The 1970 United States Senate election in Missouri took place on November 3, 1970. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Stuart Symington was re-elected to a fourth term in office over Republican John Danforth (who would eventually succeed the retiring Symington in 1976).
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County results Symington: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% Danforth: 50-60% 60-70% 70-80% | |||||||||||||||||
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Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Stuart Symington (incumbent) | 392,670 | 89.28% | |
Democratic | Douglas V. White | 15,187 | 3.45% | |
Democratic | William McKinley Thomas | 13,018 | 2.96% | |
Democratic | Lee Sutton | 11,105 | 2.53% | |
Democratic | Hershel V. Page | 7,843 | 1.78% | |
Total votes | 439,823 | 100.00% |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | John Danforth | 165,728 | 72.55% | |
Republican | Doris Bass | 45,049 | 19.72% | |
Republican | Morris Duncan | 17,670 | 7.74% | |
Total votes | 228,447 | 100.00% |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
American | Gene Chapman | 684 | 47.11% | |
American | Lawrence Petty | 400 | 27.55% | |
American | Ralph A. DePugh | 368 | 25.34% | |
Total votes | 1,452 | 100.00% |
Considered a safely Democratic state, Symington was seen as an overwhelming favorite, leading in one poll 54% to 28%.[5] His campaign focused on his seniority, criticizing Richard Nixon, and generally ignoring his opponent, even refusing debates.[6][7] That said, Danforth was seen as a possible contender for an upset.[8] Near the campaigns end, Danforth was seen as closing the gap, providing a real threat to Symington.[9] Symington won the race by just under 3 points.
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Stuart Symington (incumbent) | 654,831 | 51.03% | 15.52 | |
Republican | John Danforth | 617,903 | 48.15% | 14.70 | |
American | Gene Chapman | 10,065 | 0.78% | N/A | |
Independent | Emilio J. DiGirolamo | 513 | 0.04% | N/A | |
Turnout | 1,283,312 | 100.00% | |||
Democratic hold |