Chris McDaniel

Chris McDaniel of St. Louis Public Radio joins Jo Mannies and Jason Rosenbaum of the St. Louis Beacon to discuss a few political issues.

On this week's podcast: After the GOP's lackluster performance in Missouri's statewide races, what can the party do going forward? It's early, but ballot initiatives are already in discussion for 2014. And leadership positions have now been divvied out in the Missouri legislature. How will the Republican leaders work with Democratic Governor Jay Nixon?

It's the post-election Politically Speaking special. Chris McDaniel of St. Louis Public Radio joins Jo Mannies and Jason Rosenbaum of the St. Louis Beacon to wrap up last night's races.

We go through McCaskill's decisive win over Akin (was he trounced or shellacked?) as well as all the state-wide races. We also throw in a couple Congressional seats, Missouri legislature make-up, and the ballot initiative results.

Follow Chris McDaniel on Twitter: @csmcdaniel

In the race to take Congressman Akin’s old seat, Republican Ann Wagner soundly trounced Democrat Glenn Koenen. At her election night party, Wagner said she got into this race because she was a “fed up mother.”

“And you know what? I think our country needs some tough love," Wagner told the crowd. "And I’m ready to deliver that – that I promise you.”

Wagner held her campaign party at the Frontenac Hilton, the same place as Republican gubernatorial candidate Dave Spence. But the two decided to hold their events in different ballrooms at the same hotel.

In a state that went overwhelmingly for Mitt Romney, Jay Nixon was re-elected to a second term as governor of Missouri.

His margin of victory wasn’t quite as large as 2008, but Nixon beat his Republican challenger Dave Spence by more than 10 points.

In an address to his supports at the Pageant in St. Louis, Nixon called his victory a result of voters putting the people’s business above petty politics.

"Missourians said because we've been able to work together, because we're putting the common good first, we are moving in the right direction," he said.

Four years ago, Missouri Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon was elected by 19 points: a landslide. But this time around, it may not be so easy for him. Some polls show St. Louis businessman and Republican gubernatorial candidate Dave Spence within striking distance of the Governor. The race has been personal at times, but it’s primarily been about one overarching issue: jobs.

Dave Spence owns a couple of plastics businesses. One of those businesses is Alpha Packaging.