Our Mission

Outstate MO is passionate about making sure our readers are informed about Missouri's political candidates and their stance on issues that impact rural Missouri.

We do not endorse any particular candidate or political party and encourage all Missourians to exercise their right to vote. The information provided below was acquired through interviews and questionaires with the candidates and in each race, all political parties were contacted and given an opportunity to respond.

Eric Schmitt

U.S. Senate (R)

Give us a brief introduction of yourself, what office you’re seeking and why you’re running.

I am a lifelong, sixth-generation Missourian, husband to Jaime, and father to three children: Stephen, Sophia, and Olivia. I currently serve as Missouri’s 43rd Attorney General, and I am running for U.S. Senate. With Joe Biden in the White House and a liberal takeover in the House and Senate, we need a proven leader to take the fight to the Senate and save our country, fight inflation, and make our streets safer.

What are the biggest challenges facing rural Missourians today?

The current Biden administration has completely forgotten about rural Missourians. In the last few months, the Biden administration has implemented policies that will result in higher taxes and greater costs for those living in rural America. Biden’s so-called Inflation Reduction Act does nothing to lower the cost of living, but instead raises taxes by $300 billion. Biden’s student loan decisions are unconstitutional and are a trillion-dollar handout for the elites paid for by working-class Americans. Biden’s EPA has started an all-out attack on rural employment opportunities. As your U.S. Senator, I will never forget rural Missourians, and I will fight Biden and his liberal allies when they implement policies that harm rural America.

What should the state and federal government be doing to establish and maintain strong energy security in Missouri? Government must promote our domestic energy potential to ensure lower energy prices and guarantee our national security. Our nation cannot be dependent on foreign actors for our energy. As Attorney General, I have pushed back against the Biden administration after it canceled the Keystone XL pipeline, and I forced Joe Biden to open leasing in the Gulf of Mexico after he illegally refused to allow America’s energy producers from drilling.

If elected to office, what are your highest priorities for Missouri and the nation?

My highest priority would be tackling violent crime. As Missouri’s Attorney General, I have seen firsthand how crime can destroy a community. Families cannot live and small business cannot operate when crimes are occurring right outside their front door. It is beyond heartbreaking, but Democrat policies and liberal prosecutors are causing violent crime rates to soar across America. We must do more to ensure our streets are safer, and that violent criminals are prosecuted fully.

Are you satisfied with the progress being made to expand broadband across Missouri? Do you think there is more we can be doing to ensure all rural Missourians will have accessto high internet speeds?

While there has been progress on expanding broadband in rural parts of Missouri, we know that there is more than can be and must be done to ensure all have access to broadband internet. Broadband is essential for modern agriculture— ranchers and farmers need to communicate with customers and markets by broadband to compete in the modern world. The government must partner with private entities to ensure all communities have broadband access.

Assuming your victory, choose a single issue you would prioritize in the coming term?
We must lower the cost of living for working-class Americans. The Biden administration has spent recklessly over the last two years, ensuring that inflation and energy prices would skyrocket. The rising costs will hurt working-class families in Missouri with higher rents and utilities as winter approaches. In the U.S. Senate, I will stop reckless spending so that our economy works for all Americans—not just the elites.

Are you happy with the state of our country? If not, what are you most dissatisfied with?
The Biden administration has failed working-class families in Missouri. Crime is rampant, and inflation is skyrocketing. The Biden administration seems dead set on implementing the most radical policies, with no concern how it will impact anyone
outside of the elite in DC.

How has your experience as the Attorney General of Missouri prepared you to represent Missouri in the U.S. Senate if elected?

As Attorney General, I have pushed back against the Biden administration on every radical policy it has tried to implement. I took Joe
Biden to the U.S. Supreme Court when it canceled President Trump’s successful border policies. When Joe Biden canceled energy exploration in America, I forced Biden to open drilling so that Missouri families would have lower energy costs. Finally, I stopped Joe
Biden and Fauci’s implementation of an unconstitutional COVID vaccine mandate on small businesses. Further, I have gotten things done for Missouri. When liberal prosecutors refused to prosecute criminals, I launched the Safer Streets initiative and got 100s of indictments and convictions to get criminals off the streets. I got justice for victims of sexual assault, testing SAFE Kits and getting convictions. I have a record of standing up for Missouri values as Attorney General, and I will continue to do so as Senator.

