So Much Rides on Northern Missouri

In a week, Missourians will go to the polls and elect our new president. That alone means that every vote in Missouri – the forgotten swing state – will count.

There are other races that matter greatly for the future of our state and country that rest on the shoulders of our friends in Northern Missouri.

Kay Barnes (Congress): Former Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes has been a long-time advocate for progressive issues in Western Missouri. She has stood up for urban renewal, equal rights, and energy efficiency.

The differences between Kay and her opponent couldn’t be starker. Kay has run a fair and clean campaign with few negative attacks on her target rich opponent while he started his smears back in the spring. Kay has been a leader in the Kansas City Metro while her opponent has been satisfied with following the lead of George Bush in Congress.

For all of these reasons, Kay Barnes will be a breath of fresh air and a valuable addition to Missouri’s Congressional Delegation.

Sandra Aust (State Senate): I know that I’ve raved about Sandra before, but a win in this Senate seat would bring Democrats very close to a majority in the State Senate.

As an advocate and a practicing nurse, Sandra brings experience and a passion for healthcare issues that would be an incredible addition to Missouri’s state government. With a Democrat in the Governor’s Mansion and another sitting in the Dias in the Senate, Sandra would be able to make a significant impact on policy making in Jefferson City.

Judy Baker (Congress): Representative Baker has been a leader on healthcare issues in the State House. Her experience with healthcare issues as a hospital administrator and with social issues as the wife of a minister would position Missouri’s Ninth District to make a significant impact in Congress.

When she decided to run for this seat, she expected to be running against incumbent Kenny Hulshof. His departure to run a dismal failure of a race for Governor and her ability to speak across party lines and geographic barriers has positioned her to take this seat for Democrats.

These elections and many other state-wide and national races will be determined by our ability to get out as many progressive voters as possible. If you live in these areas, take election day off work and volunteer with one of these campaigns. If you don’t, connect with Barack Obama’s campaign or Jay Nixon’s and help get as many progressives to the polls as possible.