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Mel Carnahan
refer to caption
Official portrait, c. 1997
United States Senator-elect
from Missouri
Elected posthumously
November 7, 2000
Preceded byJohn Ashcroft (as senator)
Succeeded byJean Carnahan (as senator)
51st Governor of Missouri
In office
January 11, 1993 – October 16, 2000
LieutenantRoger B. Wilson
Preceded byJohn Ashcroft
Succeeded byRoger B. Wilson
43rd Lieutenant Governor of Missouri
In office
January 9, 1989 – January 11, 1993
GovernorJohn Ashcroft
Preceded byHarriett Woods
Succeeded byRoger B. Wilson
40th Treasurer of Missouri
In office
January 12, 1981 – January 14, 1985
GovernorKit Bond
Preceded byJim Spainhower
Succeeded byWendell Bailey
Member of the Missouri House of Representatives from Phelps County
In office
January 2, 1963 – January 4, 1967
Preceded byGene Sally
Succeeded byDistrict abolished
Personal details
Born
Melvin Eugene Carnahan

(1934-02-11)February 11, 1934
Birch Tree, Missouri, U.S.
DiedOctober 16, 2000(2000-10-16) (aged 66)
near Hillsboro, Missouri, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse
​
(m. 1954)​
Children4, including Russ and Robin
Parent
RelativesCarnahan family
EducationGeorge Washington University (BA)
University of Missouri (JD)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Air Force
RankFirst Lieutenant
UnitAir Force Office of Special Investigations

Melvin Eugene Carnahan (February 11, 1934 – October 16, 2000) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 51st governor of Missouri from 1993 until his death in 2000. Carnahan was a Democrat and held various positions in government.

Born in rural Missouri, Carnahan was the son of Representative A. S. J. Carnahan and attended campaign events with his father. He moved to Washington, D.C., with his father and attended high school and college there. After a stint in the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Carnahan returned to Missouri, graduating from the University of Missouri in 1959. Shortly after, he moved to Rolla with an eye on entering politics.

First elected as a municipal judge in 1960, Carnahan was elected as a state representative for Phelps County in 1962, where he became majority leader during his second term. After being defeated in a race for state senate in 1966, Carnahan practiced law in Rolla. He returned to politics in 1980, being elected as state treasurer. He served in the post for four years and was defeated in the Democratic primary for governor in 1984. In 1988, he made a second political comeback, winning an election for lieutenant governor, the sole Democratic win statewide.

In 1992, Carnahan made a second bid for governor and defeated St. Louis Mayor Vincent Schoemehl in the Democratic primary. In the general election, he defeated state Attorney General William Webster, becoming the first Democrat elected governor since 1976. During his first term, he signed legislation concerning education and taxes into law. He also dealt with crises such as the Great Flood of 1993. Carnahan was re-elected in 1996, defeating State Auditor Margaret Kelly. During his second term, he faced adversity on issues such as abortion, where his veto of a bill restricting abortion was overridden by the state legislature, and faced controversy surrounding his pardon of a death row inmate at the behest of Pope John Paul II.

In 2000, he ran for the U.S. Senate against incumbent John Ashcroft in a hotly contested election. During the final weeks of the campaign, Carnahan was killed in a plane crash while on his way to a campaign event. He was posthumously elected to the U.S. Senate, and his widow, Jean Carnahan, was appointed to serve in the Senate until a special election was held in 2002.

Early life and education

[edit]

Melvin Eugene Carnahan was born in Birch Tree, Missouri,[1] and grew up on a small farm near Ellsinore.[2] He was the son of Mary Kathel (née Schupp) and A. S. J. Carnahan, and had one sibling, an older brother, Robert "Bob" Carnahan.[3] Carnahan's mother was a teacher, and his father was the superintendent of Ellsinore schools.[4] In 1944, the elder Carnahan was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing the eighth congressional district, serving from 1945 to 1947 and from 1949 to 1961. He later became the U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone under John F. Kennedy. As a child, Mel Carnahan traveled with his father across the district, attending local events and helping with the campaign.[5] In 1948, because his father was running for Congress, Carnahan was present for Harry Truman's final campaign stop in St. Louis during that year's presidential election.[6] The younger Carnahan later said he developed a desire to enter politics because of his father.[7]

In 1945, Carnahan moved to Washington, D.C., with his family, though they moved back to Missouri when his father was defeated for re-election. He moved back to D.C. in 1949, where he met his future wife, Jean, at a Baptist church.[8] He graduated from Anacostia High School[9] and earned a Bachelor of Arts in business administration at George Washington University in 1954.[10] After graduating, Carnahan joined the United States Air Force but failed the physical, fainting during a blood test. He then served as a special agent for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations from 1954 to October 1956.[11] He rose to the rank of first lieutenant.[12] After returning home, he received a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law in Columbia in 1959,[13] graduating Order of the Coif.[14] He then moved to Rolla, the largest city in his father's congressional district, intending to follow his father's career path.[15]

Early political career

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State legislator

[edit]

Carnahan's political career started in 1960 at 26 when he was elected to serve as a judge in Rolla.[10] In 1962, he ran for a seat in the Missouri House of Representatives. In the Democratic primary, Carnahan defeated three opponents.[16] That November, he won the election for the Phelps County house district.[17] He won re-election in 1964, and that same year, the Democratic caucus elected him as assistant floor leader to majority leader H. F. Patterson.[18] In 1965, Patterson died, and the caucus elected Carnahan as his successor.[19]

refer to caption
Carnahan as a state representative in 1963

During his tenure, Carnahan voted in favor of a motion to increase the state's sales tax to 3% and voted against a measure requiring tax increases to be conducted via a public vote.[20] Carnahan served as a Judiciary Committee member, during which the committee moved to pass a conflict-of-interest law requiring any official to report any interests in a bill before voting on it. As majority leader, Carnahan was able to help advance a bill banning racial discrimination in public areas; this bill was later signed into law by Governor Warren E. Hearnes.[21] Carnahan also sponsored a bill to prevent employers from discriminatory hiring practices.[22]

In 1965, a federal court ruling that Missouri's districts suffered from malapportionment forced the state to redraw its legislative districts.[23] Carnahan helped draw up a redistricting plan, but voters rejected it in a special election.[24] He later clashed with Governor Hearnes over his reapportionment plan for state districts, as Carnahan favored a special session on the issue. In contrast, Hearnes's plan would let himself pick the members of the reapportionment commission.[25] Eventually, a compromise was reached, and Carnahan was the deciding vote in favor of its implementation.[26]

In 1966, Carnahan ran in the 20th district for the state Senate. In the Democratic primary, he faced Gene Sally, a former state representative and state senator whom Governor Hearnes had supported, albeit implicitly.[27] Carnahan defeated Sally in what his wife Jean later described as one of the hardest-fought campaigns he had run.[28] Carnahan faced Republican state senator Don Owens in the general election.[29] The 20th district was considered more-Democratic-leaning but still competitive.[30] In November, Owens defeated Carnahan by nearly 4,000 votes.[31] Some press outlets considered the defeat to be unexpected.[32] Carnahan later said of the defeat: "Strangely enough, I value the experience of losing. It does something to you, but it gives perspective."[33]

After his defeat and after his term in the state house expired, Carnahan practiced law in Rolla.[34] In 1971, he briefly expressed interest in a bid for Missouri's eighth congressional district.[35] Ultimately, incumbent Richard Ichord, who defeated Carnahan's father in 1960 and was planning a gubernatorial bid, ran for re-election.[36] In addition to practicing law, Carnahan also held a role in Rozark Farms Inc., a charcoal company his father founded, until 1975, when Carnahan sold his share of the company to his brother.[37] During this time, Carnahan also became president of the Rolla school board;[38] during his tenure on the board, he brought in a new superintendent and helped raise funds to build a new junior high school.[39]

State treasurer

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refer to caption
Carnahan as state treasurer in 1981

In 1979, Carnahan announced his return to politics by declaring his candidacy for Missouri state treasurer,[40] which he also intended to use as a basis for a future gubernatorial run.[41] He had briefly considered another bid for Missouri's eighth congressional district, which Richard Ichord was vacating. However, he had already declared his candidacy for the treasurer post when Ichord announced his retirement.[33]

In the Democratic primary, Carnahan faced state representative and former state house majority whip Ed Sweeney, who attacked Carnahan as indebted to banking interests.[42] Carnahan criticized Sweeney for being hypocritical because Sweeney had solicited from banking interests himself, albeit unsuccessfully.[43] Carnahan defeated Sweeney and faced former state senator Gerald Winship in the general election. Carnahan focused his campaign on continuing to build on the work of outgoing treasurer Jim Spainhower in giving funds in a nonpartisan manner[44] and refrained from making personal attacks on his opponent, who ran a similar campaign.[45] Carnahan won the election, returning him to elected office.[46][47]

Carnahan served as treasurer from 1981 to 1985.[48] During his tenure, Carnahan increased the number of banks that were performing state businesses. issuing policy changes to address the issue of the state favoring certain banks, and setting up a committee to determine which banks would be selected to perform state business.[49] He also enforced a policy to give state funds to banks that gave agriculture-related loans.[50] Additionally, during his tenure, Carnahan allowed certain banks to receive state deposits, with special attention to newer banks and banks willing to support small businesses and minority owned businesses.[51]

In 1984, Carnahan ran for Governor of Missouri. Due to struggles with raising funds during his campaign, Carnahan walked over 300 miles from St. Louis to Kansas City, a move similar to what Governor Joseph Teasdale had done during his first campaign in 1972.[52] Carnahan also campaigned in opposition to state referendums that would legalize parimutuel betting and would create a state lottery. However, he conceded he would enforce the amendments if the public supported them.[53] Both amendments would pass with over 60% of the vote.[54][55] Carnahan received the endorsements of former Governor Teasdale and from the Missouri chapter of the National Organization of Women.[56][57] In the August primary, Carnahan lost the Democratic nomination to Lieutenant Governor Kenneth Rothman, who lost the general election to state Attorney General John Ashcroft.

