Cape dermatologist to challenge Smith for Congress post

Cape Girardeau dermatologist Dr. Hal Brown has filed for Congress in a bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Salem, in Missouri’s 8th District.

Brown filed with the Missouri Secretary of State’s office Friday. He is the third Republican challenger for Smith’s seat.

Brown, who has practiced dermatology for 30 years, said his candidacy is motivated by the fact Congress has “not balanced the budget since 2001.” The nation’s deficit has climbed from $10 trillion to $19 trillion over the last eight years. In another 10 years at this rate, the deficit could reach $29 trillion, he said.

“We send someone to Congress to get something done,” Brown said.

In recent years, Republicans have controlled both the House and the Senate but still have not balanced the budget.

Next year’s budget, he said, will be $500 billion in the red.

“No one has seen any results,” Brown said, arguing the 8th District needs a new congressman.

Brown also said he wants to replace the federal income tax with a flat tax.

He acknowledged he faces an uphill race against Smith. But Brown said he believes he can win, despite his expectation he will not be able to spend as much money on his campaign as the incumbent.

In addition to Brown, Smith faces Republican challenges from candidates Todd Mahn of De Soto and Phillip Smith of Gatewood. Jonathan Shell of Fredericktown has filed as a Libertarian candidate.

As of Friday, no Democrat had filed for the seat.

mbliss@semissourian.com

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