#MidMoVotes: Mid-Missouri's November 2018 election headquarters

MISSOURI LEGISLATURE SEATS

Missouri Senate District 6

Bernskoetter leads the 6th Senate District fund-raising field, Oct. 17, 2018: Republican Mike Bernskoetter outraised and outspent his opponents in the three-person race for the seven-county 6th state Senate District, during the third quarter of the year.

Senate candidates talk infrastructure and business development, Oct. 14, 2018: On Nov. 6, Missouri voters are being asked to approve a 10-cents per gallon increase in the state's fuels tax, phased-in over a four-year period. We asked the three candidates for the 6th District Missouri state Senate seat for their thoughts on the issue.

State Senate candidates talk business, Oct. 7, 2018: Candidates answer a News Tribune reader's question, "If elected, what would be your approach to expanding economic development in the state?"

6th District Senate candidates stake out positions at forum, Oct. 3, 2018: The three candidates seeking election to the Missouri Senate's 6th District explained numerous positions during an hour-long forum hosted by the News Tribune on Oct. 2 at Jefferson City's City Hall.

Senate 6th District candidates discuss state employee pay, Sept. 30, 2018: Surveys in 2005, 2012 and 2016 all had the same findings - Missouri state government employees were last in the nation when comparing their average pay with their counterparts around the country. So, state employees' compensation remains an issue for many of the constituents who three candidates for Missouri's 6th District state Senate seat are seeking votes from.

3 Jefferson City residents vie for District 6 Senate seat, Sept. 1, 2018: Three Mid-Missourians - all from Jefferson City - want voters to choose them as Mike Kehoe's successor in the state Senate. Democrat Nicole Thompson was the only one of the three who waged a primary election battle to get into the Nov. 6 general election contest, capturing 4,746 votes of the 8,499 Democrat ballots cast. Republican Mike Bernskoetter, ending his eight years as a state representative, won 27,708 GOP votes in an uncontested primary. And Libertarian Steven Wilson, who also had no primary opposition, received 104 votes.

 

Missouri House of Representatives District 49

PACs contribute heavily to local candidates in final weeks of general election, Oct. 17, 2018: Candidates' financial reports may indicate that both parties see the seats for Missouri House of Representatives Districts 49 and 50 as winnable in the Nov. 6 general election.

House District 49 candidates discuss business, infrastructure, Oct. 14, 2018: Both candidates running for Missouri House of Representatives District 49 say ensuring a healthy climate for business and maintaining Missouri's infrastructure is important, but they hold a different focus on how Missouri can help.

House District 49 candidates advocate raising state employee pay, Sept. 30, 2018: Travis Fitzwater, the Republican incumbent seeking re-election to the House District 49 seat, said he has been a proponent of raising pay for state employees the four years he has been in office. Lisa Buhr, Fitzwater's Democratic opponent, said raising state employee pay is necessary for Missouri and the families who rely on state employees in the district.

Incumbent Travis Fitzwater hopes to continue progress, Sept. 9, 2018: Travis Fitzwater, the four-year Republican incumbent of the Missouri House of Representatives' District 49, said he would continue to focus on workforce development and education if re-elected.

Lisa Buhr looks to improve wages as state repSept. 9, 2018: Lisa Buhr, the Democratic contender for the Missouri House of Representatives District 49 seat, said she wants to use her experience as a state employee and legislative assistant to prioritize labor and increasing state worker pay.

 

Missouri House of Representatives District 50

PACs contribute heavily to local candidates in final weeks of general election, Oct. 17, 2018: Candidates' financial reports may indicate that both parties see the seats for Missouri House of Representatives Districts 49 and 50 as winnable in the Nov. 6 general election.

House District 50: Democrat Skelton prioritizes accessibilityOct. 21, 2018: After working in the private sector and federal government, Michela Skelton said, she got a sense of how politics have changed.

House District 50: GOP incumbent Walsh wants to continue efforts in Capitol, Oct. 21, 2018: Sara Walsh has known she wanted to be involved in state politics for as long as she can remember.

 

Missouri House of Representatives District 59

WATCH: Missouri House District 59 Candidate Forum: The News Tribune hosted a public forum Sept. 25 featuring candidates running for the Missouri House District 59 seat in the Nov. 6 general election.

59th House candidates talk business, state's infrastructure, Oct. 14, 2018: Incentives aimed at bringing businesses and companies to Missouri don't matter if those companies don't have the skilled labor to produce their products, broadband to market products or highways to ship them, candidates for the Missouri House of Representatives District 59 seat said.

