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VOTERS GUIDE THE ELECTION IS NOV. 3 Polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Any voter who makes a mistake on the initial ballot may request a new one. Voters do not have to vote on every candidate or issue for their ballots to be valid. If you have questions, call the League of Women Voters Hot Line at 314-961-6869 during polling hours or your local election authority at the telephone number that appears at the top of the next page. Propositions and judicial retentions are listed at the end of each county. The guide also is available online at stltoday.com/votersguide, where users can email or print a sample ballot after comparing candidates’ responses. Turn to Page 2 to learn more about voting in Missouri and judicial retentions, see the League of Women Voters’ ground rules for presidential candidates, and check maps to find your districts.

US PRESIDENT

Constitution DON BLANKENSHIP Running mate: William Mohr Website: donblankenship.com Candidate was not asked to participate because he did not meet League of Women Voters criteria.

The League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and stltoday.com have joined forces to produce this Voters Guide for the Nov. 3 election in Missouri. We hope this guide helps voters better understand the background, experience and positions of candidates.

Republican DONALD J. TRUMP Running mate: Michael R. Pence Website: donaldjtrump.com Candidate was invited to participate, but no response was received by Oct. 12 deadline.

US HOUSE US REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 1

Democratic CORI BUSH Occupation: Registered nurse Age: 44 Website: coribush.org What would be your approach to addressing the current challenges facing our nation? The greatest challenges our nation faces in 2020 are our health care crisis, our economic disparities and the global pandemic, which is climate change. I have been an outspoken supporter and advocate for “Medicare for All,’’ I support raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour and will fight for climate justice and support the Green New Deal legislation. What would be your top priority for congressional action in 2021? Briefly explain why and how you would address this priority. I will work with my colleagues in Washington on “Medicare for All’’ legislation, stressing the importance of eliminating medical debt. With the novel coronavirus, our country’s priority of profit over people has proven itself. People are dying at alarming rates due to lack of health care and they cannot afford to pay medical debt.

Libertarian

JOSEPH R. BIDEN Running mate: Kamala D. Harris Website: joebiden.com What actions would you take to balance public health and economic recovery in the US, both in light of COVID19 and for the long term? It’s a false choice to think we have to choose between our public health and economy; they’re linked. On Day One, I’ll implement the COVID strategy I’ve laid out since March – surging testing and protective gear; distributing vaccines safely and free of politics; helping schools and small businesses cover costs; and getting state and local governments resources to keep educators, cops, and firefighters on the job. I’ll respect science and tell the truth, period. And I’ll build our economy back better, creating millions of good-paying jobs. I’ll revitalize manufacturing, build a clean energy economy, and boost caregiving – easing the squeeze on working families, providing paid leave, and getting caregivers the respect and pay they deserve. What is the most important issue facing our country and how do you plan to address it during your first 100 days in office? Pandemic. Recession. Racial injustice. Climate change. We’re facing historic crises; we have to tackle them all at once. Character and experience count. I’ll listen to scientists, tell the truth, and make sure we’re never so unprepared for a pandemic again. I’ll expand the Affordable Care Act, lowering costs and making health care a right for all. I’ll build our economy back better, and make racial equity central to recovery. In these crises, we have an enormous opportunity, if we come together. As president, I’ll draw on the best of us, not the worst. I’ll work as hard for those who don’t support me as for those who do. That’s a president’s job: to represent us all. To take responsibility. To protect the nation. To unite and to heal. How will you address racial injustice in our country on day one of your administration? America is at an inflection point. It’s past time to end our inequities and deal with the denial of our nation’s promise to too many for too long. I’ll fight to end the health inequities that COVID-19 amplifies; and give every child the same strong start in life by offering universal Pre-K, tripling funding for Title I schools, and making public college debtfree for most families. I’ll make racial equity central to our recovery, closing the racial wealth and income gaps, boosting home ownership, and investing in communities and entrepreneurs of color – building a stronger, more inclusive middle class for the future. And, I’ll work for real police reform and invest in shifting our criminal justice focus from incarceration to prevention. What aspects of our current immigration policy will your administration address first? My immigration policy is built around keeping families together. It’s past time to reform our broken system, restoring family unification and diversity as its core pillars. As president, I’ll reverse Trump’s assault on our values on Day One, ending his cruel border policies that rip children from their mothers’ arms. I’ll act immediately to protect Dreamers and their families, and invest real political capital in finally delivering legislative immigration reform, with a roadmap to citizenship for the nearly 11 million undocumented people who already do so much to make our communities strong. We have to enforce our laws, but in a way that’s humane, respects due process, honors our values, and sees the big picture. What will you do over the long term to ensure access to quality health care for all? This pandemic makes clear: All Americans need access to quality, affordable health insurance. That’s why I’ll protect and build on the Affordable Care Act. I helped to secure the final key votes to pass that landmark law, protecting 100 million Americans who can no longer be turned away or denied coverage for pre-existing conditions, and bringing coverage to 20 million more. As president, I’ll build on that progress with a public option and lower health care and prescription drug costs. I’ll make all COVID19 testing, treatment, and vaccines free; double funding for community health centers that are so often on the frontlines of care; and much more.

