-date=2001-05-02 |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=www.cnn.com}}{{Cite news |last=Neal |first=Terry M. |date=2023-09-10 |title=In Senate, Bush Backed by Ashcroft (washingtonpost.com) |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/pmextra/jan00/12/bush.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910222504/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/pmextra/jan00/12/bush.htm |archive-date=2023-09-10 |access-date=2023-09-10 }} Beginning in 1997, Ashcroft considered running for President in 2000.{{Cite news |last=Manning |first=Carl |date=1997-08-14 |title=Ashcroft says he is serious on presidency |language=en |pages=1 |work=The Southeast Missourian |publisher= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oH0pAAAAIBAJ&dq=ashcroft+presidential+bid&pg=PA2&article_id=2973,2767988 |access-date=2023-09-15}} Ashcroft visited numerous crucial states, but was undecided between a presidential bid, re-election, or both, which would be permitted under state law.{{Cite news |last= |date=1998-12-13 |title=Ashcroft must decide which run to make |language=en |pages=14A |work=The Southeast Missourian |publisher= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6pEkAAAAIBAJ&dq=ashcroft+2000+senate&pg=PA40&article_id=1644,7066178 |access-date=2023-09-15}} On January 5, 1999, he announced that he would not seek the presidency and would instead seek a second Senate term in the 2000 election.{{Cite web |date=1999-01-05 |title=Ashcroft decides not to jump into 2000 race - January 5, 1999 |url=http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1999/01/05/president.2000/ashcroft/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818044330/http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1999/01/05/president.2000/ashcroft/ |archive-date=2000-08-18 |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=www.cnn.com}}
His opponent was incumbent two-term Democratic governor Mel Carnahan, who by state law, was barred from seeking a third term. Carnahan had held various statewide positions, including state treasurer, lieutenant governor (which he served as while Ashcroft was governor) and as governor. He also had been seen as a prospective candidate in virtually every Missouri U.S. Senate race in the 1990s,{{Cite news |last=Charton |first=Scott |date=1991-04-28 |title=Democrats solicit a Senate hopeful |language=en |pages=8 |work=The Southeast Missourian |publisher= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8KsfAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+senate+schoemehl&pg=PA6&article_id=1276,7454230 |access-date=2023-09-15}}{{Cite news |last=Charton |first=Scott |date=1997-01-25 |title=Carnahan: No Senate bid |language=en |pages=1 |work=The Southeast Missourian |publisher= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zmsnAAAAIBAJ&dq=roger+wilson+run+for+governor+1998&pg=PA2&article_id=3186,5342683 |access-date=2023-09-15}} including passing on a bid for the Class 1 Senate seat in 1994.{{Cite news |last=Charton |first=Scott |date=1994-01-03 |title=Carnahan prefers second term over Senate bid in '94 |language=en |pages=4A |work=The Southeast Missourian |publisher= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fbUfAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+floods&pg=PA3&article_id=1133,172507 |access-date=2023-09-15}} He announced his bid for the seat on November 4, 1998, with polls at the time, showing him leading Senator Ashcroft.{{Cite news |last=Charton |first=Scott |year=1998 |title=Carnahan seeks Ashcroft's Senate Seat |language=en |pages=10A |work=The Nevada Daily Mail |publisher= |location= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=99sfAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+ashcroft&pg=PA15&article_id=1211,2401072 |access-date=2023-09-15}}
Primary results
The primary election was held on August 9, 2000. Both candidates won their respective primaries against largely token opposition.{{Cite news |date=August 9, 2000 |title=Carnahan, Ashcroft Senate race set |language=en |pages=2A |work=Lawrence Journal-World |publisher= |location= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wUcyAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+ashcroft&pg=PA2&article_id=4992,5136530 |access-date=2023-09-15}} {{Election box begin no change |title=Democratic primary results [https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/ElectionResultsStatistics/AllRacesAugust2000Primary.pdf Election result statistics] sos.mo.gov}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Mel Carnahan
|votes = 323,841
|percentage = 78.20%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Ronald Waggoner
|votes = 90,251
|percentage = 21.80%
}}
{{Election box total no change
|votes = 414,092
|percentage = 100.0%
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change |title=Republican primary results
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = John Ashcroft (incumbent)
|votes = 327,442
|percentage = 89.60%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Marc Perkel
|votes = 38,103
|percentage = 10.40%
}}
{{Election box total no change
|votes = 365,545
|percentage = 100.0%
}}
{{Election box end}}
General election
=Candidates=
- John Ashcroft, incumbent U.S. senator (Republican)
