Russ Carnahan
John Russell "Russ" Carnahan was the 2016 Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor of Missouri. He was also a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Missouri's 3rd Congressional District from 2005 to 2013. He ran for re-election in 2012 for the 1st Congressional District seat, due to redistricting, and was unsuccessful.
Carnahan announced his intention to run for governor of Missouri on January 15, 2016.[1] He won the Democratic primary election on August 2, 2016. He was defeated in the general election on November 8, 2016.
Carnahan is the son of former U.S. Senator Jean Carnahan and former Governor and U.S. Senator Mel Carnahan (D), as well as the brother of former Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan (D).[1] Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, he was a rank-and-file Democrat during his tenure in Congress.[2]
On March 18, 2023, Carnahan was elected by party membership to serve as chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party.[3]
Biography
Born in 1958, Carnahan grew up in Rolla, Missouri, and graduated from Rolla High School in 1976. His father, Mel Carnahan (D), served as governor of Missouri from 1993 until his death in 2000. His mother, Jean Carnahan, was a U.S. senator. The younger Carnahan earned his bachelor of science in public administration and a juris doctor from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law in 1983. He was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2000, then to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2005; he served until 2013.
Carnahan lives in St. Louis with his wife, Debra, and two sons, Andrew and Austin. The family owns a farm in Phelps County.[4]
Awards
2002: Missouri Bar Legislative Award
2002: Lewis and Clark Statesman Award, St. Louis Regional Commerce and Grown Association
2002: Legislative Award, St. Louis Business Journal
Career
He worked as a private practice attorney prior to entering politics.
Committee assignments
U.S. House
2011-2012
Carnahan served on the following committees:[5]
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
- Subcommittee on Aviation
- Subcommittee on Water Resources & Environment
- Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management
- Foreign Affairs Committee
- Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations (Ranking Member)
- Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights
- Committee on Veterans' Affairs
- Subcommittee on Health
Political positions
Financial crisis
Rep. Carnahan voted for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).[6] According to a Gallup poll from September 13, 2010, 61 percent of Americans disapproved of TARP, while 37 percent approved.[7]
Carnahan also supported the auto bailout.[8] As of September 13, 2010, 56 percent of Americans disapproved of the auto bailout, while 43 percent supported it.[7]
In addition, Rep. Carnahan voted for the stimulus bill.[9] Fifty-seven percent of U.S. voters believed that the stimulus had either hurt the economy (36 percent) or had no impact (21 percent). Thirty-eight percent believed the stimulus helped the economy.[10]
Carnahan also voted in favor of the "Cash for Clunkers" bill.[11] According to a June 2009 Rasmussen Reports poll, 54 percent of likely U.S. voters opposed Cash for Clunkers, while 35 percent supported it.[12]
Carnahan supported the "Cap and Trade" bill.[13] Just after the bill’s passage, 42 percent of likely U.S. voters said that cap and trade would hurt the economy, while 19 percent believed that it would help. Another 15 percent said that the bill would have no impact.[14]
Healthcare
Finally, Carnahan voted in favor of the health care reform bill.[15] Fifty-seven percent of likely voters at least somewhat favored repeal of the health care reform bill, including 46 percent who strongly favored repeal. Thirty-five percent of likely voters opposed repeal. Fifty-one percent of likely voters believed the health care reform bill would be bad for the country, while 36 percent believed it would be beneficial.[16]
Specific votes
Fiscal cliff
Carnahan voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. He was one of 172 Democrats who voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257-167 vote on January 1, 2013.[17]
Elections
2016
Carnahan ran for lieutenant governor of Missouri in 2016. He won the Democratic nomination in the August 2 primary election. Carnahan competed with physician and musician Winston Apple and state Representative Tommie Pierson in the Democratic primary on August 2, 2016.[1] He competed in the November 8, 2016, general election with Republican Mike Parson, Libertarian Steven Hedrick, Green Party candidate Jennifer Leach, and write-in candidate Jake Wilburn.