House 59th District candidates field questions, Sept. 30, 2018: Missouri House of Representatives District 59 candidates Rudy Veit, R-Wardsville, and Linda Greeson, D-Eldon, answered a series of questions during a forum hosted by the News Tribune on Wednesday evening. Here are questions and the candidates' responses - edited for length and clarity - that were not addressed in the story in Thursday's edition.

Increasing state pay is challenge to District 59 candidates, Sept. 30, 2018: Both candidates hoping to represent Missouri's House District 59 realize no matter who wins, they'll be challenged to get colleagues in the General Assembly to agree to one of their priorities - increasing pay for state workers.

Rudy Veit wants to focus on what's best for MissouriSept. 9, 2018: Lawmakers sometimes need to set politics aside and do what's best for Missouri, said Rudy Veit, the Republican candidate for Missouri House of Representatives District 59.

Linda Greeson brings teacher's point of viewSept. 9, 2018: The Missouri General Assembly could use a representative with a firm grasp on the complexities of public education, said Linda Ellen Greeson, the Democratic candidate for the House of Representatives 59th District seat.

 

Missouri House of Representatives District 60

Candidates take different paths to improve roads, economy, Oct. 14, 2018: Missouri must meet a few criteria if it hopes to attract new businesses, candidates for the state House of Representatives District 60 seat said. But the candidates - Dave Griffith, a Republican, and Sara Michael, a Democrat - don't entirely agree on what the criteria should be and how they might reach them.

Reader question spotlights District 60 candidates' solar views, Oct. 14, 2018: Reader Jan Schumacher asked: What is your position on providing greater support for energy efficiency?

House District 60 candidates square off on hot-button items, Oct. 3, 2018: The two candidates seeking election to the Missouri House's 60th District explained numerous positions during an hour-long forum hosted by the News Tribune on Oct. 2 at Jefferson City's City Hall.

House District 60 candidates share plans for improving state employee pay, Sept. 30, 2018: Missouri ranks 50th among the states in employee pay, according to a study ordered by the state. Overcoming the deficit is a priority for candidates Dave Griffith, a Republican, and Sara Michael, a Democrat.

Dave Griffith seeks to listen to voters' concerns, Sept. 9, 2018: If elected to serve the 60th District in the Missouri House of Representatives, Republican candidate Dave Griffith said, he'd be a public servant who is approachable.

Sara Michael works to see beyond political dividesSept. 9, 2018: Everybody needs to pitch in if they expect good things to happen for Missouri, according to Sara Michael, the Democratic candidate for state House of Representatives District 60 seat.

 

COLE COUNTY RACES & ISSUES

Cole County candidates release campaign finance reports, Oct. 17, 2018: Campaign finance reports for candidates in contested Cole County races in the Nov. 6 general election were due Monday for the period of July 1 through Sept. 30.

 

Prosecuting Attorney

Prosecutor candidates tout relationships with law enforcement, judges, Oct. 21, 2018: Both candidates running for Cole County prosecuting attorney plan to have open communications with law enforcement and judges if elected to the office.

Thompson, Hirner believe their backgrounds were preparation, Oct. 11, 2018: Locke Thompson defeated incumbent Mark Richardson in Cole County's August primary election for the Republican nomination for prosecuting attorney. Thompson faces Democratic candidate Deirdre "DK" Hirner in the Nov. 6 general election. 

Locke Thompson sticks with campaign approach as prosecutor candidateSept. 23, 2018: In a close race, challenger Locke Thompson defeated incumbent Mark Richardson in Cole County's August primary election for the Republican nomination for prosecuting attorney. As he prepares for the Nov. 6 general election, Thompson said, he doesn't plan to change his campaign approach.

Deirdre "DK" Hirner believes extensive background will help as prosecutorSept. 23, 2018: Although she has not served as a prosecutor or assistant prosecutor, Jefferson City resident and Democratic candidate Deirdre "DK" Hirner believes her extensive background in the legal system and state government would make her an effective Cole County prosecutor.

 

Associate Circuit Judge, Division III

Associate Circuit Judge candidates offer experience, Oct. 11, 2018: Republican Cotton Walker, who won the two-way Republican race for associate circuit judge in the Cole County's August primary election, is facing Democrat Gaylin Rich Carver in the Nov. 6 general election. 

Cotton Walker: Experience defines why I should be elected, Sept. 23, 2018: Experience. Republican candidate Cotton Walker said the word defines why he should be elected Cole County associate circuit judge.

Gaylin Carver wants those leaving court to feel heard, Sept. 23, 2018: If elected as the next Cole County associate circuit judge, Democratic candidate and attorney Gaylin Carver said she would strive to make sure those who leave her court, whether they won or lost, feel she considered their case important, listened to both sides and was fair to both parties.

