After months of silence, state Sen. Joan Bray (left), D-University City, is announcing whom she supports in the spirited Democratic fight to succeed her. Bray said today that she is backing Barbara Fraser (right), a former legislator and teacher who now is president of the St. Louis County Council.

Fraser's chief rival is former state Rep. Sam Page, D-Creve Coeur, who lost a 2008 bid for lieutenant governor, and who has been the most successful money-raiser in the 24th District state Senate contest. 

His last report showed that Page (left) had raised $553,321.21, spent $247,529.56, with $295,025.65 on hand. That compares to Fraser's tallies of $183,173.92 raised, $54,854.71 spent, and $127,297.64 on hand.

A third Democrat, state Rep. Mike Corcoran of St. Ann, dropped out a couple weeks ago.

The Democratic victor will face Republican John Lamping (below, right), a financial adviser who has a lot of backing from GOP leaders because the 24th District is deemed swing territory.  His last report showed Lamping had raised $387,437.53, spent $22,802.76, with $273,157.41 on hand. His total includes a $75,000 personal loan.

Bray is an eight-year veteran of the state Senate (after 10 years in the House), who cannot seek another term because of term limits. A former journalist, she has long been one of the most progressive -- or liberal, as critics put it -- members of the Missouri Legislature.

Bray also had been maintaining her neutrality in the fight over her Senate post, at least through the legislative session that ended May 14.

But today, she said in a statement that she prefers Fraser, calling her "a strong progressive woman (who) will make her voice heard on behalf of our community."

Bray continued:

"Democratic values are constantly under fire in the Capitol from the Republican majority. We need like-minded activists such as Barbara who will work hard and long with us to defeat their destructive agenda. We need Barbara’s energy, experience and expertise in the Legislature. She’ll be ready to work the minute she wins.

"Barbara puts people first. She will bring her energy, passion and thoughtful approach to creating jobs and economic progress; investing wisely in education; increasing access to health care; protecting the environment; promoting alternative transportation; and ensuring needed government services are provided in an effective and cost efficient manner. Barbara is a staunch supporter of equal rights for all."