Mike Parson defeated Russ Carnahan, Steven Hedrick, Jennifer Leach, and Jake Wilburn in the Missouri lieutenant governor election.
| Missouri Lieutenant Governor, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  Mike Parson |
55.18% | 1,262,751 | |
| Democratic | Russ Carnahan | 39.99% | 915,221 | |
| Libertarian | Steven Hedrick | 2.48% | 56,804 | |
| Green | Jennifer Leach | 2.33% | 53,273 | |
| Write-in | Jake Wilburn | 0.02% | 405 | |
| Total Votes | 2,288,454 | |||
| Source: Missouri Secretary of State | ||||
Results
Russ Carnahan defeated Tommie Pierson and Winston Apple in the Missouri Democratic primary for lieutenant governor.
| Missouri Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
| Russ Carnahan |
75.93% | 243,157 |
| Tommie Pierson | 12.09% | 38,700 |
| Winston Apple | 11.98% | 38,372 |
| Total Votes (3214 of 3214 precincts reporting) | 320,229 | |
| Source: Missouri Secretary of State | ||
| Russ Carnahan Campaign Finance Reports | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | Date Filed | Beginning Balance | Total Contributions for Reporting Period | Expenditures | Cash on Hand | ||||
| 4/15/2016 | 1/1/2016-3/31/2016 | $0 | $189,675.16 | $(17,091.57) | $172,583.59 | ||||
| Second quarter | 4/1/2016-6/30/2016 | $172,583.59 | $263,800.62 | $(87,083.87) | $341,733.84 | ||||
| Pre primary | 7/1/2016-7/21/2016 | $341,733.84 | $31,647.21 | $(32,466.24) | $338,398.32 | ||||
| 30 days after primary | 9/12/2016 | $338,398.32 | $256,758.16 | $(83,855.29) | $508,801.19 | ||||
| October quarterly report | 10/17/2016 | $508,800.19 | $309,106.06 | $(605,112.30) | $209,793.95 | ||||
| Running totals | |||||||||
| $1,050,987.21 | $(825,609.27) | ||||||||
2012
Carnahan was seeking re-election to the House of Representatives in 2012. He filed for re-election in the 1st Congressional District after his present district was eliminated during redistricting. Carnahan was defeated by fellow incumbent Lacy Clay in a Democratic primary race on August 7, 2012, that also included challenger Candice Britton.[18][19][20]
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
|---|---|---|
|
William Lacy Clay Incumbent |
63.3% | 57,672 |
| Russ Carnahan Incumbent | 33.9% | 30,911 |
| Candice Britton | 2.8% | 2,566 |
| Total Votes | 91,149 | |
2010
On November 2, 2010, Carnahan was re-elected to the United States House for a fourth term. He defeated Ed Martin (R), Steven R. Hedrick (Libertarian), Nicholas J. ‘‘Nick Ivanovich (Constitution), and Brian Wallner (Write-in).[21]
| United States House, Missouri General Election, 2010 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Russ Carnahan Incumbent |
48.9% | 99,398 | |
| Republican | Ed Martin | 46.7% | 94,757 | |
| Libertarian | Steven R. Hedrick | 2.8% | 5,772 | |
| Constitution | Nicholas J. Nick Ivanovich | 1.6% | 3,155 | |
| Write-in | Brian Wallner | 0% | 3 | |
| Total Votes | 203,085 | |||
Campaign themes
2016
Carnahan's campaign website pointed to his experience in both the private and public sectors as qualifications for the office of lieutenant governor, including his tenure on the Veteran's Affairs and Transportation and Infrastructure committees while serving in the U.S. House and his efforts to support renewable energy legislation. "I believe that we need bold leaders willing to think big, take on the real problems and listen. Together, we can revive the principles and trust that make our great state even better and our citizens’ futures even brighter. Together, we can focus on cleaning up the political mess in Jefferson City, giving students an opportunity to have a great education, creating good paying jobs and investing in our infrastructure by repairing the roads and bridges that are the backbone of our economy," he stated.[22]
2012
On his campaign website, Carnahan lists eight issues. They are:[23]
- Energy
- Carnahan's website says, "The United States must move towards energy independence by developing alternative fuel sources. Such a policy can begin right here in the Midwest . Russ Carnahan voted against tax credits for oil companies, and he has sponsored alternative measures that create incentives to produce alternative fuels. We need to roll back the Republican-sponsored tax-credits, worth $14 billion for Big Oil, and instead invest those resources in the America 's future. Congressman Russ Carnahan is committed to supporting research and innovation that will provide lower energy costs and long-term economic stability."
