A voter’s guide: MO race preview

Erin Harkless

U.S. Senate

Nancy Farmer (D) vs. Kit Bond (R)

Bond, one of Missouri’s representatives in the Senate since 1996, is facing a challenge from current State Treasurer Farmer.

Lieutenant Governor

Rebecca Cook (D) vs. Peter Kinder (R)

Cook served as secretary of state until 2000, and Kinder has been a state senator since 1992. One of the lieutenant governor’s primary responsibilities is serving as president of the Senate.

Attorney General

Jeremiah Nixon (D) vs. Chris Byrd (R)

Nixon, who has served as attorney general since 1993, faces a challenge from Kansas City lawyer Byrd. Byrd has said he is not beholden to special interests like his opponent. Nixon said he plans to continue building on his previous successes, including the state’s strict no-call law.

Secretary of State

Robin Carnahan (D) vs. Catherine Hanaway (R)

This office handles elections, and both candidates have said they will work to make the process fair for all Missouri voters. Hanaway has served as a state representative since 1998. Carnahan works as a lawyer and with her family’s farming operations near Rolla.

St. Louis County Executive

Charlie Dooley (D) vs. Gene McNary (R)

Dooley is looking to become the first African American to be elected to this position in St. Louis County history after being appointed to the job in 2003. McNary served as county executive from 1974-89.

U.S. Representative, 3rd District

Russ Carnahan (D) vs. Bill Federer (R)

These candidates are looking to fill the seat vacated by the retirement of Dick Gephardt. Federer, who ran against Gephardt in the past, is a lawyer. Carnahan currently serves as a state representative.

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