State of Missouri Archives: on Government Reform
Eric Schmitt:
Glaring illegal actions involving our sacred elections
When voter integrity came into question, Eric authored and led the brief supporting the Pennsylvania Republican Party against the unconstitutional actions of the Pennsylvania courts, and he authored and led a brief in support of
Texas' lawsuit against Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin before the United States Supreme Court, where 17 other states to joined him.
In the 2020 election, when glaring illegal actions involving our sacred elections surfaced, Eric authored and led the brief supporting the Pennsylvania Republican Party against the unbelievable and unconstitutional actions of the Pennsylvania courts.
He also authored and led a brief in support of Texas' lawsuit against Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin before the United States Supreme Court, and he was joined by 17 other states.
Source: 2021 Missouri Senate campaign website SchmittForSenate.com
May 2, 2021
Eric Schmitt:
Signed U.S. Term Limits pledge to amend Constitution
Schmitt pledged his support for the U.S. Term Limits pledge adding an amendment to the U.S. Constitution imposing congressional term limits. "I support adding a term limit amendment to our
U.S. Constitution, and believe it will attract those who see the importance of working for the people, and not enriching themselves by abusing the trust of the voters who elected them."
Source: 2021 Missouri Senate campaign website SchmittForSenate.com
May 2, 2021
Scott Sifton:
We raise our hands for voting rights, not insurrection
[On election reform]: "When he raised his fist and betrayed our democracy, Josh Hawley showed us who he really is," Sifton said. "So next year, when that Senate seat is on the ballot, we the people of Missouri need to show who we are," Sifton
said. "I'm Scott Sifton and I believe in a Missouri where we raise our hands to support voting rights, not violent insurrection; to salute classroom teachers, not cop killers; and to stand up for racial justice, not white supremacy."
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch on 2022 Missouri Senate race
Feb 8, 2021
Mike Parson:
Opposed subjecting lawmakers to open-records law
Q: Require more disclosure about the sources of campaign financing?Mike Parson: No. Opposed 2018's Constitutional Amendment One, which subjects lawmakers to open-records laws, limits lobbyist gifts, and limits partisan legislative redistricting.
Nicole Galloway: Yes. "As auditor, I've witnessed firsthand how our government works for insiders and special interests. That's why I'm making campaign finance reform a priority."
Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 Missouri Gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2020
Mike Parson:
Voted for photo ID and proof of citizenship to vote
Q: Support stricter ID requirements and other rules on voting?Mike Parson: Yes. As state senator voted for constitutional amendment to require photo ID and prove citizenship. Signed bill allowing voting by mail only
if ballots are notarized, except if the voter is susceptible to COVID.
Nicole Galloway: No. "Missouri's notary requirement [to vote by mail] is voter suppression--especially during a pandemic. It makes voting absentee more difficult by design."
Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 Missouri Gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2020
Nicole Galloway:
Notary requirement for mail ballot is voter suppression
Q: Support stricter ID requirements and other rules on voting?Nicole Galloway: No. "Missouri's notary requirement [to vote by mail] is voter suppression--especially during a pandemic. It makes voting absentee more difficult by design."
Mike Parson: Yes. As state senator voted for constitutional amendment to require photo ID and prove citizenship. Signed bill allowing voting by mail only if ballots are notarized, except if the voter is susceptible to COVID.
Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 Missouri Gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2020
Nicole Galloway:
Agrees her office should undergo independent audit
Galloway was in agreement with Senate Majority Leader Caleb Rowden: an independent audit of Galloway's office should be put underway as soon as possible. Biannual audits of the auditor's office are required by state law.
Rowden said the most recent audit was in 2017, and because one did not happen last year--he said the House did not pass the legislation he had filed to do that--"this should have already happened."
Source: Jefferson City News Tribune on 2020 Missouri governor race
Mar 12, 2020
Nicole Galloway:
Government should be totally transparent
We need to completely open up the system and make it totally transparent -- so you know exactly what's happening with your tax dollars. That's the only way we'll be able to take steps to make healthcare more affordable. To make sure every child in this
state, no matter what zip code they live in or how wealthy their family is, gets a great education. To help workers get the skills they need to compete for jobs in this changing economy. To have a government that respects your hard-earned money.
Source: 2020 Missouri Governor campaign website NicoleGalloway.com
Jan 21, 2020
Mike Parson:
Cut government jobs; eliminate one out of five regulations
We have a business smart budget that saves nearly $120 million dollars to ensure we are prepared for any unexpected expenses. Our budget also proposes a reduction of nearly 430 government positions all while
maintaining our conservative approach to managing and streamlining government services. Our administration recently completed the state's largest deregulation effort, eliminating nearly one out of every five state regulations.