- Mel Carnahan, Governor of Missouri (Democratic) (died October 16)
- Charles Dockins (Natural Law)
- Hugh Foley (Reform)
- Grant Samuel Stauffer (Libertarian)
- Evaline Taylor (Green)
= Campaign =
Missouri was often considered by pundits to be a close match to the national electorate, with even the candidates mirroring the presidential candidates at the top of the ticket in many respects.{{Cite news |last=Farney |first=Dennis |date=2000-06-14 |title=The Missouri Senate Race Looks Like A Microcosm of Bush-Gore Campaign |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB960956752110389351 |url-status=live |access-date=June 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230614223802/https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/SB960937257141469018#selection-115.5-115.74 |archive-date=June 14, 2023}} Furthering this line of thinking, Missouri had picked the correct winner in every presidential election from 1904, with the exception of the 1956 presidential election.{{Cite web |last=Hardy |first=Richard J. |title=Online NewsHour Election 2000: Missouri |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/spc/election2000/states/missouri/background.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625014929/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/spc/election2000/states/missouri/background.html |archive-date=2022-06-25 |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=www.pbs.org}} With this in mind, the race for U.S. Senate quickly became one of the most hotly contested in the country.{{Cite web |title=Stuart Rothenberg: The fight for the Senate - September 20, 2000 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/09/20/rothenberg.column/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000922044229/https://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/09/20/rothenberg.column/index.html |archive-date=2000-09-22 |access-date=2023-07-21 |website=www.cnn.com}} Both candidates used various ways to campaign. For example, Ashcroft held a bus tour across the state to campaign on "Missouri Values".{{Cite web |date=2000-08-15 |title= Ashcroft for Senate 2000 | Our Missouri Values Working in the Senate|url=http://www.johnashcroft.org/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815070855/http://www.johnashcroft.org/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2000-08-15 |access-date=2023-07-21 }} Likewise, Carnahan held a four day long train tour, an homage to Missouri native and former president Harry S. Truman, who held this seat before being elected as vice president.{{Cite web |title=Missouri Senate race matches two political 'titans' - July 19, 2000 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/07/19/missouri.senate/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001001080419/https://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/07/19/missouri.senate/index.html |archive-date=2000-10-01 |access-date=2023-07-21 |website=www.cnn.com}}
Both candidates had long been considered rivals, and the race became negative early.{{Cite book |last=Mark |first=David |title=Going dirty: the art of negative campaigning |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-7425-9982-6 |edition=2nd |location=Lanham, Md |pages=180 |language=en}} Ashcroft received staunch criticism for his role in defeating the judicial nomination of Ronnie White, attacking him as "pro-criminal", a move which Carnahan, and many black leaders, saw as having racial overtones.{{Cite web |last=Grumwald |first=Michael |date=1999-10-23 |title=Washingtonpost.com: Missouri Senate Race Is Heating Up Early |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/keyraces2000/stories/ashcroft102399.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816064253/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/keyraces2000/stories/ashcroft102399.htm |archive-date=2000-08-16 |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=www.washingtonpost.com}} He was also attacked for his Senate votes against a prescription drug benefit for Medicare, his vote on Bill Clinton's impeachment, and for his conservative voting record.{{Cite web |date=2017-09-19 |title=THE PRESIDENT'S TRIAL: THE REPUBLICANS; In Pro-Clinton States, 13 Senators Face a Squeeze by Right-Wing Ire - The New York Times |website=The New York Times |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/17/us/president-s-trial-republicans-pro-clinton-states-13-senators-face-squeeze-right.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919150508/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/17/us/president-s-trial-republicans-pro-clinton-states-13-senators-face-squeeze-right.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2017-09-19 |access-date=2023-08-04 }}{{Cite web |date=2000-08-19 |title=Kansas City Star - Election 2000 |url=http://www.kcstar.com/item/pages/election.pat,local/37748d9f.621,.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000819024300/http://www.kcstar.com/item/pages/election.pat,local/37748d9f.621,.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2000-08-19 |access-date=2023-08-04 }} Ashcroft also faced controversy for the honorary degree he received from Bob Jones University, a Christian college which faced controversy over some of its views.