Trudy Busch Valentine

U.S. Senate (D)

Give us a brief introduction of yourself, what office you’re seeking and why you’re running.
I am a nurse, mother, grandmother, and fourth-generation Missourian. I was blessed to be raised by parents who lived the American dream and to watch my dad build the world’s greatest brewery in partnership with organized labor. I knew that to
whom much has been given, much will be expected, so I became a nurse and dedicated my life to improving the lives of Missourians. I am running for the U.S. Senate because Missourians are ready for a fresh perspective. Missouri has been left behind by career politicians who go to Washington to make a name for themselves. I am approaching politics the same way I approached nursing: putting people first and finding real solutions to problems. I truly believe that there is more that unites Missouri than divides us, and I will work hard to represent every Missourian, no matter where they live or who they voted for. I can’t be bought, and I’m not in this race for fame or a fancy title. In the Senate, I’ll be nobody’s Senator but yours.

What are the biggest challenges facing rural Missourians today?
One of the biggest challenges facing rural Missourians is the lack of affordable and accessible healthcare services. Since 2010, 10 hospitals have had to close in rural Missouri. This leaves too many Missourians in “healthcare deserts” and having to travel
to receive basic healthcare services. Another challenge facing rural Missourians is the lack of economic opportunity. We need to bring new industries and new jobs and start making things in Missouri again. To do this, we need to expand rural broadband, support small businesses and entrepreneurs, and modernize Missouri’s economy.

What should the state and federal government be doing to establish and maintain strong energy security in Missouri?
I support responsible resource development while continuing to invest in renewable energy sources. Investing in renewable energy will bring new jobs and industries to Missouri and lower our dependency on foreign countries (which include our
adversaries) for fossil fuels.

If elected to office, what are your highest priorities for Missouri and the nation?
My top legislative priority is making life easier for hardworking Missourians who are struggling to get by. That includes lowering the costs of gas, groceries, and housing; expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare, including reproductive health care; and making it easier for parents to care for and raise children. I’m also committed to ending the opioid epidemic in America and bringing hope to families struggling with substance use and mental health issues. There’s a lot of shame
and stigma that prevents us from speaking about addiction. I want to change that and make recovery a priority in Washington.
I will work to restore ethics and accountability to politics and make government work for the people again. That includes getting corporate money out of our politics, publishing my schedule daily so you know who I’m meeting with and who I’m not, and banning Members of Congress and their spouses from trading stock while in office. Finally, I am committed to protecting Missouri farms and farmers and standing up against foreign ownership of our farmland.

Are you satisfied with the progress being made to expand broadband across Missouri? Do you think there is more we can be doing to ensure all rural Missourians will have access to high internet speeds?
While I was pleased to see that the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act included $65 billion to fund broadband, I believe we need to do more to close the urban-rural broadband access divide. In the Senate, I will advocate for more funding to
ensure that every Missourian has access to fast internet no matter their ZIP Code.

Assuming your victory, choose a single issue you would prioritize in the coming term.
My first priority when elected will be protecting Missouri farmland from foreign ownership. The first bill I will introduce if elected will be a bill to stop the sale of American farmland to foreign-owned corporations.

Are you happy with the state of our country? If not, what are you most dissatisfied with?
I am concerned by the threats facing our democracy in America and the erosion of our basic freedoms. Over the last few years, we have seen an assault on our voting rights and on the basic principles of democracy. Additionally, this year we saw the biggest setback to women’s rights in modern history with the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Here in Missouri, women and girls have lost the basic freedom to make choices about their own bodies. In the Senate, I will stand up for our democracy and for the freedom of everyone to make their own healthcare decisions without government mandates.

How has your work experience prepared you to represent Missouri in the U.S. Senate if elected?
Ever since I was a child, I’ve known that the real meaning in life is found in service to others, and service has inspired my entire life. That’s why I went to school to become a nurse, worked at the Salvation Army caring for vulnerable and homeless children,
volunteered to vaccinate Missourians during the Covid-19 pandemic, and helped lead the St. Louis University School of Nursing into one of the premier nursing schools in the country. Outside of my work as a nurse, I have served in leadership roles on numerous boards and organizations that focus on children’s issues and promoting the well-being of
Missourians. My life’s work has been defined by service. and I view public office as another form of service.