- National Security
- Carnahan's website says, "Carnahan is also committed to ensuring that First Responders in Missouri have the proper equipment and training should a terrorist event occur here at home. The Congressman has supported legislation to provide federal funds for First Responders, and he has also carried out an analysis of terror targets throughout the 3rd District. Russ Carnahan in committed to legislation that defends Missourians against terror threats from abroad and here at home."
- Economy
- Carnahan's website says, "Russ Carnahan joins labor unions, human rights groups and environmental organizations in a steadfast commitment to strengthen the US economy through support of fair trade policies. He knows that one of the most important jobs of the government is to protect every American worker's right to fair wages and benefits. Workers depend on American companies to provide jobs, healthcare and security. Likewise, the government has an important role to encourage business growth and opportunity in our region."
- Healthcare
- Carnahan's website says, "Congressman Carnahan is working to reform national healthcare policies and to extend coverage to the 47 million uninsured Americans and the 620,000 uninsured Missourians. Congress must redirect President Bush's tax cuts to provide basic medical services for all Americans. Russ knows that access to basic healthcare and affordable prescription drugs for every American is a fiscally and socially responsible policy."
- Social Security
- Carnahan's website says, "The Social Security system has worked for over 70 years and returning the country to its economic growth from the 1990's would guarantee Social Security for another century. Low growth rates would still keep Social Security solvent for decades. Russ Carnahan knows that a false crisis over Social Security is no excuse to shift benefits from the poor and middle class to the wealthy. Strong and stable Social Security is the foundation for seniors and future retirees."
- Education
- Carnahan's website says, "The Bush Administration's No Child Left Behind Act fails to provide the necessary funding to meet its own standards. Russ Carnahan is working hard to ensure that public schools receive the funding they need to successfully educate Missouri's students. Congress must work to create schools that prepare children for the future and fight to ensure that higher education is affordable for everyone."
- Seniors
- Carnahan's website says, "Russ Carnahan vows to support our seniors after the sacrifices they have made for our country. Strong and stable Social Security and Medicare programs are the foundation of Russ Carnahan’s plan for seniors. Russ favors tax credits for seniors with long-term care needs and curbing unfunded mandates on the federal level, which often cause states to dramatically increase property taxes. These skyrocketing property taxes too often hurt seniors."
- Environment
- Carnahan's website says, "Drilling for oil or gas in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refugee will have no effect on the country's dependence on foreign oil and will not reduce gas prices for consumers. Congressman Carnahan opposes this rash act and instead supports renewable energy policies that focus on conserving existing resources and finding new forms of renewable energy. He has sponsored legislation offering tax credits to both manufacturers and consumers of hybrid vehicles."[23]
Campaign finance summary
Ballotpedia currently provides campaign finance data for all federal- and state-level candidates from 2020 and later. We are continuously working to expand our data to include prior elections. That information will be published here as we acquire it. If you would like to help us provide this data, please consider donating to Ballotpedia.
Analysis
Congressional staff salaries
The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Carnahan paid his congressional staff a total of $1,037,532 in 2011. Overall, Missouri ranked 21st in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.[24]
Staff bonuses
According to an analysis by CNN, Carnahan was one of nearly 25 percent of House members who gave their staff bonuses in 2012. Carnahan's staff was given an apparent $26,000.00 in bonus money.[25]
Net worth
Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Carnahan's net worth as of 2010 was estimated between $151,003 to $504,999. This averages out to a net worth of $328,001, which is lower than the average net worth of Democrats in 2010 of $4,465,875.[26]
Political analysis
National Journal vote ratings
Each year, National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted, as compared to other members, in the previous year. More information about the analysis process can be found on the vote ratings page.
