Joe Hodes, St. Louis: Ms. Steelman,

I was inclined to vote for you until I saw your ad on the ethanol mandate. While corn ethanol has been shown to play a tiny part in driving up food prices (far less than foreign demand, oil prices and speculation), it has driven DOWN the cost of gas by 10 cents or more a gallon.

There have been over a dozen studies by universities, economists, researchers and even the energy industry showing that ethanol REDUCES the cost of gasoline--Missouri's E10 mandate leads MO to have the CHEAPEST GAS in the nation.

Yet you say in your ad that the ethanol mandate has caused gas prices to rise. No one--even ethanol's other critics--has been foolish enough to make such a counter-factual statement.

How could you get your facts so wrong?

Thanks,

Joe Hodes
St. Louis, MO

Sarah Steelman: The facts speak for themselves. The studies from the Missouri Corn Growers and others don’t take into account the subsidies that we pay on our tax bills for ethanol. Secondly, they don’t take into account the decreased fuel efficiency of ethanol, meaning that you have to fill up your tank more times to go the same distance. I would invite you to read the Show-Me Institute’s recent study on the topic. The Show-Me Institute, unlike other groups, does not have a financial interest in ethanol. The Show-Me Institute study states that the ethanol mandate will cost Missourians over $1 billion over the next decade. This figure doesn’t even take into account the increased price of food caused by the mandate. I am the only candidate willing to stand up against the special interests who forced the ethanol mandate on our state. If ethanol can stand on its own two feet, let it do so in the free market.

Amy: Treasurer Steelman, When Congressman Hulshof first announced his ethics package, he noted that he would have the License Offices competively bid and not awarded as they have been in the past. Following his announcement, a member of your campaign staff sent an email to Republican donors that was ultimately forwarded to the Post-Dispatch, saying that Congressman Hulshof was out of touch with Missourians for proposing this and essentially if they wanted to continue to benefit from the system, they should vote for you. Was this the result of an over zealous staffer or does it accurately reflect your views of wanting to continue the License Office Political Patronage system?

Sarah Steelman: As Governor, I’m going to approach these contracts like any other state contract that has come across my desk as Treasurer: I will evaluate them on objective standards that prioritize efficiency, service, and performance. If you think Congressman Hulshof has promised to competitively bid all fee offices, you should review all of his statements on the subject as they are inconsistent.

Shaun Tooley: As Governor, what steps would you take to expand transportation options in the St. Louis and Kansas City regions?

What is your opinion on mass transit and providing greater state support for light rail, bus-rapid transit, and bus service in general?

Sarah Steelman: Under our present budget circumstance it would be unwise to divert money from highway building and maintenance to mass transit. I believe that good roads and bridges our essential to building a good economy for the future.

don miller: Sarah--what would you do as governor to bring people together that Matt Blunt arguably failed to do? For example, instead of creating division through obvious wedge issues like gay marriage and cutting benefits for the most needy, what REAL issues would you address that affect ALL Missourians and have significance in our daily lives?

Sarah Steelman: First, I was proud to author the Constitutional Amendment to protect marriage in Missouri. Marriage is the foundation of our society, and I don’t think efforts to protect it can be characterized as divisive. Second, I have outlined proposals during this campaign to address pressing issues in our state including illegal immigration, tax relief, ethics reform, education, energy, and the value of human life. Right now I am in the midst of a 60 stop “kitchen table tour” throughout this state. As Governor, everybody will have a seat at the table. I was raised to value everyone’s opinion, regardless of party affiliation and I will take that outlook with me to the Governor’s Office.

mark3069: I have heard several of your ads positioning yourself as a "pro-life conservative". While a pro-lifer myself I'm curious why you chose that particular label given the plethora of traditional conservative values under attack. Are you saying that issue is more important than other conservative planks like economic reform, small government, taxation etc.? Im curious how that distinguishes you from your opponent, Mr Hulshof? Thanks.

Sarah Steelman: I believe every life is precious and that this is a relevant and important issue for voters to consider. I am proud of my record of working to ban partial birth abortion, to create the REPSECT LIFE license plate, to provide birth certificates for stillborn fetuses, and to create a revolving loan fund to help finance the cost of adoption. I am the only candidate in this race to be endorsed by both Missouri Right to Life and the Susan B. Anthony List, both prominent pro-life organizations.