Why should the Missouri voters choose you to represent them?
This November, Missourians will have a choice between myself and an out-of-touch, partisan extremist who wants to block progress and tear away basic freedoms. I am a nurse, a mother, and a lifelong Missourian. In the Senate I’ll stand up for the families that are just barely getting by, expand access to healthcare, lower the cost of prescription drugs, protect the freedom to choose, end the opioid epidemic, and put Missourians first. I’ll work with both Democrats and Republicans to get things done. I can’t be bought by money, and I’m not in this race for fame or a fancy title. In the Senate I’ll be nobody’s Senator but yours.

Eric Burlison

Missouri's 7th Congressional District (R)

Give us a brief introduction of yourself, what office you’re seeking and why you’re running.

I am a sitting Senator in Missouri’s 20th State Senate District, and I am running for Missouri’s 7th Congressional District to represent Southwest Missourians’ conservative values in DC. During my time as a state legislator, I have been ranked the #1 conservative by a number of groups, which is why leaders like Sen. Ted Cruz, and Rep. Jim Jordan have endorsed me. I’ve also been endorsed by Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Right to Life, National Right to Life, and Freedom Works, and in 2016 I was named Business Advocate of the year by the Springfield Business Journal. I live in Battlefield with my wife, Angie, and my two daughters, Reese and Aubrey.

What are the biggest challenges facing rural Missourians today?

Challenges include access to quality internet, food insecurity and affordable energy services, along with the same financial challenges that people across the country are struggling with. I have a breadth of financial experience that I am looking forward to take to Washington to fix this inflation crisis that Joe Biden and other Washington elite have imposed on all of us, including rural Missourians. I have also been a champion for business and will fight to protect jobs that radical politicians have undermined with endless regulations, especially in the agriculture and energy industry.

What should the state and federal government be doing to establish and maintain strong energy security in Missouri?

We should be protecting energy jobs and slashing regulations instead of piling them on. Requiring radical green regulations is not only harmful to our jobs and economy; it does nothing to impact the climate whatsoever. I am committed to supporting energy jobs and ensuring Missourians in my district have access to reliable and cheap energy.

If elected to office, what are your highest priorities for Missouri and the nation?

The socialist elites would love to see the freedoms we enjoy in our country undone and our individual liberties handed over to the all-powerful government, so my priority has been and remains fighting to protect our constitutional rights. I will support legislation that strengthens family values and celebrates hard work. I will advocate for our small business owners and encourage investment into rural communities. Right now, Americans need financial relief. That means cutting taxes, creating jobs and working toward fixing this unprecedented supply chain issue that is putting a strain on our economy.

I support the state in its creation of the Rural Broadband Development Fund, and I will do what I can on the federal level to appropriate more funds for this endeavor. Additionally, I will work with Missouri organizations who work to incentivize broadband deployment into underserved areas.

Assuming your victory, choose a single issue you would prioritize in the coming term.

As mentioned previously, I would like to tackle the economic crisis in our country head-on. That includes solving this messy supply chain issue. I would innovatively restructure the transportation and shipping industry opening up the potential to expedite processes and minimize costs. The Democrats in Congress are determined to limit opportunity, but the only way to dig ourselves out of an economic crisis like this one is to shrink government and rein in federal spending, as well as create more financial opportunity to spend and make money.

Are you happy with the state of our country? If not, what are you most dissatisfied with?

The Biden administration has launched our country into turmoil and economic hardship. He has created a national security crisis at the southern border and with his disastrous withdrawal in Afghanistan. He and the DC elites have overlooked our needs, the needs of rural Missourians, in favor of their own agenda. We desperately need to turn the direction our country is headed in around.

How has your experience as a Missouri state legislator prepared you to represent Missouri in the U.S. Congress if elected?

I have been a fighter in the Missouri Legislature and a leader on every major issue. Missouri conservatives have counted on me to represent their interests, and I have worked extremely hard not to let them down. I been a tireless advocate for constitutional rights, and I have made it easier for individuals and small businesses to succeed. These battles have prepared me to stand strong against the socialist elites in DC.

Why should the voters in Missouri’s 7th Congressional District choose you to represent them?

I am a relentless conservative, and no matter what, I stand on my principles. Most people know that in 2021 I passed Second Amendment Preservation Act (SAPA). This legislation protects us from federal infringement and sent a strong message that Missourians will not back down to authoritarian rule. Some people even know about Haley’s Law, where I streamlined the Amber Alert system and made Missouri a safer place to live. But I’ve also volunteered at the Joplin tornado disaster area and subsequently sponsored and passed the Good Samaritan Law in 2013 so that doctors from out-of-state can volunteer their services without fear of red-tape or lawsuits. Overall, I want to do right by the people of Missouri, and I will not forget that when I am in Congress.