Lieutenant governor

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refer to caption
Carnahan as lieutenant governor, 1989

After his defeat, Carnahan returned to practicing law in Rolla.[58] In 1986, Democrats favored him to run for Missouri's eighth congressional district against incumbent Bill Emerson, and he met with leaders to discuss the race.[59] He did not run,[60] and Wayne Cryts would ultimately become the Democratic nominee. During this time, Carnahan expressed interest in becoming chair of the Missouri Democratic Party.[61] In 1988, after initially expressing a lack of interest in running,[62] Carnahan ran for lieutenant governor,[63] which he won.[64] Carnahan's election to the lieutenant governorship was the sole Democratic statewide win that year.[65]

The role of lieutenant governor had been seen as irrelevant, and some officials, such as state senator Harry Wiggins, supported measures to abolish the position.[66] Carnahan appealed to the legislature to double the staffing for his office[67] and to expand his access to state planes.[68] He also expressed interest in using the office for economic and highway development.[65] State senate president pro tempore Jim Matthewson called upon Carnahan to become the state's drug czar,[69] though Carnahan saw his role as more limited in scale.[65]

Early in Carnahan's term, there was a disagreement between Carnahan and Governor John Ashcroft over who was in charge when the governor left the state.[70] Carnahan asserted that in his position, he would be acting governor whenever Ashcroft left the state, while Ashcroft believed he was still in charge.[71] In 1990, Republican Secretary of State Roy Blunt refused to authorize documents Ashcroft signed while he was out of state, a move some political observers contended had been planned.[72] Blunt refused to authorize the documents, owing to confusion over who was in charge while the governor was out of state.[73] Ashcroft called upon the Supreme Court of Missouri to clarify the lieutenant governor's role while the governor was out of state.[74] Later that year, while briefly serving as acting governor, Carnahan signed documents, but Blunt refused to authorize any of what he signed.[75] Blunt cited the ongoing court case as his reason for not authorizing the documents, while acknowledging he thought Carnahan was acting governor.[76] A circuit judge ruled the governor was in charge,[77] a ruling the state's Supreme Court later affirmed in 1991.[78] This time was later thought to be the beginning of a rivalry between Ashcroft and Carnahan.[79][80][81]

While serving as lieutenant governor, Carnahan endorsed Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton for president of the United States in the Missouri primary.[82][83]

Governor of Missouri

[edit]

As the sole winning Democrat statewide, Carnahan was immediately seen as a possible choice for the governorship.[84] In 1989, he announced his intent to run for governor in 1992.[85] In the Democratic primary, he faced Mayor of St. Louis Vincent C. Schoemehl, who referred to Carnahan as a "redneck from Rolla."[86] Politicians from both parties had perceived Carnahan as an underwhelming candidate who was liked as a person but generally unexciting.[87] Some of Schoemehl's supporters tried to persuade Carnahan to run against Senator Kit Bond in the 1992 U.S. Senate race.[88] Carnahan won the Democratic nomination by a wide margin, winning every county but Ste. Genevieve.[89]

Carnahan faced Republican state Attorney General William L. Webster in the general election. Webster's campaign was hurt by controversy surrounding the state's Second Injury Fund and his ties to private lawyers associated with the fund.[90] In the general election on November 3, Carnahan was elected as governor of Missouri, defeating Webster by over 400,000 votes.[91] Carnahan's election as governor made him the first Democrat to win the office since Joseph Teasdale's victory in 1976.[92]

First term (1993–1997)

[edit]
refer to caption
President Bill Clinton and Carnahan shaking hands in 1993

Carnahan's term as governor began on January 11, 1993.[93] On January 15, 1993, a judge ruled that the state's school funding method was unconstitutional.[94] In response to the ruling, Carnahan pushed for the "Outstanding Schools Act".[95] The law's provisions included funding for smaller classrooms, putting computers in classrooms, and supporting vocational programs.[96] Carnahan, who appealed to skeptical legislators,[97] secured approval from the legislature to increase taxes on income, corporations, and tobacco to raise funds.[98] The passed bill raised $315 million in new taxes, earning Carnahan the moniker "the education governor."[99]

The bill faced opponents who contended that Carnahan broke a promise to bring significant tax increases to a vote for the people to decide.[100] U.S. Representative Mel Hancock criticized the tax increases, saying they defied the state's Hancock Amendment, an amendment limiting tax increases without voter approval, of which Hancock was the namesake.[101] Consequently, Hancock put an amendment up for a vote in November 1994, which mandated that all future tax increases require a vote.[102] Carnahan opposed the amendment, saying it would cut billions of dollars from the state's budget,[103] possibly forcing the layoffs of teachers and state police.[104] The amendment was defeated by 36 points.[105] In the aftermath, Carnahan persuaded lawmakers to support a yearly cap on tax increases.[106] In 1996, he endorsed a ballot proposal that limited tax raises to no more than $50 million a year unless the people of Missouri voted otherwise. The amendment passed with 69% of voters in favor of its implementation.[107]

The Great Flood of 1993, one of the most destructive floods in U.S. history, affected much of the Midwest, including Missouri.[108] Carnahan returned from a trip to Europe to declare a state of emergency in every county.[109] Carnahan traveled across Missouri viewing areas damaged by flooding,[110] and called a special session of the state legislature to decide how to pay for the damage.[111] As a result of the floods, Carnahan oversaw the buyout of affected towns, including the cities of Pattonsburg[112] and Bellefontaine Neighbors.[113] In addition, Carnahan signed legislation including property tax relief for flood victims and state spending on par with federal funding while vetoing legislation that would have let the state be held responsible for some flood insurance for businesses.[114] His actions during the emergency led other governors to elect him vice chairman of the Democratic Governor's Association and vice chairman of the Southern Governor's Association.[115] He later became chair of both organizations and gained a seat on the executive committee of the National Governors Association.[116]

Carnahan considered health care a key focus for the 1994 legislative session.[117] His goals, such as mandating health insurance companies to ignore pre-existing conditions, failed to be passed by the legislature.[118] Later that year, Carnahan signed a welfare package with a provision that made recipients sign an agreement to get off welfare in two years in exchange for training for jobs and better benefits.[119] In September 1994, Carnahan called for a special session to impeach Secretary of State Judith Moriarty.[120] Moriarty had been found guilty of certifying election documents for her son, who had incorrectly filed the documents.[121] Carnahan appealed to Moriarty to resign, but she refused.[122] Consequently, Moriarty was impeached[123] and removed from office.[124] Carnahan appointed her replacement, Bekki Cook.[125]

In 1995, Carnahan underwent a trade mission to South Korea, one of Missouri's top trading partners.[126] The mission led to new deals between Missouri businesses valued at over $2 million.[127] That same year, Carnahan appointed Ronnie L. White to the Supreme Court of Missouri, the first black judge to be appointed to the court.[128] White later became the state's first black chief justice and eventually a federal judge.[129] Carnahan would later describe White's appointment as one of his greatest.[130] Carnahan maintained continuously high approval ratings throughout his first term.[131]

Second term (1997–2000)

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refer to caption
Carnahan and a statue of Jim the Wonder Dog in 1999

In 1996, Carnahan ran for re-election, campaigning on the Outstanding Schools Act, which he argued made way for optimized education methods in the state.[132] His opponent was Republican State Auditor Margaret B. Kelly. Kelly criticized Carnahan as "tax-man Carnahan" for the tax increases needed for education, which she maintained were a broken promise from the governor.[133] On November 5, 1996, Carnahan defeated Kelly to win a second term in office.[134]

Because of the Hancock Amendment's provisions on curbing spending, Carnahan returned sizable amounts of money to taxpayers over his second term.[135] In 1997, lawmakers agreed to remove the state's grocery tax and reduce taxes for private pensions,[136] which Carnahan signed into law.[137] In 1998, Carnahan signed further tax cuts into law, increasing tax credits for elderly and disabled citizens.[138] The following year, he signed legislation giving tax credits on prescription drugs to older Missourians.[139] By the end of 1999, the tax cuts totaled about $1.3 billion.[140]

In 1997, a judge ruled that Missouri could conclude its involvement in school desegregation cases in St. Louis and Kansas City, provided that a plan to replace state funding was in place by 1999.[141] In 1998, Carnahan signed legislation to prevent the Kansas City school districts from becoming insolvent.[142] He later signed legislation that created a school board for St. Louis school districts, provided some $40 million to public schools in the city, and sought to add suburban school districts to state funding.[143] Also in 1998, Carnahan enacted a bill to expand Medicaid coverage for impoverished children.[144] In August 1998, he made his second appointment to the Missouri Supreme Court, appointing Michael A. Wolff, his former legal advisor.[145] Wolff later served as chief justice for the court from 2005 to 2007.[146]

In 1999, Carnahan, who supported the death penalty, commuted the death sentence of Missouri inmate Darrell Mease after Pope John Paul II requested he do so during his visit to St. Louis.[147] This move was controversial: Carnahan's office received more phone calls against the move than those supportive,[148] and 34% of voters indicated in a St. Louis Post-Dispatch poll that they felt inclined to vote against Carnahan in his U.S. Senate bid as a result of the move.[149] That same year, he opposed a proposition that would have allowed Missourians to carry concealed weapons.[150] The campaign against the proposal, managed by his daughter Robin,[151] won by a two-point margin despite being outspent.[152]

Carnahan had vetoed three abortion bills in 1997.[153] The issue returned to the political agenda in 1999 when the Missouri legislature proposed a bill to ban mid to late-term abortions.[154] Carnahan vetoed the bill due to its language, which he argued went further than just restricting mid to late-term abortions and because it lacked exceptions for protecting the mother's health.[155] The legislature overrode Carnahan's veto, making him the seventh governor since Missouri statehood to have a veto overridden.[156]

2000 U.S. Senate election

[edit]
Main article: 2000 United States Senate election in Missouri

The day after the 1998 midterm elections, Carnahan announced his intention to challenge incumbent Senator John Ashcroft for his U.S. Senate seat in 2000.[157] Despite some calls for him to run for the Class 1 Senate seat in 1994, he declined, wanting to remain governor.[158] He also declined to run in 1998 against Kit Bond, though he refused to permanently consider a future bid out of the question.[159]

The election had been seen as having a personal element due to Carnahan and Ashcroft's reported dislike of one another,[160] though both denied having any rivalry.[161] The campaign was considered by analyst Stuart Rothenberg to be among the closest races in the country.[162] During the campaign, photographs of Carnahan performing in blackface in 1960 resurfaced,[163] which he apologized for.[164] Carnahan attacked Ashcroft for having a conservative voting record despite employing moderate rhetoric[165] while casting his record as governor as a "moderate, progressive" record.[166] During the campaign, Carnahan launched a tour by train, using a tactic adopted by Harry S. Truman.[167] The tour was an homage to the former president, who had previously held the Senate seat Carnahan was campaigning for.[168]

Death and aftermath

[edit]

Early in the evening of October 16, 2000, Carnahan, his son Randy, and his campaign advisor Chris Sifford left St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia, Illinois, to attend a campaign event in New Madrid.[169] The Cessna 335 airplane, which Randy piloted,[170] crashed near Hillsboro, Missouri, killing all three people on board.[171] The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) later ruled that the crash was due to Randy becoming disoriented, which was exacerbated by inclement weather and instrument failure.[172]

The presidential debate, which was held the next day in St. Louis, opened with a moment of silence, and both candidates made remarks about Carnahan's death.[173] A memorial service for Carnahan was held in the State Capitol in Jefferson City on October 20.[174] The service was attended by federal and state politicians such as President Bill Clinton, First Lady Hillary Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, and U.S. senators and former governors Kit Bond and John Ashcroft.[175] At the funeral, President Clinton said:

I loved the guy, and anybody who thinks he was dull never looked him straight in the eye, because he had steel and passion and fire, and I think he rather enjoyed being underestimated by the people who disagreed with him.[176]

The day after Carnahan's death, Lieutenant Governor Roger B. Wilson ascended to the governorship.[177] He served the remainder of Carnahan's term. Because Missouri election law did not allow Carnahan's name to be removed from the ballot,[178] Governor Wilson promised to appoint his widow, Jean Carnahan, to the seat if it became vacant due to Mel Carnahan's election win.[179] Shortly before his death, Carnahan had been behind Ashcroft in the polls.[180] Following his death, Carnahan's campaign continued, using slogans such as "I'm Still with Mel" and "Don't Let the Fire Go Out" and Carnahan took the lead in a few polls.[181] In the election, Carnahan became the first person in U.S. history to win a U.S. Senate election posthumously.[182][177][183] His death was thought to have helped other races down-ballot that year, including the race for governor.[184] Following the election win, Jean Carnahan was appointed to the Senate and served until November 2002, when Republican Jim Talent defeated her in a special election.[185]

Awards and recognitions

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refer to caption
The Mel Carnahan Courthouse in St. Louis

In 1965, Carnahan received an award from Missouri House Speaker Thomas C. Graham, recognizing him as the chamber's most outstanding Democrat.[186] Also, during his tenure as a state legislator, he twice received the St. Louis Globe-Democrat's Meritorious Service award.[187] In 1999, he was inducted into the DeMolay International Hall of Fame.[188]

In 2001, the mayor of St. Louis, Clarence Harmon, announced the renaming of a courthouse to the Carnahan Courthouse.[189] That same year, a Missouri National Guard armory in Rolla, Missouri, was renamed The Mel Carnahan Armory and Reserve Center.[190] The Carnahan High School of the Future was named after him in 2003.[191] The garden in the Missouri Capitol was renamed after Carnahan.[192] A bust of him was placed there in 2023[193] and received a dedication in 2024, just one week after his wife's death.[194]

Personal life

[edit]

Carnahan met his future wife, Jean Carpenter, at a church event and sat beside her at Anacostia High School.[195] The two married in Washington, D.C., on June 12, 1954.[196] They had four children, who would all become lawyers as well:[197] Roger "Randy" Carnahan, who piloted the airplane and died in the same crash that killed his father; Russ Carnahan, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Missouri's 3rd district (2005–2013); Robin Carnahan, former Missouri Secretary of State (2005–2013), 2010 U.S. Senate nominee, and Administrator of General Services under President Joe Biden; and Tom Carnahan, founder of Wind Capital Group, which builds wind farms.[198] The family had a Newfoundland dog named Beaumont.[187]

A reporter once said of Carnahan: "Never the most exciting politician on the Missouri scene, Carnahan stubbornly and quietly plowed through office after office."[199] Carnahan was noted for having an honest image coupled with a relaxed personality.[200] Many supporters of his wore straight-arrow pins to highlight this.[201] He also had a humorous side; he once granted a pardon to a boy who sought one after lying to his parents.[202] Carnahan and his family were active members of First Baptist Church of Rolla, where he served as an ordained deacon, and he and his wife taught Sunday School.[203] In his spare time, Carnahan was a pilot.[204]

Electoral history

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1988 Missouri lieutenant gubernatorial election[205]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Mel Carnahan 1,054,307 51.81%
Republican Richard B. "R.B." Grisham 957,698 47.06%
Libertarian Richard Rosenberg 22,992 1.13%
Majority 96,609
Turnout
Democratic hold Swing
1992 Missouri gubernatorial election[206]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Mel Carnahan 1,375,425 58.68 +23.93
Republican William L. Webster 968,574 41.32 −22.90
Libertarian Joan Dow (write-in) 66 0.00 −1.03
Majority 406,851 17.36 −12.10
Turnout 2,344,065 45.81 +3.38
Democratic gain from Republican Swing
1996 Missouri gubernatorial election[207][208]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Mel Carnahan (incumbent) 1,224,801 57.17 −1.51
Republican Margaret B. Kelly 866,268 40.43 −0.89
Libertarian J. Mark Oglesby 51,432 2.40 +2.40
N/A V. Marvalene Pankey (write-in) 10 0.00
N/A Jock Peacock (write-in) 7 0.00
Majority 358,533 16.73 −0.63
Turnout 2,142,518 41.87 −3.94
Democratic hold Swing
2000 United States Senate election in Missouri[209]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Mel Carnahan † 1,191,812 50.46%
Republican John Ashcroft (incumbent) 1,142,852 48.39%
Green Evaline Taylor 10,612 0.45%
Libertarian Grant Samuel Stauffer 10,198 0.43%
Reform Hugh Foley 4,166 0.18%
Natural Law Charles Dockins 1,933 0.08%
Write-in 13 0.00%
Total votes 2,361,586 100.0
Democratic gain from Republican