 

Recorder of Deeds

Recorder of Deeds candidates debate experiences during forum, Oct. 11, 2018: Republican Judy Ridgeway and Democrat Ted Stewart believe their differences in experience are what set them apart and make them the best candidate for the Cole County recorder of deeds position.

Cole County Recorder candidates plan hands-on approaches, Oct. 7, 2018: Both candidates for Cole County recorder of deeds say they plan to use a hands-on approach to running the office, if elected.

Judy Ridgeway: Past as chief deputy recorder will give her an edge, Sept. 23, 2018: She hasn't held public office, but Republican candidate Judy Ridgeway said her work experience will allow her to be an effective Cole County recorder of deeds.

Ted Stewart believes experience will allow him to be effective recorder of deedsSept. 23, 2018: Longtime Jefferson City businessman Ted Stewart, running as a Democrat, said his years of experience in running various operations would allow him to be an effective Cole County recorder of deeds.

 

County Clerk

Cole County Clerk candidates aim to increase election turnout, Oct. 8, 2018: The candidates in the Nov. 6 general election for Cole County clerk have their own ideas about what should be done to increase voter participation.

Steve Korsmeyer has ideas he believes will lead more to votersSept. 23, 2018: If re-elected, incumbent Cole County Clerk Steve Korsmeyer, a Republican, wants to implement some ideas he believes will lead to more people voting.

Experience in County Clerk office could give Ann Moeckli upper handSept. 23, 2018: With more than 30 years of experience working in the office, Green Party candidate Ann Moeckli believes she has what it takes to be the next Cole County clerk

 

Cole County Fire Protection District Tax Levy

Tax increase would benefit rural Cole County fire district, Oct. 21, 2018: Officials with the Cole County Fire Protection District hope positive feedback they've heard at recent town hall meetings translates into approval of a 27-cent property tax increase on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Cole County Fire District seeks 27-cent tax increase, Sept. 20, 2018: The Cole County Fire Protection District wants voters in November to approve a 27-cent property tax increase.

 

STATEWIDE RACES

U.S. Senate

Hawley doesn't use email while doing attorney general's work, Oct. 22, 2018: Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley, who promotes himself during his Senate campaign as a proponent of transparent government, refuses to use email while conducting state business. Critics say that means he is not creating public records of his work.

US Senate debate claims cite Trump, health care, Oct. 19, 2018: Party control of the U.S. Senate could hinge on Missouri in the midterm elections, where incumbent Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill is locked in a tight race with first-time challenger Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley.

Hawley: McCaskill's too liberal for Missouri, Oct. 19, 2018:  Missouri Republican candidate Josh Hawley used a Thursday debate to try to paint Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill as too liberal for the increasingly red state of Missouri, while McCaskill continued to hammer her challenger over his positions on health care.

McCaskill-Hawley race turns nasty over sting videos, Oct. 18, 2018: Missouri Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill's campaign manager on Wednesday called for her Republican rival Josh Hawley to launch an investigation of footage of her campaign taken by a conservative group known for "sting" videos of liberal organizations.

McCaskill brings in another $8.5M for Senate re-election bid, Oct. 16, 2018: Data released Monday showed Missouri's Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill brought in $7.8 million in roughly two months for her tough re-election bid, breaking records and raising nearly double what her Republican opponent Josh Hawley did.

Democrats go all-in on health care in midterms, Oct. 15, 2018: Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill is defending her seat by highlighting that her Republican challenger, state Attorney General Josh Hawley, signed onto the lawsuit over pre-existing conditions. 

Hawley decries Democrats' 'mob behavior', Oct. 15, 2018: Missouri's Republican Senate candidate Josh Hawley took a cue from President Donald Trump on Sunday and said Missouri voters are motivated by "mob behavior" by Democrats.

Climate change rarely mentioned in Missouri Senate race, Oct. 7, 2018: Even with the Environmental Protection Agency predicting climate change will cause more flooding and more extremely hot days in Missouri in the future, the issue has been virtually absent from the state's U.S. Senate race.

Kansas Republican rescinds positive comment on McCaskill, Oct. 4 2018: Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, of Kansas, is asking Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill, of Missouri, to remove his name and praise for her from a new campaign ad.

Hawley says he believes Kavanaugh was 'falsely accused', Oct. 1, 2018: Republican Missouri Senate candidate Josh Hawley on Monday said he believes Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh has been "falsely accused" of sexual assault and called for an investigation of how Democrats handled the accusations.

