Friend,

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My friend Jeff passed away a few days ago.

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I met Jeff in Salem when I ran for Attorney General the first time. After hearing about our campaign, Jeff started sending me letters with news clippings and $10 donations. I'd write back to thank him. He would ask for specific numbers of donation envelopes and campaign flyers so he could hand them out to people, and we'd always make sure to send Jeff whatever he asked for (and a few extra).

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In one of his letters, Jeff mentioned how important he thought our campaign was. Jeff really despised the use of secretive, anonymous donations in politics - often called "dark money" - and I was right there with him. He felt strongly that our government officials should represent us, not hidden interests from goodness knows where. Jeff said he wished he could donate more, but he lived in a nursing home and was on Medicaid, so he only had about $30 per month to spend.

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I couldn't believe it. I called him to thank him and to tell him not to donate any more. He laughed and told me he still would donate from time to time because it meant a lot to him to be able to help. My objections didn't work.

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Jeff was the subject of one of our campaign videos. We spent a great day with him in Salem. He took us on a tour of his nursing home and his hometown, including a much appreciated stop at Country Corner Cafe where he knew just about everyone dining. We met his family, and we left him with a gift box with plenty of stationary.

Jeff and I kept up with each other over the past few years. I called him just a few weeks ago, and we talked about Missouri, the news, his family, and the election. I told him I'd come visit him next time I was nearby. I didn't get to.

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Jeff was a kind, funny, loyal, affable man who couldn't help but share all the good news about his friends and family. He was a proud Missourian who wanted the best for our state and, despite his frustration with our government, never gave up on what Missouri could be. May his memory be a blessing.

Thursday, January 25 at 6:00 PM: Elad on Zoom with Jess Piper, David Pepper, and Blue Missouri

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Thursday, January 25 at 7:30 PM: Elad in Town and Country

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Saturday, January 27 at 2:00 PM: Elad in Maplewood

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Saturday, January 27 at 2:00 PM: Virtual Volunteer Phone Bank

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Saturday, January 27 at 2:00 PM: Public Meeting on Polling Place Closures in Howardville (Chlo? attending for campaign) at First Missionary Baptist Church

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Sunday, January 28 at 2:00 PM: Chiefs beat Ravens (no volunteer phone bank)

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Tuesday, January 30 at 7:00 PM: Elad in South St. Louis County