To the editor:
Thirteen years ago, Congressman Jason Smith was appointed — not elected — to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of the former U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Eighth District. Since then we haven't had anyone representing our interests in D.C.
You may never have seen Smith, because he doesn't get out and about much among the people of his district. He doesn't learn about their concerns. He doesn't actively campaign for reelection. He doesn't need to. So long as he does what he's told to do by those who appointed him, there's no worry about a Republican challenger at the next primary, and he can be confident he will defeat any Democrat at the general election in this deep red district where most Republicans vote a straight ticket. We need a candidate with the background and life experiences that inculcate the values we want in the person who represents us in Washington. We need someone who will represent the people of the Eighth District and work for our interests — not those of the people who appointed him.
