Speaking Out: Boiling Missouri’s election season down to one-word campaigns

The biggest beef I hear from “regular citizens” regarding political campaigns is their negativity and the mean spiritedness. I personally know many of those campaigning for office during this election, especially at the state level. I know they will tell me they are forced into negative campaign positions in order to “get elected.”  Many will say, “It’s the system” and “everybody has to do it.”

But what if we passed a law that said they couldn’t?  Better yet, what if we passed a law that said they could only use one word to define themselves and their crusade, and it must be positive?  No rhetoric, no finger pointingÑjust one word. What a refreshing concept!

I then went one step further and said if I were the campaign manager for each of the candidates in the gubernatorial election, the 19th senatorial election and the 24th representative district election, what would be my word and why?  Remember, it must be positive. Here’s my shot. In these three races, I know each of the candidates. Ironically, even choosing one word represents political risk. Here goes.

Governor

I met Jay Nixon when I arrived in Missouri about 18 years ago. When you meet Jay, you can tell he is DESTINED for higher office. Jay has served us well as attorney general, an apprenticeship with a destiny all its own and a spot in which he shaped a portion of Missouri history.

Kenny Hulsholf invokes the word ETHICAL. It’s a tough word for a politician. Some may scoff, but the congressman from the ninth stands out for what may have been his toughest decision with his vote on the Ethics Committee against the powerful representative from Texas. A tough decision with political consequences.

19th District

In the 19th, the incumbent is Chuck Graham. The word DETERMINED comes to mind. Every day, Chuck is determined to be independent, and he’s always determined to stick to his guns. Sometimes that determination is misconstrued, but it should always be respected.

The challenger is Kurt Schaefer. I’ve known Kurt for over a decade. So that bias is exposed, he is my partner, and we’ve jointly handled many cases on behalf of clients. My word for Kurt is ENERGY. He’s always moving, like the Energizer Bunny, collecting ideas, formulating strategies, and defending those for whom he’s been put in their charge. He is a great advocate.

24th District

In the 24th district race for the House, Chris Kelly is the challenger. It’s Chris’ ENTHUSIASM that stands out. He, too, is a ball of energy. When he speaks, he lights up a room. He’s not afraid to share an opinion and gives enough room for others to be heard. Chris helped me a lot during my tour of government.

The 24th incumbent is Ed Robb. The word for Ed is INTELLIGENT. Hank Waters, the distinguished publisher of the Columbia Daily Tribune, once described Ed as “the most educated man in the capitol.”  It’s the fact that Ed shares his intelligence freely in an effort to educate that makes him unique. Every time I’ve been with Ed, I’ve learned something new.

Other Races

In the other races for state offices, I only know one of the candidates well. Let me point out three more I do know.

Michael Gibbons is running for attorney general. The word I’d use for Michael is FAIR. While life is not always fair, Gibbons always attempts to be. He tries to do the right thing, a trait that would serve an attorney general well.

In the 25th, I’ve known Mary Still for years, sometimes on the opposite side of her Southern drawl. The trait Mary exhibits the most is LOYALTY, a trait that’s all too often forgotten in the political system. She has served many masters as spokesperson or policy director, sharing their wishes. It’s fun watching her speak for herself.

Steve Hobbs is the incumbent in the 21st. The word that comes to mind with Steve is FAMILY. I can’t look at Steve without thinking about his stories of his daughter and his father down on the farm, riding in the combine and hustling home to plant at the end of session.

These are Republicans and Democrats. I can say nasty things about each of them, and I can dwell on their mistakes. Each one of them is blessed with being human, a characteristic that makes each of us fallible.

Just remember, you don’t send them into office to make decisions based on polls. That’s why they’re called “representatives.”  Unpopular decisions are frequently the best and the most important.

Regardless of their motivation, they all have chosen to take a shot at serving you and me. We are FORTUNATE to have people who wish to serve. I can’t wait for this election to be over!