Kristen Radaker-Sheafer

Missouri's 7th Congressional District (D)

Give us a brief introduction of yourself, what office you’re seeking and why you’re running.

My name is Kristen Radaker Sheafer, and I grew up in a small town north of Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 2010, I graduated from John Brown University in Arkansas with a degree in Graphic and Web Design. After marrying my husband Luke in 2013, I moved to Southwest Missouri where he’d already been living for several years. Two years later, we decided to put down roots in the community and make this our permanent home. In 2015, I achieved my dream of opening a small bakery in Downtown Joplin where we specialize in custom cakes, cookies, and desserts. Over the past 7 years, with the help of a small group of amazing employees and the support of the community, the bakery has grown into a thriving business. I initially decided to run for office because I wanted to make it more feasible for others to be able to pursue their own passions, whether it be owning a business, finishing a degree, securing their dream job, staying home and starting a family, or whatever success looks like to them.

What are the biggest challenges facing rural Missourians today?

One of the biggest challenges faced by rural communities in Missouri is the consolidation of the industries farmers and ranchers rely on for the processing of what they produce. For instance, the monopolization of the meat packing industry means that the large corporations can set the price they will pay to the producers as low as they would like and can then set the price that customers will pay as high as they would like. This means higher costs for customers and declining profits for small family farms. These large corporations extract wealth from our rural communities while investing nothing back into them. We lose jobs, family farms, and entire local economies due to the effects of consolidation.

What should the state and federal government be doing to establish and maintain strong energy security in Missouri?

We aren’t going to be able to move to renewable energy overnight, we’re not going to be able to move to renewable energy this year, or the next, or probably the year after that. But we do need to begin investing heavily on those technologies so we can become the primary exporter and developer of renewable energy. Missouri has long been known for innovation in the energy industry and we can use that history knowledge to make our state a destination for new investments in the technology necessary to produce and store renewable energy.

If elected to office, what are your highest priorities for Missouri and the nation?

My highest priority would be to provide the representation to the people of Southwest Missouri that has been lacking over the last decade or more. The people of this district are incredibly hardworking, innovative, and intelligent and when representatives only listen to wealthy donors, they miss out on the valuable input from the people on the ground doing the work, day after day. I believe including the people in the decisions that affect them is the best way come up with solutions that work for them.

Are you satisfied with the progress being made to expand broadband across Missouri?

Do you think there is more we can be doing to ensure all rural Missourians will have access to high internet speeds? While I am glad that efforts are underway to expand broadband access across rural parts of Missouri, I believe we should be doing more to speed up the process. Internet access is necessary to participate in so many parts of our modern society and economy. Access to high speed internet also provides opportunities for remote healthcare and mental healthcare, a vital lifeline to rural communities where hospitals and clinics have been closing at an alarming rate.

Assuming your victory, choose a single issue you would prioritize in the coming term.

My first legislative priority would be to address the issues with the Small Business Administration. Currently, nearly every business in the U.S. currently falls under the definition of “small business” according to the SBA’s vague guidelines. This means that what most people would consider to be large businesses, with hundreds or even thousands of employees and access to significant resources are able to leverage their existing assets to compete against small businesses with less than 10 employees for the same resources. Refining the criteria for small businesses would allow funding and assistance coming from the SBA to be use more efficiently by providing smaller amounts for greater return to the small business owners who are most in need of help.

Are you happy with the state of our country? If not, what are you most dissatisfied with?

I believe we are going through a rough period in our country. We have become so polarized that it is difficult to carry on a conversation with anyone whom you disagree with. Our elected officials should be able to overcome the partisan divide and pass real legislation that helps the American people in these difficult times, but they are often the ones driving the divide.

How has your work experience prepared you to represent Missouri in the U.S. Congress if elected?

Starting a business from scratch and running the day-to-day operations since day one, I learned how to prioritize spending for the greatest impact. I also learned how to listen and interpret the needs of customers to deliver the best possible outcome. Most importantly, I’ve always worked in creative and collaborative fields and I foster that same environment in my business. I encourage new ideas and thinking outside the box, because diversity and differing perspectives provides stronger solutions to everyday problems.

