1976 United States Senate election in Missouri

none March 2026 September 2023 1976 United States Senate election in Missouri Missouri presidential no 1970 United States Senate election in Missouri 1970 1982 United States Senate election in Missouri 1982 November 2, 1976 150x150px JohnDanforth.jpg John Danforth Republican Party (United States) 1,090,067 56.94% Portrait of Warren E Hearnes (cropped).jpg Warren E. Hearnes Democratic Party (United States) 813,571 42.50% 1976 United States Senate election in Missouri results map by county.svg 275px County results Danforth: #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #d72f30 70–80%Hearnes: #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% U.S. Senator Stuart Symington Democratic Party (United States) John Danforth Republican Party (United States) The 1976 United States Senate election in Missouri took place on November 2, 1976. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Stuart Symington decided to retire, instead of seeking a fifth term. On the Democratic side, former Governor Warren Hearnes competed with Symington's son Congressman James Symington and Congressman Jerry Litton for the Democratic nomination. Litton defeated Hearnes and Symington, but on the night of the primary, Litton was killed in a plane crash on his way to a victory party. In a replacement vote held by the Missouri Democratic Party, Hearnes defeated James Spainhower for the nomination. On the Republican side, Missouri Attorney General John Danforth, the nominee for this seat in 1970, ran for this seat a second time. Danforth defeated Hearnes, who had been caught up in a federal investigation over his tax returns. Democratic primary Candidates Warren Hearnes, former governor of Missouri Horace Kingery Jerry Litton, U.S. representative from Chillicothe Terry Richards Lee Sutton, former state representative James W. Symington, U.S. representative from Ladue and son of incumbent Senator Stuart Symington William McKinley Thomas, perennial candidate Norman L. Tucker Jim C. Tyler Charles Wheeler, mayor of Kansas City Withdrew Joseph Teasdale, attorney, candidate for governor in 1972 Campaign The race for the Democratic nomination began before the announcement of incumbent Senator Stuart Symington's retirement. In December 1974, Joseph Teasdale, a Kansas City attorney and former gubernatorial candidate, filed first.1974-12-21 First filing for Governor 1 The Southeast Missourian Associated Press https://books.google.com/books?id=bm0fAAAAIBAJ&dq=joseph+teasdale+withdraw+u.s.+senate&pg=PA1&article_id=2802,6484048 2023-10-02 Teasdale would eventually withdraw in November 1975,1975-11-21 Teasdale shifts to governor's race 7 The Daily Capital News Associated Press https://shsmo.newspapers.com/image/18693740/?terms=joseph%20teasdale%20us%20senate&match=1 2023-10-09 and become a successful candidate for governor.Fick Bob 1976-08-04 Teasdale is governor nominee 2A St. Joseph News-Press https://books.google.com/books?id=retbAAAAIBAJ&dq=joseph+teasdale+run+for+governor+1976&pg=PA2&article_id=1418,795825 2023-10-02Lindecke Fred W. 1976-11-03 Teasdale and Danforth Win In State https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-teasdale-and-dan/135413951/ 2023-10-09 St. Louis Post-Dispatch 1 For the most part, Symington had said he planned to run for a fifth term, though many Democrats had grown skeptical that he actually would do so.Slater Robert L. 1975-04-23 Litton Regarded as Senate Candidate; See House Seat Scramble 1 St. Joseph News-Press https://books.google.com/books?id=SfJbAAAAIBAJ&dq=james+symington+us+senate&pg=PA1&article_id=1451,4841358 2023-10-02 On April 22, 1975, Symington officially announced his intent to retire, kicking off the race for a now open seat.1975-04-23 Symington's Retirement Opens Field 1 The Nevada Daily Mail Associated Press https://books.google.com/books?id=QFsfAAAAIBAJ&dq=joseph+teasdale+withdraw+u.s.+senate&pg=PA8&article_id=2797,1341896 2023-10-02Rudin Ken 2009-04-22 On This Day In 1975: Stu Symington Says 4 Is Enough : It's All Politics : NPR https://www.npr.org/sections/politicaljunkie/2009/04/on_this_day_in_1975_stu_syming_1.