Carnahan, Cleaver, Skelton, Graves in key Missouri races
Leaving a recent political meeting in Lee’s Summit, Missouri Rep. Emanuel Cleaver recalls he was stopped by a couple concerned that the federal health care bill would funnel public money to pay for abortions.
Cleaver, a Democrat, took out his copy of the bill and showed the questioners that it specifically prohibited paying for abortion services.
Their reaction: “Well, you’ll just change it later.”
This is what politicians are facing when they seek votes in November, and it’s what those who win elections to Congress will face when they start to work next year. The level of trust between voters and politicians, and between politicians of different parties, is so low that even when the facts are clearly written into law, some opponents can’t bring themselves to concede common ground.
It’s also why this is an exceptionally important election.
Congress may well change hands, from Democratic to Republican control. It may remain, just barely, in Democratic hands. Regardless, America has serious needs today, and it will require respectful debates on the issues and bipartisan solutions to make much progress in the future. Especially in the midst of a jobless recovery, at a time when American infrastructure is deteriorating, too much is at stake for two years of gridlock.
Experience and a pragmatic approach to government will count for a lot in the coming term. With that in mind, here are The Star’s recommendations for those who could best represent Missouri’s residents in Congress:
U.S. SENATE
Democrat Robin Carnahan deserves to win the race between Missouri’s political family elites.
Carnahan has earned her public service stripes as secretary of state, effectively and efficiently improving operations in her office. She’s a sharp, compassionate leader who can be counted on to represent the best interests of all Missourians. The daughter of a former governor and a former U.S. senator, and sister of a sitting congressman, Carnahan first won the hearts of Missourians when she promised to “not let the fire go out” following the tragic deaths of her father and brother in an airplane crash.
The differences are deep in this race. When pressed for details on health care reform, both she and Republican U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt back the need to stop insurers from yanking insurance from those who get sick, or denying insurance to those with pre-existing conditions.
But only Carnahan is honest enough to admit that those essentials mean costs. Blunt is fond of the Republican sound bite, “repeal and replace,” but the replace part, especially the funding, is fuzzy.
Blunt, the father of a former governor and son of a Missouri legislator, talks about a commitment to small government regarding health care and No Child Left Behind. However, his record shows he often backs big, and sometimes unfunded, government.
He admits Republicans did a pretty poor job controlling spending when they were last in charge in Washington, hardly a good reason to believe they would be frugal this time. Blunt has close ties to special interests and is one of the largest House recipients of special interest donations, so his political independence is clearly suspect.
Carnahan, in contrast, proposes to end the revolving door from Congress to lobbying firms, and she strongly supports more disclosure on campaign finance donations. She opposes earmarks, a growing budget concern, and offers a fresh, honest approach to government.
Also running are Libertarian Jonathan Dine and Jerry Beck of the Constitution Party.
CONGRESS, 4TH DISTRICT
Democratic incumbent Ike Skelton has honorably served this district for years, and is far better qualified than his leading opponent.
Skelton’s military and small business expertise is essential for this sprawling district of small towns and military bases east and south of Kansas City. Skelton first arrived in Congress in 1977, following a state legislative stint, and has been a consistent, effective advocate for the region and an expert nationally on military needs.
His strongest challenger, Republican Vicky Hartzler, is ill-prepared for Congress, especially in difficult times. She campaigns on mindless slogans and stumbles when asked for details. For instance, she calls for ending deficit spending, but implausibly insists Social Security, Medicare, military spending and veterans’ benefits be left out of the debate. When pressed for what she would cut, she suggests the federal highway beautification funds, a line item not much bigger than her family farm’s federal subsidies.
Also running are the Constitution Party’s Greg Cowan and Libertarian Jason Michael Braun.
CONGRESS, 5TH? DISTRICT
Democratic incumbent Emanuel Cleaver continues to be a huge plus for Kansas City area interests in Washington, D.C.
In typical Cleaver form, among his top priorities for next term is a small but important piece of legislation to get Kansas City designated as the home of the official national World War I memorial and as host city for the upcoming centennial celebrations of that war’s end.
Cleaver’s commitment to civil discussion that honors different opinions is an essential asset for the coming session. His vision in creating the Green Impact Zone in Kansas City is a model for bringing back struggling urban core neighborhoods.
Cleaver, a former two-term mayor, is running against Republican Jacob Turk, who lacks political experience, other than as a three-time candidate.
Also on the ballot are Dave Lay of the Constitution Party and Libertarian Randy Langkraehr.
CONGRESS, 6TH DISTRICT
Republican incumbent Sam Graves does well in constituent services, a calling card that keeps earning him re-election.
He will have to step away from simple partisan obstruction to be counted a success this term.
As a more seasoned legislator, it’s time for him to resist pandering to the right and adopt a more statesmanlike posture as one interested in seeking compromise on the many challenges facing the nation.
He is running against Democrat Clint Hylton.
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