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Koster Narrowly Wins Democratic AG Contest

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-740337.mp3

In the Democratic race for Missouri Attorney General, State Senator Chris Koster squeaked by State Representative Margaret Donnelly with a margin of less than a thousand votes. Donnelly's campaign is considering calling for a recount. KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross was at Koster victory party in the Teamsters Hall on the east side of Kansas City.

About a hundred supporters waited until almost midnight when the final results came in, in favor of the former Cass County prosecutor. Chris Koster switched to the Democratic Party last year, just before he announced his bid to replace Democrat Jay Nixon as attorney general. Koster thanked his new Democratic allies - especially those in organized labor - for giving him this chance.

KOSTER: I came looking for a tent that was big and inclusive, that was progressive and heartfelt. A party that could stand up for the voiceless, govern toward the general welfare, and yet would compete aggressively on the battlefields of law enforcement, low taxes and economic development.

Koster won most of Missouri's southern counties, Donnelly dominated in St. Louis, and State Representative Jeff Harris trailed with 25 percent of the vote. Barring a recount, Koster will face Missouri Senate President Michael Gibbons in November.

Sylvia Maria Gross is storytelling editor at KCUR 89.3. Reach her on Twitter @pubradiosly.
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