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20231002172320/https://www.npr.org/sections/politicaljunkie/2009/04/on_this_day_in_1975_stu_syming_1.html 2023-10-02 2023-10-02 NPR Even before Symington's retirement, the race was seen as a contest between three main contenders.Amos Rafel F. 1974-07-21 Eyes of State Politicians on '76 Elections 6B St. Joseph News-Press https://books.google.com/books?id=WJ5eAAAAIBAJ&dq=warren+hearnes+us+senate+george+lehr&pg=PA16&article_id=797,3688399 2023-10-02 The first was former Governor Warren Hearnes. As early as June 1974, Hearnes made his intentions clear to consider a run, regardless of Symington's plans.Lindecke Fred W. 1974-06-24 Hearnes Weighing 1976 Race 17 St. Louis Post-Dispatch https://shsmo.newspapers.com/image/139936637/?terms=hearnes%20senate%201974&match=1 2023-10-02 A central focus of his candidacy was the issue of federal deficit spending.Slater Robert L. 1976-03-16 Hearnes sees deficit spending as top issue 1 St, Joseph News-Press https://books.google.com/books?id=g6heAAAAIBAJ&dq=hearnes+deficit+spending&pg=PA1&article_id=4268,3145323 2023-10-02 To bolster his candidacy, Hearnes secured the endorsement of prominent Democrats such as State Auditor George Lehr, and even other prominent leaders in St. Louis.1975-07-21 No Eagleton Endorsement 3A St. Joseph's News-Press Associated Press https://books.google.com/books?id=ROheAAAAIBAJ&dq=warren+hearnes+endorsements&pg=PA3&article_id=4139,4078921 2023-10-021975-07-08 Lehr endorses Hearnes 1 The Nevada Daily Mail Associated Press https://books.google.com/books?id=zJofAAAAIBAJ&dq=warren+hearnes+us+senate+george+lehr&pg=PA1&article_id=3030,353509 2023-10-02 Some of these endorsements were, however, marred by charges that supporters of Hearnes forced some of these endorsements against the will of some of the members of the groups who made these endorsements.1975-07-14 Club members say endorsement railroaded 7 The Southeast Missourian Associated Press https://books.google.com/books?id=32ofAAAAIBAJ&dq=warren+hearnes+endorsements&pg=PA4&article_id=4987,1605830 2023-10-02 Hearnes started out with a bigger cash advantage, in addition to more endorsements, and was seen as the frontrunner, with Attorney General John Danforth calling him 'formidable'.1975-01-15 Hearnes candidacy 'formidable' 2 The Southeast Missourian Associated Press https://books.google.com/books?id=lW0fAAAAIBAJ&dq=warren+hearnes+john+danforth&pg=PA10&article_id=811,1410854 2023-10-02 However, Hearnes was embroiled in an investigation by a federal grand jury over finance issues, not only personal finances, but finances from his gubernatorial tenure as well.United States of America, Appellant, v. Donald E. Lasater, Appellee, 535 F.2d 1041 (8th Cir. 1976) https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/535/1041/24103/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20150910180519/https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/535/1041/24103/ 2015-09-10 2023-10-02 Justia Law en1975-04-12 Hearnes Ends Testimony; Grand Jury Recesses 1 St. Joseph News-Press Associated Press https://books.google.com/books?id=PvJbAAAAIBAJ&dq=warren+hearnes+federal+jury&pg=PA1&article_id=5237,2065389 2023-10-02 The second most prominent candidate was James Symington, a congressman representing Missouri's 2nd District, and the son of Stuart Symington. Symington hailed from the St. Louis area. While not to the same extent as Hearnes, Symington had some level of institutional support. This included the support of State Treasurer James Spainhower, who resigned his post as state party chair to join Symington's campaign.1976-03-18 Spain quits Demo post 1 St. Joseph News-Press UPI https://books.google.com/books?id=haheAAAAIBAJ&dq=james+symington+us+senate&pg=PA1&article_id=3575,3471874 2023-10-02 He also had endorsements from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and The Kansas City Star.1976-08-01 Two Democrats Vie in Missouri For Party Nomination to Senate en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1976/08/01/archives/two-democrats-vie-in-missouri-for-party-nomination-to-senate.html live 2023-10-03 https://web.archive.org/web/20231003142410/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/08/01/archives/two-democrats-vie-in-missouri-for-party-nomination-to-senate.html 2023-10-03 0362-4331 The younger Symington also had the advantage of being mistaken for his father, which at least one poll showed to help him outpoll Republicans such as John Danforth.1976-07-30 Confusion Remains on Symington 1 The Nevada Daily Mail Navarro Opinion Research https://books.google.com/books?id=H5QfAAAAIBAJ&dq=james+symington+us+senate&pg=PA20&article_id=4040,1721200 2023-10-021975-11-23 The Missouri Poll 17 The Nevada Daily Mail Navarro Opinion Research https://books.google.com/books?id=k14fAAAAIBAJ&dq=james+symington+senate&pg=PA9&article_id=7174,4319903 2023-10-02 left|thumb|Jerry Litton The third candidate was 6th District Congressman Jerry Litton from Chillicothe. He had not acquired the same level of name recognition as