2000 United States Senate election in Missouri

none March 2026 September 2023 2000 United States Senate election in Missouri Missouri presidential no 1994 United States Senate election in Missouri 1994 2002 United States Senate special election in Missouri 2002 (special) November 7, 2000 150x150px MO Governors - 51 Melvin Carnahan (1993-2000) (52976484531) (cropped).jpg Mel Carnahan † Democratic Party (United States) 1,191,812 50.46% File:John Ashcroft.jpg John Ashcroft Republican Party (United States) 1,142,852 48.39% 275px County results 275px Carnahan: #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80%Ashcroft: #ffb2b2 40–50% #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #d72f30 70–80% U.S. Senator John Ashcroft Republican Party (United States) Mel Carnahan † Democratic Party (United States) The 2000 United States Senate election in Missouri was held on November 7, 2000, to select the next U.S. senator from Missouri. Incumbent Republican senator John Ashcroft lost re-election to a second term to Democratic governor Mel Carnahan despite Carnahan's death in a plane crash 20 days before Election Day. Due to the timing of Carnahan's death, state law did not allow his name to be replaced on the ballot. Newly inaugurated governor Roger Wilson appointed Mel Carnahan's widow Jean Carnahan to fill the seat pending a 2002 special election. Following his defeat, Ashcroft would later be appointed United States Attorney General by George W. Bush and served from 2001 to 2005. As of 2026, this is the only time a deceased person has won a US Senate election in the chamber's history. Background John Ashcroft had first been elected in 1994, with close to 60% of the vote, amidst a national Republican wave. During his tenure in the senate, he established a reputation as a conservative, advocating for welfare reform and tax reform, and for being a favorite of social conservatives such as Pat Robertson.PBS NewsHour 2000-12-22 Attorney General-Designate John Ashcroft https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/law-july-dec00-ashcroft_12-22 live https://web.archive.org/web/20210903114657/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/law-july-dec00-ashcroft_12-22 2021-09-03 2023-06-15 PBS NewsHour en-usFranken Bob 1998-01-12 Ashcroft Takes A Stab At Tax Reform - 01-12-98 https://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1998/01/12/ashcroft.taxes/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20010502202455/https://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1998/01/12/ashcroft.taxes/ 2001-05-02 2023-06-15 www.cnn.comNeal Terry M. 2023-09-10 In Senate, Bush Backed by Ashcroft (washingtonpost.com) The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/pmextra/jan00/12/bush.htm live https://web.archive.org/web/20230910222504/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/pmextra/jan00/12/bush.htm 2023-09-10 2023-09-10 Beginning in 1997, Ashcroft considered running for President in 2000.Manning Carl 1997-08-14 Ashcroft says he is serious on presidency en 1 The Southeast Missourian https://books.google.com/books?id=oH0pAAAAIBAJ&dq=ashcroft+presidential+bid&pg=PA2&article_id=2973,2767988 2023-09-15 Ashcroft visited numerous crucial states, but was undecided between a federal presidential bid, U.S. Senate re-election, or both, which would be permitted under Missouri state law. 1998-12-13 Ashcroft must decide which run to make en 14A The Southeast Missourian https://books.google.com/books?id=6pEkAAAAIBAJ&dq=ashcroft+2000+senate&pg=PA40&article_id=1644,7066178 2023-09-15 On January 5, 1999, he announced that he would not seek the presidency and would instead seek a second Senate term in the 2000 election.1999-01-05 Ashcroft decides not to jump into 2000 race - January 5, 1999 http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1999/01/05/president.2000/ashcroft/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20000818044330/http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1999/01/05/president.2000/ashcroft/ 2000-08-18 2023-07-11 www.cnn.com His opponent was incumbent two-term Democratic governor Mel Carnahan, who by state law and also constitutional law, was barred from ever seeking a third term. Carnahan had already been elected the Governor of Missouri exactly twice in 1992 and 1996, therefore making him term-limited in 2000. Carnahan had held various statewide positions, including state treasurer, lieutenant governor (which he served as while Ashcroft was governor) and as governor. He also had been seen as a prospective candidate in virtually every Missouri U.S. Senate race in the 1990s,Charton Scott 1991-04-28 Democrats solicit a Senate hopeful