Bill Stouffer for Congress

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Media Contact:
Jason Klindt - jklindt@axiomstrategies.com or 573-690-2969

Bill Stouffer is a son of the soil

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Sedalia Democrat: Stouffer: Energy plan a 'job killer for rural Missouri'
June 22nd 2010

Republican congressional candidate Bill Stouffer used a campaign stop in Sedalia on Wednesday to hammer incumbent Democrat Rep. Ike Skelton over cap-and-trade energy legislation.

Stouffer, a state senator and farmer from Napton, is one of a nine-wide field of Republicans vying for the chance to unseat Skelton’s 33-year hold on Missouri’s 4th Congressional District in November.

Stouffer addressed a small crowd Wednesday morning outside the Rustic Pantry restaurant against a backdrop of gas pumps at a neighboring convenience store, calling the proposed energy plan “a job killer for rural Missouri.”

Skelton has come under fire from would-be Republican challengers over his vote last June in favor of the American Clean Energy and Security Act, better known as cap-and-trade, which would require electricity suppliers to meet 20 percent of their demand through renewable electricity and would establish a cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas emissions and sets a goal of reducing emissions by 83 percent of 2005 levels by 2050. The measure passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 219 to 212, but has since stalled in the Senate.

“Cap-and-trade does nothing to develop future energy sources. This is nothing more than a wealth transfer from the center of the country to the East and West coasts,” Stouffer said.

Touting his farming background, Stouffer said the legislation would mean higher transportation and up-front costs for farmers, and higher food prices for consumers.

“We are used to going into the grocery store and seeing it full of food, but a lot of people don’t take the time to stop and think what it took for the food to get there,” Stouffer said.

Stouffer said Washington politicians “sometimes don’t look at the unintended consequences of these bills,” and noted that Missouri as a whole could see adverse impacts from the legislation because the state generates some 85 percent of its energy with coal.

“I understand what cap-and-trade does to Missouri and I can’t understand why Ike voted for that. We need an energy policy that looks at other sources — all sources — that includes renewable energy, nuclear power, sun, wind and we need to keep drilling,” Stouffer said.

Stouffer called global warming and the need to control CO2 emissions a “solution without a problem,” and blamed environmentalists for driving oil wells into deeper waters offshore — including the Deepwater Horizon rig that spawned the current leak in the Gulf of Mexico.

“There are 30,000 wells in the Gulf and in all this time we have had only one accident. That success has made us complacent and we have to sharpen our focus. We need to find out what happened there and fix it, but we can’t shut down oil production in the Gulf,” Stouffer said.

Stouffer said he believes “the free market should determine our energy policy” and believes too much regulation and uncertainty over federal policies was hampering business.

He said nuclear power was a viable alternative and noted that France gets 85 to 90 percent of its energy from nuclear power. He said drilling would be safer in areas like Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge which “has reserves the size of South Carolina and all we need is an area the size of (Kansas City International Airport) to access it.”

Stouffer also was critical of stimulus funding and attempts to reform the banking industry in the wake of the recession, saying “we need to get government out of the economy.”

“We just wasted a ton of tax dollars and we really got no bang for our buck,” Stouffer said. Among those in the crowd was Ed Blegen, a retired union electrical worker from Warsaw.

Blegen, who identified himself as a Democrat and a Skelton supporter, said he agrees “with some of what (Stouffer) had to say,” but admitted he “would have to hear a lot more” to win his support away from Skelton.

“The problem, like in the Gulf, isn’t too much regulation — it’s that the regulations we do have aren’t enforced. If you did away with all government regulations this country would go crazy,” Blegen said.

Blegen said he wanted to hear more about “how to keep jobs in the U.S.”

“Big business makes its money off the backs of workers and they’ve run most of the good union jobs out of the country. I don’t want to hear more talk about tax cuts for big businesses,” Blegen said.

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Press Release: Stouffer Opposes Son of Stimulus Plan
June 14th 2010

(Jefferson City) State Senator and Fourth District Congressional Candidate Bill Stouffer released a statement today on the Administration’s plan to seek an additional $50 billion in spending for state and local governments.

