Star endorsement: This KC-area race for Congress should be an easy decision
For voters in Missouri’s 5th Congressional District, the decision in the Nov. 3 election should be clear: Re-elect U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.
Cleaver’s Republican opponent, Ryan Derks, has shown no evidence that he’s prepared to serve in such a consequential office.
Cleaver, a Democrat, is popular and well-known in our area, of course, having served as Kansas City’s mayor for eight years. And since voters first elected him to Congress in 2004, he has consistently been an effective representative for his constituents.
While his influence was limited somewhat when he was in the minority party in the House, Cleaver has emerged as an important voice in Washington, regardless of which party is in control. He served as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. And he served as the co-chairman, along with former GOP Rep. Kevin Yoder, of the Congressional Civility Caucus, which was a good idea that didn’t get very far.
Cleaver sits on the important Financial Services Committee. If he’s re-elected — and if Democrats maintain control of the U.S. House — Cleaver expects to be named chairman of the subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance.
Housing issues remain a priority for Cleaver and for his district. The congressman told The Star Editorial Board that his own family’s struggles make this issue all the more significant for him.
“I didn’t live in a house that had running water until I was 8 years old,” he said.
Cleaver also was sharply and appropriately critical of the lack of a comprehensive federal response to COVID-19, warning that the economy would not fully rebound until the virus is contained. He urged all Americans to take the pandemic seriously, revealing that a member of his family had been diagnosed with the coronavirus.
Derks, Cleaver’s GOP opponent, is a newcomer to politics. His campaign website features a bizarre video of the candidate strolling the inner city, complaining about trash and substandard schools.
All are legitimate concerns. But if he wants to address those issues, Derks should run for Kansas City mayor, which, by the way, is a nonpartisan job — a fact that he appears to misunderstand in the video.
He also should take a look at a map of the 5th Congressional District, which only includes part of Kansas City. The district also includes rural areas and small cities such as Odessa, Higginsville and Marshall, among others.
Derks’ website is filled with other head-scratchers. He suggests eliminating the capital gains tax and ending or lowering “all taxes possible,” including federal income, payroll and estate taxes. Then he says, without irony or self-awareness, that “perhaps” a balanced budget amendment should be added to the Constitution.
Derks, who declined The Star Editorial Board’s request for an interview, wants a complete repeal of the Affordable Care Act without a replacement. He says patients with pre-existing conditions should be covered by “Medicare/Medicade (sic),” only administered by the states. That sounds like a twisted public option, which Republicans usually oppose.
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.
Derks’ website features other fanciful thinking, and he would be a disaster in Congress, adding to the disinformation and dysfunction in Washington.
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver has been a steady voice in Congress and a strong advocate for his district. He deserves another term, and Cleaver has earned The Star’s endorsement.
This story was originally published October 28, 2020 at 9:27 AM.