Mo. voters to decide key jobs, constitutional amendments

Voters head to the polls today to decide on several key positions, as well as a handful of amendments.

Job battles
U.S. Rep. Billy Long, R-Mo., is defending his Congressional District 7 seat against Democrat Jim Evans.

The incumbent Long, first elected in 2010, has raised $1.1 million this campaign cycle, against Evans’ $91,028, according to campaign finance data gathered by the Center for Responsive Politics from governmental sources.

According to the data, compiled at OpenSecrets.org, Long’s top five contributors are Pinegar Chevrolet, $15,600; Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co., $15,200; Tamko Building Products, $15,200; National Association of Broadcasters, $15,070; and Leggett & Platt Inc. (NYSE: LEG), $12,500.

The website lists no funding in the names of challengers Libertarian Kevin Craig and Vincent Jennings, an independent.

In Greene County, the presiding commissioner spot is up for grabs, with Democrat Donna Bergen, Republican Bob Cirtin and Libertarian Benjamin Brixey jockeying for the seat.

Other positions on the ballot include:

• Clerk of the Greene County court: Republican Tom Barr and Libertarian Arthur Hodge
• Clerk of the Greene County commission: Democrat Rusty Aton and Republic Shane Schoeller; and
• Missouri state auditor: incumbent Republican Tom Schweich, Libertarian Sean O’Toole and Rodney Farthing of the Constitution Party

Constitutional amendments
Rules regarding Missouri teachers could change, and an amendment is on the ballot to restrict the governor’s budget withholdings.

Constitutional Amendment No. 3 would require teachers to be evaluated on a standards-based performance evaluation system to allow each district to continue receiving state and local funding, according to the sample ballot at GreeneCountyMo.org.

The amendment also would require teachers be dismissed or otherwise penalized based on the system, would require teachers to enter contracts of three years or fewer with public school districts and would prohibit teachers from collectively bargaining.

Constitutional Amendment No. 10 asks voters to decide whether lawmakers can override the governor’s decision to freeze or slow spending in the state budget.

Two other amendments also are up for vote.