Columbia Tribune - Missed D.C. Votes at Issue: Hulshof Defends Choice to Leave Washington

News Article

Columbia Tribune - Missed D.C. Votes at Issue: Hulshof Defends Choice to Leave Washington

In January, U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Mo., was criticized for announcing his plan to run for governor in a conference call from Washington, D.C. Democrats said it showed Hulshof was too entrenched in Washington politics.

Now, Hulshof's main Republican opponent has criticized the six-term congressman for not being in Washington enough.

Before Hulshof, of Columbia, rolled out a crime package in Columbia last week, State Treasurer Sarah Steelman criticized him for missing votes on energy and national security issues. Her campaign said it showed a "lack of concern for troops on the battlefield" and "for the struggles Missourians are having paying for Washington D.C.'s out-of-control spending."

For his part, Hulshof said the missed votes are part the reality of the campaign. "If I could get my message, my vision for the future of this state to all four corners of Missouri and never miss a vote, I would do that," he said, adding that he's sure several U.S. senators running for president would take the same position. "But the fact is there are sacrifices."

The issue of missed votes isn't limited to the race for governor.

In the contest to replace Hulshof in Congress, former Sen. Ken Jacob, D-Columbia, has blasted state Rep. Judy Baker, D-Columbia, for missing votes on legislation that would criminalize "coercing" someone to have an abortion and on a higher education appropriations bill.

"Especially when you're in the minority on this issue, you're supposed to be a leader on this issue," Jacob said, referring to the issue of abortion. "I can tell you, in 22 years when it came to this issue, I was the first guy on the floor and I was the point person in every single case. ... And for somebody not to be there bothers me."

Baker said several family medical issues forced her to miss votes this session. She added that she worked "behind to the scenes" to alter provisions of state Rep. Bob Onder's "coercion" bill to "make it good policy." The bill passed the House overwhelmingly this year but did not receive floor time in the Senate. She also said voters are concerned about other issues besides abortion.

"I've been out talking to the voters, and three things that are important to them this year are the economy, health care and the war," she said. "And that is what we are focused on - most of the things that touch everyday lives. And those are the things that we're going to be talking about."

Hulshof's situation, said Missouri State University political science Professor George Connor, is part of the disadvantage of being an incumbent legislator.

"The record works both ways," Connor said. "If Kenny Hulshof had made all of those votes, then Sarah Steelman could say he's lost touch with his constituents because he's in Washington all the time. If she accuses him of missing those votes, then he's not doing his job in Washington. So you're screwed either way."

Source