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1976 United States Senate election in Missouri

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.

1976 United States Senate election in Missouri
← 1970 November 2, 1976 1982 →
 
Nominee John Danforth Warren E. Hearnes
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 1,090,067 813,571
Percentage 56.94% 42.50%
County results

Danforth:      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%

Hearnes:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
U.S. senator before election

Stuart Symington
Democratic

Elected U.S. Senator

John Danforth
Republican

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

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Candidates

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Withdrew

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Campaign

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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.[1] Teasdale would eventually withdraw in November 1975,[2] and become a successful candidate for Governor.[3][4]

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.[5] On April 22, 1975, Symington officially announced his intent to retire, kicking off the race for a now open seat.[6][7] Even before Symington's retirement, the race was seen as a contest between three main contenders.[8]

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.[8][9] A central focus of his candidacy was the issue of federal deficit spending.[10] 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.[11][12] 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.[13] 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'.[11][5][14] 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.[15][16]

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.[17] He also had endorsements from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and The Kansas City Star.[18] 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.[19][20]

 
Jerry Litton

The third candidate was 6th District congressman, Jerry Litton from Chilicothe. Litton had not acquired the same level of name recognition as the other candidates, leaving him to be seen as the third place contender.[21] To make up the difference, Litton generated attention from his TV program "Dialogue with Litton".[22] Furthermore, as a millionaire, Litton was able to self-fund to outspend his opponents on TV advertisements.[21] 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.[23] Litton, himself also hoped for this outcome.[24]

A fourth, less major candidate would emerge in Charles Wheeler, the mayor of Kansas City.[23][25] Wheeler ran to express his opposition to a series of strikes by public employees in Kansas City.[26] He had previously intended a bid for the Vice Presidential nomination, and was not seen as a particularly serious candidate.[25] That said, merely hailing from Western Missouri, it was thought he might have an effect on Litton's vote share, and affect his candidacy,[23] though Litton disagreed with this assertion.[24]

The three leading candidates held few significant differences on the issue, with few exceptions.[27] For example, Hearnes was completely opposed to abortion, whereas Litton supported leaving it up to states and Symington supported it more completely.[28] Litton painted himself as someone who did not go into politics from law school, but owned a business and worked with his hands.[27][24] Hearnes focused on his conservatism, attacking Congress for its spending habits.[27] Symington focused on his government experience, prior to serving in Congress.[24]

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.[29]

Results

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1976 Democratic U.S. Senate primary[30]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Jerry Litton † 401,822 45.40%
Democratic Warren Hearnes 233,544 26.38%
Democratic James Symington 222,681 25.16%
Democratic Charles Wheeler 10,894 1.23%
Democratic William McKinley Thomas 4,865 0.55%
Democratic Lee C. Sutton 4,784 0.54%
Democratic Norman Tucker 1,923 0.22%
Democratic Jim Tyler 1,923 0.22%
Democratic Terry Richards 1,425 0.16%
Democratic Horace Kingery 1,207 0.14%
Total votes 885,068 100.00%

Litton's death and replacement

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On primary night, Representative Litton and his entire family left from near Chillicothe to Kansas City to attend a party with his supporters.[31] 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.[32] Litton, his wife Sharon, their two children, their pilot and his son, were all killed, with their bodies hard to identify.[33][34] The National Transportation Safety Board later found that a broken crankshaft was the cause of a failure in the left engine.[35] Hours later, Litton was announced the winner.[32]

To replace Litton on the general election ticket, the Missouri Democratic State Committee was to hold a meeting to figure out a replacement candidate.[34] Symington immediately took himself out of contention for the seat, out of respect for Litton.[21] 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.[21] Hearnes faced a challenge from State Treasurer James Spainhower, who did not actively run, but would accept the nomination if drafted.[36] However, Hearnes held too much influence, and won the committee's nomination.[37]

1976 Missouri Democratic State Committee vote[38]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Warren Hearnes 38 63.33%
Democratic Jim Spainhower 22 36.67%
Total votes 60 100.00%

Republican primary

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Candidates

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Campaign

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John Danforth had previously been the Republican nominee for Symington's seat in 1970, and came within 3 points of unseating him. In the years which followed, Danforth was seen as a likely candidate for another bid in 1974 or 1976.[39] After passing on a 1974 bid,[40] Danforth made clear he would either run for Senate in 1976, or retire from politics altogether.[41] 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.[39] Bond would run for re-election, but lost to Joseph Teasdale. Bond would later become a U.S. Senator in 1986.