Why should the voters in Missouri’s 7th Congressional District choose you to represent them?

I’m running with the sole intent of advocating for Southwest Missouri. I plan on being transparent and communicating with constituents so voters can hold me accountable. I believe the people of Southwest Missouri deserve a representative who will listen to them and advocate on their behalf, not on behalf of a party agenda. It is easy to identify problems and assign blame, but I want to work towards solutions that work for all Americans.

Mark Alford

Missouri's 4th Congressional District (R)

Give us a brief introduction of yourself, what office you’re seeking and why you’re running.

I’m formerly a local Fox4 Anchor here in Kansas City for over the past 24 years. My wife Leslie and I have raised all three of our now grown children here in Missouri. I’m running for CD-4. I’m running for office on a promise to be the loudest voice for rural Missouri. My platform is securing our border, limiting the regulation at the federal level and expanding rural broadband for our farmers.

What are the biggest challenges facing rural Missourians today?

The biggest concern for our farmers is rural broadband. The lack of rural broadband hinders the ability to homeschool effectively along with modern day farming changing with the necessity to have access to the internet. The Biden administration is also hindering farmers with red tape by unnecessarily labeling creeks and ditches protected wetlands. This has been a constant issue on the campaign trail and something I seek to resolve when in Congress with our Missouri Delegation.

What should the state and federal government be doing to establish and maintain strong energy security in Missouri?

We need an all of the above energy approach in Missouri and our nation. We can’t solely rely on EV vehicles, wind and solar energy. We still need clean, safe coal production and bio fuels are essential to reliable and affordable energy.

If elected to office, what are your highest priorities for Missouri and the nation?

My priority for this state is being the loudest voice for rural Missouri. That was my pledge and what I will abide by in DC. The US Government is responsible in part for our disastrous inflation from runaway government spending. We have to get our spending
under control, secure our border and stop our leading from behind national foreign policy.

I’m in no way satisfied with expanded rural broadband access in our state. I highlighted President Hawkins last week on our social media when he spoke to The United States HOR AG Committee on the disparity of broadband access in rural to urban areas. In the past decade plus farming has changed and it is a necessity for our farmers. We have to look at all approaches in expanding rural broadband access and make it a priority. I have been encouraged by Governor Parson acknowledging we have to do a better job in this category
and want to help at the federal level in any way I can.

Assuming your victory, choose a single issue you would prioritize in the coming term.

I believe the most urgent issue for my district is helping our rural areas with expanded broadband access and the overregulation of farmers with the classification of non wetlands as wetlands. The Biden Administration cares more about protecting beetles than our farmers and I will be a loud voice for our rural district.

Are you happy with the state of our country? If not, what are you most dissatisfied with?

We have no leadership by this Biden Administration from everything from the top down. It is disheartening to see a country as divided as it is by President Biden when he ran as a uniter in chief. The foreign policy debacles in Afghanistan, a land war in Europe, uncontrolled southern border, outright animosity for our farmers. You name it and it is a disaster under this administration.

What have been your strongest influences that have shaped your political beliefs?

I’ve been a small business owner, watched my now adult children go through education and really being an anchorman for the past 3 plus decades have helped inform and shape my political opinions. The people I’ve interacted with in the community have helped shape my beliefs as well. I ran not on a personal agenda but to be a voice for the people and take their agenda to Washington DC.

Why should the voters in Missouri’s 4th Congressional District choose you to represent them?

I’ve been a trusted voice for many people in the greater Kansas City area for over two decades and I have always said the truth matters above everything else. The people of the 4th Congressional District know from the past what my concerns and values are for the people of our district, state and country. These values and principles they’ve come to know me by are the same beliefs I will take to DC. Many people have my personal cell phone number and I’ve always been viewed as someone that will listen and approachable.t by the people of Missouri, and I will not forget that when I am in Congress.

Give us a brief introduction of yourself, what office you’re seeking and why you’re running.

I'm the Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in Missouri's 4th Congressional District. A little about me: I'm a 35 year veteran in the entertainment industry, a former college professor and a veteran. Also, I identify as a Liberal Conservative. Most people don't know what that means. It means I identify with both sides. Being in a conservative rural area in my hometown, conservative values are my roots. At the same time, being in the entertainment industry for over 35 years, it's opened my mind to liberal values. I think it's going to take someone who understands both sides to go to Washington to best represent the people. I'm primarily running to give people a choice on Election Day. This is a conservative district. If I wasn't running, voters wouldn't have a choice. Times are changing. Politics should not be about the money. They should be about serving the people. That's the main reason I'm running. I'm basically running a self-funded campaign, and am encouraging people not to donate if they can't afford it. Times are hard. People are struggling with things like gas, food, rent and more. It's going to take regular people to go to Washington to best serve the people.

