Republican Blaine Luetkemeyer of St. Elizabeth is seeking his fifth two-year term in the U.S. House of Representatives, but has drawn an opponent in his party’s Aug. 2 primary election, Cynthia Lynn Davis of O’Fallon, a former state representative.
The winner of the primary will have three opponents in the November general election, all of whom are running unopposed in their party’s primary election: Democrat Kevin Miller of St. Charles, Libertarian Dan Hogan of St. Peters and Constitution Party candidate Doanita Simmons of St. Peters.
District 3 covers northern Jefferson County and extends north and west past the St. Louis area.
The pay for U.S. representative is $174,000 a year, plus allowances. The term is for two years.
LUETKEMEYER, 64, lists his address as P.O. Box 147, St. Elizabeth. He and his wife, Jackie, have three children and four grandchildren. He and his wife own and operate a 160-acre farm. He also worked as a bank loan officer and insurance agent in St. Elizabeth and was director of the Missouri Division of Tourism from 2006-2008. He was a state representative from 1999 to 2005. He received a bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University in Jefferson City. He was a trustee for the Village of St. Elizabeth board and is a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the National Rifle association, the Missouri Farm Bureau and the Eldon Chamber of Commerce.
Social media: Website: www.blaineforcongress.com Facebook: blaineforcongress Twitter: @LuetkemeyerB
DAVIS, 56, lives at 1008 Hwy. K, O’Fallon. She and her husband, Bernie, have seven children and 10 grandchildren. She owns the Back to Basics Christian Bookstore in O’Fallon. She served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2003-2011 and on the O'Fallon Board of Aldermen from 1994-2003. She is on the Board of Directors for Pure Hope and was chair of the St. Charles County Republican Central Committee and vice president of the First Capitol Federation of Republican Women.
Social media: Website: www.CynthiaDavis.us Facebook: Home Front with Cynthia Davis Twitter: @ CynthiaLDavis
Why do you want to serve in Congress?
Luetkemeyer: I want to continue to represent our shared common-sense conservative Missouri values in Congress. I first ran for Congress because I was concerned about the direction that our country was taking. As the father of three and grandfather of four, I always keep in mind that I am fighting for the future of our country and for the lives and livelihoods of the people of eastern and central Missouri.
Davis: Did not provide answer.
What makes you the best person for the job?
Luetkemeyer: My deep roots in the 3rd Congressional District, private-sector business experience and my conservative values make me a good fit to represent the district. I have a background in both agriculture and small business, two sectors that employ a large number of people in the district. My candidacy has been endorsed by a wide range of constituents and organizations. I also was named Missouri’s most effective legislator in Congress by an independent study.
Davis: I am more interested in doing the right thing than getting accolades from the special-interest groups and the parties in the back rooms. We are committing national suicide because the Republicans in Congress blindly rubber-stamp whatever the Speaker wants. I come to this office with a fresh perspective and the verve to make it happen. I am running to give you the chance to upgrade to someone who will actually fight for our values, fight to pass a responsible budget and bring home scorecards that better reflect the make up of our district rather than what we have right now with one of the worst voting members of the Republican Party.
What is your top priority issue? If elected, how would you tackle this issue? Be specific.
Luetkemeyer: Job creation and economic. Since the Obama Administration took office, Obamacare, Dodd-Frank, an avalanche of rules regulations and taxes have buried our economy. The real unemployment number is much higher than the official one, because many Americans that want to work full-time are only working part-time, and many other Americans have stopped looking for work. I support scrapping Obamacare, repealing onerous new environmental regulations, reforming our broken tax code, strengthening our national security, restoring the Constitution’s separation of powers and balancing the federal budget. All of these things will promote economic growth and help more Missourians work full-time.
Davis: My top priority it to bring some accountability and responsiveness to both our district and to Washington, D.C. We deserve more than just another excuse for why our country is shifting to the left and heading off the cliff economically, spending money like crazy and giving Obama everything he wants. I also will work tirelessly to protect and strengthen families, especially the middle class. The best way I can help families is through tax relief, securing the borders and upholding the Constitution.
What does your candidacy offer Jefferson County voters specifically?
Luetkemeyer: I’ve had the privilege of representing the majority of Jefferson County since 2013. I regularly travel to Jefferson County to meet with constituents to hear your concerns and take them back to Washington. The member of my staff who covers the area lives in Jefferson County, so I have a presence on the ground in the county every day and am being updated constantly about the issues that face the people of the county. Whether it’s defending the unborn, promoting river commerce, supporting investment in roads and bridges or working to lower the tax and regulatory burdens on families and small businesses, I fight hard for the people of Jefferson County.
Davis: Jefferson County voters will have an opportunity to be represented by someone who is familiar with the area and understands our issues. We have the worst Congress in recent American history. We’ve been betrayed by our own Republican majority, which failed to deliver on campaign promises. The incumbent keeps coming back from Washington claiming it’s not him with his hands in the cookie jar. If we are serious about holding Congress accountable, then it’s time to fire Congress. I want to serve in Congress because this district deserves someone who will fight for our values.
What is your single best accomplishment in public service so far?
Luetkemeyer: As far as a local issue, I was proud to work last year with the residents of Jefferson County to dedicate the post office in Cedar Hill after the late Sgt. 1st Class William Woods Jr. From the time I drafted the bill to it being signed by the president, it took less than six months. That is a testament to the strong community support it received. On a more national issue, writing legislation that passed out of the House by a vote of 427-0 to make significant reforms to a large number of government housing programs that had not been changed in 50 years. I am also proud to have helped numerous veterans in the district get the benefits and recognition they deserve.
Davis: I removed abortion providers (Planned Parenthood) from the public school classrooms. As a result, the governor flew to our city to sign the bill into law. I was recognized for being the most constitutional legislator in the state. These accomplishments while I was in the state Legislature allowed me to raise the moral fiber by being a conscience for the rest of the legislative body.