en 8 The Southeast Missourian https://books.google.com/books?id=8KsfAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+senate+schoemehl&pg=PA6&article_id=1276,7454230 2023-09-15Charton Scott 1997-01-25 Carnahan: No Senate bid en 1 The Southeast Missourian https://books.google.com/books?id=zmsnAAAAIBAJ&dq=roger+wilson+run+for+governor+1998&pg=PA2&article_id=3186,5342683 2023-09-15 including declining a bid for the Class 1 Senate seat in 1994.Charton Scott 1994-01-03 Carnahan prefers second term over Senate bid in '94 en 4A The Southeast Missourian https://books.google.com/books?id=fbUfAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+floods&pg=PA3&article_id=1133,172507 2023-09-15 He announced his bid for the seat on November 4, 1998, with polls at the time, showing him leading Senator Ashcroft.Charton Scott 1998 Carnahan seeks Ashcroft's Senate Seat en 10A The Nevada Daily Mail https://books.google.com/books?id=99sfAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+ashcroft&pg=PA15&article_id=1211,2401072 2023-09-15 Primary results The primary election was held on August 9, 2000. Both candidates won their respective primaries against largely token opposition.August 9, 2000 Carnahan, Ashcroft Senate race set en 2A Lawrence Journal-World https://books.google.com/books?id=wUcyAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+ashcroft&pg=PA2&article_id=4992,5136530 2023-09-15 Democratic primary results Election result statistics sos.mo.gov Democratic Party (United States) Mel Carnahan 323,841 78.20% Democratic Party (United States) Ronald Waggoner 90,251 21.80% 414,092 100.0% Republican primary results Republican Party (United States) John Ashcroft (incumbent) 327,442 89.60% Republican Party (United States) Marc Perkel 38,103 10.40% 365,545 100.0% General election Candidates John Ashcroft, incumbent U.S. senator (Republican) Mel Carnahan, Governor of Missouri (Democratic) (died October 16) Charles Dockins (Natural Law) Hugh Foley (Reform) Grant Samuel Stauffer (Libertarian) Evaline Taylor (Green) Campaign Missouri was often considered by pundits to be a close match to the national electorate, with even the candidates mirroring the presidential candidates at the top of the ticket in many respects.Farney Dennis 2000-06-14 The Missouri Senate Race Looks Like A Microcosm of Bush-Gore Campaign The Wall Street Journal https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB960956752110389351 live June 14, 2023 https://archive.today/20230614223802/https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/SB960937257141469018#selection-115.5-115.74 June 14, 2023 Furthering this line of thinking, Missouri had voted for the correct winner in every presidential election from 1904, with the exception of the 1956 presidential election.Hardy Richard J. Online NewsHour Election 2000: Missouri https://www.pbs.org/newshour/spc/election2000/states/missouri/background.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20220625014929/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/spc/election2000/states/missouri/background.html 2022-06-25 2023-06-15 www.pbs.org With this in mind, the race for U.S. Senate quickly became one of the most hotly contested in the country.Stuart Rothenberg: The fight for the Senate - September 20, 2000 https://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/09/20/rothenberg.column/index.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20000922044229/https://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/09/20/rothenberg.column/index.html 2000-09-22 2023-07-21 www.cnn.com Both candidates used various ways to campaign. For example, Ashcroft held a bus tour across the state to campaign on "Missouri Values".2000-08-15 Ashcroft for Senate 2000 | Our Missouri Values Working in the Senate http://www.johnashcroft.org/ https://web.archive.org/web/20000815070855/http://www.johnashcroft.org/ usurped 2000-08-15 2023-07-21 Likewise, Carnahan held a four day long train tour, an homage to Missouri native and former president Harry S. Truman, who held this seat before being elected as vice president.Missouri Senate race matches two political 'titans' - July 19, 2000 https://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/07/19/missouri.senate/index.