Results

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1976 Republican U.S. Senate primary[42]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John Danforth 284,025 93.48%
Republican Gregory Hansman 19,796 6.52%
Total votes 303,821 100.00%

General election

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Candidates

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Campaign

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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.[37] 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.[43] 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).[44] Hearnes also had difficulty winning over the support of former Litton backers, some of whom allegedly promised to vote for Danforth.[45]

After releasing a statement critical of Hearnes' nomination, Danforth moved to run a more positive campaign.[46] He focused more on his goals as a Senator rather than attack Hearnes.[47] 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.[47]

Results

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Danforth won handily, becoming the first Republican U.S. Senator for Missouri since 1946.[48] Hearnes would later be cleared of any wrongdoing in 1977,[49] but he would never hold elected office again, despite running twice more.[49][50]

General election results[51]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican John Danforth 1,090,067 56.94%  8.79
Democratic Warren E. Hearnes 813,571 42.50%  8.54
Independent Lawrence "Red" Petty 10,822 0.57% N/A
Turnout 1,914,460 100.00%
Republican gain from Democratic

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "First filing for Governor". The Southeast Missourian. Associated Press. December 21, 1974. p. 1. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  2. ^ "Teasdale shifts to governor's race". The Daily Capital News. Associated Press. November 21, 1975. p. 7. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  3. ^ Fick, Bob (August 4, 1976). "Teasdale is governor nominee". St. Joseph News-Press. pp. 2A. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  4. ^ Lindecke, Fred W. (November 3, 1976). "Teasdale and Danforth Win In State". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 1. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Slater, Robert L. (April 23, 1975). "Litton Regarded as Senate Candidate; See House Seat Scramble". St. Joseph News-Press. p. 1. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  6. ^ "Symington's Retirement Opens Field". The Nevada Daily Mail. Associated Press. April 23, 1975. p. 1. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  7. ^ Rudin, Ken (April 22, 2009). "On This Day In 1975: Stu Symington Says 4 Is Enough : It's All Politics : NPR". NPR. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  8. ^ a b Amos, Rafel F. (July 21, 1974). "Eyes of State Politicians on '76 Elections". St. Joseph News-Press. pp. 6B. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  9. ^ Lindecke, Fred W. (June 24, 1974). "Hearnes Weighing 1976 Race". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. p. 17. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  10. ^ Slater, Robert L. (March 16, 1976). "Hearnes sees deficit spending as top issue". St, Joseph News-Press. p. 1. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  11. ^ a b "No Eagleton Endorsement". St. Joseph's News-Press. Associated Press. July 21, 1975. pp. 3A. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  12. ^ "Lehr endorses Hearnes". The Nevada Daily Mail. Associated Press. July 8, 1975. p. 1. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  13. ^ "Club members say endorsement railroaded". The Southeast Missourian. Associated Press. July 14, 1975. p. 7. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  14. ^ "Hearnes candidacy 'formidable'". The Southeast Missourian. Associated Press. January 15, 1975. p. 2. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  15. ^ "United States of America, Appellant, v. Donald E. Lasater, Appellee, 535 F.2d 1041 (8th Cir. 1976)". Justia Law. Archived from the original on September 10, 2015. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  16. ^ "Hearnes Ends Testimony; Grand Jury Recesses". St. Joseph News-Press. Associated Press. April 12, 1975. p. 1. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  17. ^ "Spain quits Demo post". St. Joseph News-Press. UPI. March 18, 1976. p. 1. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  18. ^ "Two Democrats Vie in Missouri For Party Nomination to Senate". The New York Times. August 1, 1976. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  19. ^ "Confusion Remains on Symington". The Nevada Daily Mail. Navarro Opinion Research. July 30, 1976. p. 1. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  20. ^ "The Missouri Poll". The Nevada Daily Mail. Navarro Opinion Research. November 23, 1975. p. 17. