I promise you that I will fight for: The protection of everyone's civil rights; The best possible education for our children; Affordable healthcare for all Missouri citizens; Ensuring a living wage for Missouri workers; The protection of a woman's right to choose; The protection of the environment; Fair taxes for all.

In today's America, our civil rights are being threatened and we must demand from our leaders more protection for the freedoms outlined in our Constitution. I will be a strong voice against those who put the powers of government before our rights as citizens. I will fight to make college affordable and attainable for all Missourians who want to earn a degree. With today's budget crisis, we must find ways to avoid making our university students foot the bill for our current economic shortfalls. In addition, finding ways to enrich our schools - all of our schools, not just the ones in wealthy distrcts is imperative. I will dedicate myself to making sure our children are getting a quality education in Missouri's elementary and secondary schools that will give them the start they need to be productive and successful in today's competitive world. Our breadwinners need to earn a respectable income for their valuable time spent away from the family. Living expenses are increasing, while wages are not. I will fight to make corporations pay a living wage- a wage with which a parent can more easily support his or her family. I will also fight to keep jobs in Missouri, this is essential to the survival of our smaller communities and the continuation of a strong middle class. A woman's right to choose is fundamental and must be preserved to ensure her freedom to make her own decisions regarding her health, and at the same time her privacy must also be defended. Cooperation between insurance companies and our health care providers is key to making quality health care available and affordable to all Missourians, regardless of their ability to pay. Our government is responsible for ensuring that insurance companies remain profitable and in business, while maintaining an ability to offer affordable coverage. In addition our state-sponsored programs must be fully-funded and available to those who need them. Our environment is being sacrificed by our government, our corporations, and yes, us, the citizens. A combination of research, education, and action must be enforced to preserve our parks and wildlife for generations to come. Missouri is a beautiful state, but we must work to preserve and protect its places of wonder and wildlife. In America, our citizens should pay taxes based on affordability. Tax cuts for the rich at the expense of the middle class and the impoverished simply widens the gap between those who achieve and those who struggle. "I won't back down on the important issues. I will battle to improve the quality of life for all Missourians. I am prepared for that fight." -Mike Blum