“We need less spending, not more from Washington,” said Stouffer. “With a nearly $13 trillion national debt, we simply cannot keep spending money we do not have. Enough is enough.”

“The answer to every problem in Washington appears to be simply spending more money,” said Stouffer. “In Missouri, we don’t spend more than we have. That’s why I helped eliminate $450 million dollars from our state’s budget in order to balance it. I will go to Washington and represent the same kind of common sense that you find throughout rural Missouri.”

Stouffer is a farmer from Napton. He is currently in his second term as a State Senator. You can find more information at www.stoufferforcongress.com.

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Pollock Endorses Stouffer for Congress
June 7th 2010

(Jefferson City)- State Representative Darrell Pollock, who represents parts of Camden and Laclede counties, today endorsed Bill Stouffer for U.S. Congress in the Fourth Congressional District. Stouffer is a conservative state senator and a farmer/small businessman from Saline County.

“This election will be about removing the gavel from Nancy Pelosi’s hands,” said Pollock. “Bill Stouffer is a conservative leader that is uniquely qualified to get the job done. He is a farmer and right on the issues. This is the right time and area to do what we can to right the course of our nation. I’m with Bill Stouffer.”

Stouffer has shined the spotlight on Ike Skelton’s 95 percent voting record with Nancy Pelosi. Skelton has voted for Cap and Trade, the Stimulus bill and the bank bailout. In addition, Skelton is a co-sponsor of card check legislation that would make it easier to unionize small businesses.

“Enough is enough,” said Stouffer. “It’s time that rural Missouri’s voice is heard in Washington D.C . I’ve been a conservative voice in the Senate and I’ll take those same values to Washington.”

Stouffer lives in Napton with his wife, Sue Ellen. The Stouffer’s have two sons and three young grandchildren.

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Press Release: Day Endorses Stouffer for Congress
June 7th 2010

(Jefferson City)- State Representative David Day, who represents Pulaski county, today endorsed Bill Stouffer for U.S. Congress in the Fourth Congressional District. Stouffer is a conservative state senator and a farmer/small businessman from Saline County.

“There’s no one in the Missouri Senate that is a more proven, effective leader in military and veterans’ issues than Bill Stouffer,” said Day. “He is a man of honor. We need good men in the Congress that will not be a rubberstamp for Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama. Bill Stouffer is a conservative leader that can make that happen.”

Stouffer lives in Napton with his wife, Sue Ellen. The Stouffer’s have two sons and three young grandchildren.

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Press Release: Schad Endorses Stouffer for Congress
June 7th 2010

(Jefferson City)- State Representative Rodney Schad, who represents parts of Camden, Cole, Morgan and Miller counties, today endorsed Bill Stouffer for U.S. Congress in the Fourth Congressional District. Stouffer is a conservative state senator and a farmer/small businessman from Saline County.

“What I am hearing from folks is that it is time for new leadership in Washington,” said Schad. “Ike Skelton has served our area well, but it is time for new blood. Bill Stouffer has been a proven conservative leader this decade. We can trust him to be right on the sanctity of life, guns and taxes. I can’t wait to call him Congressman Stouffer.”

Stouffer lives in Napton with his wife, Sue Ellen. The Stouffer’s have two sons and three young grandchildren.

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Press Release: Nance Endorses Stouffer for Congress
June 7th 2010

(Jefferson City)- State Representative Bob Nance, who represents Ray county, today endorsed Bill Stouffer for U.S. Congress in the Fourth Congressional District. Stouffer is a conservative state senator and a farmer/small businessman from Saline County.

“Bill Stouffer is the kind of leader that brings people together,” said Nance. “He is more worried about conservative government than the usual labels of “Republican” or “Democrat.” In our part of the state, that is important. Among all types of folks, Stouffer is a trusted leader that gets things done for his constituents. He can defeat the Pelosi machine and help restore America’s promise.”

Stouffer lives in Napton with his wife, Sue Ellen. The Stouffer’s have two sons and three young grandchildren.