{{Cite news |last=Murray |first=Barbara |date=2000-09-30 |title=Bob Jones Controversy Spreads to Missouri (washingtonpost.com) |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=http://washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/politics/elections/2000/states/mo/senate/archive/A53219-2000Mar10.html |access-date=2023-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000930083953/http://washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/politics/elections/2000/states/mo/senate/archive/A53219-2000Mar10.html |archive-date=September 30, 2000 }} Carnahan was also subject to attacks for his past actions, such as wearing blackface in a 1960 sketch.{{Cite web |last=Associated Press |date=1999-10-25 |title=Washingtonpost.com: Mo. Governor's Blackface Gets a New Showing |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/keyraces2000/stories/carnahan102599.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102085542/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/keyraces2000/stories/carnahan102599.htm |archive-date=2011-11-02 |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=www.washingtonpost.com}} He was also attacked for his commutation of the death sentence of Darrell J. Mease, at the behest of the Pope.{{Cite news |last=Niebuhr |first=Gustav |date=1999-01-29 |title=Governor Grants Pope's Plea For Life of a Missouri Inmate |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/29/us/governor-grants-pope-s-plea-for-life-of-a-missouri-inmate.html |url-status=live |access-date=2023-06-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520210529/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/29/us/governor-grants-pope-s-plea-for-life-of-a-missouri-inmate.html |archive-date=2015-05-20 |issn=0362-4331}} In addition to the contrast between the candidates, issues ranging from healthcare to education to Social Security would become some of the most contentious issues, mirroring the national Presidential Election.{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Patti |date=2000-09-25 |title=Missouri heavyweights slug it out in heated Senate race - September 25, 2000 2000 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/09/28/missouri.senate/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000930072956/https://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/09/28/missouri.senate/index.html |archive-date=2000-09-30 |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=www.cnn.com}}{{Cite news |last=Charton |first=Scott |date=2000-10-14 |title=Ashcroft, Carnahan talk Social Security |language=en |pages=1 |work=The Southeast Missourian |publisher= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SMdKAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+ashcroft+debate&pg=PA2&article_id=3144,7535242 |access-date=2023-09-15}}
Both candidates were close in the polls and in fundraising with it at times being one of the most expensive races in the nation.{{Cite web |last=Manning |first=Margie |date=2000-02-27 |title=$7 million in Senate race |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2000/02/28/story1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050429030110/https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2000/02/28/story1.html |archive-date=April 29, 2005 |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=www.bizjournals.com}} Ashcroft would have a war chest that included significant contributions from corporations such as Monsanto Company,Schanbacher, William D. The Politics of Food: The Global Conflict between Food Security and Food Sovereignty, Praeger Security International; February 26, 2010; {{ISBN|978-0313363283}}; p.47 headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, which gave five times more to Ashcroft's campaign fund than to the fund of any other congressional hopeful at the time.Harrison, Beth B. Shedding Light on Genetically Engineered Food: What You Don’t Know About the Food You’re Eating and What You Can Do to Protect Yourself, iUniverse, Inc., November 13, 2007, {{ISBN|978-0595451807}} Ashcroft's campaign fund would later be fined by the Federal Election Commission for failure to disclose donors.{{Cite news |last= |date=2001-03-09 |title=Complaint alleges Ashcroft violationa |language=en |pages=2A |work=The Telegraph-Herald |publisher= |agency=Knight Rider News Service |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MwhaAAAAIBAJ&dq=ashcroft+2000+senate&pg=PA2&article_id=5489,1423532 |access-date=2023-09-15}}{{Cite news |last=Pincus |first=Walter |date=2004-03-07 |title=Ashcroft funds scrutinized |language=en |pages=3A |work=Lawrence Journal-World |publisher= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pIQyAAAAIBAJ&dq=ashcroft+2000+senate&pg=PA2&article_id=6656,3012768 |access-date=2023-09-15}}
= Debates =
There were two debates held during the cycle. The first debate was held on Friday, October 13 in St. Louis on KMOX, on radio. The second debate was held days later on October 15 on KCPT-TV in Kansas City. A third debate was planned in Cape Girardeau, but details could not be worked out, and ultimately, the debate would never occur.{{Cite news |last=Johnston |first=Laura |date=2000-10-04 |title=Carnahan, Ashcroft OK debate dates |language=en |pages=1 |work=The Southeast Missourian |publisher= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PsdKAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+ashcroft+debate&pg=PA1&article_id=3590,5393265 |access-date=2023-09-15}}