ALEX FURMAN No response received.

HOWIE HAWKINS Running mate: Angela Nicole Walker Website: howiehawkins.us Candidate was not asked to participate because he did not meet League of Women Voters criteria.

Libertarian JO JORGENSEN Running mate: Jeremy (Spike) Cohen Website: jo20.com Candidate was not asked to participate because she did not meet League of Women Voters criteria.

Statewide office ..........2 Mo. Senate ..................3 Mo. House .................. 4 St. Louis County ..........8 St. Louis city .............. 9 St. Charles County......10 Jefferson, Franklin Co. . 11 Lincoln, Warren Co..... 12

Congress, I have made it my mission to provide excellent customer service for those in need of assistance and have addressed issues such as the unacceptable backlog of rape kit testing across our state and country. Serving my constituents will remain my top priority.

US REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 3

Democratic

Democratic

Green

INDEX

THURSDAY • 10.15.2020 • SECTION V

Republican ANTHONY ROGERS No response received.

US REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 2

Democratic JILL SCHUPP Occupation: Missouri state senator Age: 65 Elected offices held: Ladue School Board, 2000-2006; City Council, Creve Coeur, 2007-2008; Missouri House of Representatives, 82nd District, 2008-2014; Missouri State Senate, 24th District, 2014-present Highest post-secondary education: B.A., University of Missouri-Columbia, education and recreation Website: jillschupp.com What would be your approach to addressing the current challenges facing our nation? As I’ve done in the state Senate, I will work with anyone, regardless of party. All of my legislation passed with strong bipartisan support, including making day care centers safer, requiring suicide prevention training for mental health professionals and increasing access to rape kits. I will bring civility, integrity and effectiveness to Congress where it’s badly needed. What would be your top priority for congressional action in 2021? Briefly explain why and how you would address this priority. As the pandemic has swept across our state, access to quality, affordable health care has never been more important. In the Missouri Senate, I’ve worked to eliminate surprise billing in emergency rooms. In Congress, I’ll protect the Affordable Care Act to ensure no one with preexisting conditions is denied coverage, and I’ll stand up to big pharma to reduce drug prices.

Libertarian MARTIN SCHULTE Occupation: Functional specialist adviser, TechGuard Security Age: 44 Highest post-secondary education: M.S., University of Louisville, human resources and organizational development Website: martinvschulte.com What would be your approach to addressing the current challenges facing our nation? I will listen and act upon those issues that are currently plaguing our nation. Race cannot be healed by a simple waving of the hand, and I cannot overemphasize the importance of holding local governance to task. I believe that the family is the most important unit as it impacts our homes, communities and our country. I am a defender of your family and keeping it safe. What would be your top priority for congressional action in 2021? Briefly explain why and how you would address this priority. My top priority would be to eliminate or substantially reduce deficit spending. Congress has not provided good stewardship of budget as showcased by 20 years of irresponsible spending. Reducing waste, fraud and redundant appropriations will make a balanced budget less of a dream and more of a reality.