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Press Release: Stouffer Reports First Quarter Numbers, Ready for Campaign Trail
April 15, 2010

Jefferson City - Congressional candidate and State Senator Bill Stouffer announced he has raised $43,255 for the first quarter of 2010. As of March 31st, he had a cash on hand of $270,863.64. With the Senate is session, Stouffer had less time to devout to the campaign. However, with session ending in less than a month, Stouffer said he is ready to travel the district from Blue Springs to Buffalo.

"The campaign is in good shape and I am excited to get out on the campaign trail full-time," said Stouffer. "I believe our message is going to resonate in August and November. Rural Missouri has not had a voice in Washington for too long."

Stouffer has shined the spotlight on Ike Skelton's 95 percent voting record with Nancy Pelosi. Skelton has voted for Cap and Trade, the Stimulus bill and the bank bailout. In addition, Skelton is a co-sponsor of card check legislation that would make it easier to unionize small businesses.

"Enough is enough," said Stouffer. "We need a representative in Washington, not a rubberstamp for Nancy Pelosi. That is what this campaign is going to be about."

Stouffer, a farmer, lives in Napton with his wife, Sue Ellen. The Stouffer's have two sons and three young grandchildren.

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Press Release: Stouffer Would Vote to Repeal Healthcare Bill
March 22, 2010

Napton- State Senator and Congressional Candidate Bill Stouffer today said he would vote to repeal the massive healthcare bill passed last night passed by Democrats.

"Americans did not want this bill," said Stouffer. "Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama used every trick in the book to pass this legislation. The result was a bill full of tax increases, mandates and special deals for special states. I will vote to repeal this bill and work for common sense solutions to our healthcare needs."

Ike Skelton helped pass the bill by electing Nancy Pelosi as Speaker and providing his support for some procedural votes. Stouffer noted that in order to repeal the bill, the House will need to elect a new Speaker.

"The very first vote I cast will be to elect someone other than Nancy Pelosi as the Speaker of the House," said Stouffer. "Not only has Ike helped get her elected as Speaker, but he has voted with her over 95 percent of the time. Rural Missouri needs someone to represent its voice in Washington."

H.R. 3590 passed on a 219-212 vote on Sunday night. No Republican voted for the bill.

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Press Release: Stouffer Blasts Healthcare Takeover
March 21, 2010

Napton - Bill Stouffer, State Senator and candidate for Congress in Missouri's 4th Congressional District, reacted to tonight's passage of the Democrat healthcare bill in Congress:

"This is the final straw for rural Missourians. Just yesterday I spoke to a group of voters in Cole County about the impact of the Democrat healthcare bill," said Stouffer. "This bill is truly disturbing. The bill raises taxes on the middle class, cuts special deals for unions, expands the power of the IRS, imposes new penalties on marriage and punishes investment in our economy at a time where investment is desperately needed."

"Ike Skelton may not have voted for this particular bill - but he voted Nancy Pelosi speaker, has voted with her 95% of the time and voted for other economically disastrous bills like Cap & Trade and the failed stimulus. His fingerprints are all over the poor Congressional record of Democrats over the last year. The chickens will come home to roost on Democrats across the Nation because of this bill - and I vow to keep Ike Skelton accountable for the part he has already played in damaging our economy even more."

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Press Release: Skelton Opposes Opportunity For Direct Vote on Healthcare
March 18, 2010

Ike Skelton today had the chance to help force an up or down vote on Healthcare. Instead, he chose to back Nancy Pelosi and allow her to execute a parliamentary trick to pass the bill without a direct vote on it.

"Apparently, Ike Skelton thinks we are all stupid," said Christian Morgan, a spokesman for Bill Stouffer's campaign for Congress in Missouri's 4th Congressional District. "Why else would he say he's against the bill, then vote to support a legal trick to ensure its passage? Skelton is consistent in only one thing these days - and that's voting with Nancy Pelosi 95% of the time. Rural Missouri's voice is no longer being represented in Washington."