References

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  1. ^ Dubson, Geof (June 30, 1980). "Old Vs. New In Treasurer Race". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 31. Retrieved December 23, 2023. Melvin Eugene Carnahan was born in Birch Tree, Mo., in Shannon County.
  2. ^ Thiele, Lonnie (October 19, 2000). "Ellsinore remembers its fallen son". The Nevada Daily Mail. pp. 3B. Mel Carnahan was raised on a small farm near Ellsinore...
  3. ^ "Robert Carnahan, brother of late Gov. Mel Carnahan, dies". STLPR. September 30, 2006. Archived from the original on September 15, 2023. Retrieved September 15, 2023. He was the late governor's only sibling, eight years older than Mel.
  4. ^ Redeffer, Linda (October 20, 1996). "It's A Long Road From Carter Co. Farm To Governor's Office". Daily American Republic. p. 131. Retrieved March 27, 2024. Kathel Carnahan taught English and AS J Carnahan' was superintendent of Ellsinore Schools.
  5. ^ Carnahan, Jean (2004). Don't Let the Fire Go Out. Columbia, MO: University of Missouri Press. p. 216. ISBN 0-8262-1513-0. In the forties, when Mel was twelve years old, the two of them drove throughout their Ozark congressional district attending church picnics, visiting on town squares, and nailing posters onto trees and fence posts.
  6. ^ "Whistle-Stop Campaign 6". www.sos.mo.gov. Archived from the original on December 30, 2016. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
  7. ^ Grebing, Jim (January 10, 1993). "Carnahan assumes his duties Monday". The Southeast Missourian. p. 4. From his father, Carnahan developed his desire and foundation for public service
  8. ^ Mannies, Jo (December 12, 1999). "Governor manages to lead a private life cont". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 39. Retrieved January 12, 2024. Wife Mary and son Mel, now in the sixth grade, moved to Washington in 1945... Carnahan said. He wasn't there long. His father lost his first re-election bid in 1946. Mel Carnahan was back in beloved Ellsinore until the middle of 10th grade, when his father won back his seat and the family was back in Washington. This time, the change went better. Shortly after the family's return, 15-year-old Mel met a classmate at the local Baptist church and ended up in a seat next to hers the next day at Anacostia High School. The girl was Jean Carpenter.
  9. ^ "Rep. Mel Carnahan To Speak At Berger Memorial Festivities". The New Haven Leader. May 26, 1966. p. 5. Retrieved January 12, 2024. He was graduated from Anacostia high school in Washington D C...
  10. ^ a b "Mel Carnahan, Governor" (PDF). University of North Texas Library. April 16, 2000. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 25, 2012. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
  11. ^ Mannies, Jo (December 12, 1999). "Governor manages to lead a private life". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 39. Retrieved March 27, 2024. Carnahan joined the service after graduation and sustained his first major disappointment. He failed the physical to become a pilot... He had fainted during the blood test. Attributing it to stress or fatigue, he begged for reconsideration but was turned down. He served his two Air Force years from mid-1954 to October 1956 at a desk, mostly with the department's Office of Special Investigation.
  12. ^ "Missouri State Past Treasurers – Mel Carnahan". treasurer.mo.gov. Archived from the original on March 3, 2014. Retrieved August 4, 2023. Upon graduation, Mr. Carnahan entered the United States Air Force where he achieved the rank of first lieutenant, serving as special agent for the Office of Special Investigation.
  13. ^ "President Clinton names Governor Mel Carnahan to the board of trustees of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation". clintonwhitehouse6.archives.gov. Retrieved March 27, 2024. Governor Carnahan received... a J.D. degree... from the University of Missouri-Colombia.
  14. ^ Dean, Kenneth D. (2001). "A Tribute to Governor Mel Carnahan". Missouri Law Review. 66 (2): 1 – via University of Missouri School of Law. Governor Carnahan was a... member of... the Class of 1959. He was a member of the Missouri Law Review and graduated Order of the Coif, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a law graduate.
  15. ^ Mannies, Jo (December 12, 1999). "Governor manages to lead a private life". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 39. Retrieved October 14, 2023. With a law degree in hand, he then looked for a rural Missouri home. Rolla fit the bill. "It was the largest town in my father's congressional district," Carnahan said. "I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps."
  16. ^ "Vote for Candidates for State Representative at Primary Election Held August 7, 1962". Missouri Secretary of State. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  17. ^ "Vote for State Representatives at General Election November 6, 1962". mdh.contentdm.oclc.org. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  18. ^ "Most House, Senate Leaders Picked". The Nevada Daily Mail. December 27, 1964. p. 6. Majority Floor Leader will be H.F. (Pat) Patterson of Columbia and Mel Carnahan of Rolla will be his assistant
  19. ^ "Leader's Job to Carnahan". St. Joseph Gazette. Associated Press. April 8, 1965. p. 1. Majority Democrats of the Missouri House Wednesday chose Rep. Mel Carnahan, D-Phelps County as the new Majority Floor Leader. He replaces H.F. (Pat) Patterson D-Boone County who died a week ago Tuesday in the Capitol.
  20. ^ Ganey, Terry (October 15, 1992). "Carnahan Shoots For State's Top Job". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 23. Retrieved April 6, 2024. The biggest issue of the 1963 session was a proposal to increase the state sales tax to 3 percent from 2 percent... House records show that when the tax increase was approved April 4, 1963, on an 86–73 vote, Carnahan was among those voting "yes." He voted against a motion that would have required the tax increase to be submitted to a statewide public vote. The motion lost 99–53.
  21. ^ Ganey, Terry (October 15, 1992). "Carnahan Shoots For State's Top Job". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 23. Retrieved October 19, 2023. While in the House, Carnahan was a member of the Judiciary Committee that approved one of the state's first conflict-of-interest bills. The measure, which became law, required the governor, lieutenant governor and any member of the Legislature who had an interest in a bill to report that information before acting on the legislation.... Carnahan also used his power as majority leader to rescue a bill that prohibited racial discrimination in places of public accommodation... Carnahan successfully moved that the bill be advanced out of order. The bill was later approved and signed into law. The measure affected nearly all businesses in the state; it prohibited discrimination because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry.
  22. ^ "New Fair Employment Practices Plan Passed". St. Joseph Gazette. Associated Press. June 15, 1965. p. 1. Retrieved April 6, 2024. The Missouri House passed and sent to the governor Monday a stiffer bill on fair employment practices to prevent employers and labor unions from discriminating against individuals because of their ' race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex or ancestry. The House sponsor, majority floor leader Mel Carnahan, D-Phelps...
  23. ^ "Campbell Suggests 10 to Hearnes for Redistricting Posts". St. Joseph News-Press. Associated Press. March 15, 1965. pp. 2A.
  24. ^ "Hearnes Rejects Proposals To Call A Special Session". The Nevada Daily Mail. Associated Press. September 16, 1995. p. 1.
  25. ^ Sitterley, George (September 17, 1965). "Governor's Districting Stand Hit". St. Joseph Gazette. p. 1. Carnahan was one of 63 House Democrats who supported a plan Wednesday, whereby the governor was urged to call a special session on reapportionment with no strings attached. But the governor said later he would not call a session unless he was assured the legislature would support a constitutional amendment drawn to his specifications on reapportionment of the House... Under Hearnes' plan the two major party committees would select panels of 10 each. Then" the governor would choose five from each panel to do the job.
  26. ^ "Deadlock Over Reapportionment Is Broken". St. Joseph News-Press. Associated Press. November 18, 1965. p. 1.
  27. ^ "Mel Carnahan Wins Bid For State Senate". Poplar Bluff Republican. August 4, 1966. p. 4. Retrieved January 12, 2024. Hearne gave tacit support to Sally a friend he had appointed secretary of the state Highway Reciprocity Commission... Sally is a former representative and a former state senator.
  28. ^ Carnahan, Jean (2004). Don't Let the Fire Go Out. Columbia, MO: University of Missouri Press. p. 96. ISBN 0-8262-1513-0. Mel's 1968 (sic) bid for the state senate started with a bitter primary battle—one of the toughest of the nineteen races he would run.
  29. ^ "Sally Concedes In Primary". The New-Haven Leader. August 4, 1966. p. 1. Retrieved October 14, 2023. Carnahan will now oppose Sena-tor Don Owens Republican in the general election in November.
  30. ^ "Primary Election Tuesday, August 2". The New Haven Leader. July 28, 1966. p. 1. Retrieved October 14, 2023. The 20th isn't exactly Republican flavored. Only Gasconade county is considered GOP territory according to observers with Osage and Franklin classed as marginal. The rest are Democratic In spite of this the re-districting commission in the state senate called the 20th a "marginal" district.
  31. ^ "Election Results- 20th District". Missouri Secretary of State. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  32. ^ "Republican Don Owens Defeats Mel Carnahan". Greenville Sun. November 17, 1966. p. 1. Retrieved March 29, 2024. The defeat of Carnahan was regarded as an upset by the metropolitan press, but political observers here expected a close race from the outset of the campaign.
  33. ^ a b "Carnahan returns to politics after fourteen-year absence". Bulletin Journal. UPI. November 27, 1980. p. 5. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  34. ^ "Carnahan Shoots For State's Top Job". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. October 15, 1992. p. 23. Retrieved April 7, 2024. For the next 14 years, Carnahan sat out state politics. He practiced civil law in Rolla...
  35. ^ "Carnahan Eyes Congress If Phelps Stays In 8th". The Houston Herald. September 2, 1971. p. 1. Retrieved December 23, 2023. In a telephone interview Monday with Carnahan, the Rolla attorney told the Houston Newspapers that he definitely is interested in the Congressional seat.
  36. ^ "Ichord Refuses Governor Race". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. September 24, 1971. p. 3. Retrieved December 23, 2023. Representative Richard H. Ichord (Dem.), Houston, who was considered certain until recent days to become a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor said today he would not enter the race. Instead, he said he would file for reelection to Congress from the eighth district.
  37. ^ Dubson, Geof (June 30, 1980). "Old Vs. New In Treasurer Race". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 31. Retrieved December 23, 2023. Carnahan says his own qualifications are "20 years as a lawyer and businessman." The business was Rozark Farms Inc., a company founded by his father in Ellsinore, which produced lump charcoal then sold to other companies to be processed into the smaller briquettes sold in stores. "My brother and I were absentee owners. We hired persons to manage it. But I ran the books and payroll out of my law office," Carnahan said. He sold his interest to his brother in 1975, when the company employed 25 persons.
  38. ^ "The Mel Carnahan Award – Awards and Scholarships in memory of Mel Carnahan". carnahanaward.org. July 24, 2023. Archived from the original on July 24, 2023. Retrieved August 4, 2023. But Carnahan also took a break from public service, spending more than decade practicing law, raising his four children alongside his wife Jean, and serving as school board president back home in Rolla.
  39. ^ Mannies, Jo (October 17, 2000). "Governor's 2nd career began in '80s as treasurer". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 12. Retrieved October 5, 2023. He served on the local School Board for five years, bringing in a new superintendent and persuading the public to approve the bonds needed to build a new junior high the community's first new school building in 28 years.
  40. ^ "Carnahan Announces Treasurer Candidacy". Daily American Republic. Associated Press. June 6, 1979. p. 10. Retrieved April 5, 2024. Mel Carnanan, former Democratic Leader of the Missouri House, today formally announced his candidacy for state treasurer in 1980