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20001001080419/https://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/07/19/missouri.senate/index.html 2000-10-01 2023-07-21 www.cnn.com Both candidates had long been considered rivals, and the race became negative early.Mark David Going dirty: the art of negative campaigning Rowman & Littlefield 2009 978-0-7425-9982-6 2nd Lanham, Md 180 en Ashcroft received staunch criticism for his role in defeating the judicial nomination of Ronnie White, attacking him as "pro-criminal", a move which Carnahan, and many black leaders, saw as having racial overtones.Grumwald Michael 1999-10-23 Washingtonpost.com: Missouri Senate Race Is Heating Up Early https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/keyraces2000/stories/ashcroft102399.htm live https://web.archive.org/web/20000816064253/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/keyraces2000/stories/ashcroft102399.htm 2000-08-16 2023-06-14 www.washingtonpost.com He was also criticized for his Senate votes against a prescription drug benefit for Medicare, his vote on Bill Clinton's impeachment, and for his conservative voting record.2017-09-19 THE PRESIDENT'S TRIAL: THE REPUBLICANS; In Pro-Clinton States, 13 Senators Face a Squeeze by Right-Wing Ire - The New York Times The New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/17/us/president-s-trial-republicans-pro-clinton-states-13-senators-face-squeeze-right.html https://web.archive.org/web/20170919150508/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/17/us/president-s-trial-republicans-pro-clinton-states-13-senators-face-squeeze-right.html dead 2017-09-19 2023-08-04 2000-08-19 Kansas City Star - Election 2000 http://www.kcstar.com/item/pages/election.pat,local/37748d9f.621,.html https://web.archive.org/web/20000819024300/http://www.kcstar.com/item/pages/election.pat,local/37748d9f.621,.html dead 2000-08-19 2023-08-04 Ashcroft also faced controversy for the honorary degree he received from Bob Jones University, a Christian college which faced controversy over some of its views.Murray Barbara 2000-09-30 Bob Jones Controversy Spreads to Missouri (washingtonpost.com) The Washington Post http://washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/politics/elections/2000/states/mo/senate/archive/A53219-2000Mar10.html 2023-10-09 https://web.archive.org/web/20000930083953/http://washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/politics/elections/2000/states/mo/senate/archive/A53219-2000Mar10.html September 30, 2000 Carnahan was also subject to attacks for his past actions, such as wearing blackface in a 1960 sketch.Associated Press 1999-10-25 Washingtonpost.com: Mo. Governor's Blackface Gets a New Showing https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/keyraces2000/stories/carnahan102599.htm live https://web.archive.org/web/20111102085542/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/keyraces2000/stories/carnahan102599.htm 2011-11-02 2023-06-14 www.washingtonpost.com He was also attacked for his commutation of the death sentence of Darrell J. Mease, at the behest of the Pope.Niebuhr Gustav 1999-01-29 Governor Grants Pope's Plea For Life of a Missouri Inmate en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/29/us/governor-grants-pope-s-plea-for-life-of-a-missouri-inmate.html live 2023-06-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20150520210529/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/29/us/governor-grants-pope-s-plea-for-life-of-a-missouri-inmate.html 2015-05-20 0362-4331 In addition to the contrast between the candidates, issues ranging from healthcare to education to Social Security would become some of the most contentious issues, mirroring the national Presidential Election.Davis Patti 2000-09-25 Missouri heavyweights slug it out in heated Senate race - September 25, 2000 2000 https://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/09/28/missouri.senate/index.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20000930072956/https://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/09/28/missouri.senate/index.html 2000-09-30 2023-06-15 www.cnn.comCharton Scott 2000-10-14 Ashcroft, Carnahan talk Social Security en 1 The Southeast Missourian https://books.google.com/books?id=SMdKAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+ashcroft+debate&pg=PA2&article_id=3144,7535242 2023-09-15 Both candidates were close in the polls and in fundraising with it at times being one of the most expensive races in the nation.Manning Margie 2000-02-27 $7 million in Senate race https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2000/02/28/story1.