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  21. ^ a b c d Delaney, Paul (August 5, 1976). "Death of Missouri Winner Roils Democratic Politics". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on January 17, 2018. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  22. ^ "Dialogue programs lauded by Litton". St. Joseph News-Press. March 22, 1976. pp. 2B. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  23. ^ a b c Slater, Robert L. (January 13, 1976). "Litton Senate position unshaken". St. Joseph News-Press. p. 1. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  24. ^ a b c d Ganey, Terry (July 20, 1976). "Cast in U.S. Senate drama can't seem to latch onto issues". The Nevada Daily Mail. p. 4. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  25. ^ a b "KC Mayor files for Senate Seat". The Southeast Missourian. Associated Press. April 20, 1976. p. 2. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  26. ^ Larsen, Lawrence H. (2004). A history of Missouri. 6: 1953 to 2003 / Lawrence H. Larsen (6th ed.). Columbia, Miss: Univ. of Miss. Pr. p. 134. ISBN 978-0-8262-1546-8.
  27. ^ a b c Cloud, Jim (July 30, 1976). "Decision in U.S. Senate Race May Be Hard". The Nevada Daily Mail. p. 4. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  28. ^ "Hearnes hits abortion stance of opponents". St. Joseph News-Press. Associated Press. January 29, 1976. pp. 5A. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  29. ^ Mitchell, Bonnie (1978). Jerry Litton: A biography. Chillicothe, MO: Jerry Litton Family Memorial Foundation. p. 162.
  30. ^ "MO US Senate - D Primary". OurCampaigns. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  31. ^ "Crash kills Rep. Litton before news of victory". The Telegraph-Herald. UPI. August 3, 1976. p. 19. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  32. ^ a b "Primary winner Litton, family die in air crash". The Free-Lance Star. Associated Press. August 4, 1976. p. 3. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  33. ^ "Rep. Litton dies in plane crash, as he wins voting". St. Petersburg-Times. Associated Press. August 5, 1976. pp. 3A. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  34. ^ a b "Air crash kills election winner". Lodi News-Sentinel. UPI. August 4, 1976. p. 1. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  35. ^ "Plane Crash of Rep. Litton Linked to Engine Failure". The New York Times. August 11, 1976. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  36. ^ "Add Spainhower to Senate hopefuls". The Southeast Missourian. Associated Press. August 9, 1976. p. 2. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  37. ^ a b "Missouri Demos pick Hearnes". Lawrence Journal-World. Associated Press. August 23, 1976. p. 10. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  38. ^ "MO US Senate - D Replacement Nominee". OurCampaigns. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  39. ^ a b "Danforth Eyes Senate Race in 1974 or 1976". St. Joseph News-Press. September 11, 1973. pp. 2A. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  40. ^ "Danforth Denies Fear He Could Not Beat Eagleton". St. Joseph News-Press. Associated Press. March 31, 1974. pp. 2A. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  41. ^ "Danforth Biding Time on Senate Race Decision". St. Joseph News-Press. February 13, 1975. pp. 2A. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  42. ^ "MO US Senate - R Primary". OurCampaigns. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  43. ^ Delaney, Paul (October 18, 1976). "Hearnes Is Facing Difficult Fight To Succeed Symington in Senate". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  44. ^ "Danforth, Hearnes Race for Senate". The Maryville Daily Forum. October 30, 1976. p. 1. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  45. ^ Patrick, Laura (September 3, 1976). "Many Democrats Doubt Hearnes' Ability". The Maryville Daily Forum. p. 6. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  46. ^ "Danforth says Senate battle will be clean". Cape Girardeau Bulletin. UPI. September 9, 1976. p. 1. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  47. ^ a b "Danforth recalls political miles". The Southeast Missourian. Associated Press. October 14, 1976. p. 2. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  48. ^ Kirkpatrick, James C. (December 26, 1976). "Split ticket causes landslide victories". The Southeast Missourian. p. 2. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  49. ^ a b "Warren E. Hearnes". SHSMO Historic Missourians. Archived from the original on July 28, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  50. ^ "Hearnes Says He Won't Be A Candidate Again". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. August 8, 1980. pp. 4B. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  51. ^ "Statistics of the Presidential and Congressional Election of November 2, 1976" (PDF). Clerk of the House of Representatives. p. 25.
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