= Plane crash =
On October 16, the day after the second debate between the two candidates, Carnahan spent the day campaigning. At around 6:45 that evening, planned to depart to New Madrid, for a meeting with Black leaders in Missouri.{{Cite news |last=Manning |first=Carl |date=2000-10-19 |title=Carnahan's last day was filled with campaigning |language=en |pages=3B |work=The Nevada Daily Mail |publisher= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FlUrAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+ashcroft+fundraising&pg=PA17&article_id=6086,1189004 |access-date=2023-09-15}} However, owing to failing instruments and bad weather conditions, the plane crashed at around 7:30 in rural Jefferson County. Carnahan was killed along with his son Roger "Randy" Carnahan, and his longtime aide Chris Sifford.{{Cite news |last= |date=2001-02-03 |title=Audio tapes give glimpse into cockpit before Carnahan's crashed |language=en |pages=5A |work=The Southeast Missourian |publisher= |agency=Associated Press |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H60fAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+plane+crash&pg=PA15&article_id=2783,4713437 |access-date=2023-09-15}} In response, Ashcroft suspended all campaigning on the day of the plane crash in light of the accident and resumed it eight days before the election date.{{Cite news |last=Fountain |first=John W. |date=2000-11-09 |title=THE 2000 ELECTIONS: MISSOURI; Senator Refuses To Challenge Loss |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/09/us/the-2000-elections-missouri-senator-refuses-to-challenge-loss.html |url-status=live |access-date=2023-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904120727/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/09/us/the-2000-elections-missouri-senator-refuses-to-challenge-loss.html |archive-date=2014-09-04 |issn=0362-4331}} Carnahan's death also came the day before the third presidential debate, which was to be held in St. Louis. Both Al Gore and George W. Bush offered tributes to the late governor before the debate.{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Doug |date=2000-10-18 |title=Wilson sworn in as governor as crash probe picks up speed |language=en |pages=5 |work=The Nevada Daily Mail |publisher= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FlUrAAAAIBAJ&dq=presidential+debate+carnahan+2000&pg=PA3&article_id=3485,1086499 |access-date=2023-09-15}}
The election was tight in the final weeks, albeit with Ashcroft leading in most polls.{{Cite news |last=Dao |first=James |date=2000-11-05 |title=THE 2000 CAMPAIGN: MISSOURI; Republican Senator Treads Softly in Run Against Well-Tended Grave of a Governor |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/05/us/2000-campaign-missouri-republican-senator-treads-softly-run-against-well-tended.html |url-status=live |access-date=2023-09-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527132335/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/05/us/2000-campaign-missouri-republican-senator-treads-softly-run-against-well-tended.html |archive-date=2015-05-27 |issn=0362-4331}} But the news of Carnahan's death appeared to throw the outcome in doubt.{{Cite web |last= |date=2000-10-17 |title=CNN.com - U.S. Senate Democratic majority cast in doubt after governor's death - October 17, 2000 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/10/17/carnahan.election/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010619005519/https://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/10/17/carnahan.election/ |archive-date=2001-06-19 |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=www.cnn.com}} Many media outlets and analysts even assumed that the tragedy assured Ashcroft would win a second term.{{Cite news |date=2002-02-11 |title=OnPolitics |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/early/archive/early101800.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020211011737/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/early/archive/early101800.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2002-02-11 |access-date=2023-07-27 }}{{Cite news |date=2023-07-27 |title=Carnahan's Death Reshapes Senate Battle - The Washington Post |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/technology/2000/10/17/carnahans-death-reshapes-senate-battle/a36dbf27-6d75-4535-aa97-b57cdd1c125e/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727002200/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/technology/2000/10/17/carnahans-death-reshapes-senate-battle/a36dbf27-6d75-4535-aa97-b57cdd1c125e/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2023-07-27 |access-date=2023-07-27 }} Nonetheless, Carnahan's name remained on the ballot as Missouri's last date to change who appears on the ballot was October 13, just three days prior to the crash.