Politics & Government

Ashcroft Endorses Ann Wagner

The former U.S. Attorney General and Missouri politician said he's endorsing Ballwin's Ann Wagner for Congress.

Former U.S. Attorney General and Missouri office-holder John Ashcroft officially endorsed Ballwin's Ann Wagner for the 2nd Congressional District, Wagner's campaign announced Monday morning.

The endorsement by Ashcroft, who served as Missouri’s state auditor, attorney general, governor and U.S. Senator before being appointed to U.S. Attorney General under former President Bush in 2000, highlights Wagner’s traits as a fiscally and socially conservative candidate, including her opposition to gay marriage and abortion.

“We need strong conservative leadership in Washington and Ann fits the bill,” Ashcroft said in a written media statement. “She has been an outspoken critic of liberal Democrats and their failed policies for years, such as when they jammed the government takeover of healthcare through Congress against the will of the American people.” 

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The nod from a highly-visible conservative figure such as Ashcroft could help rally the base that typically drives primaries; in August of 2012, Wagner will face fellow GOP member Ed Martin in the race for the 2nd District, which is being left by U.S. Rep. Todd Akin in order to run for U.S. Senate. Wagner first revealed Ashcroft's endorsement at a.

“Ann has earned my wholehearted endorsement and is my long-time friend, colleague, and a trusted, pro-life conservative. I’ve had the distinct privilege of knowing and working with Ann and (her husband) Ray Wagner for more than two decades,” Ashcroft said. 

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That time includes Ray Wagner’s years as Director of the Missouri Department of Revenue and chief legal counsel to former Gov. Ashcroft. Ray Wagner later was named head of the Illinois Department of Revenue by former Gov. Jim Edgar.

Ashcroft also expresses admiration for Ann and Ray Wagner’s son, Ray Wagner III, who Ashcroft said he saw grow from being a baby to graduating from West Point Military Academy, which he called “inspiring.”

“I’ve seen firsthand their dedication and loyalty to America, their commitment to community, and their strong faith in God," Ashcroft said. "I admire their love and devotion for each other and their family. 

Wagner reaffirmed Ashcroft’s statements about core conservative values and wrote that she was humbled to receive his support.
 
“General Ashcroft’s endorsement means so much to me personally, but means so much to my family as we move forward in this exciting campaign," Wagner said.

Monday's announcement comes less than a week after GOP fundraisers brought New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to St. Louis, which included his endorsement for Wagner. 

(Editor's Note: The complete statements by Ashcroft and Wagner are available on Ann Wagner's official campaign website.)


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