  41. ^ "Sweeney-Carnahan Race". Bulletin Journal. UPI. July 29, 1980. p. 7. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  42. ^ Cain, Brad (July 31, 1980). "Variety of races mark state primaries". The Nevada Daily Mail. Associated Press. pp. 12B. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  43. ^ "Rothman, Carnahan gain nod". The Southeast Missourian. Associated Press. August 6, 1980. p. 5. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  44. ^ "Carnahan pledges to continue the works of Spainhower if elected". Bulletin Journal. UPI. October 30, 1980. p. 6. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  45. ^ Cain, Brad (October 30, 1980). "Rothman, Blunt in hot battle". The Nevada Daily Mail. pp. 8B. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  46. ^ "Democrat Rothman promises to work well with Republican governor over next 4 years". Bulletin Journal. UPI. November 6, 1980. p. 4. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  47. ^ "State Treasurer Results". Missouri Secretary of State. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  48. ^ "Missouri State Past Treasurers – Mel Carnahan". treasurer.mo.gov. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  49. ^ Hardy, Richard J., ed. (1995). Missouri government and politics (2nd ed.). Columbia, MO: Univ. of Missouri Press. p. 153. ISBN 978-0-8262-0990-0. After the 1980 campaign, in which the usual charges were traded about favoritism on the part of the treasurer's office toward certain banks, Treasurer Mel Carnahan changed the office's banking and investment practices. While Central Trust Bank of Jefferson City continued to process state checks and handle other essential recordkeeping chores, other major banks around the state such as Boatmen's Bank of St. Louis, United Missouri Bank of Kansas City, and Mercantile Bank of St. Louis were also given some of the state's business. To prevent future charges of favoritism in selecting banks to deposit state funds, Carnahan set up a committee to determine which banks would be chosen using a revolving list and a special formula.
  50. ^ "Carnahan places funds for agriculture loans". Bulletin Journal. April 12, 1983. p. 7. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  51. ^ Dvorak, John A. (July 3, 1984). "Quiet Carnahan lags on name recognition in race for governor". The Kansas City Times. p. 7. Retrieved March 26, 2024. Banks across the state, if they meet certain requirements, are eligible for state investment deposits. Mr Carnahan made special provisions to place investments of state money in new banks and in banks willing to support small business and minority businesses, if the banks met standards and paid the appropriate interest.
  52. ^ Carnahan, Jean (1998). If walls could talk: the story of Missouri's first families. Jefferson City, Mo: MMPI. p. 368. ISBN 978-0-9668992-0-7. Unable to raise the money needed for a full-scale campaign, Carnahan tried to win grassroots support by walking the state — a 325-mile trip from St. Louis to Kansas City that took him thirty-four days to complete. Former Governor Joseph Teasdale made a similar trek during his first, but losing, attempt for the governorship and Carnahan followed suit.
  53. ^ "Taxes, lottery spark debate". The Southeast Missourian. Associated Press. July 10, 1984. p. 3. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  54. ^ "Missouri State Lottery, Amendment 5 (1984) – Ballotpedia". Ballotpedia. January 5, 2015. Archived from the original on January 5, 2015. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
  55. ^ "Missouri Horse Racing Commission, Amendment 7 (1984) – Ballotpedia". Ballotpedia. May 28, 2017. Archived from the original on May 28, 2017. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
  56. ^ "Teasdale endorses Carnahan for top job". The Kansas City Star. January 17, 1984. p. 3. Retrieved September 1, 2024. Former Gov Joe Teasdale has endorsed State Treasurer Mel Carnahan in his quest for the Democratic nomination for governor of Missouri
  57. ^ "Missouri NOW endorses Carnahan for governor". The Kansas City Times. Associated Press. July 4, 1984. p. 22. Retrieved September 1, 2024. State Treasurer Mel Carnahan has won the backing of the Missouri chapter of the National Organization for Women in his bid to become the state's next governor.
  58. ^ Grebing, Jim (September 3, 1985). "Carnahan eyes 8th district race". Bulletin Journal. pp. 1A. Retrieved September 15, 2023. During most of 1985, Carnahan has been keeping a low profile in Rolla, practicing law...
  59. ^ Wolz, Jay (October 15, 1985). "Democrats favor Carnahan as 8th district candidate". The Southeast Missourian. pp. 1A. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  60. ^ "Carnahan won't seek congressional spot". The Southeast Missourian. February 16, 1986. pp. 1A. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  61. ^ Grebing, Jim (February 5, 1987). "Carnahan has interest in party post". The Southeast Missourian. p. 1. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  62. ^ "Carnahan nixes run". The Southeast Missourian. December 31, 1987. pp. 7A. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  63. ^ "Mel, Carnahan, former state treasurer, seeks lieutenant governor". The Southeast Missourian. Associated Press. March 24, 1988. pp. 7A. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  64. ^ "Lieutenant Governor Results". Missouri Secretary of State. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  65. ^ a b c "Carnahan wants to expand his role". The Nevada Daily Mail. Associated Press. February 5, 1989. pp. 2A. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  66. ^ Wolfe, James (December 13, 1988). "Lieutenant governor gets no respect". The Southeast Missourian. pp. 10A. Retrieved September 18, 2023. Sen. Harry Wiggins, D-Kansas City, said he will sponsor a constitutional change, which if the voters approved it, would make Carnahan the last Lieutenant Governor... "The office is meaningless" Sen. Wiggins declared,
  67. ^ Mosley, Jim (January 26, 1989). "Carnahan Requests Funds For 5 Aides". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 6. Retrieved April 7, 2024. Lt. Gov Mel Carnahan asked a House subcommittee Wednesday for a $207,000 budget increase to allow him to double the size of his office staff.
  68. ^ "Lawmakers surprised by no increase request". The Nevada Daily Mail. Associated Press. November 15, 1989. p. 1. Retrieved September 18, 2023. He'd like to do more flying on state planes to outstate events.
  69. ^ Keller, Rudi (January 4, 1989). "Matthewson calls for college revisions". Columbia Daily Tribune. p. 8. Retrieved April 5, 2024. Mathewson spoke after the Senate chose the Sedalia Democrat for the highest post in that body during opening activities for the 1989 session He proposed that lieutenant governor-elect Mel Carnahan take over responsibility for coordinating efforts to fight and treat drug abuse in Missouri...
  70. ^ "Ashcroft, Carnahan dispute who's in charge". St. Joseph News-Press. Associated Press. January 20, 1989. p. 12. Retrieved April 28, 2024. Mo. Republican Gov. John Ashcroft and Missouri's new lieutenant governor, Democrat Mel Carnahan, disagree over who's in charge while the governor is out of state. Ashcroft, who flew to Washington Wednesday to attend the presidential inauguration, contends he's in charge no matter where he is. Carnahan maintains he's in control when Ashcroft is out of the state.
  71. ^ Hardy, Richard J., ed. (1995). Missouri government and politics (2nd ed.). Columbia: Univ. of Missouri Press. p. 144. ISBN 978-0-8262-0990-0. As lieutenant governor, Carnahan contended that he became acting governor whenever Governor John Ashcroft was absent from the state. Ashcroft maintained that he retained his power even if he was absent from the geographical boundaries of Missouri.
  72. ^ Hardy, Richard J., ed. (1995). Missouri government and politics (2nd ed.). Columbia: Univ. of Missouri Press. p. 144. ISBN 978-0-8262-0990-0. In an action that some political observers claimed was prearranged, Ashcroft faxed from Japan some documents to Secretary of State Roy Blunt and asked that his facsimile signature be authenticated. Blunt refused to authenticate the signature from out of state, leading to a ruling by the Missouri Supreme Court in State ex rel. Ashcroft v. Blunt.
  73. ^ "Ashcroft: Who Is In Charge?". Daily American Republic. Associated Press. February 28, 1990. p. 3. Retrieved April 28, 2024. Blunt declined to certify some appointments and other documents for the governor in recent days while Ashcroft was in Japan and in Washington saying there was confusion about whether Ashcroft or Carnahan was in charge.
  74. ^ Wolfe, James F. (February 28, 1990). "Ashcroft seeks court review of Lt. Governor's authority". St. Joseph News-Press. p. 1. Retrieved April 7, 2024. Gov. John Ashcroft asked the Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday to decide whether or not Lt. Gov. Mel Carnahan may take over his powers when Ashcroft is outside Missouri
  75. ^ "Carnahan loses in muscle flexing of power". The Southeast Missourian. Associated Press. April 24, 1990. pp. 10A.
  76. ^ Manning, Carl (April 24, 1990). "Carnahan Loses Muscle Flexing Test As Blunt Refuses To Approve Documents". Macon Chronicle-Herald. p. 1. Retrieved May 22, 2024. Blunt noted the issue is before the Missouri Supreme Court. It is to hear arguments June 1 on Ashcroft's legal query to clarify whether he or Carnahan is in charge in the governor's absence. "Because it is before the court we cannot assume the authority of the court to decide what ought to be done in this case, although it is my position that you are the acting governor when the governor is out of the state," Blunt said in his letter to Carnahan.
  77. ^ "Judge says Governor retains power even out of state". The Southeast Missourian. Associated Press. October 30, 1990. pp. 2A. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  78. ^ "Missouri ruling backs governor". Lawrence Journal-World. Associated Press. July 24, 1991. pp. 8C. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  79. ^ Dao, James (November 5, 2000). "The 2000 Campaign: Missouri; Republican Senator Treads Softly in Run Against Well-Tended Grave of a Governor". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on May 27, 2015. Retrieved September 18, 2023. They also had a fierce personal rivalry, dating from when Mr. Carnahan served as lieutenant governor under Mr. Ashcroft.
  80. ^ Mannies, Jo (November 5, 1998). "Carnahan launches bid to steal Senate seat from Ashcroft in 2000". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 8. Retrieved October 14, 2023. But his terse words for Ashcroft also fit in with the duo's distinct dislike for each other- stemming, some say, from Carnahan's stint as Lt. Governor during Ashcroft's second term as governor, from 1989–93
  81. ^ Larsen, Lawrence (2004). A history of Missouri. 6: 1953 to 2003 (6th ed.). Columbia, Miss: Univ. of Miss. Pr. pp. 148–149. ISBN 978-0826215437. His tenure as Lieutenant Governor featured petty clashes over prerogatives with Governor Ashcroft, leaving a legacy of dislike between the two men.
  82. ^ Charton, Scott (March 8, 1992). "Neighbor Clinton looks to do well in state". The Southeast Missourian. pp. 6A. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  83. ^ Nagourney, Adam; Hossain, Farhana (February 17, 2008). "Old Clinton ties and voters' sway tug at delegates – The New York Times". New York Times. Archived from the original on August 4, 2023. Retrieved August 4, 2023. Carnahan's father, the late Mel Carnahan, a former governor, gave Clinton a pivotal endorsement when he ran for president in 1992.
  84. ^ Edwards, Robert (November 13, 1988). "Carnahan is hope for future". The Springfield News-Leader. p. 15. Retrieved March 17, 2024. This former state treasurer was the only Democrat to capture a statewide post, and he stands as that party's most logical candidate for governor in 1992.
  85. ^ Mosley, Jim (June 1, 1989). "Carnahan To Run For Governor". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 5. Retrieved October 16, 2023. Lt. Gov. Mel Carnahan says he plans to seek the Democratic nomination for governor in 1992 even if St. Louis Mayor Vincent C. Schoemehl Jr. also seeks the office. "I fully expect to be a candidate," Carnahan said in an interview Wednesday. "I think most people see me as the logical unity candidate."
  86. ^ Schlinkman, Mark; O'Neil, Tim (April 17, 1992). "'Redneck': Carnahan Livid Over Name-Calling By Schoemehl". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 1. Retrieved October 19, 2023. Outspoken Mayor Vincent C. Schoemehl Jr. spoke out again Thursday, this time calling Lt. Gov. Mel Carnahan a "redneck from Rolla" on a radio talk show here.
  87. ^ Mannies, Jo (October 30, 1992). "Carnahan's Public Image Transformed". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 31. Retrieved November 17, 2023. Carnahan was viewed by many Democrats and Republicans alike as a weak candidate. He often was described as a nice guy with a reputation as: A dull speaker. A poor fund-raiser. A politician who seemed to lack "fire in the belly."
  88. ^ Charton, Scott (April 28, 1991). "Democrats: solicit a Senate hopeful". The Southeast Missourian. p. 8. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  89. ^ "Governor Primary Results". Missouri Secretary of State. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  90. ^ Hardy, Richard J., ed. (1995). Missouri government and politics (2nd ed.). Columbia, MO: Univ. of Missouri Press. p. 157. ISBN 978-0-8262-0990-0. A series of articles in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch charged that many lawyers appointed by Webster to defend the fund contributed campaign funds to him. Also, according to the St. Louis newspaper, lawyers who contributed to Webster tended to get larger settlements from the Second Injury Fund. Webster was charged with political favoritism and wrongdoing by his primary election opponents, but still won his party's nomination. In the general election the negative publicity surrounding the Second Injury Fund was a major factor in Webster's loss to Carnahan.
