Final thoughts from the candidates – ‘Why you should choose me’

Each candidate running opposed this election was asked to submit a 100-word message to voters explaining why voters should choose that candidate on Nov. 6. They were asked to focus positively on their qualifications and priorities. The replies of candidates who responded are below.

A complete list of candidates is available here.

Todd Akin (R), candidate for U.S. Senate

I am running for US Senate to take Missouri common sense to Washington D.C. Most families and businesses in Missouri know how to live within a budget. Yet the Federal government is nowhere close to living within its means. My opponent, Claire McCaskill, continually supports more taxes. I fundamentally disagree with her. I think the government should focus on spending less and allowing our private sector to grow, not burdening it with more taxes. She supports ObamaCare, I don’t. She has faith in big government; I trust the people of Missouri to decide for their families and businesses.

Peter D. Kinder (R), candidate for Lieutenant Governor

As Lieutenant Governor I have delivered results for Missourians. I led the fight against implementation of Obamacare. My priority is advocating for seniors and veterans. When Missouri’s Veterans Homes last year faced a funding crisis, I visited each home to discuss a solution. Working with lawmakers, a sufficient funding source was approved. As lieutenant governor and during my Senate service, I championed the Elderly Protection Act of 2003, the Senior Rx plan, the Assisted Living Bill and the Missouri Military Family Relief Fund. I continue to shrink my office budget, returning money every year to Missouri taxpayers.

Cynthia Davis (C), candidate for Lieutenant Governor

Politics has become a dirty business, but it won’t get better if we abandon the process.  We owe it to ourselves to elect someone who will fight for fiscal conservatism and constitutionally limited government.  We should also expect moral conduct from our leaders.  As the only “Missouri Right to Life” endorsed candidate and as the only one who earned the designation of being the most Constitutional legislator in the State of Missouri, my record shows I am a champion Pro-Life, Pro-Gun, Pro-Family and Pro-Taxpayer advocate.  I will hold them all accountable and give voters a genuine choice.

Susan Montee (D), candidate for Lieutenant Governor

The main responsibility of the Lieutenant Governor is to be prepared to lead the state of Missouri should the need arise.  My experience as State Auditor along with the depth of knowledge I have of the inner workings and needs of Missouri’s government makes me the best candidate for the job.  Nothing will take a higher priority in my office than the support and care we offer our senior citizens and our military veterans.  I come from a military family, and will work tirelessly to make sure our seniors and veterans receive all the benefits and care they have earned and deserve.

Clint Zweifel (D), candidate for State Treasurer

I was elected as Missouri’s State Treasurer in 2008 to face some of the toughest economic challenges in generations. Since day one, I have committed to meeting these challenges head-on with bipartisan, fiscal responsibility while increasing the accountability, transparency and efficiency of the State Treasurer’s office. I serve as a strong fiscal steward of taxpayer money, protecting Missouri’s AAA credit rating and successfully managed our $4 billion state portfolio, while investing in education and small businesses and farms. He was the only statewide elected official to earn an office-wide “Excellent” rating from the Republican State Auditor for office performance and accountability.

Cole McNary (R), candidate for State Treasurer

We live in times where governments face bankruptcy because the past promises past exceed future finances. Simply stated, we have a government we cannot afford. As custodian of taxpayer’s funds, the treasurer’s top job is protecting the checkbook.  Securing investments should take priority over promoting programs. We cannot adequately invest without knowing the challenges we face. Getting an accurate diagnosis of the fiscal health of the state requires a hard, factual, truth-based analysis. My background in business and mathematics prepared me for the rigors of finance and my bi-partisan achievements in gutting government excess proves I can get things done.

Jason Kander (D) candidate for Secretary of State

I am a State Representative, former Army Captain who served in Afghanistan, and candidate for Secretary of State. I signed up for the Army after September 11th and volunteered for a tour in Afghanistan. While serving, I investigated corruption in the Afghan government. As a state representative, I have taken on the true fraud in our elections, our campaign finance and ethics laws. As Secretary of State, I will make it easier to start businesses, hold Wall Street accountable to Missouri families, and ensure that every eligible Missourian can vote. I live in Kansas City with his wife, Diana.

Shane Schoeller (R), candidate for Secretary of State

I am running for Secretary of State because free and fair elections are one of our most sacred freedoms.  When elected, I will work hard to pass and implement a voter ID requirement because every vote should be protected from fraud, distortion and interference. As Secretary of State I’ll write fair and accurate ballot summaries so voters are never misled about the true nature and impact of a referendum or initiative petition. As Missouri’s Secretary of State, I’ll honor the men and women who risk their lives to defend American freedom by insisting that every military ballot is counted.

Eugene Dokes (R), candidate for House District 70

Many in Missouri are devastated by our broken economy, over regulated businesses and a lack of leadership. As a business owner an MBA  and a PhD graduate in business this is a topic that I am intently focused on. My background in business allows me to understand how entrepreneurs create jobs; further more I know how to create the environment that this feat requires. My time as a supervisor in the U.S. Navy and as a wartime veteran proves my leadership abilities. I can stand up against partisan politics and unite people in order to produce results.