Job creation and accessible health care dominate most local campaigns for state representative.

Republican Donna Lichtenegger, a retired dental hygienist, and Constitution Party member Jennifer Friedrich, a webmaster, are vying to fill the seat vacated by Rep. Scott Lipke in the 157th District, which covers northern parts of Cape Girardeau County, all of Jackson, a small part of Cape Girardeau and most of Perry County.

Robert Roland

Friedrich, who has cerebral palsy, said her condition has taught her to work hard to overcome obstacles, and she will continue her hard work for the 157th.

Lichtenegger said she would be a strong protector of the district and would make education and health care priorities, but job creation would be most critical. One way she would like to make the state more attractive to businesses is replacing the state income tax with a consumption tax.

Her opponent said she is not in favor of the consumption tax, especially if the income tax was not truly eliminated.

Friedrich said her goals include increasing states' rights and ensuring the state is adhering to the Constitution.

Both candidates recognize if they go to Jefferson City, they will have to make decisions when it comes to balancing the budget.

Friedrich said she would use the Constitution as the basis of her decisions. She also said she would be hesitant to send money to Washington, D.C., if the federal government was not fulfilling its responsibilities.

"I would highly push Missouri not to give money to the federal government unless they do what they are supposed to do," she said.

Lichtenegger said budget cuts would be a matter of closely examining administrative costs.

Wayne Wallingford

"If they are using more than what they need, then we cut. I would not be opposed to an across-the-board cut," she said.

To make health care more accessible, Lichtenegger said she would push for more education of health care professionals and work to reduce Medicaid abuse.

Friedrich said she would support access to health care across state borders.

158th District

In the 158th District, which includes most of Cape Girardeau, Republican business executive Wayne Wallingford and Libertarian Robert Roland, an environmental consultant, are running to fill the position being vacated by Rep. Clint Tracy.

Bill Burlison speaks at the League of Women Voters forum Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010. (Fred Lynch)

Wallingford said if elected his priorities would include strengthening the economy for the district.

"We need to do something to generate jobs. That's how you get increased revenues for the government," he said.

Roland said he would also like strengthen the economy, and would like to bring more transparency and accountability to government.

"Politicians aren't always held accountable for what they do. They try to pass laws without full disclosure," he said.

When looking at any cuts needed to balance the budget, Roland said he would look at each program but knows where he would start first.

Billy Pat Wright speaks at the League of Women Voters forum Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010. (Fred Lynch)

"We seem to get overboard on providing money for universities and things like that. I think these are privately run universities, they should be supporting themselves. That's one of the first ones I'd look at," he said. He also said there needs to be more auditing of all programs to ensure money is not wasted.

Wallingford said he is familiar with handling large budgets and would start by streamlining procedures, eliminating overhead and integrating technology to reduce costs.

He said eliminating overhead could help make health care more accessible to the district. He said the government should remove itself from the health care market because it often creates more paperwork, resulting in higher costs. He would also allow more companies to sell health insurance in the state.

Roland said controlling the cost of health care is key to accessibility but that that may be an issue beyond the control of the state government.

159th District

Republican incumbent Billy Pat Wright is facing a challenge for the 159th District, which covers the western parts of Cape Girardeau County and most of Stoddard County, from Democrat Bill Burlison, a lawyer and former U.S. representative.

Burlison said he is running to reduce the deficit but still provide people with what they need and want.

"In 2000 and 2002 there were enormous tax cuts for the very wealthy, rich people. We've got to require our billionaires to once again pay their fair share of taxes, so we will have revenue to pay for what the people need and want," he said.

With additional revenue, Burlison said health care, similar to what is proposed nationally, but with changes and improvements, could be made more accessible to the district.

Wright said he would make health care more available by providing tax credits to employers that are providing health care and by continuing to support federally qualified health centers and rural clinics that provide a sliding feel scale.

"The are providing great health care in Advance, Marble Hill and Cape Girardeau," he said.

Wright said his priorities would include creating new jobs, promoting business growth and expansion and the protection of seniors, veterans and children.

161st District

In the 161st District, which covers Scott City, Blodgett, Commerce, Diehlstadt and southeastern portions of Stoddard County, Democratic incumbent Steve Hodges faces a challenge from Republican Ron McCormick, a former Scott County commissioner.

Hodges said in addition to his experience in the house, his education, business background and community involvement prepare him to return to the Missouri Legislature.

McCormick credits his two years as a Scott County commissioner, particularly his experience in balancing the county budget and responding to natural disasters, as preparation for district representative. McCormick said he will make attracting new industry and helping small business owners priorities if he is elected.

Hodges said his objectives would include development of new, cheaper energy sources, education and common-sense approaches to health care.

The Standard Democrat contributed to this report.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

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