No one has felt the heat this summer like dozens of politicians who are hoping to extend their campaigns beyond next Tuesday’s primary election.
Polls will open at 6 a.m. next Tuesday morning as voters line up to cast ballots and name their party nominees in county, state and district races.
There are several interesting races in Douglas County, with most county positions to be decided in the Republican primary.
One very important race, however, that of presiding commissioner, will continue to the November general election. On Tuesday, Republicans will decide who will oppose Democrat Rufus (Bud) Clinkingbeard in that race.
A complete list of all candidates to be voted for in Douglas County was published in last week’s Douglas County Herald and the same Sample Ballot page can be found in this week’s paper.
All county polling places are also listed. Polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
One statewide statutory measure, shown on the ballot as Proposition C, will be decided by Missouri voters. This measure, if approved, would give Missourians the option of not participating in the mandatory national health care plan approved earlier this year by Congress.
The Missouri Health Care Freedom proposal will appear on the Aug. 3, statewide ballot in Missouri as Proposition C. The proposed measure aims to block the federal government from requiring people to buy health insurance and bans punishment for those without health insurance.
Backers of such measures are opposed to President Barack Obama’s new health care plans. The measure does not advocate a particular plan but measure advocates say it will “protect the individual’s right to make health care decisions.” Opponents of the measures and some constitutional scholars say the proposals are mostly symbolic, intended to send a message of political protest, and have little chance of succeeding in court over the long run.
A “yes” vote will be a vote in favor of the individual’s right of choice when it comes to paying for healthcare and/or buying health insurance.
The Fair Ballot Language says it this way:
A “yes” vote will amend Missouri law to deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services. The amendment will also modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.
A “no” vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding private health insurance, lawful healthcare services, and the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.
If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.
In other ballot measures, Southern Webster County Fire Protection District, which involves townships in the northwest corner of Douglas County, will be asking voters within the boundaries of that district to approve a 14-cent increase in property tax levy for operational expenses of the fire department.
And the Cabool R-4 School District, which also extends into Douglas County, will ask voters to continue its current tax levy ceiling of $3.1973 per $100 assessed valuation. This is not an increase but rather a vote to maintain the current levy through 2014.
In local Douglas County races, Republican incumbent Presiding Commissioner Butch Linder is challenged by Robert Robertson, Jeff Freeman and Larry Pueppke for the party nomination. The winner will face Clinkingbeard in the general election in November.
Other Republican races which will decide the ultimate winner include:
Incumbent Circuit Clerk Kim Hathcock faces two challengers, Sandra Hylton and Phyllis Swofford.
Incumbent Recorder of Deeds Tina Boyd is opposed by Kathy Bray.
Five candidates are seeking the office of County Treasurer, to succeed Kathleen Potter who is retiring. Candidates include Marsha Miller, Jayma Potter, Kelly Degase, Theresa Miller and Linda Paul.
Seeking first terms as Prosecuting Attorney are Roger Wall and Karen Bates-Crouch. Incumbent Chris Wade is not seeking re-election.
Incumbent county officials who are seeking re-election without opposition include Associate Circuit Judge Craig Carter, County Clerk Karry Davis, and County Collector Laura Stillings.
State Representative Tony Dugger is also unopposed for re-election in the 144th District.
Jay Wasson is uncontested for the Republican nomination in the 20th Senatorial District and will face Democrat Terry Traw in November. That senate seat is currently held by Dan Clemens who is leaving office via term limits.
The race for U.S. Congress in Missouri’s 8th District is a hot one and the heat is expected to carry right on into November.
Republican incumbent Jo Ann Emerson is being challenged by Bob Parker next Tuesday, and the winner will face Democrat Tommy Sowers and Libertarian candidate Rick Vandeven in November.
Nine candidates are seeking the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate to replace Kit Bond who is retiring.
Candidates include R.L. Praprotnik, Hector Maldonado, Kristi Nichols, Roy Blunt, Deborah Solomon, Davis Conway, Mike Vontz, Chuck Purgason and Ron Laszacs.
Democratic candidates are Francis J. Vangeli, Robin Carnahan and Richard Charles Tolbert.
Libertarian candidates are Jonathan Dine and Cisse Spragins; and Constitution Party candidates are Joe Martellaro, Jerry Beck and Mike Simmons.
Democratic incumbent Susan Montee is being challenged in her bid for re-election by Abdul Akram.
Republican candidates for state auditor are Allen Icet and Tom Schweich.
Charles W. Baum is unopposed for auditor on the Libertarian ticket.
