GRASSROOTS CANDIDATE: A PART OF THE SOLUTION?

BRANSON, MO—June 12, 2008

There is no doubt that these are troubled times. Surging fuel prices, ballooning food costs and a deepening financial crisis have affected every citizen’s pocketbook. Families trying to make ends meet has now become a daily challenge and every penny they spend is now being spent with care. As a result, voters are intensely focused on all public servants at all levels of government as we approach the fall elections. To many, those politicians whose records have been ‘just good enough’ may no longer cut the political mustard. Out they must go. Missouri voters need and will demand a candidate elect who is able to consistently enact common sense legislation that is clearly free of special interests. Missouri voters are seeking special servants who know how to keep their hands in their own pockets and out of others. They are seeking candidates like this in their hearts and will elect them into office come fall.

Tracy’s lifelong commitment to both God and Country, coupled with unparalleled excellence in public service, bring a much needed and fresh approach to the tough issues she will face in office. She has proven herself worthy of such praise, time and again, in both her personal as well as professional life. Over the last twenty five years, Tracy Mooney has garnered both domestic as well as international experience with her selfless commitment to helping families in need both here and abroad. Tracy Mooney, minister to many and mother of two, stands proudly on a record of solid accomplishments that continue to make her widely respected by her peers. Tracy Mooney, our candidate of choice for the 143rd District, personifies the kind of change that will send a message to those who would maintain the status quo!

If you are a citizen who is looking for a candidate that will aggressively defend and promote your healthcare, right to life, education and property rights, then Tracy Mooney is your candidate. If you are looking for a true crusader bent on the reduction of frivolous taxes through aggressive action against irresponsible government spending, then Tracy Mooney is also your candidate of choice. She is of the people, and for the people of the great state of Missouri, and ladies and gentlemen...she is part of the solution.

Tracy Mooney—Republican Candidate for the 143rd congressional District of the State of Missouri.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FORUM - TANEYVILLE, MO - JUNE 5, 2008

State Representatives, left to right, Ray Weter, Dennis Wood and challenger Jon Owens and Tracy Mooney listen as State Rep. Maynard Wallace speaks. BDN photo by Donna Clevenger


By Donna Clevenger
BDN Staff Writer
clevenger@bransondailynews.com

TANEYVILLE — Taney County constituents met both state and local candidates at the Taney Center on Thursday, hearing from them what most people would agree is the top priority — getting the county and state back on a positive economic track.

Mavis Busiek, secretary to the Missouri Republican party and chairperson of District 7 addressed the crowd and offered sage advice, “Primaries are a necessary evil. We have them because we live in a free country. I just pray the (candidates) keep your brain connected to your tongue throughout the campaign.”

The event put on by the Taney County Federated Republican Women was very well attended with a capacity crowd.

Keeping jobs in the county and state, promoting tourism, holding back any tax increases and keeping the current national tax cuts and being fiscally conservative are all money-related issues the candidates touted.

“I believe the big challenge going forward is we need a person in government who is really looking out for our citizens and our businesses — our families. I’ve got a person who will not just talk the talk, but walk the walk,” Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said, endorsing Sarah Steelman for governor. “As a senator she voted against every tax increase put before her.”

Among the right to life and farm issues, gun control and illegal immigration laws, nearly every state and local candidate who spoke emphasized the concern to turn around the decline in economic growth and development.

Presidential candidate John McCain sent a field representative to speak for him who offered little in the way of specific issues. Field representatives spoke for the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate Candidates.

Mitch Hubbard, running for lieutenant governor, emphasized being pro-life and pro-family.

Incumbent candidates for governor and lieutenant governor also sent representatives. Seven candidates spoke on behalf of their campaigns for state representative.

Tracy Mooney was the only women candidate and is running for the 143rd District.

“You guys don’t know me — I’m a new face in the crowd. The issue I stand (for) is right to life. There is no other issue stronger in this state. We’re not afraid of challenges — this state has some challenges,” she said, adding that the issues in Missouri can’t be covered up, with a bandage but need to brought out in the open.

Opponent and incumbent State Rep. Maynard Wallace said during his turn at the podium, “I’m an old face.” And reminded people of his long years of service.

One noticeable absence from the event was Western Taney County Commissioner Ron Herschend who is challenged by Jim Strafuss. Both Strafuss and Eastern Commissioner Danny Strahan announced they had been endorsed by the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors.

Roy Combs, challenging Strahan for the eastern commission seat, confessed he was not a “silver-tongued talker like Maynard,” but said, “In my heart I know I can help the county.” He pledged to bring some “common sense” to the running of the county finances.

The one real note of contention came from Susan Chapman Jafari, candidate for Public Administrator. Jafari implied misconduct by incumbent Carol Davis in dealing fairly with the disabled and elderly clients she serves. Davis rebutted the accusation, saying, “I am appointed by the (circuit) court as conservator to the disabled, elderly and minors whose families cannot care for them.

End of article from the Branson Daily News - Sat./Sun./Mon. edition June 7-9, 2008

Photos below by Dan Owen. Thank you.