Two former secretaries of state from two political dynasties are vying to fill the seat vacated by retiring Republican senator Kit Bond, who has held the seat since 1987. Robin Carnahan is the daughter of Missouri politicians Mel and Jean Carnahan, and is the current Missouri Secretary of State. Roy Blunt is the father of Matt Blunt, who served as Missouri governor from 2005 to 2009. Blunt and his son are the only Republicans to serve as Missouri Secretary of State since 1945.

Roy Blunt

Education
Against federal involvement in the state education system
Funding and control of classrooms should be left up to states
Federal government does not have the capacity to work with individual schools

Jobs
In favor of lowering taxes to spark job creation
Is critical of the Obama stimulus plan

Energy
Against cap-and-trade legislation
Wants increased production of domestic oil, coal and natural gas
Wants to foster private investment in alternative energy

National Security
Supports American involvement in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars
Wants to ensure that the U.S.-Israel bond stays strong
Is in favor of large defense budgets

Health Care
Supports lowering prices and increasing plan options
Wants to ensure that people with pre-existing conditions are not discriminated against when purchasing insurance
Is in favor of allowing employers who fail to supply insurance to their workers to provide tax-free contributions so employees may buy their own insurance

Robin Carnahan

Education
Wants to improve teacher benefits
Seeks to reform No Child Left Behind program by increasing school funding
Promises to increase the amount of federal financial aid for college

Jobs
Wants to reduce obstacles to jump-starting businesses
Seeks to invest in job training and education

Energy
Advocates for clean energy incentives to give businesses the opportunity to use clean energy
Wants to invest in energy companies and deploy resources to homes

National Security
Vows unwavering support for Israel

Health Care
Wants to promote competition and improve quality through legislation
Seeks to reinforce Medicare for the future.
Supports providing access for the uninsured and letting Missourians have the choice to keep their current provider

Our take

Carnahan. Her positions on national issues best represent those of the Wash. U. community.