2012
According to the data released in 2013, Carnahan ranked 105th in the liberal rankings in 2012.[27]
2011
According to the data released in 2012, Russ Carnahan ranked 139th in the liberal rankings in 2011.[28]
Voting with party
November 2011
Russ Carnahan voted with the Democratic Party 93.9 percent of the time, which ranked 46th among the 192 House Democratic members as of November 2011.[29]
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Russ Carnahan is an Eagle Scout and is married to Debra Carnahan.
External links
- Russ Carnahan for Congress official campaign site
- [1] Examiner article about race against fellow incumbent Lacy Clay
- Social media:
- Biographies:
- Political profiles:
- Financial (federal level):
- Interest group ratings:
- Issue positions:
- Public statements:
- Voting record:
- Media coverage:
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Steve Kraske, The Kansas City Star, "Breaking: Russ Carnahan to run for Missouri lieutenant governor," January 15, 2016
- ↑ GovTrack, "Carnahan" accessed May 25, 2012
- ↑ St. Louis Public Radio, "Russ Carnahan picked to lead Missouri Democratic Party out of electoral wilderness," March 20, 2023
- ↑ Russ Carnahan, "Bio," accessed June 28, 2016
- ↑ Congressman Russ Carnahan, Representing the 3rd District of Missouri, "Committees"
- ↑ U.S. House Clerk, "Roll Call 681," October 3, 2008
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Gallup, "Among recent bills, financial reform a lone plus for Congress," September 13, 2010
- ↑ US House Clerk, "Roll Call 690" December 10, 2008
- ↑ US House Clerk, "Roll Call 46," January 28, 2009
- ↑ Rasmussen, "38% say stimulus plan helped economy, 36% say it hurt," August 24, 2010
- ↑ US House Clerk, "Roll Call 314," June 9, 2009
- ↑ Rasmussen, "54% oppose “Cash for Clunkers” plan to spur purchase of greener cars," June 23, 2009
- ↑ US House Clerk, "Roll Call 477," June 26, 2009
- ↑ Rasmussen, "42% say climate change bill will hurt the economy," June 30, 2009
- ↑ US House Clerk, "Roll Call 165," March 21, 2010
- ↑ Rasmussen, "61% favor repeal of healthcare law," September 20, 2010
- ↑ U.S. House, "Roll Call vote on the fiscal cliff," accessed January 4, 2013
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedfile - ↑ Ladue-Frontenac Patch, "Russ Carnahan says he'll seek re-election in 2012," accessed January 21, 2012
- ↑ AP Results, "U.S. House in Missouri Results," accessed August 7, 2012
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ Russ Carnahan, "We Can Make Missouri a Leader for the Nation," accessed August 1, 2016
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 Russ Carnahan, "Issues" April 21, 2012
- ↑ LegiStorm, "Russ Carnahan," accessed October 8, 2012
- ↑ CNN Politics, "Congressional bonuses in a time of cuts," accessed March 8, 2013
- ↑ OpenSecrets, "Russ Carnahan (D-MO), 2010," accessed October 8, 2012
- ↑ National Journal, "TABLE: House Liberal Scores by Issue Area," February 26, 2013
- ↑ National Journal, "Searchable Vote Ratings Tables: House," accessed February 23, 2012
- ↑ OpenCongress, "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Dick Gephardt (D) |
United States House of Representatives - Missouri District 3 2005-2013 |
Succeeded by Blaine Luetkemeyer (R) |
| Preceded by Ron Auer (D) |
Missouri House of Representatives - District 59 2001-2005 |
Succeeded by Jeanette Mott Oxford (D) |
 |
State of Missouri Jefferson City (capital) |
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