What are the biggest challenges facing rural Missourians today?

There are a lot of challenges facing rural Missourians today. Times are hard. Things like jobs and inflation are hitting rural residents hard. Our seniors are having hard times. Farmers are having hard times. My Grandad was a farmer. I know the value of serving rural Missourians. Economic growth, internet access, rural health care, job growth, education and more are important issues. Being a former college professor, I know the value of education. My top priority is protecting our children. Their health and education needs to come before anything. These challenges need to be faced.

What should the state and federal government be doing to establish and maintain strong energy security in Missouri?

Regarding energy security, I need to become more educated on that before giving an answer. Climate change is real. Embracing a plant-based lifestyle would help our environment and help secure energy.

If elected to office, what are your highest priorities for Missouri and the nation?

If elected to office, I have a lot of priorities for Missouri and the nation. My top priority is to protect our children. Their health and safety come before anytime. My primary focus will be on protecting and serving their health and education. The next priority is protecting a woman's right to choose. I support a woman's right to choose. Period. I'm a man. I should have no right to tell a woman what to do with her body. We're going to have to work together to come up with solutions to help protect women's rights. Next is the economy. Times are hard. We need to work together to help people. Issues like gun control, protecting our seniors, veterans and military, immigration and climate change are top issues as well. But my top 3 priorities are protecting our children, protecting women's rights and the economy.

I am not satisfied with the progress being made to expand broadband across Missouri. I live in a rural area here in Barton County, outside of Lamar in the country. There is no broadband here. We live in a digital world. This is our form of communication. Every Missourian and U.S. citizen should have access to the internet. Period. We need to do more and work together to make this happen.

Assuming your victory, choose a single issue you would prioritize in the coming term.

If elected, a single issue I would prioritize would be protecting our children. This would begin with their health and education. Education wise, online education needs to be embraced. The pandemic changed things. For the last 2 years, we have evolved to living in a digital world. Online education can to a forefront. I would work hard on embracing this. It would help children's heath and education. If online education was embraced, there would be no gun violence and school shootings. Along with education, I would focus on children's health. Childhood Obesity is a major issue in our country. Our children need healthy, nutritious choices. They are our future. I'll do everything I can to have our children's health and education as a forefront in Washington.

Are you happy with the state of our country? If not, what are you most dissatisfied with?

I am not happy with the state of our country. We are so divided. Now, more than ever. Over these last few years, people have become more divided than ever. The pandemic brought about major isolation and did not help with people's mental health. The average person does not know how to deal with isolation. This triggered major problems with our country. I am most dissatisfied with the division Americans are having. It's going to take regular people who understand both sides to go to Washington and get people to work together to create real change.

What have been your strongest influences that have shaped your political beliefs?

There have been strong influences that have shaped my political beliefs. A combination of things. My biggest influence has been my Mother. Along with that, I have a wide range of experiences in life. I come from a small rural town in Missouri. This influence has shaped my belief in small town values. Working in different parts of the country and with different cultures, that has opened my mind to understanding different lifestyles, from small towns to metropolitan areas all over the country. Being a college professor and a veteran has provided major influences. Truman, Kennedy, FDR have been major political influences. The Democrat party is not the party of yesterday. Today's politicians are out of touch with the needs of regular Americans.

Why should the voters in Missouri’s 4th Congressional District choose you to represent them?

Voters in Missouri's 4th Congressional District should choose me to represent them because I am for the people. I'm not a politician. I'm just like them. I'm someone living in a small town, trying to make ends meet. I don't want their money. Politics should not be about money. They should be about serving the people. Even though I'm not related to President Harry Truman, I agree with what he said "The Buck Stops Here". I'm asking for people's vote. Not their buck. Being a liberal conservative, I represent both sides. I have conservative roots, but a liberal open mind. Parties are divided, and want to keep division. I'm not like that. I want all of us to work together to make this country a better place. A vote for me is a protest vote against the current political system. If voters are happy with the way things are, they should vote for my opponent. If they're not happy, if they're looking for a change, they should vote for Jack Truman. I just think it's time for a change.