Republican ANN WAGNER Occupation: U.S. representative Age: 58 Elected offices held: U.S. representative, Missouri District 2, 2012-present Highest post-secondary education: B.S., University of Missouri-Columbia, business administration, emphasis in logistics Incumbent: Yes Website: annwagner.com What would be your approach to addressing the current challenges facing our nation? During the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve been working with countless constituents who need assistance, including cutting through the red tape to get their unemployment benefits or helping small businesses obtain loans. I know my constituents expect me to continue working hard for them. If you need help, I want you to call my local office at 636-779-5449 and we will assist you. What would be your top priority for congressional action in 2021? Briefly explain why and how you would address this priority. People deserve a representative who works for them and prioritizes their needs above all. During my time in

MEGAN REZABEK Occupation: Maintenance worker, Woodley Building Maintenance Age: 29 Highest post-secondary education: Some college Website: facebook.com/Megan-Rezabek-forCongress-248577339231640 What would be your approach to addressing the current challenges facing our nation? My approach would be the same as always. I would put the American people’s well-being before corporations. Health care is a human right, BLM and new legislation are needed to protect people of color. Wages should never be so low that we have a class called the working poor. No one who works full time should live in poverty. We have to start caring about each other. What would be your top priority for congressional action in 2021? Briefly explain why and how you would address this priority. My top priorities would be “Medicare for All,’’ the Green New Deal and justice reform. By refusing to take campaign donations, I will be able to make my decisions on policy without the interference of special interest groups. With for-profit health care, prison system and lax environmental regulations, people are actively making money off of the suffering of Americans.

Libertarian LEONARD J STEINMAN II No response received.

Republican BLAINE LUETKEMEYER No response received.

US REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 8

Democratic KATHY ELLIS Occupation: Licensed clinical social worker, private practice Age: 64 Highest post-secondary education: M.S.W., Washington University Website: ellisforcongress.com What would be your approach to addressing the current challenges facing our nation? As a social worker for 40 years, I have learned that one of the best things we can do is to listen to one another before working to solve problems together. I am committed to working across the aisle to solve our many problems facing our country, and to create the type of change that leads to the further empowerment of our citizens. What would be your top priority for congressional action in 2021? Briefly explain why and how you would address this priority. My top priorities are addressing the inequality issues that are prevalent in our country by investing in a New Deal for rural Missourians that provides infrastructure and educational support, and engaging more people in the electoral process by protecting the right to vote and ending Citizens United. We need a government that works for the people, not just the wealthy.

Libertarian TOM SCHMITZ Occupation: Public defender Age: 38 Highest post-secondary education: J.D., Creighton University Website: tomschmitzforliberty.com What would be your approach to addressing the current challenges facing our nation? Government should exist only to protect individual liberty and individual rights. Libertarians stand for maximizing individual liberty, vigilantly protecting your rights and minimizing government interference in your life. We need to bring our troops home, implement full separation of health care and state and get government out of our lives as much as possible. What would be your top priority for congressional action in 2021? Briefly explain why and how you would address this priority. My top priority is separation of health care and state. We need a liberated health care system free from government control and coercion, a free-market system which will drive down prices, inspire innovation and increase quality through competition. We need a health care system where patients and health care providers interact with each other voluntarily.

Republican JASON SMITH Occupation: Congressman, small business owner, lawyer, real estate agent, farm owner Age: 40 Elected offices held: State representative, Missouri District 150, 2005-2012; State representative, Missouri District 120, 2012-2013; Congressman, Missouri District 8, 2013-Present Highest post-secondary education: J.D., Oklahoma City University Incumbent: Yes Website: electjasonsmith.com What would be your approach to addressing the current challenges facing our nation? Empowering individuals, local governments and states to make the best decision to improve the lives of citizens will have the greatest positive impact. A forced, federal onesize-fits-all solution is not the answer for Missourians. What works in New York or California doesn’t work here. Citizens should be allowed to make their own decisions for their family and loved ones. What would be your top priority for congressional action in 2021? Briefly explain why and how you would address this priority. Together with President Trump, we need to reduce the size of federal government - from how much it takes from taxpayers to mounting federal regulations, we need to lessen its impact on Missourians. As a member of the U.S. House Budget Committee, we must get serious about America’s debt and eliminate the federal red tape holding back our farmers and employers in Missouri.


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