Missouri Democrats are taking aim at Attorney General Josh Hawley, as the top Republican recruit for Senate continues to ponder whether to run for Senate in 2018.
In a web video circulating on social media, Democrats are mocking Hawley’s 2016 campaign message, crystalized in a closing television advertisement titled “Ladders,” that criticized career politicians who use one political office as merely a stepping stone to another. Democrats also are questioning Hawley’s management of the attorney general’s office, where he serviing in his first term.
“Cutting prescription drug benefits for Missouri seniors. The state budget crisis is that bad,” the voice-over narrating the Democratic web ad says, as the spot opens. “But what did Josh Hawley do? Tried expanding by nearly $1 million, and hired 16 staffers — each making over $100,000. Sixteen staffers making over $100,000. That’s a 60 percent increase over his predecssor. Josh Hawley: A typical politician, climbing the ladder with our money.”
Hawley emerged as the Republican preference to take on vulnerable Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., in the spring. But with Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo., deciding against an expected Senate bid in favor running for re-election to the House, Hawley’s decision carries more weight for Republicans hoping to draft a top tier candidate inot the race against McCaskill and avoid a repeat of 2012.
Five years ago, McCaskill was equally vulnerable, but escaped after a bruising GOP primary produced a flawed nominee, then Rep. Todd Akin.
Missouri voted for President Trump by nearly 20 points in November, but Republicans don’t want to take any chances. That’s why they’ve been putting the hard sell on Hawley to run, despite assurances he gave to voters last year that he wasn’t running for attorney general as a way to launch himself into higher office.
Hawley’s Washington political advisors have been tightlipped about his plans. Other Republicans, including Missouri Treasurer Eric Schmitt, are laying the goundwork for a Senate campaign in case Hawley bows out of contention.