Missouri 's 4th Congressional District (D)

Jack Truman

Cindy O'Laughlin

Missouri's State Senate District 18 (R)

Give us a brief introduction of yourself, what office you’re seeking and why you’re running.

I was sworn into office on Jan. 9, 2019, to serve the residents of Northeast Missouri’s 18th Senatorial District.

In addition to my public service, I have served as vice president of Leo O’Laughlin, Inc., for the past 26 years. My husband and myself also own and operate a trucking company and ready mix concrete business with locations in Shelbina, Macon, Marceline and LaBelle. I’m running for re-election to try and finish some of the work I’ve started in the areas of welfare reform, improvements to transportation system, education reform and downsizing government.

What are the biggest challenges facing rural Missourians today?

The biggest concern is the declining population and aging population. Costs for infrastructure continue to increase and the ability to bring in additional revenue is very limited. There’s a lack of housing, quality jobs and broadband availability.

What should the state and federal government be doing to establish and maintain strong energy security in Missouri?

The federal government needs to downsize the EPA, cut regulations and red tape involved in the energy sector. The state of Missouri MUST promote clean coal and nuclear power as they are the only forms of Reliable power that is dispatchable.

If elected to office, what are your highest priorities for Missouri and the nation?

My priorities involve strengthening the family unit by transforming welfare and education both of which are moving us in the wrong direction. I am also very involved in the energy policy arena and we MUST defend our coal plants and gas industry. Nothing else beyond those and nuclear power can power our homes and industries.

There’s a current push to expand broadband so we’ll see where that leads us. There’s also additional dollars being allocated so I’ll withhold my opinion until I see if any of it works.

Assuming your victory, choose a single issue you would prioritize in the coming term.

Strengthen families by providing early intervention and visiting of fragile homes; moving people toward independence rather than welfare.

Are you happy with the state of our country? If not, what are you most dissatisfied with?

There can’t be anyone happy with the state of our country unless they are uninformed. The federal government has far exceeded its boundaries and is rapidly transforming a capitalistic country into a socialist country. Inflation is rampant, the supply chain is broken and our President appears to be incapable of doing his job. The country is at the weakest I’ve seen in my entire life.

What have been your strongest influences that have shaped your political beliefs?

My political beliefs are shaped by my Christian beliefs.

Why should the voters in Missouri’s 18th Senate District choose you to represent them?

I am a seasoned legislator with good working relationships in the senate. I am the Chair of Education; one of the most important and influential positions in the senate. I am currently running for a leadership position. Missouri has a super majority of Republicans and to elect a Democrat would greatly diminish the influence of the 18th district. My views and votes are in line with the vast majority of citizens in the 18th district.

he people of Missouri, and I will not forget that when I am in Congress.

Give us a brief introduction of yourself, what office you’re seeking and why you’re running.

My name is Dr. Ayanna Shivers, and I am a pastor, educator, and servant-leader, who is seeking to become the next State Senator for Missouri District 18. I am running because I am saddened by the division that is in our nation and state due to party politics. Today, too many politicians are the voice for their party rather than the people they represent. I am running to be a good neighbor, who takes care of her constituents and her district.

What are the biggest challenges facing rural Missourians today?

Broadband, Education, Healthcare, and Infrastructure

What should the state and federal government be doing to establish and maintain strong energy security in Missouri?

I believe that we should look at ways to use more green energy. However, in doing so we cannot allow private entities to use eminent domain to acquire land.

If elected to office, what are your highest priorities for Missouri and the nation?

I would like to advocate for making broadband a utility because it is essential for education, healthcare, and economic development.

No I am not satisfied. I believe that we can make broadband a utility.

Assuming your victory, choose a single issue you would prioritize in the coming term.

I would prioritize broadband because I believe that if legislation passed to make it a utility, access to the internet could become available across the state in a relatively short period of time.

Are you happy with the state of our country? If not, what are you most dissatisfied with?

I am mostly dissatisfied with the division. I grew up in the 70’s and 80’s when you could not readily tell which party a person belonged to; as a matter of fact, people worked together, and elected politicians based on their merit and character; rather than their allegiance to a party.

What have been the strongest influences that have shaped your political beliefs?

I would have to say my parents have had the strongest influence because they raised me to be an independent thinker and encouraged me to research and make my own decisions. They raised me to treat others with respect, and to help others when I am able.