Source: 2020 Missouri State of the State address
Jan 15, 2020
Jim Neely:
Co-sponsored bill restoring voting rights of released felons
Under existing Missouri law, the voting rights of convicted felons aren't restored until they complete their sentence, as well as probation or parole. Missouri lawmakers are considering a new measure to change that. A bill introduced by State Rep.
Bruce Franks, Jr., a Democrat from St. Louis, would restore voting rights for felons as soon as they are released from prison. Republican lawmakers Holly Rehder of Sikeston and Jim Neely of Cameron are co-sponsors.
Source: Kansas City Star on Missouri voting record HB.508
Feb 17, 2019
Mike Parson:
Restructure state government, and save $120M tax dollars
The Governor discussed other measures aimed at restructuring state government to demand greater efficiency and accountability and to improve our customer service to Missourians. He announced that his budget reduces the size of state government by
450 positions and saves nearly $120 million dollars, the first time in over a decade a Governor's budget does not spend every tax dollar.
Source: Press release on 2019 Missouri State of the State address
Jan 16, 2019
Claire McCaskill:
Limits on corporate campaign donations; full disclosure
Q: Require political ads to disclose their largest funders?Josh Hawley (R): Unclear. Has said need ethics reform, but no stands requiring this.
Claire McCaskill (D): Yes. Backed bills to require.
Q: Support Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited political donations from corporations and unions?
Josh Hawley (R): Unknown, although Citizens United PAC supported for Attorney General.
Claire McCaskill (D): No. Restore reasonable limits.
Q: Elections: Support nonpartisan "Clean Missouri" redistricting initiative to address partisan gerrymandering and limit gifts by lobbyists.
Josh Hawley (R): No current stand.
Claire McCaskill (D): Yes. "Couldn't be more enthusiastic"
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Missouri Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Claire McCaskill:
Opposes voter ID requirements
Q: Voting Rights: Support stricter voting rules like voter ID requirements or reduced registration times, even if they prevent some people from voting?Josh Hawley (R):
Defended strict Missouri Voter ID Law, but may have just been in his role as Attorney General.
Claire McCaskill (D): Opposes.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Missouri Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Josh Hawley:
Supported by Citizens United PAC for Attorney General
Q: Require political ads to disclose their largest funders?Josh Hawley (R): Unclear. Has said need ethics reform, but no stands requiring this.
Claire McCaskill (D): Yes. Backed bills to require.
Q: Support Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited political donations from corporations and unions?
Josh Hawley (R): Unknown, although Citizens United PAC supported for Attorney General.
Claire McCaskill (D): No. Restore reasonable limits.
Q: Elections: Support nonpartisan "Clean Missouri" redistricting initiative to address partisan gerrymandering and limit gifts by lobbyists.
Josh Hawley (R): No current stand.
Claire McCaskill (D): Yes. "Couldn't be more enthusiastic"
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Missouri Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Josh Hawley:
Defended strict Missouri voter ID requirements
Q: Voting Rights: Support stricter voting rules like voter ID requirements or reduced registration times, even if they prevent some people from voting?Josh Hawley (R):
Defended strict Missouri Voter ID Law, but may have just been in his role as Attorney General.
Claire McCaskill (D): Opposes.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Missouri Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Eric Greitens:
Slash 33,000 regulations across the board
We need to get government off our backs. Regulations that waste money, waste time, had been building up for too long, like plaque in the arteries of Missouri's economy. We launched the most aggressive effort to roll back unnecessary regulations in
the US. By taking a strong, thoughtful, conservative approach to government, we are taking nearly one out of every three regulatory requirements in the state of Missouri--that's 33,000 regulatory requirements--off the books for good.
Source: 2018 Missouri State of the State address
Jan 10, 2018
Tony Monetti:
Cut spending, waste, needless regulation
I am committed to working towards the development of a smaller, more efficient, less invasive federal government. We have a responsibility to our future generations to develop a habit of responsible fiscal decision-making and spending.
We must lower the federal debt. We can do this by shrinking government spending, targeting fraud, waste and abuse, and curbing needless regulations that cripple small businesses, farmers, and the middle class.