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20050429030110/https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2000/02/28/story1.html April 29, 2005 2023-06-15 www.bizjournals.com Ashcroft would have a war chest that included significant contributions from corporations such as Monsanto Company,Schanbacher, William D. The Politics of Food: The Global Conflict between Food Security and Food Sovereignty, Praeger Security International; February 26, 2010; 978-0313363283; p.47 headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, which gave five times more to Ashcroft's campaign fund than to the fund of any other congressional hopeful at the time.Harrison, Beth B. Shedding Light on Genetically Engineered Food: What You Don’t Know About the Food You’re Eating and What You Can Do to Protect Yourself, iUniverse, Inc., November 13, 2007, 978-0595451807 Ashcroft's campaign fund would later be fined by the Federal Election Commission for failure to disclose donors. 2001-03-09 Complaint alleges Ashcroft violationa en 2A The Telegraph-Herald Knight Rider News Service https://books.google.com/books?id=MwhaAAAAIBAJ&dq=ashcroft+2000+senate&pg=PA2&article_id=5489,1423532 2023-09-15Pincus Walter 2004-03-07 Ashcroft funds scrutinized en 3A Lawrence Journal-World https://books.google.com/books?id=pIQyAAAAIBAJ&dq=ashcroft+2000+senate&pg=PA2&article_id=6656,3012768 2023-09-15 Debates There were two debates held during the cycle. The first debate was held on October 13 in St. Louis on KMOX, on radio. The second debate was held days later on October 15 on KCPT-TV in Kansas City. A third debate was planned in Cape Girardeau, but details could not be worked out, and ultimately, the debate would not occur due to Carnahan's death.Johnston Laura 2000-10-04 Carnahan, Ashcroft OK debate dates en 1 The Southeast Missourian https://books.google.com/books?id=PsdKAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+ashcroft+debate&pg=PA1&article_id=3590,5393265 2023-09-15 Plane crash On October 16, the day after the second debate between the two candidates, Carnahan spent the day campaigning. At around 6:45 that evening, planned to depart to New Madrid, for a meeting with Black leaders in Missouri.Manning Carl 2000-10-19 Carnahan's last day was filled with campaigning en 3B The Nevada Daily Mail https://books.google.com/books?id=FlUrAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+ashcroft+fundraising&pg=PA17&article_id=6086,1189004 2023-09-15 However, owing to failing instruments and bad weather conditions, the plane crashed at around 7:30 in rural Jefferson County. Carnahan was killed along with his son Roger "Randy" Carnahan, and his longtime aide Chris Sifford. 2001-02-03 Audio tapes give glimpse into cockpit before Carnahan's crashed en 5A The Southeast Missourian Associated Press https://books.google.com/books?id=H60fAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+plane+crash&pg=PA15&article_id=2783,4713437 2023-09-15 In response, Ashcroft suspended all campaigning on the day of the plane crash in light of the accident and resumed it eight days before the election date.Fountain John W. 2000-11-09 THE 2000 ELECTIONS: MISSOURI; Senator Refuses To Challenge Loss en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/09/us/the-2000-elections-missouri-senator-refuses-to-challenge-loss.html live 2023-06-15 https://web.archive.org/web/20140904120727/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/09/us/the-2000-elections-missouri-senator-refuses-to-challenge-loss.html 2014-09-04 0362-4331 Carnahan's death also came the day before the third presidential debate, which was to be held in St. Louis. Both Al Gore and George W. Bush offered tributes to the recently deceased governor before the debate.Johnson Doug 2000-10-18 Wilson sworn in as governor as crash probe picks up speed en 5 The Nevada Daily Mail https://books.google.com/books?id=FlUrAAAAIBAJ&dq=presidential+debate+carnahan+2000&pg=PA3&article_id=3485,1086499 2023-09-15 The election was tight in the final weeks, albeit with Ashcroft leading in most polls.Dao James 2000-11-05 THE 2000 CAMPAIGN: MISSOURI; Republican Senator Treads Softly in Run Against Well-Tended Grave of a Governor en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/05/us/2000-campaign-missouri-republican-senator-treads-softly-run-against-well-tended.html live 2023-09-18 https://web.archive.org/web/20150527132335/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/05/us/2000-campaign-missouri-republican-senator-treads-softly-run-against-well-tended.html 2015-05-27 0362-4331 But the news of Carnahan's death appeared to throw the outcome in doubt. 2000-10-17 CNN.com - U.S. Senate Democratic majority cast in doubt after governor's death - October 17, 2000 https://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/10/17/carnahan.election/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20010619005519/https://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/10/17/carnahan.election/ 2001-06-19 2023-06-15 www.cnn.com Many media outlets and analysts even assumed that the crash assured Ashcroft would win a second term.2002-02-11 OnPolitics The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/early/archive/early101800.