Final Stretch: Where the Missouri GOP Senate Candidates Stand

Congressman Todd Akin says he votes for full repeal of the so-called "Obamacare." He says healthcare is about an individual's own choice and not about government interference.

When it comes to jobs and the economy, Akin says small businesses face a number of challenges, like too much government red tape, difficulty accessing capital, and high taxes that make it difficult to grow.

Akin contends his strategy during this campaign has been to stay positive and focus on changing leadership in Washington.

"We're continuing on the same message that we have had all along -- the idea of standing on principle. I think the thing I have that's unique as a candidate is the fact that I have a proven record and other people can say 'I would have' or 'could have' or 'should have' and that 'I should have' and that 'I'm not going to be this.' My record has proven that people want somebody that's rated a conservative and I have that proven record as opposed to just making talking promises."

Congressman Todd Akin Makes Campaign Stop in Springfield

Businessman John Brunner steps into the campaign vying to get rid of what he calls "career politicians."

He says his experience in the private sector makes him a strong candidate. Brunner contends it's the average people and small business owners who can get this country back on track.

Brunner's focus is to improve the economy and grow jobs. Brunner says if elected into office, he'll work for an American energy plan to bring manufacturing back.

"Number two, red tape regulations -- the EPA, every other government agency that's piling down on us like the Department of Education. You name the organization crushing businesses, crushing retailers, crushing organizations -- including this 'Obamacare' program -- needs to be scraped completely. Number three, we need fair, flatter taxes. Having the highest tax rate in the world makes us non-competitive. We can get back there and I know people are wanting to add acreage to their farms, equipment to their factories, and add a few more employees to their restaurant. People are anxious to get started again all they have to do is get big government out of the way."

Brunner Touts Chamber Support, Business Credentials in Ozarks Stop

Former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman was recently endorsed by former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Palin called her a fellow "Mama Grizzly."

Steelman's campaign slogan is "The Status Quo Has Got to Go." Among issues on her flatbed tour, she says there are far too many regulations on farmers. She hopes to reduce government, which she says will improve the economy and create more jobs.

"Three things in particular: repeal 'Obamacare' and we need to scrap the entire tax code and start over again and move toward a very simple, flatter tax and moratorium on rules and regulations and make Congress go back in and look at every single one of them to see if they are necessary or if they are silly or stupid. That's just paperwork and it's costing small businesses. In this race, what I hear mostly from the people that I've talked to is that they're worried about the fiscal situation that our country is in. They're worried about government spending money that we don't have running a huge national debt and just too much government, generally speaking."

Did Steelman Hit the Jackpot With Palin's Endorsement?

See Also:
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