  91. ^ "Governor Results". Missouri Secretary of State. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
  92. ^ Smith, Bill (November 4, 1992). "Democratic Party Rises Again In Missouri". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 14. Retrieved February 13, 2024. Mel Carnahan's election marked the first time Missouri has elected a Democratic governor since Joseph P. Teasdale was elected in 1976.
  93. ^ "Mel Carnahan- Governor- Missouri State Manual 1993–1994". Missouri Secretary of State. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  94. ^ "School formula ruled unconstitutional". Columbia Daily Tribune. Associated Press. January 15, 1993. p. 1. Retrieved March 30, 2024. A state judge today ruled unconstitutional Missouri's billion-dollar formula for funding schools and ordered the General Assembly to overhaul it
  95. ^ Carnahan, Jean (1998). If walls could talk: the story of Missouri's first families. Jefferson City, Mo: MMPI. pp. 375–376. ISBN 978-0-9668992-0-7. Faced with a court order only four days after his inauguration, the Governor was forced to correct the disparity between support received by urban and rural school children. Carnahan took the occasion to call for a major overhaul in school funding. "The Outstanding Schools Act" that the Governor pushed through the first session of the legislature resulted in the most ambitious funding for public education in the state's history.
  96. ^ Belluck, Pam (October 18, 2000). "Mel Carnahan, 66, Missouri Governor and Democratic Senate Candidate". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on January 4, 2014. Retrieved January 20, 2019. a $315 million tax increase for public schools, to encourage improved teacher performance, smaller classes, computers in classrooms and vocational programs.
  97. ^ West, Peter (May 19, 1993). "Missouri Lawmakers Race To Pass School-Finance Revision". Education Week. ISSN 0277-4232. Retrieved April 7, 2024. Heavy lobbying pressure by Governor Carnahan was necessary because lawmakers were clearly chary of approving the tax increases required to fund the new formula.
  98. ^ Hardy, Richard J., ed. (1995). Missouri government and politics (2nd ed.). Columbia, MO: Univ. of Missouri Press. p. 135. ISBN 978-0-8262-0990-0. In 1993, Carnahan recommended and secured legislative approval for increases in the personal and corporate income tax and cigarette tax and a new tobacco products tax for use in financing a circuit court-ordered revision of the foundation program for elementary and secondary schools.
  99. ^ Parrish, William Earl; Christiansen, Lawrence O.; Lookingbill, Brad D. (2020). Missouri: the Heart of the Nation (4th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. p. 367. ISBN 978-1-119-16582-8. Governor Carnahan signed the Outstanding Schools Act of 1993, which raised $315 million in new taxes... Not surprisingly, Carnahan became known as "the education governor".
  100. ^ Carnahan, Jean (1998). If walls could talk: the story of Missouri's first families. Jefferson City, Mo: MMPI. p. 376. ISBN 978-0-9668992-0-7. Opponents charged that Bill 380 — The Outstanding Schools Act — violated a campaign pledge by Carnahan to take major tax increases to a vote of the people.
  101. ^ Mannies, Jo (June 2, 1993). "Tax Increase Is Not Legal Hancock Says". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 4. Retrieved October 11, 2023. Rep. Mel Hancock, R-Springfield, Mo., contends that tax increases approved by Gov. Mel Carnahan and the Missouri Legislature violate the state's Hancock Amendment. The constitutional amendment, which Hancock wrote as a member of the state Legislature, restricts tax and fee increases without a public vote.
  102. ^ Hardy, Richard J.; Dohm, Richard R.; Leuthold, David A., eds. (1995). Missouri government and politics (2nd ed.). Columbia, MO: University of Missouri Press. p. 270. ISBN 978-0-8262-0990-0. ...Hancock II, a tax limitation proposal on the November 1994 ballot. Congressman Mel Hancock and his supporters, explaining that they were angry about the tax increase and particularly the failure to provide for a public vote on the tax increase, circulated initiative petitions for a proposal to reduce state revenues and require popular votes on all state tax increases.
  103. ^ Jones, Mike (April 27, 1994). "Carnahan labels Hancock II proposal a $1 billion threat". St. Joseph News-Press. p. 9. Retrieved April 8, 2024. Gov. Mel Carnahan on Tuesday blasted the so-called Hancock II proposal as a fraud that would devastate state education and other finances to the tune of $1 billion.
  104. ^ "Tax-limitation amendment fails in Missouri". The Telegraph. Associated Press. November 9, 1994. pp. C-6. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  105. ^ "Missouri Constitutional Amendment Results" (PDF). p. 8. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 2, 2014. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  106. ^ Keller, Rudi (September 30, 2022). "After four decades, Hancock Amendment continues to shape Missouri tax policy • Missouri Independent". Missouri Independent. Archived from the original on October 1, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2023. Carnahan campaigned hard to defeat it, but after he did so, he turned to Hancock's partner from the 1980 initiative effort, the Missouri Farm Bureau, to help persuade lawmakers to enact an annual cap on tax increases. Passed in April 1996 – just in time for Carnahan's re-election campaign – it allowed for annual new taxes and fees up to $50 million, with a provision adjusting that number for inflation.
  107. ^ Carnahan, Jean (1998). If walls could talk: the story of Missouri's first families. Jefferson City, Mo: MMPI. p. 377. ISBN 978-0-9668992-0-7. ...the Governor urged support of Amendment 4 that restricted lawmakers to raising taxes no more than $50 million a year without a vote of the people. In April 1996 Missourians gave the measure a hearty 69 percent voter approval.
  108. ^ "The Great Flood of 1993". National Weather Service. July 8, 2017. Archived from the original on July 8, 2017. Retrieved August 4, 2023. The size and impact of the Great Flood of 1993 was unprecedented and has been considered the most costly and devastating flood to ravage the U.S. in modern history... July brought more heavy rain to the Missouri and upper Mississippi River basins in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Illinois and Minnesota.
  109. ^ Changnon, Stanley A., ed. (1996). The great flood of 1993: causes, impacts, and responses. Boulder, Colo. Oxford: Westview Press. p. 236. ISBN 978-0-8133-2620-7. On July 9, newly-elected Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan, a Democrat, cut his European vacation short after only one day to return to his soggy state and declared all 114 Missouri counties as state disaster areas.
  110. ^ Grebing, Jim (July 23, 1993). "Carnahan:State will do its part". The Southeast Missourian. pp. 4A. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  111. ^ Manning, Carl (September 3, 1993). "Carnahan To Call Special Session To Address State's Flood Damage". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 12. Retrieved October 14, 2023. Gov. Mel Carnahan planned to announce today that he will call a special session of the Legislature starting Sept. 15 to deal with the state's flood damage.
  112. ^ Meeks, Marion (July 27, 1994). "It's official! Pattonsburg to move out of Grand River's flood plain". Bethany Republican-Clipper. p. 1. Retrieved October 14, 2023. The townspeople of Pattonsburg Mo gathered on main street Friday July 22 at 1:00 pm to hear Governor Mel Carnahan announce the amount of the planned buyout for the town's relocation. Cheers and applause from the audience greeted the announcement that Pattonsburg has been awarded $115 million for the relocation of 18 businesses and 142 homes according to the official figures. This is the largest buyout in the state of Missouri.
  113. ^ Davis, Amanda (July 24, 1994). "Government buys out two flood ravaged Missouri towns". The Nevada Daily Mail. p. 1. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  114. ^ "Carnahan signs flood legislation". Columbia Daily Tribune. Associated Press. October 1, 1993. p. 3. Retrieved April 5, 2024. Gov Mel Carnahan spiked proposed legislation that would have made Missouri liable for some business flood insurance...Carnahan vetoed the bill after signing three other pieces of legislation also passed during the recent special session. They included a $443 1 million spending bill to match federal relief dollars, property tax relief for flood victims...
  115. ^ "Carnahan captures governors' attention". The Southeast Missourian. Associated Press. August 17, 1993. pp. 6A. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  116. ^ "Mel Eugene Carnahan – National Governors Association". National Governor's Association. July 2, 2019. Archived from the original on July 2, 2019. Retrieved August 4, 2023. He served as chair of both the Democratic Governors' Association and the Southern Governors' Association... He also served as a member of the National Governors Association Executive Committee.
  117. ^ "Carnahan says health care will top legislative priorities". The Daily Journal. Associated Press. December 1, 1993. p. 7. Retrieved April 6, 2024. Carnahan said health -care reform will be his top priority for the Legislature, which begins its session on Jan. 5.
  118. ^ Barone, Michael; Ujifasa, Grant (1999). The Almanac of American Politics 2000. Washington D.C.: National Journal. p. 922. ISBN 978-0-8129-3193-8. He had one major defeat: in 1994 the legislature rejected his attempt to require health insurers to disregard pre-existing conditions and make policies portable between jobs.
  119. ^ "Carnahan Signs New Welfare Law". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Associated Press. July 12, 1994. p. 11. Retrieved December 16, 2023. Gov. Mel Carnahan signed legislation Monday that he characterized as welfare reform... The centerpiece of the new law, which goes into effect Aug. 28 is a requirement that most aid recipients sign contracts pledging to get out of the system within two years. In exchange, they would receive job training and higher benefits.
  120. ^ "Proclamation [1994-09-14]". www.sos.mo.gov. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  121. ^ Hardy, Richard J.; Dohm, Richard R.; Leuthold, David A., eds. (1995). Missouri government and politics (2nd ed.). Columbia: University of Missouri Press. p. 148. ISBN 978-0-8262-0990-0. ...the county prosecutor brought charges, and Moriarty was found guilty of falsely certifying that her son had filed to run for the state legislature. (The son had paid his filing fee and completed a filing form, but the absence of his signature on the form in the office meant that he could not be legally certified as a candidate.)
  122. ^ Young, Virginia (September 14, 1994). "Resign Now, Moriarty Told". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 24. Retrieved October 14, 2023. Gov. Mel Carnahan told Secretary of State Judith K. Moriarty Tuesday that she should resign by noon today or face impeachment by the Missouri House... Moriarty said through a spokesman that she would not resign...
  123. ^ Young, Virginia (October 7, 1994). "Moriarty Is Impeached". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 1. Retrieved October 14, 2023. The House voted overwhelmingly Thursday to impeach Secretary of State Judith K. Moriarty for misconduct that "breached the public trust."
  124. ^ Young, Virginia; Bell, Kim (December 13, 1994). "High Court Ousts Moriarty". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 1. Retrieved October 14, 2023. In a unanimous opinion Monday, the Missouri Supreme Court convicted Secretary of State Judith K. Moriarty of misconduct and removed her from office.
  125. ^ Grebing, Jim (December 16, 2019). "Bonus blog: 25 years ago, Bekki Cook became Missouri Secretary of State". seMissourian.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2019. Retrieved September 15, 2023. ...Gov. Mel Carnahan appointed Jackson native and Cape Girardeau resident Rebecca McDowell Cook.
  126. ^ "Missouri Governor To Focus On Trade Relations During Visit To Korea". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Associated Press. June 20, 1995. p. 12. Retrieved January 12, 2024. Gov. Mel Carnahan is scheduled to fly to Korea today for a weeklong summit aimed at bolstering the country's trade relations with Missouri... Korea is one of Missouri's top 10 trading partners...
  127. ^ Flannery, William (June 24, 1995). "Trade Mission To S. Korea Bears Fruit". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 14. Retrieved January 12, 2024. Gov. Mel Carnahan's trade mission to South Korea has landed $2.6 million in deals for St. Louis and Missouri firms.
  128. ^ Lindecke, Fred W. (October 24, 1995). "St. Louisan Named To Court". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 28. Retrieved October 14, 2023. Gov. Mel Carnahan on Monday named appellate Judge Ronnie L. White as the first black Missouri Supreme Court judge in the 175-year history of the court.