Why should the voters in Missouri’s 18 Senate District choose you to represent them?

The voters should choose me because as their state senator I will truly represent them. I will be transparent, accessible, and present. I believe that I must be involved in the district and make every effort to visit the various counties and municipalities so they know they have a senator who is working on their behalf.

Missouri's State Senate District 18 (D)

Ayanna Shivers

Robert Smith

Missouri's House District 125 (L)

Give us a brief introduction of yourself, what office you’re seeking and why you’re running.

I have over 10 years of Constitutional knowledge and experience. I have been involved in Jefferson City educating our legislators on the Missouri Constitution, killing bad bills through testimony, and pushing liberty loving legislation.

What are the biggest challenges facing rural Missourians today?

Government intrusion, over taxation, and wasteful spending by our legislators.

What should the state and federal government be doing to establish and maintain strong energy security in Missouri?

Promote free markets, reduce government intervention, promote energy markets by removing red tape.

If elected to office, what are your highest priorities for Missouri and the nation?

Eliminate taxes such as sales tax on food, property tax and income tax. Challenge government waste, work to reduce inflation with gold and silver and help out schools.

A lot of work is being done and we can encourage progress by removing government burdens on private companies.

Assuming your victory, choose a single issue you would prioritize in the coming term.

Gold and Silver legislation to fight inflation and eliminate taxes in the constituents will be my priority.

Are you happy with the state of our country? If not, what are you most dissatisfied with?

No, our government has taken too much, wasted too much and keeps asking for too much. The way our governments tax and spend is causing the inflation we see. Our government is directly responsible for our economic pain. I'm tired of partisan politics always backfiring and hurting the people of this country.

What has your experience been to prepare you for this elected position?

I'm running for a state house, I have prepared for this job by being active in Missouri politics and visiting Jefferson City pressing out legislators to do what is right.

Why should the voters in Missouri’s 125th House District choose you to represent them?

I will shatter the Status Quo. I will secure your personal liberties. I will never vote your money away; I will never vote your property away and I will never vote your liberties away! I will educate my constituents and expose those bad actors in Jefferson City.

he people of Missouri, and I will not forget that when I am in Congress.

Give us a brief introduction of yourself, what office you’re seeking and why you’re running.

My name is Travis Fitzwater, I’m a husband, father, State Representative, and entrepreneur. I’m running for the Missouri State Senate to help provide a future for my daughters and future generations.

What are the biggest challenges facing rural Missourians today?

The biggest challenges are protecting kids, growing the state, and fighting for our freedoms. These are the challenges Missouri faces today.

What should the state and federal government be doing to establish and maintain strong energy security in Missouri?

Energy security should start with hardening our grid against cyber-attacks and providing safe, RELIABLE energy into the future. We should use the best energy products possible to give Missourians affordable energy whether in the hottest or coldest months of the
year.

If elected to office, what are your highest priorities for Missouri and the nation?

1. Protecting kids
2. Growing our state’s economy and population
3. Fighting back against an ever encroaching government, state or federal, for our freedoms

As I’ve been a part of many of the conversations around this subject, we are working hard to expand access to broadband across Missouri. We can always do more, and should do more, but the Governor and the legislature has done a pretty good job over the last
several years to prioritize this issue.

Assuming your victory, choose a single issue you would prioritize in the coming term.

The Missouri State Senate is a mess. The number one issue is to insert leadership into that mess so that we can get the things done that Missourians are asking for like protecting our communities against crime, lowering taxes, providing appropriate workforce development opportunities, making an environment for business to excel, etc. But, before any of that can happen, leaders need to step up in the State Senate to help it function appropriately.

Are you happy with the state of our country? If not, what are you most dissatisfied with?

Beyond our President seemingly running our country and energy future into the ground, we have a leadership problem in DC. They are completely out of touch with what Missourians are asking for and everyday Americans. Although we live in the greatest nation ever created, there’s plenty more work to do to make DC believe that and allow Americans to succeed.

What have been the strongest influences that have shaped your political beliefs?

Jesus, my parents, my wife, my daughters, and my business(es).

Why should the voters in Missouri’s 10th Senate District choose you to represent them?

Because the Missouri State Senate needs leaders who can get things done. I think I can be that guy for the voters of the 10th.

Missouri's State Senate District 10 (R)

Travis Fitzwater