the other candidates, leaving him to be seen as the third place contender.Delaney Paul 1976-08-05 Death of Missouri Winner Roils Democratic Politics en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1976/08/05/archives/death-of-missouri-winner-roils-democratic-politics-death-of-winner.html live 2023-10-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20180117055740/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/08/05/archives/death-of-missouri-winner-roils-democratic-politics-death-of-winner.html 2018-01-17 0362-4331 To make up the difference, he generated attention from his TV program Dialogue with Litton.1976-03-22 Dialogue programs lauded by Litton 2B St. Joseph News-Press https://books.google.com/books?id=iKheAAAAIBAJ&dq=dialogue+with+litton&pg=PA12&article_id=3605,4313883 2023-10-02 Furthermore, as a millionaire, he was able to self-fund to outspend his opponents on TV advertisements. As a congressman from the western part of the state, supporters of Litton hoped that Hearnes and Symington would split the St. Louis vote, leaving the rest of the state for Litton.Slater Robert L. 1976-01-13 Litton Senate position unshaken 1 St. Joseph News-Press https://books.google.com/books?id=C99eAAAAIBAJ&dq=james+symington+st+louis&pg=PA1&article_id=2992,2480574 2023-10-02 Litton, himself also hoped for this outcome.Ganey Terry 1976-07-20 Cast in U.S. Senate drama can't seem to latch onto issues 4 The Nevada Daily Mail https://books.google.com/books?id=G5QfAAAAIBAJ&dq=litton+hearnes&pg=PA3&article_id=5202,1053836 2023-10-02 A fourth, less major candidate would emerge in Charles Wheeler, the mayor of Kansas City.1976-04-20 KC Mayor files for Senate Seat 2 The Southeast Missourian Associated Press https://books.google.com/books?id=1XIpAAAAIBAJ&dq=charles+wheeler+senate&pg=PA2&article_id=2513,6033086 2023-10-02 Wheeler ran to express his opposition to a series of strikes by public employees in Kansas City.Larsen Lawrence H. A history of Missouri. 6: 1953 to 2003 / Lawrence H. Larsen Univ. of Miss. Pr 2004 978-0-8262-1546-8 6th Columbia, Miss 134 en He had previously intended a bid for the Vice Presidential nomination, and was not seen as a particularly serious candidate. That said, merely hailing from Western Missouri, it was thought he might have an effect on Litton's vote share, and affect his candidacy, though Litton disagreed with this assertion. The three leading candidates held few significant differences on the issues, with few exceptions.Cloud Jim 1976-07-30 Decision in U.S. Senate Race May Be Hard 4 The Nevada Daily Mail https://books.google.com/books?id=H5QfAAAAIBAJ&dq=jerry+litton+abortion&pg=PA22&article_id=1356,1735683 2023-10-02 For example, Hearnes was completely opposed to abortion, whereas Litton supported leaving it up to states and Symington supported it more completely.1976-01-29 Hearnes hits abortion stance of opponents 5A St. Joseph News-Press Associated Press https://books.google.com/books?id=Gd9eAAAAIBAJ&dq=jerry+litton+abortion&pg=PA5&article_id=1592,5685178 2023-10-02 Litton painted himself as someone who did not go into politics from law school, but owned a business and worked with his hands. Hearnes focused on his conservatism, attacking Congress for its spending habits. Symington focused on his government experience, prior to serving in Congress. During the race, a Supreme Court ruling was issued lifting spending limits among the candidates and their families. John Danforth asked that the Democrats abide by the old limits. Wheeler agreed, as did Symington who agreed only if Danforth abided by them in a general election. Hearnes agreed to a $35,000 personal limit. Litton refused arguing that spending would be the only way to get his name out to other parts of the state.Mitchell Bonnie Jerry Litton: A biography Jerry Litton Family Memorial Foundation 1978 Chillicothe, MO 162 en Results 1976 Democratic U.S. Senate primary MO US Senate - D Primary https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=230003 OurCampaigns 15 August 2019 Democratic Party (United States) Jerry Litton † 401,822 45.40% Democratic Party (United States) Warren Hearnes 233,544 26.38% Democratic Party (United States) James Symington 222,681 25.16% Democratic Party (United States) Charles Wheeler 10,894 1.23% Democratic Party (United States) William McKinley Thomas 4,865 0.55% Democratic Party (United States) Lee C. Sutton 4,784 0.54% Democratic Party (United States) Norman Tucker 1,923 0.22% Democratic Party (United States) Jim Tyler 1,923 0.22% Democratic Party (United States) Terry Richards 1,425 0.16% Democratic Party (United