  129. ^ "Ronnie L White Appointed District Judge | Eastern District of Missouri | United States District Court". www.moed.uscourts.gov. Archived from the original on October 17, 2020. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  130. ^ Bryant, Tim (September 22, 2000). "Judge White says Senate's rejection of his appointment could have a "chilling effect"". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 6. Retrieved March 17, 2024. Carnahan drew applause when he told the audience that White was "one of my proudest appointments."
  131. ^ Larsen, Lawrence H. (2004). A history of Missouri. 6: 1953 to 2003 (6th ed.). Columbia, Miss: Univ. of Miss. Pr. p. 149. ISBN 978-0-8262-1546-8. Carnahan's approval ratings were consistently high.
  132. ^ Larsen, Lawrence H. (2004). A history of Missouri. 6: 1953 to 2003 (6th ed.). Columbia, Miss: Univ. of Miss. Pr. p. 150. ISBN 978-0-8262-1546-8. He made the Outstanding Schools Act the centerpiece of his campaign, claiming it paved the way for more modern schools, reduced class sizes, and increased the number of computers in classrooms.
  133. ^ Johnston, Robert C. (October 23, 1996). "Gaining Mileage From Tax Hike, Mo. Governor Widens Lead". Education Week. ISSN 0277-4232. Retrieved December 15, 2023. Although she did not officially begin her campaign until this month, Ms. Kelly, 61, is making up for lost time by aggressively portraying the governor as "Tax Man Carnahan." To her, the 1993 tax is a broken promise for which Mr. Carnahan should pay.
  134. ^ "Governor/General election: Nov. 5, 1996". Missouri Secretary of State. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  135. ^ Barone, Michael; Ujifusa, Grant (1999). The Almanac of American Politics 2000. Washington D.C.: National Journal. p. 922. ISBN 978-0-8129-3193-8. In his second term, he was obliged by the 1980 Hancock Amendment, sponsored by a conservative Republican, to refund taxes when spending reached a certain level; more than $1 billion is going back to taxpayers over five budget years.
  136. ^ Kirkland, Joel (May 17, 1997). "Legislative Session Concludes". mdn.org. Archived from the original on November 12, 1997. Retrieved September 18, 2023. The tax package that lawmakers approved eliminates a 3-cent sales tax on groceries and cuts taxes on private pensions.
  137. ^ Gleich, Terri (June 6, 1997). "Carnahan signs money-saving bill". The Springfield News-Leader. p. 1. Retrieved April 8, 2024. Gov. Mel Carnahan signed a $330 million tax-cut package on Thursday that includes a 3-cent reduction in the state sales tax on food... In addition to the food-tax cut, the bill also: Gives retirees with private pension income the same $6,000 tax break as government pensioners...
  138. ^ Paterson, Deborah (July 9, 1998). "Carnahan signs tax-relief package". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 1. Retrieved October 14, 2023. The law increases tax credits nicknamed circuit-breakers for the elderly and disabled.
  139. ^ "New law gives elderly break on prescriptions". The Southeast Missourian. Associated Press. July 9, 1999. pp. 4A. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  140. ^ Broder, David S. (August 9, 1999). "Good Times for Governors". Washington Post. Archived from the original on August 18, 2000. Retrieved September 18, 2023. Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan (D), a challenger to Sen. John D. Ashcroft (R) in 2000, recently signed a $202 million tax cut, including the first boost in the personal exemption in more than 50 years. Carnahan can boast of $1.3 billion in tax cuts since his second term began in 1997—and will be mailing out rebates this fall and again in the election year.
  141. ^ Morris, Jeffrey B. (2007). Establishing justice in Middle America: a history of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. p. 307. ISBN 978-0-8166-4816-0. Clark issued his last order in the case, ending state responsibility for Kansas City school desegregation, in March 1997. He approved a settlement calling for an end to the lawsuit by 2000 and an end to state support by 1999. He asked school officials to come up with a plan by August 15, 1999, to deal with the loss of nearly $100 million in annual state moneys.
  142. ^ Morris, Jeffrey (2007). Establishing Justice in Middle America: A History of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. University Of Minnesota Press. p. 307. ISBN 978-0816648160. In June 1998, the school board approved a plan to wean the district from state payments, while Governor Mel Carnahan signed a bill to help the Kansas City School District avoid bankruptcy once the state payments ended.
  143. ^ Morris, Jeffrey (2007). Establishing Justice in Middle America: A History of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Univ. of Minnesota Press. p. 309. ISBN 978-0816648160. On June 23, 1998, Governor Mel Carnahan signed the bill under which the St. Louis desegregation case was able to come to an end. Under that law, the state provided for a school board elected by districts. The St. Louis public schools were to receive more than forty million of the seventy million dollars it was then receiving annually from the state. The voluntary transfer program with the suburbs was to continue and the suburban school districts involved were also to receive state funding.
  144. ^ Bell Jr., Bill (June 11, 1998). "Carnahan signs bill on extension of Medicaid to 90,000 children". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 14. Retrieved October 14, 2023. Gov. Mel Carnahan signed into law a measure extending Medicaid coverage to children in families earning up to three times the federal poverty level... The law will extend health coverage to 90,000 children who now lack insurance.
  145. ^ Ganey, Terry (August 11, 1998). "Governor picks SLU professor to fill vacancy on high court". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 1. Retrieved October 19, 2023. Wasting little time, Gov. Mel Carnahan on Monday named St. Louis University law professor Michael A. Wolff the governor's former legal counsel to fill a vacancy on the Missouri Supreme Court.
  146. ^ "Judge Michael A. Wolff". www.courts.mo.gov. Archived from the original on September 22, 2021. Retrieved October 19, 2023. He served as chief justice of the Court from July 1, 2005, through June 30, 2007.
  147. ^ Niebahr, Gustav (January 29, 1999). "Governor Grants Pope's Plea For Life of a Missouri Inmate - NYTimes.com". New York Times. Archived from the original on May 20, 2015. Retrieved July 25, 2023. After an extraordinary personal appeal from Pope John Paul II, Gov. Mel Carnahan, a supporter of capital punishment, today commuted the death sentence of a convicted murderer to life in prison without parole.
  148. ^ Mannies, Jo (February 1, 1999). "Death row mercy brings 'lessons' from Ashcroft". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 40. Retrieved January 12, 2024. Since commuting Mease's sentence, Carnahan's office has gotten more calls of complaints than support.
  149. ^ Cuneo, Michael W. (2004). Almost Midnight: an American Story of Murder and Redemption (1st ed.). New York, NY: Broadway Books. p. 312. ISBN 9780767913423. Almost 34 percent of respondents to a Post-Dispatch survey said they were more likely to vote against Carnahan because of the commutation; less than 8 percent said they were more likely to vote for him.
  150. ^ "Carnahan lambasts concealed-weapons plan". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Post-Dispatch Jefferson City Bureau. February 19, 1999. p. 10. Retrieved October 14, 2023. Gov. Mel Carnahan said he opposes the concealed-weapons measure on the April 6 ballot
  151. ^ Horner, William T. (2005). Showdown in the Show-Me State : The Fight over Conceal-and-Carry Gun Laws in Missouri. Columbia, MO: University of Missouri Press. pp. 70–71. ISBN 0-8262-1587-4. The opposition to Prop B was largely organized by SSWC. Based in St. Louis, it was led by the daughter of Governor Mel Carnahan, Robin Carnahan, who served as the group's campaign manager.
  152. ^ Charton, Scott (October 15, 2000). "Candidates differ sharply on guns". The Southeast Missourian. pp. 3A. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  153. ^ Gorney, Cynthia (1998). Articles of Faith : A Frontline History of the Abortion Wars. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. p. 522. ISBN 0-684-80904-4. ...by late 1997 the state legislature had sent to his desk three abortion-related bills sponsored by Sam Lee and other right-to-life lobbyists, but the governor vetoed all three.
  154. ^ Bell Jr., Bill (March 4, 1999). "House advances ban on "partial-birth" abortions". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 7. Retrieved October 14, 2023. Abortion opponents easily passed a bill Wednesday in the Missouri House that they say would ban a controversial mid- to late-term abortion procedure.
  155. ^ Charatan, Fred (October 2, 1999). "Missouri passes antiabortion law". BMJ. 319 (7214): 874. doi:10.1136/bmj.319.7214.874. PMC 1116719. PMID 10506037. The new Missouri law goes further than other laws, however. "If it had applied to only partial birth abortion, and provided an exception for protecting the health of the mother, I would have signed it. But it was written to reach back with subtlety of language to the fifth and sixth week of pregnancy," said Mr Carnahan.
  156. ^ Bell Jr., Bill (September 17, 1999). "Controversial abortion bill is now law". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 1. Retrieved October 14, 2023. He is the seventh governor in state history to suffer a veto override – this one at the hands of his own party.
  157. ^ Mannies, Jo (November 5, 1998). "Carnahan launches bid to steal Senate seat from Ashcroft in 2000". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 8. Retrieved April 8, 2024. The day after Missouri voters elected one U.S. senator, Gov. Mel Carnahan announced that he's out to knock off the other one. Carnahan, a Democrat, said he's sick and tired of Sen. John Ashcroft's "extreme talk" and filed Wednesday as a candidate against him in 2000.
  158. ^ Charton, Scott (January 3, 1994). "Carnahan prefers second term over Senate bid in '94". The Southeast Missourian. pp. 4A. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  159. ^ Charton, Scott (January 25, 1997). "No Carnahan-Bond Race In '98". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 4. Retrieved January 12, 2024. Democratic Gov. Mel Carnahan said Friday that he would not challenge the re-election of Republican Sen. Christopher Bond in 1998. "I think that's a winnable race, but I think one would need to start early. I'm not prepared to start at this time. I'm very intent on the session, on our issues . . . there, and I'm going to give that our full attention," Carnahan told The Associated Press... The governor, who grew up in the nation's capital as the son of a member of Congress, declined to rule out permanently seeking a Senate seat.
  160. ^ "Missouri's Monster Mash – CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. CBS News Staff. September 15, 2000. Archived from the original on September 22, 2023. Retrieved September 22, 2023. Adding to the drama of this election is the less-than-friendly personal relationship between the two men. "They don't particularly care for each other," says Jones.
  161. ^ Mannies, Jo (August 27, 2000). "U.S. Senate race is marked by clear contrasts". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 10. Retrieved October 14, 2023. Both deny the long-standing rumors they dislike each other, a rift some say was spawned when Carnahan was lieutenant governor under Ashcroft.
  162. ^ Rothenberg, Stuart (September 20, 2000). "Stuart Rothenberg: The fight for the Senate – September 20, 2000". CNN. Archived from the original on September 22, 2000. Retrieved July 25, 2023. The closest race in the nation appears to be in Missouri, where Ashcroft battles Democratic Gov. Mel Carnahan. Polling has shown the two men locked in a tight race, and there is no way to pick a winner.
  163. ^ Associated Press (October 25, 1999). "Mo. Governor's Blackface Gets a New Showing". Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 2, 2011. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  164. ^ Media, Griffin. "Missouri governor apologizes for 1960 blackface skit". www.newson6.com. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
  165. ^ Murphy, Kevin (June 21, 2000). "Kansas City Star – Election 2000". Kansas City Star. Archived from the original on August 19, 2000. Retrieved August 4, 2023. Carnahan, a Democrat completing his second four-year term as governor, said his task will be to show voters that Ashcroft is trying to appear more moderate than his voting record indicates on issues such as Social Security, Medicare, gun safety and prescription drug coverage. "John has accumulated a voting record that is very much out of step with the mainstream wishes of voters in Missouri...yet his rhetoric places him very much back in the middle," Carnahan said.
  166. ^ Charton, Scott (August 9, 2000). "Now comes November: Missouri parties pick nominees". The Nevada Daily Mail. p. 5. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  167. ^ "Keeping Track". The Springfield News-Leader. Associated Press. July 20, 2000. p. 16. Retrieved March 9, 2024. Carnahan's journey is dubbed the "Working Families Whistlestop Train Tour." He borrowed the idea from President Truman, who popularized train tours during his 1948 reelection campaign.
