JEFFERSON CITY — The Bailey for Missouri campaign, as well as others, have called for recent advertisements by Defendant Missouri PAC to be taken down after what they say is misleading and reprehensible.
James B. Lawson, the campaign manager of Bailey for Missouri, said the actions of Defend Missouri not only jeopardize the ongoing prosecution efforts by Bailey's office but also threaten the possibility of seeking the death penalty by potentially biasing the jury pool.
"It is widely known that the rules of professional conduct prohibit a prosecutor from generating pre-trial publicity, especially in a case where the Attorney General is seeking the ultimate punishment," Lawson said in a statement provided to The St. Louis Record. "This creates an enormous injustice in the Attorney General race, leaving General Bailey unable to counter these false attacks while Will Scharf and his associates continue to mislead voters."
Lawson said the advertisement demonstrates a complete and utter disregard for Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith’s grieving family, including his wife and two young sons, who have already endured unimaginable pain and trauma.
Griffith, who was 34, was a Hermann police detective who was shot on March 12, 2023, at Casey's Convenience Store in Hermann.
"They should not be subjected to the distressing images of their loved one’s murderer on television," Lawson said. "In response to this disgraceful advertisement, the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police issued a statement condemning the ad and called on Will Scharf to demand its immediate removal and issue a personal apology to the family of the fallen officer. The Law Enforcement Legislative Coalition (LELC) has also condemned the advertisement and called for its removal and an apology from Scharf."
Lawson said Missouri Sheriffs United has now endorsed Bailey as well.
"This endorsement rounds out a broad-based coalition of law enforcement organizations from across Missouri which include the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Missouri State Troopers Association, Law Enforcement Legislative Coalition, St. Louis FOP, Kansas City FOP and the St. Louis Police Officers Association," Lawson said. "Bailey is the only candidate in the race endorsed by Law Enforcement Organizations around the state."
Lawson said Bailey has consistently taken one of the toughest stances on crime in the nation, earning nearly every law enforcement endorsement in the state.
"If Will Scharf, who once tried to sue the police, is willing to use fallen officers and their families as political pawns to win office, he will undoubtedly continue to do so if elected," Lawson said. "We urge the public to see through these despicable tactics and recognize Andrew Bailey as the dedicated and proven leader who stands with law enforcement and fights tirelessly to protect Missouri’s communities."
In the Executive Board of the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police's statement, the order denounces the advertisement and asks for its removal.
"The 8,000 members of the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police strongly denounce the advertisement and ask for its immediate removal," the statement reads. "We believe Mr. Scharf, his campaign, and the Defend Missouri PAC should do the same. In addition, Mr. Scharf should issue a personal apology to the Griffith family."
The LELC called for support for police officers and their families.
"Publicizing details of an active case that may impede the prosecution of a police officer's murder is wrong," Chief Kurt Frisz, president of the LELC, said in a statement. "We must stand up for the family of this police officer by ensuring they receive the justice they deserve for their loved one's death."
Missouri Sheriffs United also released a statement endorsing Bailey after Scharf's advertisement.
"Throughout his career, Andrew Bailey has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the safety of our communities," President Brad Cole and Executive Director Kevin Merritt said in the statement. "His extensive experience as a prosecutor and his deep understanding of the legal challenges we face today make him uniquely qualified to serve as attorney general."
The statement noted that Bailey has consistently shown a proactive approach to tackling crime and supporting law enforcement initiatives.
"He understands the critical role that sheriffs and their deputies play in maintaining public safety and has been a steadfast ally in our efforts to protect and serve the people of Missouri," they said. "His dedication to strengthening our criminal justice system and his proactive stance on key issues, such as combating the opioid crisis and addressing violent crime, align closely with the goals of Missouri Sheriffs United."
Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley also endorsed Bailey.
“I’m proud to give Andrew Bailey my full and complete endorsement," Hawley said in a statement provided to The St. Louis Record. "He’s a fearless fighter, a talented lawyer, and a tremendous Attorney General."