Clem Smith promises to 'keep things simple' as acting chair of Missouri Democrats
Clem Smith is keeping the Missouri Democratic Party going.
Smith, a former state representative, took over as acting chair of the party earlier this month so Jean Peters Baker could focus on her work as a prosecutor in Jackson County. Smith plans to be in the role for only a few months — the goal is to “reassess” in September, he said — but he plans to “keep the ship going straight” while in the leadership position.
“Being real with people, being honest with folks, has helped me along the way, and I hope to continue to do that with the Missouri Democratic Party,” Smith told The Missouri Times in an interview. “The Missouri Democratic Party is very diverse. Being able to bridge some of these different groups together for the common goal of winning can be difficult, but I’m confident in my ability to do it and keep the ship going straight.”
While he does helm the party, Smith said his focus is on flipping seats from red to blue, aggressively supporting Medicaid expansion efforts, and promoting participation in the U.S. Census.
“I see Missouri at one time went from blue to purple to red, where we’re at now,” Smith said. “But what I see going forward is the state resetting and going more to the center like we were before. I think Missourians understand you have to have a balance, especially in these days. I think some of the best legislation [and] best ideas come out when you have a closer ballot then how it is now.”
Read more: https://themissouritimes.com/clem-smith-promises-to-keep-things-simple-as-acting-chair-of-missouri-democrats/