Source: 2018 Missouri Senatorial website MonettiForSenate.com
Oct 15, 2017
Tony Monetti:
Term limits for senators
I am committed to fighting the culture of political cronyism, patronage, and lobbyist influence. One way we can encourage a return to the citizen servant in Congress that our Founding Fathers envisioned,
is to institute term limits for the U.S. Senate. The President is limited to two terms. Why not the Senate? A Senator's first obligation is to represent and serve the people who s/he represents. We must choose to serve others not ourselves.
Source: 2018 Missouri Senatorial website MonettiForSenate.com
Oct 15, 2017
Tony Monetti:
Preserve separation of church and state
We need to preserve the founding fathers' vision of the separation of church and state. As we protect religious freedom, we need to ensure that all citizens are free to
worship as they see fit, or to be free not to worship if that is their individual choice. Our government has no business involving itself in the private religious decisions of its citizens.
Source: 2018 Missouri Senatorial website MonettiForSenate.com
Oct 15, 2017
Josh Hawley:
Work for campaign ethics reform, starting with Missouri
The Constitution guarantees to every state "a republican form of government." Self-government by the people--is at the heart of what it means to be free. There is good reason to think Missouri's government is ailing. Missouri is one of the only states
in the nation to permit lawmakers to accept unlimited gifts from special interests, and the resulting quid pro quo culture is undermining public trust. Meaningful ethics reform is vital to restoring public confidence in Missouri's political system.
Source: St. Louis Post Dispatch on 2018 Missouri Senate race
Apr 29, 2017
Eric Greitens:
Cut red tape, cut back regulations
Missourians are fed up with career politicians' failures. They want a Navy SEAL and conservative outsider who has never run for office to get us back on track. When I'm governor,
I will cut red tape, cut back regulations, sign right-to-work, end tax credit bribery, reform the tax code and end programs that encourage dependency instead of lifting people out of poverty.
Source: LWV's Vote411.org on 2016 Missouri Gubernatorial Race
Sep 19, 2016
John Brunner:
Eliminate inefficient, outdated and ineffective programs
Our roads and highways are significantly underfunded and beginning to crumble. It's time to take action. We need to create a smaller, more efficient, and more accountable government. My Mission:- Top to bottom review of every government program.
Identify and eliminate inefficient, outdated and ineffective programs.
- Require agencies and bureaucrats to defend and justify their core budgets to the Legislature and Governor annually.
-
Use existing resources to lead a waste and fraud team to identify and eliminate misuse of taxpayer dollars in every corner of state government.
- We must invest in information technology (IT). It has been proven that for every dollar invested in
upgrading IT there will be an average return of $3.49 back to the treasury.
- Recruit Missouri's most successful entrepreneurs and managers to work with department heads to adopt innovative solutions and streamline government operations.
Source: 2016 Missouri gubernatorial campaign website JohnBrunner.com
May 10, 2016
Lester Turilli:
The right to vote should be quick and uncumbersome
Q: Your comments on the statement, "Make voter registration easier"? A: Voter registration should be easy while being committed to being legal.
The right to vote should be quick and uncumbersome.ÿ New computer software should be implemented to reduce voter fraud.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Missouri candidacy by OnTheIssues
Apr 25, 2016
Eric Greitens:
Ban gifts from lobbyists; close revolving door; limit terms
WE MUST END THE CULTURE OF CORRUPTION. I believe that career politicians have turned Jefferson City into a corrupt, do-nothing embarrassment.
I will clean up the mess by banning gifts from lobbyists, closing the revolving door between legislators and lobbyists, and applying term limits to every statewide elected official.
Source: 2016 Missouri Governor campaign website EricGreitens.com
Oct 9, 2015
Jason Kander:
OpEd AdWatch: "Pandering Panda" caters to lobbyists
A new ad from the NRSC (National Republican Senatorial Committee) is attacking 2016 Missouri Democratic Senate candidate Jason Kander. The NRSC is sponsoring an ad campaign featuring `The Pandering Panda,` a portrayal of Jason Kander, Senate candidate
and current Missouri secretary of state, as doing anything to win over lobbyists and big money in Washington. The YouTube ad features a person dressed in a panda suit in various locations throughout Washington. The panda character alternates between
holding a burlap sack full of money and a hand-drawn sign that reads, `I love Obama.` The ad also features clips of real pandas and high pitched voices making claims about Kander `pandering` for money in Washington.