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20020211011737/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/early/archive/early101800.htm dead 2002-02-11 2023-07-27 2023-07-27 Carnahan's Death Reshapes Senate Battle - The Washington Post The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/technology/2000/10/17/carnahans-death-reshapes-senate-battle/a36dbf27-6d75-4535-aa97-b57cdd1c125e/ https://web.archive.org/web/20230727002200/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/technology/2000/10/17/carnahans-death-reshapes-senate-battle/a36dbf27-6d75-4535-aa97-b57cdd1c125e/ dead 2023-07-27 2023-07-27 Nonetheless, Carnahan's name remained on the ballot as Missouri's last date to change who appears on the ballot was October 13, just three days prior to the crash.2001-11-17 CNN.com - Missouri law lets governor appoint successor if Carnahan wins - October 30, 2000 CNN http://www.cnn.com/2000/LAW/10/30/carnahan.sidebar.pol/ https://web.archive.org/web/20011117184830/http://www.cnn.com/2000/LAW/10/30/carnahan.sidebar.pol/ dead 2001-11-17 2023-07-27 Lieutenant Governor Roger B. Wilson became acting governor on the day of the plane crash and was officially sworn in as governor after Carnahan's death was confirmed two days later. Should Carnahan have won the election, Wilson promised to appoint his widow Jean Carnahan.Charton Scott October 24, 2000 Wilson prefers Carnahan widow for Senate appointment en 7 The Nevada Daily Mail https://books.google.com/books?id=EFUrAAAAIBAJ&dq=jean+carnahan+senate&pg=PA4&article_id=1592,1468782 2023-09-15 She accepted the would-be appointment and with the slogan "Don't let the fire go out!", a slogan her husband liked to use, the campaign continued with an outpouring of support. 2000-10-27 Jean Carnahan Accepts Senate Offer - CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jean-carnahan-accepts-senate-offer/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20230711173051/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jean-carnahan-accepts-senate-offer/ 2023-07-11 2023-06-15 www.cbsnews.com en-US CBS News Service What was once a contentious campaign, quickly became a campaign of emotion.2023-07-27 In Missouri Race, Emotion Becomes a Driving Force - The Washington Post The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/11/06/in-missouri-race-emotion-becomes-a-driving-force/a07fedbe-bf49-4cd2-a185-f4e55e9f9bc4/ https://web.archive.org/web/20230727003053/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/11/06/in-missouri-race-emotion-becomes-a-driving-force/a07fedbe-bf49-4cd2-a185-f4e55e9f9bc4/ dead 2023-07-27 2023-07-27 Polls bore this out, with some of the final polls in the race showing Carnahan with a sizable lead, which only grew as voters were informed of the planned appointment of his widow.Charton Scott 2000-10-31 Widows decision complicates Senate race en 10 The Fort Scott Tribune https://books.google.com/books?id=yNsfAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+ashcroft+poll&pg=PA1&article_id=1119,3455899 2023-09-152023-07-27 Widow Says She'd Accept Senate Seat - The Washington Post The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/10/31/widow-says-shed-accept-senate-seat/70e96994-604b-4ce6-b1aa-8b20ebb96046/ https://web.archive.org/web/20230727003728/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/10/31/widow-says-shed-accept-senate-seat/70e96994-604b-4ce6-b1aa-8b20ebb96046/ dead 2023-07-27 2023-07-27 While Carnahan's chances rose, Ashcroft found himself in a difficult position as a result of Carnahan's death. Ashcroft tried to turn the campaign's focus back on the issues, including enlisting the help of former senator John Danforth, who filmed an advertisement encouraging voters to look at Ashcroft's experience.Clairborne William 2023-07-27 In Missouri Race, Emotion Becomes a Driving Force - The Washington Post The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/11/06/in-missouri-race-emotion-becomes-a-driving-force/a07fedbe-bf49-4cd2-a185-f4e55e9f9bc4/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20230727003053/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/11/06/in-missouri-race-emotion-becomes-a-driving-force/a07fedbe-bf49-4cd2-a185-f4e55e9f9bc4/ 2023-07-27 2023-09-10 2000-11-08 Missouri elects deceased candidate en A7 Herald-Journal Associated Press https://books.google.com/books?id=lOgpAAAAIBAJ&dq=ashcroft+danforth+2000+senate&pg=PA22&article_id=3698,3770500 2023-09-15 But due to the unique circumstances of the election, Ashcroft found it hard to regain the momentum.Davey Monica 2000-11-09 ASHCROFT TAKES SENATE LOSS TO LATE GOVERNOR WITH GRACE https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-11-09-0011090256-story.