States) Horace Kingery 1,207 0.14% 885,068 100.00% Litton's death and replacement On primary night, Representative Litton and his entire family left from near Chillicothe to Kansas City to attend a party with his supporters.1976-08-03 Crash kills Rep. Litton before news of victory 19 The Telegraph-Herald UPI https://books.google.com/books?id=zvZQAAAAIBAJ&dq=jerry+litton+plane+crash&pg=PA10&article_id=6861,435590 2023-10-02 On the plane's take-off, the plane took a nosedive, and the wheel got caught by a barbed wire, causing the plane to catch fire immediately.1976-08-04 Primary winner Litton, family die in air crash 3 The Free-Lance Star Associated Press https://books.google.com/books?id=-d9NAAAAIBAJ&dq=jerry+litton+plane+crash&pg=PA2&article_id=6863,3743143 2023-10-02 Litton, his wife Sharon, their two children, their pilot and his son, were all killed, with their bodies hard to identify.1976-08-05 Rep. Litton dies in plane crash, as he wins voting 3A St. Petersburg-Times Associated Press https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=LYhQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=f10DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5420,3008508&dq=jerry+litton+dies&hl=en 2023-10-021976-08-04 Air crash kills election winner 1 Lodi News-Sentinel UPI https://books.google.com/books?id=tRQ0AAAAIBAJ&dq=jerry+litton+plane+crash&pg=PA1&article_id=3001,3189741 2023-10-02 The National Transportation Safety Board later found that a broken crankshaft was the cause of a failure in the left engine.1976-08-11 Plane Crash of Rep. Litton Linked to Engine Failure en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1976/08/11/archives/plane-crash-of-rep-litton-linked-to-engine-failure.html live 2023-10-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20231002203157/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/08/11/archives/plane-crash-of-rep-litton-linked-to-engine-failure.html 2023-10-02 0362-4331 Hours later, Litton was announced the winner. To replace Litton on the general election ticket, the Missouri Democratic State Committee was to hold a meeting to figure out a replacement candidate. Symington immediately took himself out of contention for the seat, out of respect for Litton. Warren Hearnes had many friends on the state's committee and was seen as a favorite, though he was not the preferred choice of many Litton voters. Hearnes faced a challenge from State Treasurer James Spainhower, who did not actively run, but would accept the nomination if drafted.1976-08-09 Add Spainhower to Senate hopefuls 2 The Southeast Missourian Associated Press https://books.google.com/books?id=PLUtAAAAIBAJ&dq=jerry+litton+james+spainhower&pg=PA3&article_id=1333,4445551 2023-10-02 However, Hearnes held too much influence, and won the committee's nomination.1976-08-23 Missouri Demos pick Hearnes 10 Lawrence Journal-World Associated Press https://books.google.com/books?id=JNwxAAAAIBAJ&dq=warren+hearnes+james+spainhower&pg=PA6&article_id=6922,3557315 2023-10-02 1976 Missouri Democratic State Committee vote MO US Senate - D Replacement Nominee https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=407193 OurCampaigns 15 August 2019 Democratic Party (United States) Warren Hearnes 38 63.33% Democratic Party (United States) Jim Spainhower 22 36.67% 60 100.00% Republican primary Candidates John Danforth, Attorney General of Missouri and nominee for Senate in 1970 Gregory Hansman, candidate for Lt. governor in 1972 and Senate in 1974 Campaign John Danforth had previously been the Republican nominee for Symington's seat in 1970, and came within three points of unseating him. In the years which followed, Danforth was seen as a likely candidate for another bid in 1974 or 1976.1973-09-11 Danforth Eyes Senate Race in 1974 or 1976 2A St. Joseph News-Press https://books.google.com/books?id=EN1eAAAAIBAJ&dq=john+danforth+senate+1976&pg=PA6&article_id=2109,2422901 2023-10-02 After passing on a 1974 bid,1974-03-31 Danforth Denies Fear He Could Not Beat Eagleton 2A St. Joseph News-Press Associated Press https://books.google.com/books?id=eJ9eAAAAIBAJ&dq=danforth+eagleton+senate+1974&pg=PA2&article_id=4731,5348561 2023-10-02 Danforth made clear he would either run for Senate in 1976, or retire from politics altogether.1975-02-13 Danforth Biding Time on Senate Race Decision 2A St. Joseph News-Press https://books.google.com/books?id=891eAAAAIBAJ&dq=attorney+general+danforth+senate+1976&pg=PA2&article_id=2980,2656042 2023-10-02 Ultimately, Danforth would end up announcing his run, and was the only prominent candidate to run. There was speculation that