{{Cite web |date=2001-11-17 |title=CNN.com - Missouri law lets governor appoint successor if Carnahan wins - October 30, 2000 |website=CNN |url=http://www.cnn.com/2000/LAW/10/30/carnahan.sidebar.pol/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011117184830/http://www.cnn.com/2000/LAW/10/30/carnahan.sidebar.pol/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2001-11-17 |access-date=2023-07-27 }} Lieutenant Governor Roger B. Wilson became acting governor the day of the plane crash and was officially sworn in as governor after Carnahan's death was confirmed 2 days later. Should Carnahan have won the election, Wilson promised to appoint his widow Jean Carnahan.{{Cite news |last=Charton |first=Scott |date=October 24, 2000 |title=Wilson prefers Carnahan widow for Senate appointment |language=en |pages=7 |work=The Nevada Daily Mail |publisher= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EFUrAAAAIBAJ&dq=jean+carnahan+senate&pg=PA4&article_id=1592,1468782 |access-date=2023-09-15}} She accepted the would-be appointment and with the slogan "Don't let the fire go out!", a slogan her husband liked to use, the campaign continued with an outpouring of support.{{Cite web |last= |date=2000-10-27 |title=Jean Carnahan Accepts Senate Offer - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jean-carnahan-accepts-senate-offer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711173051/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jean-carnahan-accepts-senate-offer/ |archive-date=2023-07-11 |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US |agency=CBS News Service}} What was once a contentious campaign, quickly became a campaign of emotion.{{Cite news |date=2023-07-27 |title=In Missouri Race, Emotion Becomes a Driving Force - The Washington Post |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/11/06/in-missouri-race-emotion-becomes-a-driving-force/a07fedbe-bf49-4cd2-a185-f4e55e9f9bc4/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727003053/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/11/06/in-missouri-race-emotion-becomes-a-driving-force/a07fedbe-bf49-4cd2-a185-f4e55e9f9bc4/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2023-07-27 |access-date=2023-07-27 }} Polls bore this out, with some of the final polls in the race showing Carnahan with a sizable lead, which only grew as voters were informed of the planned appointment of his widow.{{Cite news |last=Charton |first=Scott |date=2000-10-31 |title=Widows decision complicates Senate race |language=en |pages=10 |work=The Fort Scott Tribune |publisher= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yNsfAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+ashcroft+poll&pg=PA1&article_id=1119,3455899 |access-date=2023-09-15}}{{Cite news |date=2023-07-27 |title=Widow Says She'd Accept Senate Seat - The Washington Post |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/10/31/widow-says-shed-accept-senate-seat/70e96994-604b-4ce6-b1aa-8b20ebb96046/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727003728/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/10/31/widow-says-shed-accept-senate-seat/70e96994-604b-4ce6-b1aa-8b20ebb96046/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2023-07-27 |access-date=2023-07-27 }}
While Carnahan's chances rose, Ashcroft found himself in a difficult position as a result of Carnahan's death. Ashcroft tried to turn the campaign's focus back on the issues, including enlisting the help of former senator John Danforth, who filmed an advertisement encouraging voters to look at Ashcroft's experience.{{Cite news |last=Clairborne |first=William |date=2023-07-27 |title=In Missouri Race, Emotion Becomes a Driving Force - The Washington Post |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/11/06/in-missouri-race-emotion-becomes-a-driving-force/a07fedbe-bf49-4cd2-a185-f4e55e9f9bc4/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727003053/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/11/06/in-missouri-race-emotion-becomes-a-driving-force/a07fedbe-bf49-4cd2-a185-f4e55e9f9bc4/ |archive-date=2023-07-27 |access-date=2023-09-10 }}{{Cite news |last= |date=2000-11-08 |title=Missouri elects deceased candidate |language=en |pages=A7 |work=Herald-Journal |publisher= |agency=Associated Press |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lOgpAAAAIBAJ&dq=ashcroft+danforth+2000+senate&pg=PA22&article_id=3698,3770500 |access-date=2023-09-15}} But due to the unique circumstances of the election, Ashcroft found it hard to regain the momentum.{{Cite web |last=Davey |first=Monica |date=2000-11-09 |title=ASHCROFT TAKES SENATE LOSS TO LATE GOVERNOR WITH GRACE |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-11-09-0011090256-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103224345/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-11-09-0011090256-story.html |archive-date=2022-11-03 |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=Chicago Tribune}} He commented in a TV interview that suspending his campaign had damaged him politically, even though he still maintained it was the right thing to do.{{Cite news |last=Charton |first=Scott |date=2000-11-07 |title=Ashcroft crosses state in hope of gaining voters |language=en |pages=4A |work=Ocala Star-Banner |publisher= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fvJPAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+legal+challenge&pg=PA3&article_id=5460,4883370 |access-date=2023-09-15}} In the final week, Ashcroft focused his campaign exclusively on the issues, stringently avoiding any mentions of his late opponent.