Kander, a Democrat, is hoping to unseat Sen. Roy Blunt, a Republican who has held the office since 2011. Among the charges in the NRSC ad is the claim that Kander is `attending fancy dinners all over the country.`
Source: PolitiFact AdWatch on 2016 Missouri Senate race
Oct 2, 2015
Jason Kander:
FactCheck: Has more MO donors & less PAC money than opponent
The NRSC `Pandering Panda` ad claims that Kander is `attending fancy dinners all over the country.` The NRSC provided us with a list of five fundraisers they say Kander attended between March 1 and May 31, 2015.- March 4, Washington: Porterfield,
Lowenthal, Fettig & Sears (lobbying firm)
- May 20: Washington: Hosted by Sen. Chris Murphy and various lobbyists
- May: Las Vegas: hosted by Harry Reid
- Date unknown: Martha's Vineyard
- Date unknown: Philadelphia
Five out-of-state fundraisers
didn't seem like a lot to us, so we checked with political scientists. They didn't see much out of the ordinary in Kander's trips or actions based on the information provided by the NRSC.[Comparing to Kander's opponent Senator Roy Blunt]: Blunt's
money is 49.8% PAC donations, totaling $1.2 million compared to Kander's $176,650, totaling 11.6%. In total itemized contributions, Blunt has 516 Missouri donors resulting in $581,647, compared to Kander's 835 Missouri donors for $679,816.
Source: PolitiFact AdWatch on 2016 Missouri Senate race
Oct 2, 2015
Jay Nixon:
Re-institute strict campaign contribution limits
The single most destructive force to our system is the unlimited sums of money pouring into the campaign accounts of candidates seeking public office. We must institute--we must re-institute--strict campaign contribution limits.
Each time a wealthy individual or business or special interest sends a check for $20,000 or $100,000 to a candidate, the public's trust erodes a little bit more. I've led the fight for campaign contribution limits for many years. As Attorney General,
I stood before the U.S. Supreme Court and successfully argued in support of Missouri's contribution limits. And as Governor, I stood before you every year and made the case for them.
This year, if the Legislature does not send a campaign contribution
limit bill to my desk, I will do everything in my power to get it on the ballot and make sure it passes. The people of Missouri have voiced their opinion on this matter already at the ballot box and their support for contribution limits was overwhelming.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to Missouri Legislature
Jan 28, 2013
Todd Akin:
Get rid of Departments of Energy, Education and Commerce
Steelman felt she was a trustee of the people in a constitutional republic form of government.
Akin advocated for getting rid of the Departments of Energy, Education and Commerce. The representative believes every bill before Congress should have a webpage dedicated to why a certain bill is constitutional or not.
Source: Yahoo.com coverage of KYTV 2012 Missouri Senate debate
May 27, 2012
Todd Akin:
Reversing 17th Amendment gives power back o the states
Each candidate responded to whether the 17th Amendment should be repealed. The amendment deals with the direct election of senators. Brunner stated it was "hard" for a citizen-senator to come forward and run for office due to the amount of time and
money involved.Akin believed the election of senators is a state vs. federal rights issue. He believed "reversing" the 17th Amendment would put more power back into the states.
Source: Yahoo.com coverage of KYTV 2012 Missouri Senate debate
May 27, 2012
Todd Akin:
Denounces intrusive government regulations and ObamaCare
All three candidates denounced intrusive government regulations, which they say are hurting businesses and farmers and hindering the economic recovery.
They also support repealing the health care law signed by President Barack Obama. Saturday's debate was the first featuring all there Republican candidates for the August primary.
Source: KSDK coverage of 2012 Missouri Senate debate
Feb 19, 2012
Robin Carnahan:
Pledges to not seek earmarks if elected
The two also differed over earmarks, which are funding requests for local projects inserted into federal spending bills. Carnahan accused Blunt of accepting too many and pledged not to seek any if elected. House Republicans, including
Blunt, have banned earmark requests, but only for this year. "For you to come back to Missouri and pretend to be a reformer, I just don't think Missourians buy it," Carnahan said.
Source: Springfield News-Leader on 2010 Missouri Senate debate
Oct 15, 2010
Roy Blunt:
Took $200K from lobbyists for 2010; tops among House members
Carnahan repeatedly criticized Blunt for ties to lobbyists. He has taken $200,500 from lobbyists this election cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, tops among current House members. "Even your own party thought you were too tainted by
these special deals & relationships with lobbyists," she said.Blunt rejected the criticism, contending that some Senate candidates have taken more money from lobbying groups. He criticized a federal grant to Carnahan's brother for a wind farm project.
Carnahan responded that she had nothing to do with her brother's business. The federal government previously has provided tax incentives to boost renewable energy.
