KINDER IS LEADER WE NEED

As most of you know, for the past several months the Southeast Missourian has been in somewhat of an awkward position. Its associate publisher has been running for Missouri Senate.

I'd like to share with you some observations I've made during this time. First, the Southeast Missourian news staff has been outstanding in its maintenance of fair and impartial reporting (often to the chagrin, I know, of both parties). Second, both candidates in the 27th District senatorial race have their strengths. Finally, Peter Kinder has impressed me immeasurably.

To be frank, I was uncomfortable when I found out the associate publisher was being encouraged to run by many in the Republican party, and then decided to run. At the same time, when Peter Kinder explained to me his belief in the need for citizen legislators in Jefferson City, I understood. The arrival of the life-time politician has not served this state or nation well. Governance, too often, has been sacrificed to spin and expediency. While conviction and conscience have lost out to political correctness and the Siren's promise of end justifying the means.

Still, while I agreed with the importance of citizen legislators, I wondered if Peter Kinder was the right person for the job. I have deep respect for Mary Kasten and others I know who probably thought about running. Also, I have always been impressed with Betty Hearnes' public spirit. And Bill Burch, one of her primary opponents this summer, had a strong resume as well.

I also knew Peter. And I read his work, which was often too biting for me, too hard, even sanctimonious at times. I wondered if winning an argument was more important to him than finding a solution.

In the past several months I have seen a side of Peter that I had not seen so often before:one, who ached for those who were less fortunate. One, who was committed to improving the world around him and not just talking about it.

The fact of the matter is that Peter Kinder is what we need representing us in Jefferson City.

As I have studied the problems facing this state and watched the two candidates as they campaign, watched the way they argue their points and think on their feet, I remain impressed with Ms. Hearnes' desire to serve the people of Southeast Missouri, but I realize that Peter Kinder would be better to have representing us in the capitol. He knows the issues, hands down. And he has good, common-sense solutions, and the determination and spirit to make them work.

In one joint appearance, Betty Hearnes explained that she gained a sense of fulfillment in helping people. Even in the years she was not a representative in Jefferson City, when someone called her with a problem, she went to bat for them. I have a feeling Betty Hearnes will continue to work like that, where ever she is.

But that's not what we need in Jefferson City. In the past several months, Peter Kinder has proved that he will go to bat for people who need help. But in addition, he will be a leader, not only dealing with our problems when they happen, but working to stop them before they happen.

Of course, government is not the answer to most problems. More often it is the cause. That, too, Peter Kinder knows. And I'm not sure Betty Hearnes does.

It's not much of a question who I believe would best represent the people of the 27th District in the state capitol. That's Peter Kinder. He has the knowledge, the ideas, the spirit and the determination to bring change for the good to Missouri. The past five months have proved it. He is the leader we need in Jefferson City.