You can see the Roll Call vote here. <http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2010/roll129.xml>

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Press Release: The Rubberstamp Recap
March 15, 2010

*Skelton Finally Misses One; Now Has Voted With Pelosi on 59 of 60 votes this month *

Ike Skelton and Nancy Pelosi finally disagreed. After going 42 for 42 over the last two weeks, Ike finally missed one. He voted with her on 17 of 18 votes this past week. The three week average though should help improve Ike's voting percentage with Nancy Pelosi, which was already a healthy 95 percent. Of course, he donated over $850,000 to help get her elected Speaker.

Where did they finally disagree? Over the rule on consideration of a bill that would start withdrawing troops from Afghanistan. So far the only place that Nancy Pelosi and Ike Skelton have disagreed is whether or not to withdraw our troops from Afghanistan immediately. Really, that's it?

"Rural Missouri hoped they would get a good Congressman, instead they got a good Democrat," said Christian Morgan, a Spokesman. "Rural Missourians want a Congressman who will stand up to Nancy Pelosi. Ike Skelton's only function seems to be rubberstamping her anti-jobs agenda."

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Press Release:The Rubberstamp Recap: *Skelton Continues Perfect Streak*
March 8, 2010

Ike Skelton is threatening to rewrite the record books. Not content with voting for Nancy Pelosi, 95% of the time, Ike is in the midst of a two week hot streak where he has yet to disagree with the Speaker.

Last week, Ike continued to toe the Speaker's line. On 17 votes, Skelton and Nancy Pelosi agreed 17 times for another perfect week. Combined with last week, Ike is now 42 of 42 on voting with Nancy Pelosi.

That shouldn't be surprising since he has donated over $850,000 to help get her elected Speaker.

The Highlight:

H.R. 2847- A so-called JOBS bill. Except that even some Democrats acknowledged that it would have no effect on job creation. However it did increase the deficit since Nancy Pelosi declared it emergency spending that was not subject to normal Pay-go rules.

"If two people agree all the time, do you really need both of them?" asked Christian Morgan, a Spokesman. "Rural Missourians would rather that Ike stood up and voted for their interests instead of Nancy Pelosi's big government agenda. Ike must be focused on the record because he's not even pretending to be a independent voice for Missouri anymore."

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Press Release: The Rubberstamp Recap: Pelosi or Skelton? Can you tell them apart?
March 1, 2010

Ike Skelton likes to tell you that he's an independent voice for Missouri, but the facts just do not back that up.

Ike has voted over 95% of the time with Speaker Nancy Pelosi. That shouldn't be surprising since he has donated over $850,000 to help get her elected Speaker.

Last week, Ike turned in another Rubberstamp Hall of Fame performance. On 25 votes, Skelton and Nancy Pelosi agreed 25 times for a batting average of 1.000.

The Highlights: H.R. 2701; Nancy and Ike helped pass an Intelligence Appropriations Bill that includes money that could be spent to move Guantanamo Bay prisoners from Cuba to the United States.

H.R. 2314: A bill that would create a new sovereign native Hawaiian governing entity. It would grant powers that would pre-empt state regulation, taxation and possibly civil and criminal jurisdictions. It would grant members of what could be the nation's largest Indian tribe exclusive benefits that other Hawaiians wouldn't enjoy.

"It is amazing that Ike is so unwavering in his commitment to vote in lockstep with Nancy Pelosi," said Christian Morgan, a Spokesman. "At a time when most people would see that her agenda is incredibly unpopular and damaging to the country; Ike just continues to vote with her. He understands what it truly means to be a rubberstamp.

Unfortunately for him, rural Missourians want a Congressman who will use their own common sense and do what is right. Enough is enough."

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Press Release: Americans for Prosperity Applauds U.S. House Candidate Bill Stouffer
February 9, 2010

(COLUMBIA) The Missouri chapter of the free-market grassroots group Americans for Prosperity (AFP-MO) today applauded U.S. House candidate and current State Senator Bill Stouffer (4th District) for signing the group's "No Climate Tax Pledge." Stouffer joins more than 350 lawmakers and candidates on the federal, state and local levels pledging to "oppose legislation relating to climate change that includes a net increase in government revenue."

"The one thing elected officials should be able to agree on is that global warming shouldn't be used as an excuse to hike taxes on citizens and businesses," said AFP-MO State Director Carl Bearden. "We encourage all of Missouri's elected officials and candidates for elected office to sign the pledge."

