Twelve days remain before polls open on Election Day. Before you exercise your civic duty in the voting booth, be sure to familiarize yourself with the presidential candidates’ stances on the issues. Missouri voters will also cast their votes for major local and statewide offices and propositions.
Republican Sen. John McCain
Economy
Voted in favor of $700 billion Wall Street bailout. Supports a selective government spending freeze. Suggests that the federal government buy mortgages from struggling families in exchange for low-interest loans. Would cut taxes for every earning bracket.
Education
Believes No Child Left Behind identifies problems in American education. Wants parents to have the option to move their children to a different school if one is insufficient. Supports charter schools and vouchers as methods for students to get the best possible education. Would streamline financial aid and loan processes for college.
Health Care
Disagrees with federally mandated insurance coverage. Wants to institute a $5,000 tax credit that would provide citizens with the option of pursuing better policies. Believes this would encourage competition between companies that would increase quality over all.
Iraq
Believes Iraq cannot be allowed to become a pawn of Iran or a haven for terrorists. Troops must remain in Iraq until the Iraqi government can protect its people. Advocated the “surge,” which has increased the number of troops in the country, and arguably, led to greater stability in the area.
Abortion
Wants to overturn Roe v. Wade. Supports faith-based, community organizations that provide services to expectant mothers in need. Would work to reduce taxes and penalties of adoption.
Environment
Co-authored legislation to limit greenhouse gasses through new technology and altering trade policies. Advocates the use of nuclear and other alternative energies.
Democrat Sen. Barack Obama
Economy
Voted in favor of $700 billion Wall Street bailout. Supports a 90-day home foreclosure moratorium. Would eliminate Bush tax cuts for Americans making more than $250,000 per year, but would cut taxes for others.
Education
Wants to increase funding for early education programs, increase efforts to recruit quality teachers and institute tax credits aimed at making college more affordable. Supports development of quality charter schools. Sees math and science as national priorities. Would create a $4,000 tax credit for college tuition.
Health Care
Would require insurance coverage for children. Advocates the creation of federal health insurance program for those who cannot afford private health insurance. Would allow citizens to choose between private and public insurance.
Iraq
Wants to quickly and safely withdraw the great majority of troops from Iraq. Advocates putting pressure on the Iraqi government to take more responsibility for its own safety. Expand humanitarian aid to refugees in and around Iraq.
Abortion
Opposes legislation or constitutional amendments that would overturn Roe v. Wade. Worked as a senator to increase funds for awareness of contraceptive methods and comprehensive sex education.
Environment
Endorses a cap-and-trade program that would limit greenhouse gas emissions. Would reward farmers who planted trees and stimulated growth of other organisms that reduced carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Also on the ballot for BSC voters
More presidential nominees
Libertarian Bob Barr
Constitutionalist Chuck Baldwin
Independent Ralph Nader
Governor
Republican Kenny Hulshof
Democrat Jay Nixon
Libertarian Andrew Finkenstadt
Constitutionalist Greg Thompson
Lieutenant Governor
Republican Peter Kinder
Democrat Sam Page
Libertarian Teddy Fleck
Constitutionalist James Rensing
Secretary of State
Republican Mitch Hubbard
Democrat Robin Carnahan
Libertarian Wes Upchurch
Constitutionalist Denise Neely
Treasurer
Republican Brad Lager
Democrat Clint Zweifel
Constitutionalist Rodney Farthing
Attorney General
Republican Mike Gibbons
Democrat Chris Koster
U.S. Representative Dist. 1
Democrat William Lacy Clay
Libertarian Robb Cunningham
State Senate Dist. 5
Democrat Robin Wright Jones
Libertarian Robert Christophel
State Representative Dist. 58
Democrat James Morris
Amendment 1
Would require English to be the language of governmental business-including meetings, video conferences and message boards.
Amendment 4
Would alter funding provisions for stormwater control projects.
Proposition A
Would eliminate gambling loss limits and direct the surplus funds toward elementary and secondary education.
Proposition B
Would enable more disabled elderly citizens to live at home due to the formation of the Missouri Quality Homecare Council.
Proposition C
Would require electric utilities to shift toward renewable energies over the next several years.
Sources: johnmccain.com, barackobama.com, cnn.com