The stimulus package offered cash payments instead of tax credits for wind-energy projects. The U.S. Treasury Department has said it had no discretion in deciding who qualified.
Source: Associated Press coverage of 2010 Missouri Senate debate
Oct 15, 2010
Roy Blunt:
Carnahan's $107M wind energy project created only 16 jobs
Blunt pointed out that a wind-energy company headed by Carnahan's brother, Tom, had received a $107 million grant through the federal stimulus package. That money, Blunt said, created only 16 jobs. "Tell me if that's a good investment of money,"
Blunt said.But Carnahan said the business created thousands of jobs around the state and accused Blunt of below-the-belt attacks. "I've got nothing to do with my brother's business," she said.
Source: Kansas City Star coverage of 2010 Missouri Senate debate
Oct 15, 2010
Roy Blunt:
Took $200K from lobbyists for 2010; tops among House members
Carnahan repeatedly criticized Blunt for ties to lobbyists. He has taken $200,500 from lobbyists this election cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, tops among current House members. "Even your own party thought you were too tainted by
these special deals & relationships with lobbyists," she said.Blunt rejected the criticism, contending that some Senate candidates have taken more money from lobbying groups. He criticized a federal grant to Carnahan's brother for a wind farm project.
Source: Kansas City Star coverage of 2010 Missouri Senate debate
Oct 15, 2010
Roy Blunt:
Ban earmark requests, but only for this year
The two also differed over earmarks, which are funding requests for local projects inserted into federal spending bills. Carnahan accused Blunt of accepting too many and pledged not to seek any if elected. House Republicans, including
Blunt, have banned earmark requests, but only for this year. "For you to come back to Missouri and pretend to be a reformer, I just don't think Missourians buy it," Carnahan said.
Source: Springfield News-Leader on 2010 Missouri Senate debate
Oct 15, 2010
Matt Blunt:
Eliminate campaign donation disclosure for small town races
Excerpts from legislation: SB 1038: Repealing Campaign Contribution Limits: No candidate for statewide elected office, general assembly, or municipal office in a city with a population of more than 100,000, shall be required to comply
with the requirements to file a statement of organization or disclosure reports of contributions and expenditures for any election in which neither the aggregate of contributions received nor the aggregate of expenditures made on behalf of
such candidate exceeds $500 and no single contributor, other than the candidate, has contributed more than $325, [the amount of the limitation on contributions to elect an individual to the office of state representative].
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 24-9-1, Feb. 21; passed House 83-72-6, May 16; Signed by Governor Matthew Blunt May 29.
Source: Missouri legislative voting record on SB 1038
May 29, 2008
Chris Koster:
Eliminate campaign donation disclosure for small town races
Excerpts from legislation: SB 1038: Repealing Campaign Contribution Limits: No candidate for statewide elected office, general assembly, or municipal office in a city with a population of more than 100,000, shall be required to comply
with the requirements to file a statement of organization or disclosure reports of contributions and expenditures for any election in which neither the aggregate of contributions received nor the aggregate of expenditures made on behalf of
such candidate exceeds $500 and no single contributor, other than the candidate, has contributed more than $325, [the amount of the limitation on contributions to elect an individual to the office of state representative].
Legislative outcome: Chris Koster voted YEA; passed Senate 24-9-1, Feb. 21; passed House 83-72-6, May 16; Signed by Governor Matthew Blunt May 29.
Source: Missouri legislative voting record on SB 1038
Feb 21, 2008
Catherine Hanaway:
No term limits; but yes to state campaign funding
Q: Do you support limiting the number of terms for Vermont governors?A: No.
Q: And for Vermont state senators and representatives?
A: No.
Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support using an instant-runoff method of voting for statewide offices?
A: No.
Dunne adds, "I support a run off election method of choosing a governor if no one receives 50% instead of instant run-off."
Source: Missouri Legislative 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Catherine Hanaway:
Supports term limits but not contribution limits
Q: Do you support limits on the number of terms of the following Missouri officials. State Senators and Representatives?A: Yes.
Q: Governor?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative candidates. Individual?
A: No.
Q: PAC?
A: No.
Q: Corporate?
A: No.
Source: Missouri Legislative 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Catherine Hanaway:
No campaign spending limits; no state funding of campaigns
Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?A: Yes.
Q: Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
A: No.
Q: Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state
level political campaigns?
A: No.
Q: Would you vote to ratify an amendment to the U.S. Constitution requiring an annual balanced federal budget?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support increasing retirement benefits for state legislators?
A: No.
Source: Missouri Legislative 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021