Hawley to speak at university chapel, despite IRS guideline, Sept. 28, 2018: Missouri's Republican Senate candidate Josh Hawley opposes a federal provision that bars religious organizations from political endorsements, and his upcoming appearance at a Baptist university may provide a test case for the future of the measure.

GOP ad misleads on McCaskill immigration vote, Sept. 21, 2018: A Republican political action committee has launched a television ad that alleges Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, of Missouri, shifted her stance on immigration policy and supported a reprieve for 11 million immigrants living in the country illegally.

Missouri Senate candidates square off in first debate, Sept. 15, 2018: Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley pushed hard at a debate to paint Claire McCaskill as "another Washington liberal," a phrase he repeated over and over, while the incumbent Democrat touted herself as a moderate compromiser.

Missouri Senate candidates release tax returns, Sept. 12, 2018: Missouri's U.S. Senate candidates Democrat Claire McCaskill and Republican Josh Hawley have released their 2017 tax returns.

McCaskill, Hawley both say they support higher minimum wage, Aug. 30, 2018: U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Missouri Democrat in a decidedly Republican state, is seizing on an issue that she believes resonates in even the most conservative corners of the state -- the financial future of the lowest wage earners. Her Republican opponent, Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley, said he was undecided on the November ballot issue but that a higher minimum wage "is probably a good idea." But he said federal lawmakers need to do more than that to help working families.

Hawley, McCaskill discuss federal policy, goals with Farm Bureau PAC membersAug. 11, 2018: Members of the Missouri Farm Bureau's political action committee got a clear picture of differences between incumbent U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat, and her Republican challenger, Attorney General Josh Hawley.

 

Missouri State Auditor

Galloway leads auditor candidates in fundraising, Oct. 17, 2018: As of Sept. 30 - the last day covered by the most recent campaign finance reports - Democrat Nicole Galloway was the clear front-runner in campaign fundraising and spending in the state auditor's race.

Missouri auditor candidates exchange harsh words at debate, Sept. 14, 2018: Democratic Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway and her Republican opponent exchanged heated words at a debate, including one response that drew a gasp from some in the crowd.

Five seek state auditor position, Sept. 16, 2018: Five people want to be Missourians' choice on Nov. 6 as the next state auditor. As they appear on the ballot, the candidates are Saundra McDowell, a Republican from Jefferson City; Nicole Galloway, a Democrat who lives in Columbia; Sean O'Toole, a Libertarian from Kansas City; Don Fitz, of St. Louis, a Green Party candidate; and Jacob Luetkemeyer, of California, representing the Constitution Party.

Lawsuit raises questions about Missouri auditor candidate, Aug. 22, 2018: Saundra McDowell, the Republican candidate for Missouri auditor, had a Kansas address in 2013, according to court records that could raise new questions about her eligibility to seek the office.

Missouri auditor candidate faces questions over eligibilityAug. 16, 2018: Saundra McDowell, a Missouri candidate who recently claimed a surprise victory in the Republican primary for state auditor is now facing questions about if she's lived in the state long enough to be eligible to run.

 

U.S. House 3rd District

US Congressional candidates differ on health care views, Oct. 21, 2018: Every candidate in the race for Missouri's 3rd Congressional District wants to lower health care costs, but the ways they want Congress to achieve that goal differ wildly. With less than a month to go in the campaign for Missouri's 3rd District seat, candidates said health care is the most defining issue of the campaign.

3rd District incumbent holds wide lead in fundraising, Oct. 17, 2018: Five-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, holds a wide lead in fundraising for Missouri's 3rd Congressional District seat.

 

BALLOT MEASURES

Amendment 1 (Clean Missouri)

Voters to decide fate of Clean Missouri initiative, Oct. 7, 2018: With the court challenges blocked, Missouri voters in just over four weeks will decide the fate of the proposed Clean Missouri amendment to Missouri's Constitution.

Supreme Court declines 'Clean Missouri' case, Sept. 25, 2018: Missourians will be voting Nov. 6 on the proposed "Clean Missouri" amendment to the state Constitution, after Missouri's Supreme Court said it won't hear an appeal of the appeals court ruling that placed the proposed constitutional amendment back on the general election ballot.

'Clean Missouri' amendment proposal back on Nov. 6 ballot, Sept. 21, 2018: Missourians will get to vote on the proposed "Clean Missouri" amendment to the state Constitution, a three-judge panel of the Missouri appeals court ruled.

Judge promises quick ruling on Clean Missouri initiative, Aug. 31, 2018: After a nearly 90-minute hearing, Cole County Circuit Judge Dan Green promised to "rule very quickly" on the two lawsuits challenging the proposed Clean Missouri amendment to Missouri's Constitution.

