The KC Star’s recommendations for Missouri in the Nov. 3 general election
Members of The Kansas City Star Editorial Board research issues and speak to candidates before coming to a group consensus on recommendations for elections. Here is a list of the board’s endorsements for items on the Missouri ballot Nov. 3. This list will be updated as new editorials are published.
U.S. House for Missouri’s 5th District: Emanuel Cleaver
Incumbent Rep. Emanuel Cleaver is the only choice for Missouri’s 5th District in the House of Representatives. The longtime public servant and former Kansas City mayor represents the region’s interests ably in Congress. He is rightly focused on important issues such as housing and response to the coronavirus pandemic, and he’s been a strong voice for restoring civility to our politics.
His challenger, GOP neophyte Ryan Derks, demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of basic issues. For example, he advocates for Americans with pre-existing conditions to be covered by “Medicare/Medicade (sic),” to be administered by the states — a nonexistent idea that that sounds like a version of the public option Republicans usually oppose. Cleaver deserves re-election.
Missouri Governor: Nicole Galloway
Nicole Galloway has been fighting waste and fraud throughout her five years as Missouri’s state auditor, and she would bring her penchant for detailed planning and good government to the governor’s office. She answers questions directly and has a clear picture of what it will take to get the coronavirus under control — and that’s not pretending it isn’t real.
Through his inaction in fighting COVID-19, incumbent Mike Parson has squandered the relieved goodwill he enjoyed after Eric Greitens’ short, scandal-ridden run. Parson declined to meet with The Star Editorial Board. Voters should back Galloway enthusiastically.
Missouri Lieutenant Governor: Alissia Canady
Former Kansas City Council member Alissia Canady has an impressive resume and the compassion and drive to back it up. She would focus on early childhood education, reducing gun violence and fighting the mental health issues that lead to substance abuse. The lieutenant governor has the specific duty to be the state’s official advocate for the elderly — and she knows that includes a more robust response to COVID-19 than the current administration’s.
Missouri Attorney General: Rich Finneran
Former federal prosecutor Rich Finneran spent most of his career trying to keep politics out of the justice system, and he pledges to do the same if elected as Missouri’s attorney general. He understands that prosecutors should seek justice, not convictions, and that often means making sure an innocent person goes free. His challenger, the unelected Eric Schmitt, has shown he’s more interested in Fox News appearances to score frivolous political points than in enforcing the law. Schmitt declined our offer to discuss his campaign. Finneran is best suited to this important job.
Missouri Secretary of State: Yinka Faleti
Yinka Faleti’s personal story is the very embodiment of the American dream, taking him from Nigeria to the the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to two deployments to Kuwait. The passionate, well-informed attorney and community leader is the most impressive candidate members of the editorial board spoke with this election season.
His challenger, incumbent Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, declined our offer for an interview. Faleti is the clear choice for voters.
Missouri Senate District 9: Barbara Anne Washington
This race is actually a rematch for Missouri state Rep. Barbara Anne Washington and challenger David Martin, who have faced off for Washington’s House seat. Washington is the right choice to fill the vacancy left by Kiki Curls earlier this year. She would be a tireless advocate for Kansas City and has the willingness to work across the aisle that any Democrat needs in Jefferson City. Martin declined to meet with The Star Editorial Board.
Missouri House District 34: Chris Hager
Democratic candidate Chris Hager is a newcomer to politics, but for voters in District 34, he’s the only choice. The son of the longtime police chief of Lamar, Missouri, says he’d reach across the aisle to support commonsense legislation on school funding, Medicaid expansion and law enforcement. But there’s another imperative in this race: Hager’s opponent, Republican Rick Roeber, has been accused by two of his adult children of physically and sexually abusing them when they were young. Another child has previously claimed sexual maltreatment from Roeber. Their mother and another sibling have corroborated the allegations. Roeber is unfit for office.
Missouri Amendment 1: no
It make sense to want fresh perspectives in certain elected offices such as the governorship or the legislature. But the reality is that the ballot box imposes its own term limits — and in less-political roles such as attorney general, secretary of state and state auditor, know-how is important. Amendment 1 is a solution in search of a problem. Vote no.
Missouri Amendment 3: no
It’s difficult to envision a ballot measure more cynical than Missouri Amendment 3. The Republican majority in the legislature didn’t like voters’ overwhelming passage of Clean Missouri reforms in 2018, so GOP leadership crafted this plan to do away with a nonpartisan demographer tasked with drawing the state’s legislative districts fairly, and rammed it through to get it on the November ballot. Don’t be confused by the language about toothless ethics reforms at the top of the question. Vote no on Amendment 3.
Jackson County prosecutor: Jean Peters Baker
Voters have two very different choices for Jackson County prosecutor. We recommend reelecting incumbent Jean Peters Baker, who has been a consistent advocate for fighting crime and reforming the criminal justice system. She has also been a dogged voice for the victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Her challenger Tracey Chappell — the first Black woman to serve as prosecutor in Blue Springs — has the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police, which resists independent oversight of law enforcement. Baker is the right choice.
Jackson County judge retention: no on John Torrence, Patrick Campbell, Janette Rodecap
There are 52 nonpartisan magistrates across Missouri up for retention in the Nov. 3 general election. The Star recommends a no vote for Jackson County Circuit judges John Torrence and Patrick Campbell, and Associate Circuit Judge Janette Rodecap. Missouri’s public defender system is under serious stress, with the second-lowest per capita funding in the nation. Torrence, Campbell and Rodecap have demonstrated disdain for the Public Defender’s Office in Kansas City and drawn criticism from attorneys and outside observers.
Jackson County Question 1 on 911 fee: yes
Missouri is the only state in the nation where cellphone users don’t help pay for 911 emergency call systems, while 80% of Kansas City region calls to the service come from mobile phones. Jackson County voters should say yes to Question 1’s proposal to charge cell and landline users alike $1 a month, which would reduce the flat 7% currently charged on wired phones’ bills.
Jackson County Question 2 on Andrew Jackson statues: yes
President Andrew Jackson was a slaveholder who used Black slaves to accumulate wealth. He is responsible for the Indian Removal Act, one of the most shameful blots on the United States’ history. He never set foot in Missouri. His statues should not adorn county courthouses. Vote yes resoundingly on Question 2.
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.
This story was originally published October 30, 2020 at 9:35 AM.