The KC Star’s endorsements for key races in Tuesday’s Missouri primary election
Here are The Star’s endorsements for Missouri’s primary election on Tuesday.
Amendment 2, Medicaid expansion: Yes
There is no more important vote for Missourians to cast than an enthusiastic “yes” for Amendment 2, which would embed Medicaid expansion in the state’s constitution.
Amendment 2 could provide health insurance and better health care to 250,000 low-income Missourians. In a pandemic, helping our neighbors afford a trip to the doctor is a moral imperative.
This should not be a partisan issue. Business groups, medical associations and religious organizations are backing the measure. They know it’s cost effective and essential for the people of the state.
The federal government will pay 90% of the cost of expanded Medicaid, with Missouri picking up the other 10%. It will likely boost the state’s economy, keeping state expenses to a minimum.
Expanding Medicaid will help rural hospitals, which are closing across Missouri. It could also help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Missouri.
Opponents of Medicaid expansion have recently claimed passage would mean “illegal immigrants flooding Missouri hospitals.” It isn’t true. And the false claim comes perilously close to racism.
Moreover, the ads cruelly imply some human beings don’t deserve help when they’re sick. It’s disgusting, and voters should disregard it.
Missourians protect their right to petition for precisely this circumstance, when legislators refuse to follow the will of the people. In Missouri, the people rule.
They can prove it by expanding Medicaid on Tuesday.
Jackson County Sheriff Democratic primary: Darryl Forté
Darryl Forté, the incumbent, faces former sheriff Mike Sharp in the primary. Forté is by far the better choice: He’s a disciplined lawman running on a reform platform for an office that has too often been trapped in decades-old habits.
Forté inherited a department in disarray. During the last two years, he has worked to clean up the mess, while making progress at the troubled county jail. He also steadied the ship inside the sheriff’s office.
Sharp departed under a cloud of scandal. He appears to have learned no lessons from his past serious errors in judgment, which included a romantic and financial relationship with an employee.
The next sheriff will play a big role in building a new Jackson County jail. Darryl Forté is the right person for the job.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWho decides the endorsements?
Members of The Kansas City Star Editorial Board interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The editorial board is comprised of seasoned opinion journalists and is separate from The Star’s newsroom. The board’s members are editorial writers Toriano Porter and Mara’ Rose Williams — all veteran journalists with decades of experience. Editors Derek Donovan is also a member, and editor David Tarrant, while not a member of the board, reads and often improves each editorial we publish. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
What does the endorsement process entail?
The Star Editorial Board invites candidates in each race to meet with the board in an on-the-record discussion, the purpose of which is more fully understand what distinguishes one candidate from another. Board members do additional reporting and research to learn as much as possible about the candidates. The editorial board then convenes to discuss the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous..
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making endorsements, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with us or belong to a particular political party. We do weigh heavily their stances on issues we consider basic tests of judgment and candor, such as whether they even acknowledge climate change as real, or if they continue to deny the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election. We weigh these factors against many others, and state clearly what our conclusions are. Primarily, we evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues and their understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats, making recommendations about who the best-qualified candidate for each job is.
Why are endorsements unsigned?
Endorsements reflect the collective views of The Star’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. Board members all discuss and contribute ideas to each endorsement editorial.
Missouri Senate District 7 Democratic primary : Greg Razer
Greg Razer has a first-rate reputation as a two-term member of the Missouri House of Representatives. He has ably represented local interests in a legislature dominated by Republicans.
Missouri will be facing massive deficits and onerous budget decisions next year. Razer says it’s crucial for lawmakers to invest in the state by fixing decaying roads and bridges, improving obsolete state computers and committing to quality education from kindergarten on up.
Razer is one of just four openly gay members of the legislature, and he has emerged as one of the state’s premier leaders on nondiscrimination issues. The Missouri Senate needs his voice.
Opponent Michael Brown also has legislative experience. In this race, though, Razer has been the more dynamic and proactive leader, and he has our endorsement.
Missouri Senate District 9 Democratic primary: Barbara Anne Washington
Barbara Anne Washington is an experienced legislator who is the standout choice in this crucial race.
District 9 includes a large part of southeast Kansas City and Raytown. Its next state senator must be an effective advocate for the area’s interests in a legislature that too often gives short shrift to urban concerns.
In our interview, Washington spoke passionately about pressing issues affecting Kansas Citians, including the need to institute local control of the city’s police department. The city’s legislative delegation must be united next year in pursuing that long overdue change.
Her opponent, Raytown Alderman Ryan Myers, appeared to waver on this issue and others. His “I’m always open to conversation,” approach lacked specifics and a clear vision.
Kansas City has been without essential representation in the state Senate for months because two senators resigned to take lucrative public positions. Barbara Anne Washington will fill that void admirably.
Missouri House District 36 Democratic primary: Laura Loyacono
Laura Loyacono is challenging state Rep. Mark Sharp in a contentious Democratic primary. Very little separates the candidates on policy questions: Both champion Medicaid expansion, economic development in south Kansas City and a renewed focus on reducing violent crime.
We think Loyacono is the better option for Democrats. Her résumé includes 13 years at the bipartisan National Conference of State Legislatures, where she worked with lawmakers from around the country.
Sharp has a future in public service. But poor judgment, including offensive slurs posted on social media several years ago, could hinder his ambitions for higher office. His explanations have been inconsistent and contradictory.
In this competitive race, we endorse Laura Loyacono.
This story was originally published August 3, 2020 at 5:00 AM.