Governor Kit Bond might have run for the seat, though nothing came of this. Bond ran for re-election, but lost to Joseph Teasdale. Bond would later become a U.S. Senator in 1986. Results 1976 Republican U.S. Senate primary MO US Senate - R Primary https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=328080 OurCampaigns 15 August 2019 Republican Party (United States) John Danforth 284,025 93.48% Republican Party (United States) Gregory Hansman 19,796 6.52% 303,821 100.00% General election Candidates John Danforth, Attorney General of Missouri and nominee for Senate in 1970 (Republican) Warren Hearnes, former governor of Missouri (Democratic) Lawrence "Red" Petty, unsuccessful candidate for the American Party nomination for Senate in 1970 (Independent) Campaign Hearnes entered the general election campaign with some key disadvantages. Hearnes was seen as too conservative for the party base, and was also hurt by the federal investigation around him. Hearnes tried to fight the charges, claiming a Republican conspiracy, but he would still be hurt, and many Democrats tried to prevent it from hurting other races on the ballot.Delaney Paul 1976-10-18 Hearnes Is Facing Difficult Fight To Succeed Symington in Senate en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1976/10/18/archives/hearnes-is-facing-difficult-fight-to-succeed-symington-in-senate.html live 2023-10-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20231002210215/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/10/18/archives/hearnes-is-facing-difficult-fight-to-succeed-symington-in-senate.html 2023-10-02 0362-4331 Not helping matters, there were few truly appreciable differences between Danforth and Hearnes on many issues, except for the death penalty (Hearnes was for it and Danforth was against it) and the construction of a dam in the Meramac River (Hearnes supported it, Danforth opposed it).1976-10-30 Danforth, Hearnes Race for Senate 1 The Maryville Daily Forum https://shsmo.newspapers.com/image/87400148/?terms=hearnes%20danforth%20senate&match=1 2023-10-02 Hearnes also had difficulty winning over the support of former Litton backers, some of whom allegedly promised to vote for Danforth.Patrick Laura 1976-09-03 Many Democrats Doubt Hearnes' Ability 6 The Maryville Daily Forum https://shsmo.newspapers.com/image/84152906/?terms=hearnes%20litton%20supporters&match=1 2023-10-02 After releasing a statement critical of Hearnes' nomination, Danforth moved to run a more positive campaign.1976-09-09 Danforth says Senate battle will be clean 1 Cape Girardeau Bulletin UPI https://books.google.com/books?id=iSVOAAAAIBAJ&dq=warren+hearnes+john+danforth&pg=PA1&article_id=2035,1303314 2023-10-02 He focused more on his goals as a Senator rather than attack Hearnes.1976-10-14 Danforth recalls political miles 2 The Southeast Missourian Associated Press https://books.google.com/books?id=BHMpAAAAIBAJ&dq=warren+hearnes+john+danforth&pg=PA2&article_id=1382,5129132 2023-10-02 Danforth was criticized by Hearnes for being the heir of the Ralston-Purina fortune and for "treating politics like a hobby", but Danforth dismissed these claims. Results Danforth won handily, becoming the first Republican U.S. Senator for Missouri since 1946.Kirkpatrick James C. 1976-12-26 Split ticket causes landslide victories 2 The Southeast Missourian https://books.google.com/books?id=zDUjAAAAIBAJ&dq=danforth+first+senator+since&pg=PA2&article_id=1368,7258544 2023-10-02 Hearnes was cleared of any wrongdoing in 1977,Warren E. Hearnes https://historicmissourians.shsmo.org/warren-e-hearnes/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20210728145736/https://historicmissourians.shsmo.org/warren-e-hearnes/ 2021-07-28 2023-10-02 SHSMO Historic Missourians en-US but he would never hold elected office again, despite running twice more.1980-08-08 Hearnes Says He Won't Be A Candidate Again https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-hearnes-says-he/136844867/ 2023-10-02 St. Louis Post-Dispatch 4BGeneral election resultsStatistics of the Presidential and Congressional Election of November 2, 1976 https://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/1976election.pdf Clerk of the House of Representatives 25 Republican Party (United States) John Danforth 1,090,067 56.94% 8.79 Democratic Party (United States) Warren E. Hearnes 813,571 42.50% 8.54 Independent (politician) Lawrence "Red" Petty 10,822 0.57% N/A 1,914,460 100.00% Republican Party (United States) Democratic Party (United States) See also 1976 United States Senate elections References Missouri 1976 Category:1976 Missouri elections