  168. ^ Davis, Patti (July 19, 2000). "Missouri Senate race matches two political 'titans' – July 19, 2000". CNN. Archived from the original on October 1, 2000. Retrieved July 25, 2023. Missouri's Democratic Gov. Mel Carnahan, who wants to be his state's next senator, has kicked off a four-day, 21-county whistle stop tour much like a another[sic] famous Missouri senator years ago. "The seat I'm seeking in the U.S. Senate is Harry Truman's old seat," Carnahan tells voters.
  169. ^ Charton, Scott (October 21, 2020). "Remembering former Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan, 20 years after his sudden death • Missouri Independent". Missouri Independent. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved July 25, 2023. They took off just before 7 p.m. from St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia, Ill., bound for New Madrid, Mo., and a banquet organized by Black ministers. Several hundred people were assembled and waiting at the banquet hall.
  170. ^ Leiser, Ken (October 17, 2000). "Randy Carnahan was flying plane under instrument flight rules". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 54. Retrieved October 14, 2023. Randy Carnahan, the governor's son, was flying the Cessna 335 under instrument flight rules...
  171. ^ "Aircraft Accident Brief" (PDF). National Transportation Safety Board. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 15, 2023. Retrieved October 15, 2023. On October 16, 2000, about 1933 central daylight time (CDT), a Cessna 335, N8354N, crashed near Hillsboro, Missouri. The pilot and two passengers were killed, and the airplane was destroyed.
  172. ^ "Carnahan Crash Report Released – CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. Associated Press. June 5, 2002. Archived from the original on March 8, 2017. Retrieved October 15, 2023. A federal probe of the plane crash that killed Gov. Mel Carnahan found that his pilot son, Randy, grew disoriented and lost control of the Cessna 335, in part because the key instrument guiding him through darkness, rain and fog malfunctioned.
  173. ^ "CPD: October 17, 2000 Debate Transcript". www.debates.org. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
  174. ^ "Executive Order 00-19". www.sos.mo.gov. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
  175. ^ "Remembering Mel Carnahan and the day Missouri's political landscape shook". STLPR. October 17, 2010. Archived from the original on January 2, 2024. Retrieved January 2, 2024. I was in the press pool assigned to accompany Clinton and his entourage when they flew in for the funeral. They included the president's wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Vice President Al Gore and his then-wife, Tipper Gore... In Jefferson City, the presidential motorcade parked beneath the Capitol after dropping off the dignitaries and the army of journalists so they could join the funeral procession from the Governor's Mansion to the Capitol, led by the governor's widow, Jean Carnahan. Ashcroft and Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond, R-Mo. – both former governors – also were part of the procession.
  176. ^ "Thousands Attend Funeral for Missouri's Governor". Tampa Bay Times. October 21, 2000. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  177. ^ a b Adams, Michael G. (2002). "Missouri Compromise: Did the Posthumous Senatorial Election of Mel Carnahan and Subsequent Appointment of Jean Carnahan Compromise Federal or State Law". Kentucky Law Review. 29 (3): 433 – via Hein Online. At two-thirteen am, Tuesday morning, Lieutenant Governor Roger Wilson was sworn in as governor to serve the remaining three months in Carnahan's term.
  178. ^ "US Senators from Missouri". www.sos.mo.gov. Retrieved September 18, 2023. Mel Carnahan, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, died in a plane crash October 16, 2000; Missouri statutes required that his name remain on the official ballot for the general election as it was too late to remove it. Carnahan won the seat posthumously on November 7, 2000
  179. ^ "Carnahan's Widow to 'Enter' Missouri Sen. Race". ABC News. October 24, 2000. Archived from the original on January 30, 2011. Retrieved August 23, 2023. "Should Mel Carnahan receive the largest number of votes in the election," new Missouri Gov. Roger Wilson announced today, "it is my intention to ask Jean Carnahan if she would fill [the] term."
  180. ^ Horner, William T. (2005). Showdown in the Show-Me State : the Fight Over Conceal-and-Carry Gun Laws in Missouri. Columbia, MO: University of Missouri Press. p. 150. ISBN 0-8262-1587-4. When Carnahan was killed just weeks before election day, most polls indicated he was trailing Ashcroft by a slight margin.
  181. ^ Lewis, Neil A. (October 31, 2000). "THE 2000 CAMPAIGN: THE MISSOURI SENATE RACE; In Missouri, Campaign Flourishes After the Death of the Candidate". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 6, 2014. Retrieved January 12, 2024. After the crash, when it was too late to replace Mr. Carnahan on the ballot... But in that period, the momentum began to shift. Signs and stickers began appearing throughout the state, saying: I'm still with Mel and Don't let the fire go out. Suddenly he was staying even in the polls, and then even pulling ahead in some surveys after the state's new governor, a Democrat, floated the idea that he would like to name Jean Carnahan, the candidate's widow, to the seat if her husband won the election.
  182. ^ "U.S. Senate: The Unforgettable 107th Congress". www.senate.gov. Retrieved January 2, 2024. The story of the extraordinary 107th began on election day in November 2000, when—for the first time in history—voters knowingly elected a deceased candidate, Mel Carnahan of Missouri, to a Senate seat.
  183. ^ "Republican senator loses to dead rival in Missouri". CNN. November 7, 2000.
  184. ^ Horner, William T. (2005). Showdown in the Show-Me State: the fight over conceal-and-carry gun laws in Missouri. Columbia, Mo.: University of Missouri Press. p. 151. ISBN 978-0-8262-1587-1. As close as the Ashcroft-Carnahan race was, it was nowhere near as close as the gubernatorial election, which was decided by a razor-thin margin. Bob Holden beat Jim Talent by roughly thirty thousand votes; once again, in such a close race it is not unreasonable to suggest that the grief Missourians felt after the death of Carnahan helped pushed Holden into office.
  185. ^ "Official Election Results- 11/05/2002" (PDF). Missouri Secretary of State. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  186. ^ "Mel Carnahan Is Named Outstanding Democrat". The Nevada Daily Mail. Associated Press. July 15, 1965. p. 3. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  187. ^ a b "State of Missouri—Office of the Governor: Bio". www.gov.state.mo.us. December 1, 1998. Archived from the original on December 1, 1998. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  188. ^ "Melvin E. Carnahan". DeMolay International. Archived from the original on January 27, 2024. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  189. ^ "Mayor says building to be named for Carnahan". The Southeast Missourian. February 17, 2001. pp. 5A. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  190. ^ "Rolla armory dedicated for late governor". The Southeast Missourian. Associated Press. November 12, 2001. pp. 2A. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  191. ^ "About Carnahan High School of the Future / Welcome". www.slps.org. Archived from the original on February 18, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2020. On September 5, 2003, Carnahan opened its doors as Carnahan Middle School. It was named in memory of the late governor Melvin Eugene Carnahan
  192. ^ "Things to Do | Carnahan Memorial Gardens". Visit Missouri. Archived from the original on August 7, 2020. Retrieved September 18, 2023. After the death of Governor Carnahan, the garden was renamed as a memorial to his work.
  193. ^ O'Leary, Emily (August 17, 2023). "Crews install bust of former governor in garden named for him". Fulton Sun. Archived from the original on September 18, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023. A bust of late Gov. Mel Carnahan now overlooks a garden on the State Capitol grounds that bears his name.
  194. ^ Gustafson, Matthew (February 8, 2024). "Bust of former Gov. Mel Carnahan dedicated in Jefferson City". KOMU 8. Archived from the original on February 9, 2024. Retrieved March 9, 2024. A bust of former governor Mel Carnahan was dedicated Thursday at the Carnahan Memorial Garden in Jefferson City. The dedicated occurred just over a week after the death of his wife, former U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan, on Jan. 30.
  195. ^ Albeck-Ripka, Livia; Mayorquin, Orlando (January 31, 2024). "Jean Carnahan, First Woman to Represent Missouri in U.S. Senate, Dies at 90". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on January 31, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2024. She met Mr. Carnahan when they were teenagers at a Sunday night youth group at a Baptist church, and they sat next to each other in class at Anacostia High School, the family said. The couple were married on June 12, 1954.
  196. ^ "Carnahan-Carpenter". The Current Local. June 24, 1954. p. 1. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  197. ^ Larsen, Lawrence H. (2004). A history of Missouri. 6: 1953 to 2003 (6th ed.). Columbia, Miss: Univ. of Miss. Pr. p. 148. ISBN 978-0-8262-1546-8. They had four children, a girl and three boys, all of whom became lawyers
  198. ^ "St. Louis-based entrepreneur Carnahan to represent U.S. at UN General Assembly". FOX 2. September 13, 2021. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved March 26, 2024. Tom Carnahan, the son of the late Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan and former Missouri U.S. Senator Jean Carnahan... Tom Carnahan founded Wind Capital Group in 2005 and, according to the White House news release announcing the U.N. role, "became a leading developer, owner and operator of utility-scale wind farms in rural America.
  199. ^ Larsen, Lawrence H. (2004). A history of Missouri. 6: 1953 to 2003 (6th ed.). Columbia, Miss: Univ. of Miss. Pr. p. 148. ISBN 978-0-8262-1546-8.
  200. ^ Charton, Scott (October 17, 2000). "Carnahan: Son of rural teachers praised as 'education governor'". The Nevada Daily Mail. p. 1. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  201. ^ Leuthold, David A. (1994). Campaign Missouri 1992. Columbia London: University of Missouri Press. p. 33. ISBN 978-0-8262-0977-1. Carnahan's supporters wore straight-arrow pins to symbolize Carnahan's image...
  202. ^ "BOY IS OFF THE HOOK, IN THE SPOTLIGHT". Deseret News. Associated Press. January 28, 1995. Archived from the original on September 22, 2023. Retrieved September 22, 2023. Cody captured all the attention when he wrote to Gov. Mel Carnahan, asking for "amnesty" from being grounded... Carnahan faxed back a response that day: Pardon granted. "I hope the authorities (your parents) are not too upset with me, and that they decide to accept my act of clemency in the same spirit of good will in which it was given," the governor wrote.
  203. ^ "Mel Carnahan for U.S. Senate- Mel Carnahan's Biography". August 15, 2000. Archived from the original on August 15, 2000. Retrieved September 15, 2023. Mel and Jean remain active in the First Baptist Church of Rolla where they have both served as Sunday school teachers and Mel serves as a deacon.
  204. ^ Charton, Scott (October 18, 2000). "A Straight Arrow". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on August 4, 2023. Retrieved August 4, 2023. Carnahan later earned his private pilot's license and flew often to escape the pressures of office.
  205. ^ "Missouri Roster". Secretary of State of Missouri. 1988. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  206. ^ "MO Governor Race - Nov 03, 1992". Our Campaigns. Archived from the original on September 29, 2011. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  207. ^ "MO Governor Race - Nov 05, 1996". Our Campaigns. Retrieved February 10, 2013.
  208. ^ "Official Election Returns - November 5, 1996 General Election". Sos.mo.gov. Retrieved February 11, 2013.
  209. ^ "2000 ELECTION STATISTICS". clerk.house.gov. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
[edit]
Party political offices
Preceded by Democratic nominee for Treasurer of Missouri
1980 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri
1988 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Democratic nominee for Governor of Missouri
1992, 1996 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Democratic nominee for U.S. Senator from Missouri
(Class 1)
2000 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Chair of the Democratic Governors Association
1994–1995 		Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by Treasurer of Missouri
1981–1985 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Lieutenant Governor of Missouri
1989–1993 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Governor of Missouri
1993–2000
U.S. Senate
Preceded by U.S. Senator-elect (Class 1) from Missouri
2000
Served alongside: Kit Bond 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mel_Carnahan&oldid=1253388405"