Sean Spence for State Representative, 25th District

Background:

Sean graduated from the University of Missouri (in the heart of the 25th district) and got his start in politics working for the progressive Democrat legislator who represented the district at that time. It was there that Sean got his first taste of progressive politics, and there that he first saw the power of the legislature to make our lives better or worse.

Since his days at MU, Sean has had quite an adventure, living both in Columbia and all around the country. His career has included work to elect Democratic candidates, helping companies both large and small meet their marketing goals, and as a public servant in Missouri state government. Today, Sean splits his professional time between the Missouri State Auditor's Office and work with political and corporate clients.

Sean’s involvement with DFA has included working for one of the original “Dean’s Dozen” candidates, contributing, and attending meetings all over Missouri and beyond. Sean once held a fundraiser for a candidate at which Jim Dean was the main attraction. No one in this race has a greater understanding of DFA’s importance and value to the Democratic Party.

As a community volunteer, Sean has been both leader and worker in service organizations addressing many issues�"child welfare, the arts, science, neighborhoods, economic development and others. Today, Sean spends his community time with the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the Boone County MU Alumni Association, the Columbia Business Times, and as Vice President of Muleskinners Democratic club. Sean was raised to believe that nothing is more important than service, that helping others is a sacred responsibility, and he has done his best to build a life around that principle.

Sean's most recent public service project was a 1500 mile bicycle ride in September from Missouri to New York City (www.MissouriToManhattan.com), raising money for Multiple Sclerosis research and treatment. Accompanied by a driver -- in case of emergency -- Sean rode his bicycle, by himself, across seven states to raise money and to serve as a reminder that there is nothing we can not accomplish.

Goals:

I'm running because of my commitment to ensuring that every Missourian is educated, employed and insured. Serving in the state legislature will allow me to have a real impact in all of these areas and others.

Issues:

Sean Spence’s commitment:

With your help, I will go to Jefferson City and fight to ensure that Missouri is educated, employed and insured. Missouri’s short-sighted leadership has undermined efforts in these areas for too long �" systematically dismantling both society’s safety net and the rope ladders that help ordinary folks rise in economic status. You have my word that I won’t run from the problems; count on me for strong stands and concrete plans.

Columbia’s schools must be our top priority:

The best thing about Columbia is our school system �" nationally recognized K-12 and Mizzou, the flagship of our state’s university system. Our schools will have no greater friend in Jefferson City, whether the issue is funding, preserving academic freedom, or standing up for teachers. We must preserve and enhance our role as a national education leader.

Every Missourian deserves access to quality health care:

A few years ago, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I deal with our health care system every day. I know first-hand what needs to be done to make health care work better for all of us. As your Representative, I will not rest until every Missourian can afford quality health insurance.

Missouri must plan for economic success:

The shrinking of the middle class and an increase in poverty threaten Missouri’s economy. We must support policies that allow business to thrive and workers to expand their skills. I will prioritize measures that assist in the creation of new businesses, encourage commercialization of technologies created in our universities, and promote work-force development.

Grassroots Support:

This campaign is setting a new standard for grassroots campaigning. Our candidate door-to-door and volunteer efforts started long before other candidates (as of this writing, our campaign is still the only one to knock on a voter's door). I go door-to-door almost every day -- personal contact is this campaign's top priority. We are also employing several less-common communication tactics (using direct mail, the Internet, and unique group meetings) that are bringing people into the campaign at a much earlier and greater rate. No state legislative campaign in this area has ever put such a great emphasis on grassroots campaigning. This, combined with better ideas and experience, is why we can win this race.

DFA Values:

I believe in a combination of individual freedom and collective responsibility.

I am socially progressive because I believe in the safety net that keeps the least advantaged of us from falling too far. For decades, the right wing has been systematically dismantling that safety net and we must reverse that trend.

I am socially progressive because I believe and will fight for equal rights for all, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

I believe in a woman's right to choose, am committed to ensuring health care for every American, and will work for environmental sustainability in every aspect of government.

As for being fiscally responsible, I will cast every vote with an eye toward the big picture. Too often legislators (and voters) just ask whether an expenditure is a good idea, but don't consider the greater context , asking if something is a good idea in relation to other priorities. I believe in a balanced but progressive tax system that shares the burden across the economic landscape, but allows those who receive the greatest benefits to make the greatest contribution.