News Archive

Missouri Senate Candidate Endorsements

Among the most fiercely contested of the 17 state Senate races this year is in the 15th District, where incumbent Republican Michael R. Gibbons of Kirkwood is facing a strong challenge from Democrat Jeanne Kirkton.

Mr. Gibbons is a likable legislator with a good grasp of the state budget and tax structure. He was instrumental in stifling the House Republicans' mean-spirited attempt last session to cut off health care for 65,000 working women and children. As majority floor leader, he was a force for civility in an often uncivil body. And, if re-elected, Mr. Gibbons would likely be president pro tem of the Senate, giving him even more clout for his district.

But ambition may have caused Mr. Gibbons to defy the views of a large majority of his constituents in casting the deciding vote on the bill permitting Missourians to carry concealed weapons. Voters in Kirkwood and Webster Groves had turned down the 1999 concealed weapons proposition by a 70-30 margin.

The vote solidified Mr. Gibbons' position with fellow GOP legislators and enhanced his prospects to be president pro tem. He claimed to be "doing the right thing for the people I serve," explaining the bill was "the last chance for a safe, restrictive law."

The trouble is that the law is neither safe nor restrictive. Anyone 21 or older can put a legal gun under the car seat or in the glove compartment. No training or permit is needed if the gun is kept in the car. People can take a gun into restricted places like stadiums, churches or schools without fear of criminal prosecution.

Mr. Gibbons has taken a strong stand against abortion, even opposing a rape and incest exception to a 2003 law requiring a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion. This year he voted against putting family planning money back into the budget, leaving 30,000 poor women without gynecological and related health services.

Mr. Gibbons' votes on guns drew Ms. Kirkton into the race. The 51-year-old retired nurse from Webster Groves was legislative director for the anti-gun Million Mom March in St. Louis. She has run a strong campaign, backed by gun control and abortion rights groups. She also emphasizes providing health care to the 600,000 Missourians without it.

Security moms, soccer dads, liberals and moderate Republicans can feel comfortable sending Jeanne Kirkton to the Senate. She would represent the district without letting ambition get in her way.