Missouri Chamber files second lawsuit against Clean Missouri proposalAug. 14, 2018: There now are two lawsuits challenging the proposed Clean Missouri amendment to Missouri's Constitution, which has been placed on the Nov. 6 general election ballot as "Amendment 1."

 

Proposition C and Amendments 2 and 3 (Medical Marijuana)

3 medical marijuana initiatives await voters, Oct. 9, 2018: Three initiatives on the Nov. 6 ballot will give Missouri voters the chance to decide if the use of marijuana for medical issues should be legalized.

Appeals court rules to keep marijuana amendment on ballot, Sept. 21, 2018: The proposed amendment to Missouri's Constitution that, if passed, would allow medical marijuana to be sold and used in the state - known as Amendment 2 - will remain on the Nov. 6 election ballot, a Missouri appeals court panel ruled.

Judge rejects 1 of 2 medical marijuana lawsuits, Aug. 31, 2018: Missouri voters will see at least two medical marijuana proposals on the Nov. 6 election ballot, after Cole County Presiding Circuit Judge Pat Joyce rejected a lawsuit challenging proposed constitutional Amendment 2.

Medical marijuana challenger subpoenas petition circulatorsAug. 31, 2018: Attorneys earlier this week filed motions to dismiss challenges to two of three medical marijuana issues that Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has placed on Missouri's Nov. 6 general election ballot.

Judge sets medical marijuana hearing for Sept. 14, Aug. 24, 2018: Brad Bradshaw, of Springfield, wants two of the three medical marijuana issues removed from Missouri's Nov. 6 ballot, arguing both of them didn't meet the state's requirements for initiative petitions to qualify to be placed on the ballot.

Lawsuits seek to remove 2 Missouri marijuana ballot measuresAug. 14, 2018: A Missouri organizer for a medical marijuana initiative is suing to remove two other related initiatives from the November ballot.

 

Amendment 4 (Bingo)

Missouri Amendment 4 would change laws governing bingo gaming, Oct. 8, 2018: Representatives of two local groups said they support proposed constitutional changes to laws governing bingo gaming in Missouri.

 

Proposition B (Minimum Wage Hike)

Minimum wage proposal divides businesses, Oct. 11, 2018: A proposal to raise Missouri's minimum wage to $12 per hour by 2023 is dividing businesses. If passed by voters, Proposition B would raise Missouri's minimum wage from $7.85 per hour to $8.60 per hour Jan. 1. The minimum wage then would be raised by 85 cents per hour for the next four years until it hits $12 per hour in 2023.

 

Proposition D (Fuels Tax)

Prop D would fund roads, Highway Patrol, Oct. 21, 2018: Some voters have expressed confusion that Proposition D on the Nov. 6 general election ballot is being promoted as providing more money for Missouri's roads and bridges - but the ballot language says the tax increase will fund "state law enforcement."

Parson launches statewide tour on importance of fuels tax proposal, Oct. 16, 2018: Missouri's growing economy needs a growing transportation system, as well, Gov. Mike Parson said Monday.

Voters to decide on fuels tax increase, Oct. 10, 2018: Missouri's tax on motor fuels has been 17 cents a gallon since 1996. Voters on Nov. 6 are being asked to raise that tax by a dime, phased in over a four-year period, with 2.5-cent increases each year.

D.C. consultants say Missouri roads, bridges need better funding, Oct. 4, 2018: Missouri's roads and bridges continue to deteriorate, costing all drivers a total of $7.8 billion a year, according to a new report from TRIP - a Washington, D.C.-based national transportation research group once known as "The Road Information Program."

Appeals court tosses challenge to proposed fuels tax, Sept. 5, 2018: The Missouri Court of Appeals in Kansas City ruled that voters should have a chance to approve a proposed fuels tax increase before the courts can hear any challenge to it.

Judge keeps gas tax on November ballot, Aug. 14, 2018: Missouri's proposed 10-cents-a-gallon fuels tax increase will stay on the Nov. 6 general election ballot, Special Judge Rob Schollmeyer ruled.

Judge considers gas tax lawsuit issuesAug. 8, 2018: Special Judge Rob Schollmeyer will decide how to rule on the challenge to the planned November statewide vote on raising the state's fuels tax by a dime over a four-year period.

 

OTHER MID-MISSOURI ELECTIONS

Candidates set for Moniteau County prosecutor race, Sept. 26, 2018: Two candidates have filed to run for Moniteau County prosecuting attorney - one as a Republican nominee and one as a write-in - following the resignation of former Prosecuting Attorney Shayne Healea.