=Results=
Despite his death, Carnahan won by a margin of approximately fifty thousand votes. He was the first person posthumously elected to the United States Senate.{{efn|In 1962, voters in California elected Clement Woodnutt Miller to the House of Representatives one month after his death in a plane crash. In 1972, two other Representatives, Nick Begich of Alaska and Hale Boggs of Louisiana were re-elected after their plane went missing in the Alaska wilderness. They were both declared dead in absentia after the election.}} Hence, John Ashcroft became the first ever U.S. Senate candidate, incumbent or otherwise, to be defeated by a deceased person.{{Cite news |last=Bump |first=Phillip |date=2014-10-01 |title=Five people have won election to Congress, despite being dead |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2014/10/01/five-people-have-won-election-to-congress-despite-being-dead/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003125113/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2014/10/01/five-people-have-won-election-to-congress-despite-being-dead/ |archive-date=2015-10-03 |access-date=2023-07-11 |newspaper=Washington Post}} A professor of political science at the University of Missouri commented that the incumbent Senator lost the election because his candidacy was "overwhelmed" by a campaign of "emotion and symbolism."
{{Election box begin no change
| title = 2000 United States Senate election in Missouri{{Cite web|url=https://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/2000/2000Stat.htm|title=2000 ELECTION STATISTICS|website=clerk.house.gov|access-date=6 August 2023}}}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| candidate = Mel Carnahan †
| votes = 1,191,812
| percentage = 50.46%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| candidate = John Ashcroft (incumbent)
| votes = 1,142,852
| percentage = 48.39%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Green Party (United States)
| candidate = Evaline Taylor
| votes = 10,612
| percentage = 0.45%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Libertarian Party (United States)
| candidate = Grant Samuel Stauffer
| votes = 10,198
| percentage = 0.43%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Reform Party (United States)
| candidate = Hugh Foley
| votes = 4,166
| percentage = 0.18%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party = Natural Law Party (United States)
| candidate = Charles Dockins
| votes = 1,933
| percentage = 0.08%
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link no change
| votes = 13
| percentage = 0.00%
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 2,361,586
| percentage = 100.0
}}
{{Election box gain with party link without swing
| winner = Democratic Party (United States)
| loser = Republican Party (United States)
}}
{{Election box end}}
==Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic==
- Dunklin (largest city: Kennett)
- Mississippi (largest city: Charleston)
- New Madrid (largest city: New Madrid)
- Pemiscot (largest city: Caruthersville)
- Reynolds (largest city: Ellington)
- Iron (largest city: Ironton)
- St. Francois (largest city: Farmington)
- Sainte Genevieve (largest city: Ste. Genevieve)
- Jefferson (largest city: Arnold)
- Pike (largest city: Bowling Green)
- Clark (largest city: Kahoka)
- Jackson (largest city: Kansas City)
- St. Louis (largest city: Florissant)
- Callaway (largest city: Fulton)
- Howard (largest city: Fayette)
- Randolph (largest city: Moberly)
- Boone (largest city: Columbia)
- Linn (largest city: Brookfield)
- Henry (largest city: Clinton)
- Saline (largest city: Marshall)
- Clay (largest city: Liberty)
- Ray (largest city: Richmond)
- Lafayette (largest city: Odessa)
- Clinton (largest city: Cameron)
- Buchanan (largest city: St. Joseph)
Aftermath
There was speculation that the results would be subject to a legal challenge. Even before the election, Republicans claimed that Carnahan would be ineligible due to him being dead, claims Democrats dismissed as attempts to depress support for the late governor.{{Cite news |last=Quaid |first=Libby |date=2000-11-03 |title=GOP floats idea of constitutional challenge should Carnahan win |language=en |pages=1 |work=The Nevada Daily Mail |publisher= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G1UrAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+legal+challenge&pg=PA1&article_id=3653,2248073 |access-date=2023-09-15}} A point of contention among Republicans was the decision of judge Evelyn Baker to extend polling hours in the city of St. Louis until 10:00 PM, 3 hours after polls in the city should have closed.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2000-11-09 |title=Call for Missouri Vote Fraud Investigation |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=122543&page=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131061039/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=122543&page=1 |archive-date=2011-01-31 |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=ABC News |language=en |agency=ABC News}} Baker claimed that huge turnout overwhelmed the polling places, and that many people were being denied the ability to vote.{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Dirk |date=2000-11-08 |title=THE 2000 ELECTIONS: THE SWING STATES; Judge Delays Closing of Polls in St. Louis Amid Unexpectedly Heavy Turnout |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/08/us/2000-elections-swing-states-judge-delays-closing-polls-st-louis-amid.html |url-status=live |access-date=2023-09-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710050759/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/08/us/2000-elections-swing-states-judge-delays-closing-polls-st-louis-amid.html |archive-date=2012-07-10 |issn=0362-4331}} Kit Bond, the state's Republican senior senator alleged that this was voter fraud, and called for a federal investigation.{{Cite web |date=2000-11-09 |title=Bond Alleges Voter Fraud in Missouri |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/politics-july-dec00-carnahan_11-09 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910203505/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/politics-july-dec00-carnahan_11-09 |archive-date=2023-09-10 |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=PBS NewsHour |language=en-us}} Ultimately, nothing came of any of these issues, and Ashcroft declined to seriously push the issue.
