Remembering Mel Carnahan and the day Missouri's political landscape shook

[proud2BlibKansan]

During Thursday's U.S. Senate debate in Kansas City, former Sen. Jean Carnahan -- the mother of Democratic nominee Robin Carnahan -- was overcome with memories about the last time she witnessed such a face-off in Kansas City.
It was held almost exactly 10 years ago, on Oct. 15, 2000. The U.S. Senate candidates on stage that year: her husband, then-Gov. Mel Carnahan, a Democrat challenging the Republican incumbent, then-Sen. John Ashcroft, in one of the most combative contests in the country.

Twenty-four hours later, shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 16, Mel Carnahan, 66, (right) was killed in a plane crash in Jefferson County along with the pilot -- son Roger Carnahan, 44, (known as Randy) -- and Carnahan's closest aide, communications chief Chris Sifford, 37. The trio had been on their way to a campaign event in the Bootheel, when a storm prompted Randy Carnahan to try to return to St. Louis.

This Saturday evening, members of the Carnahan family -- arguably Missouri's best-known Democratic dynasty -- will gather with friends in St. Louis to mark the 10th anniversary of a family tragedy that was played out in public. Sifford's relatives also are gathering in his home town of Puxico, Mo., with the two groups converging via conference call. The Siffords will also announce college scholarships funded with donations, including some from the Carnahan family, to honor the victims.

more . . . http://www.stlbeacon.org/region/105594-10th-anniversary-of-mel-carnahan-death