Beth Murphy

On paper, Megan Ellyia Green should have been the underdog in last week’s 15th Ward election.

After Missy Pinkerton-McDaniel snagged the Democratic nomination in the race to succeed Jennifer Florida in the south St. Louis ward, Green decided to run as an independent. Given recent history, she didn’t face particularly good odds of winning a city that almost reflexively elects identified Democrats.

Update:   

Democrat Beth Murphy won Tuesday's special election by a relatively large margin, as least by percentage standards. Murphy ended up with 79 percent of the vote compared to Republican Conan Prendergast's 20 percent.

The total number of ballots cast yesterday? 442.

Original story:

Voters in St. Louis' 13th Ward will have a chance to pick their next alderman in Tuesday's special election.

As St. Louis Alderman Fred Wessels prepares to leave his post to lead the city’s Community Development Association, a long-time committeewoman is primed to take his aldermanic seat.