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20221103224345/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-11-09-0011090256-story.html 2022-11-03 2023-09-10 Chicago Tribune He commented in a television interview that suspending his campaign had damaged him politically, even though he still maintained it was the right thing to do.Charton Scott 2000-11-07 Ashcroft crosses state in hope of gaining voters en 4A Ocala Star-Banner https://books.google.com/books?id=fvJPAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+legal+challenge&pg=PA3&article_id=5460,4883370 2023-09-15 In the final week, Ashcroft focused his campaign exclusively on the issues, stringently avoiding any mentions of his dead opponent. Results Despite his death, Carnahan won by a margin of approximately fifty thousand votes. He was the first person posthumously elected to the United States Senate.In 1962, voters in California elected Clement Woodnutt Miller to the House of Representatives one month after his death in a plane crash. In 1972, two other Representatives, Nick Begich of Alaska and Hale Boggs of Louisiana were re-elected after their plane went missing in the Alaska wilderness. They were both declared dead in absentia after the election. Therefore, John Ashcroft became the first ever U.S. Senate candidate, incumbent or otherwise, to be defeated by a deceased person.Bump Phillip 2014-10-01 Five people have won election to Congress, despite being dead https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2014/10/01/five-people-have-won-election-to-congress-despite-being-dead/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20151003125113/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2014/10/01/five-people-have-won-election-to-congress-despite-being-dead/ 2015-10-03 2023-07-11 Washington Post A professor of political science at the University of Missouri commented that the incumbent Senator lost the election because his candidacy was "overwhelmed" by a campaign of "emotion and symbolism." 2000 United States Senate election in Missourihttps://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/2000/2000Stat.htm 2000 ELECTION STATISTICS clerk.house.gov 6 August 2023 Democratic Party (United States) Mel Carnahan † 1,191,812 50.46% Republican Party (United States) John Ashcroft (incumbent) 1,142,852 48.39% Green Party (United States) Evaline Taylor 10,612 0.45% Libertarian Party (United States) Grant Samuel Stauffer 10,198 0.43% Reform Party (United States) Hugh Foley 4,166 0.18% Natural Law Party (United States) Charles Dockins 1,933 0.08% 13 0.00% 2,361,586 100.0 Democratic Party (United States) Republican Party (United States) Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Dunklin (largest city: Kennett) Mississippi (largest city: Charleston) New Madrid (largest city: New Madrid) Pemiscot (largest city: Caruthersville) Reynolds (largest city: Ellington) Iron (largest city: Ironton) St. Francois (largest city: Farmington) Sainte Genevieve (largest city: Ste. Genevieve) Jefferson (largest city: Arnold) Pike (largest city: Bowling Green) Clark (largest city: Kahoka) Jackson (largest city: Kansas City) St. Louis (largest city: Florissant) Callaway (largest city: Fulton) Howard (largest city: Fayette) Randolph (largest city: Moberly) Boone (largest city: Columbia) Linn (largest city: Brookfield) Henry (largest city: Clinton) Saline (largest city: Marshall) Clay (largest city: Liberty) Ray (largest city: Richmond) Lafayette (largest city: Odessa) Clinton (largest city: Cameron) Buchanan (largest city: St. Joseph) Aftermath There was speculation that the results would be subject to a legal challenge. Even before the election, Republicans claimed that Carnahan would be ineligible due to him being dead, claims Democrats dismissed as attempts to depress support for the dead governor.Quaid Libby 2000-11-03 GOP floats idea of constitutional challenge should Carnahan win en 1 The Nevada Daily Mail https://books.google.com/books?id=G1UrAAAAIBAJ&dq=carnahan+legal+challenge&pg=PA1&article_id=3653,2248073 2023-09-15 A point of contention among Republicans was the decision of judge Evelyn Baker to extend polling hours in the city of St. Louis until 10:00 PM, 3 hours after polls in the city should have closed. 