Response from Russ Carnahan, Candidate for US Representative, District 1

1.    What do you view as the key role, and/or attributes needed for this position?  What experience/attributes do you have that qualify you for this position? 

I believe that the residents of the 15th Ward deserve a representative who has a history of working on behalf of the City of St. Louis and the 15th Ward. Having served as 6th Ward Committeeman, a state  representative for South St. Louis City, and your representative in Congress for the past 7 years, I have been working with other elected officials, as well as the residents of 15th Ward, to make infrastructure improvements, spur economic development, and create jobs.

2.    Why do you think you are the best person for this position?  What differentiates you from your opponent(s)?

I am the best person for this job because I have a proven track record of working for you.  I have been a long time supporter of the South Grand Great Streets project, and will continue to advocate for development projects throughout the ward and the city.

3.    What do you feel are the most pressing issues currently facing this office and what plans do you have to address these issues? (please be specific)

My number one job right now is to continue my work to create jobs and economic opportunity for the people of St. Louis. I will continue advancing policies and legislation towards that end.  As a strong supporter of the Recovery Act, AMERICA Competes Act and STEM Education, I have advocated for legislation that will spur St. Louis economic recovery; fund critical infrastructure improvements; and invest in innovation and education to increase American competitiveness. I will also continue to work for fair reform of the tax code that ends unfair tax breaks for millionaires; protects the middle class; shields seniors from increased tax burdens; ends subsidies to big oil; and closes loopholes that incentivize businesses to move overseas.

4.    How does a redrawn district affect your legislative priorities? (please be specific)

As a resident, elected official, and your representative, the newly redrawn district will not affect my legislative priorities; they will remain the same. I will continue to champion legislation that spurs economic development in South City, and the St. Louis region. I will carry on my work as a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to bring development to St. Louis. When I first came to Congress in 2005, I led the fight against proposed cuts to student loans; I will continue this work by advocating for policies that make it easier and more affordable for Missouri families to send kids to college.  I will keep on working on legislation that makes home ownership more affordable by fighting attempts to make it more difficult to secure a home loan, as well as working on ways to ease the home loan burden in these tough economic times. I am proud of my work supporting our veterans, and will continue this work by advocating for better healthcare and services for veterans.

5.    Describe how you work with, or will work with, others to address your priorities.

I have always been willing to work with anyone, anytime on behalf of our city, region, and state.  My track record in Congress proves that I have worked with constituents, interest groups, coalitions, locally elected officials, and member of both sides of the aisle in Washington for St. Louis’ growth, development, and best interests. As someone who was raised with Missouri values, I continue to stand ready to work with anyone and everyone to advance St. Louis’ interests.