Asked by the media whether he would ever seek office again, Ashcroft responded, "The last thing I want to do is think about running for public office again." In December 2000, he was chosen for the position of United States Attorney General by President-elect George W. Bush and his nomination was confirmed by the Senate{{Cite web |date=2001-01-16 |title=Attorney General Nominee John Ashcroft's Senate Confirmation Hearing (Day One) |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws?pid=84883 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211085620/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws?pid=84883 |archive-date=2013-12-11 |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=The American Presidency Project}} by a vote of 58 to 42. He served from February 2, 2001, until February 3, 2005.{{Cite web |date=2014-10-23 |title=Office of the Attorney General {{!}} Attorney General: John David Ashcroft {{!}} United States Department of Justice |url=https://www.justice.gov/ag/bio/ashcroft-john-david |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229172052/https://www.justice.gov/ag/bio/ashcroft-john-david |archive-date=2014-12-29 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=www.justice.gov |language=en}}
Keeping to his word, Governor Roger B. Wilson appointed Carnahan's 66-year-old widow, Jean Carnahan, to fill the vacant seat until a successor could be duly elected.Wayne, Stephen J. & Clyde Wilcox. The Election of the Century: The 2000 Election and What it Tells Us About American Politics in the New Millennium, Routledge, February 20, 2002, {{ISBN|978-0765607430}}; ch.10 The appointment was made official on in early December after the final results had been certified.{{Cite web |last= |date=2000-12-06 |title=Governor makes it official: Widow of winner gets seat |url=https://products.kitsapsun.com/archive/2000/12-06/0045_governor_makes_it_official__widow.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910225125/https://products.kitsapsun.com/archive/2000/12-06/0045_governor_makes_it_official__widow.html |archive-date=2023-09-10 |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=products.kitsapsun.com |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite news |last=Powers |first=Marc |date=2000-12-05 |title=Jean Carnahan |language=en |pages=4A |work=The Southeast Missourian |publisher= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2rsvAAAAIBAJ&dq=jean+carnahan+appointed&pg=PA3&article_id=2875,5831335 |access-date=2023-09-15}} Carnahan was sworn in on January 3, 2001, along with the rest of the senators elected the previous year.{{Cite web |last=Snow |first=Kate |date=2001-01-03 |title=Carnahan takes Senate seat won posthumously by husband - January 3, 2001 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/stories/01/03/carnahan.profile/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010124054800/https://www.cnn.com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/stories/01/03/carnahan.profile/index.html |archive-date=2001-01-24 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=www.cnn.com}}
In 2002, a special election was held in Missouri for the remainder of the six-year term of the state's Senator. Jean Carnahan ran for election to complete the term but was defeated by Republican Jim Talent with a margin of approximately twenty-two thousand votes.{{Cite web |date=2015-04-02 |title=State Of Missouri {{!}} Specify a Race |url=http://www.sos.mo.gov/enrweb/raceresults.asp?eid=87&oid=24756&arc=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402204314/http://www.sos.mo.gov/enrweb/raceresults.asp?eid=87&oid=24756&arc=1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2015-04-02 |access-date=2023-07-11 }}
See also
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{Missouri elections}}
{{United States elections, 2000}}