2000-11-09 Call for Missouri Vote Fraud Investigation https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=122543&page=1 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110131061039/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=122543&page=1 2011-01-31 2023-09-10 ABC News en ABC News Baker claimed that huge turnout overwhelmed the polling places, and that many people were being denied the ability to vote.Johnson Dirk 2000-11-08 THE 2000 ELECTIONS: THE SWING STATES; Judge Delays Closing of Polls in St. Louis Amid Unexpectedly Heavy Turnout en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/08/us/2000-elections-swing-states-judge-delays-closing-polls-st-louis-amid.html live 2023-09-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20120710050759/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/08/us/2000-elections-swing-states-judge-delays-closing-polls-st-louis-amid.html 2012-07-10 0362-4331 Kit Bond, the state's Republican senior senator alleged that this was voter fraud, and called for a federal investigation.2000-11-09 Bond Alleges Voter Fraud in Missouri https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/politics-july-dec00-carnahan_11-09 live https://web.archive.org/web/20230910203505/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/politics-july-dec00-carnahan_11-09 2023-09-10 2023-09-10 PBS NewsHour en-us Ultimately, nothing came of any of these issues, and Ashcroft declined to seriously push the issue. Asked by the media whether he would ever seek office again, Ashcroft responded, "The last thing I want to do is think about running for public office again." In December 2000, he was chosen for the position of United States Attorney General by President-elect George W. Bush and his nomination was confirmed by the Senate2001-01-16 Attorney General Nominee John Ashcroft's Senate Confirmation Hearing (Day One) https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws?pid=84883 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131211085620/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws?pid=84883 2013-12-11 2023-07-11 The American Presidency Project by a vote of 58 to 42. He served from February 2, 2001, until February 3, 2005.2014-10-23 Office of the Attorney General Attorney General: John David Ashcroft United States Department of Justice https://www.justice.gov/ag/bio/ashcroft-john-david live https://web.archive.org/web/20141229172052/https://www.justice.gov/ag/bio/ashcroft-john-david 2014-12-29 2023-09-11 www.justice.gov en Keeping to his word, Governor Roger B. Wilson appointed Carnahan's widow, Jean Carnahan, to fill the vacant seat until a successor could be duly elected.Wayne, Stephen J. & Clyde Wilcox. The Election of the Century: The 2000 Election and What it Tells Us About American Politics in the New Millennium, Routledge, February 20, 2002, 978-0765607430; ch.10 The appointment was made official on in early December after the final results had been certified. 2000-12-06 Governor makes it official: Widow of winner gets seat https://products.kitsapsun.com/archive/2000/12-06/0045_governor_makes_it_official__widow.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20230910225125/https://products.kitsapsun.com/archive/2000/12-06/0045_governor_makes_it_official__widow.html 2023-09-10 2023-09-10 products.kitsapsun.com Associated PressPowers Marc 2000-12-05 Jean Carnahan en 4A The Southeast Missourian https://books.google.com/books?id=2rsvAAAAIBAJ&dq=jean+carnahan+appointed&pg=PA3&article_id=2875,5831335 2023-09-15 Carnahan was sworn in on January 3, 2001, along with the rest of the senators elected the previous year.Snow Kate 2001-01-03 Carnahan takes Senate seat won posthumously by husband - January 3, 2001 https://www.cnn.com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/stories/01/03/carnahan.profile/index.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20010124054800/https://www.cnn.com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/stories/01/03/carnahan.profile/index.html 2001-01-24 2023-09-11 www.cnn.com In 2002, a special election was held in Missouri for the remainder of the six-year term of the state's Senator. Jean Carnahan ran for election to complete the term but was defeated by Republican Jim Talent with a margin of approximately twenty-two thousand votes.2015-04-02 State Of Missouri Specify a Race http://www.sos.mo.gov/enrweb/raceresults.asp?eid=87&oid=24756&arc=1 https://web.archive.org/web/20150402204314/http://www.sos.mo.gov/enrweb/raceresults.asp?eid=87&oid=24756&arc=1 dead 2015-04-02 2023-07-11 See also 2000 United States Senate elections 2000 United States House of Representatives elections in Missouri 2000 United States presidential election in Missouri 2000 Missouri gubernatorial election Notes References External links Official campaign websites (archived) Mel Carnahan (D) for Senate John Ashcroft (R) for Senate 2000 Missouri Category:2000 Missouri elections