Jeff Foli for State Rep

Jeff Foli, the Libertarian Party mayor of Chillicothe, was defeated in his bid for election to the Missouri House of Representatives.  He received 1399 votes or 14.1% of the total. 

It was the first state representative race in Missouri where our candidate had been elected on the Libertarian Party ticket to a lower office.  Libertarian Party members of Missouri seized the opportunity and put forth a concerted effort to win the election.  We raised approximately $12,000 and ran a campaign that was serious enough to have charges of ethics violation raised at the last minute, presumably but not verifiably by someone friendly to the opposition.

Foli's election totals fell right within formula.  An analysis of state representative races compiled by Chip Taylor found two major factors, which reliably predict our vote total; money spent and number of major party opponents.  In Folis case, he raised and spent enough money to be required to disclose the information and he had one major party opponent.

"We made the right decision to concentrate money on that one campaign", said Chip Taylor, a candidate for state representative himself.  "It turned out to be wrong, but we made the right decision".

Jeff's term as mayor of Chillicothe will expire in April.  He chose not to file for re-election but doesnt rule out running for office again. 

"I have never once regretted any effort I've put forth for the Libertarian movement even when the results of have sometimes seemed so discouraging", said Greg Tlapek, Executive Director for the state party. "We can and should be proud of our effort in this race, in everything we have done and everything we will do in the future".