The pledge has already attracted the support of Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, U.S. Rep. and Senate candidate Roy Blunt, thirty-nine state representatives and five state senators in Missouri.

Cap-and-trade took its first step toward enactment last year when the U.S. House narrowly passed the Waxman-Markey energy tax bill, which escaped the lower chamber by a scant seven votes despite significant bipartisan opposition. The Senate has struggled to pass companion legislation, with several key Democratic senators openly expressing opposition to attempting to pass the energy tax bill.

President Obama has made no secret of his support for the bill, which would be the largest tax increase in American history. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has scored the House plan as an $846 billion increase in federal revenue, a burden that will be borne by taxpayers and consumers for decades to come.

"Using the guise of climate change to transfer dollars from hard-working citizens to bureaucratic big government is unacceptable," said Bearden. "Regardless of their stance on global warming, this should be common ground for all of our elected officials at all levels of government."

The pledge is available online at www.NoClimateTax.com. AFP does not endorse candidates. All elected officials and candidates are encouraged to sign the pledge and go on the record in opposition to using the climate change issue to increase taxes and grow the size of government.

Americans for Prosperity® (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual's right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. AFP has more than 900,000 members, including members in all 50 states, and 25 state chapters. More than 55,000 Americans in all 50 states have made a financial investment in AFP or AFP Foundation. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

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Press Release: Skelton: "They were the right votes."
February 8, 2010

(Jefferson City) In an interview with Kansas City Star's editorial board, Rep. Ike Skelton defended his votes for cap-and-trade legislation, both stimulus packages, and the TARP bank bailout bill, saying "They were the right votes".

Ike Skelton continues to march in lockstep with Nancy Pelosi and did not contest that he is a reliable vote for Speaker Pelosi, voting with her more than 95% of the time.

"If Ike Skelton thinks that bailing out banks, spending hundreds of billions for a stimulus bill that did not create jobs and voting for Cap and Trade were the right votes for the Fourth District, then he is out of touch with reality. While rural Missourians across the district continue to struggle with the economic downturn, it is clear that we do not need any more of the old Washington solutions. We need a leader in the 4th District that listens to the people and advocates common sense policies that help create jobs and bring down our deficit. Politicians like Ike Skelton and Nancy Pelosi are simply too out of touch to keep their jobs this November." said Sen. Bill Stouffer.

State Senator Bill Stouffer is challenging Ike Skelton in the fourth congressional seat. Stouffer serves as Chairman of the Senate's Republican Caucus. Stouffer and his wife of 42 years, Sue Ellen, have two sons and four grandchildren.

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Press Release: Bill Stouffer Blasts Ike Skelton and Nancy Pelosi for Increase Debt Over $2.1 Trillion in 2 Months
February 4, 2010

Napton - Bill Stouffer, Missouri State Senator and candidate for Congress in the 4th Congressional District, commented today on Ike Skelton's vote to increase the US Debt Ceiling by another $1.9 trillion.

"Ike Skelton clearly doesn't understand what is going on in rural Missouri," said Stouffer. "Families are struggling and desperate to find good paying jobs. Instead of doing something in Congress to actually build jobs and get this economy started again, Ike Skelton and Nancy Pelosi decide it's time to run up the government credit card again."

In December, 2009, Ike Skelton voted with Nancy Pelosi and his Democratic leadership to increase the debt ceiling by $290 billion. Ike Skelton's vote today to increase the debt ceiling another $1.9 trillion means that in the last 2 months, Ike Skelton and Nancy Pelosi have increased the debt ceiling $2.19 trillion. 37 Democrats in the United States House of Representatives voted against the debt ceiling increase.

"Enough is enough. All I hear our there in rural Missouri is frustration that spending in Washington is out of control and that politicians like Ike Skelton are totally out of touch – and I agree," said Stouffer. "Worse yet, Ike Skelton, who has become comfortable voting with Nancy Pelosi over 95% of the time in Congress, simply doesn't yet understand that we cannot spend or borrow our way out of this recession. This is yet another terrible vote by Ike Skelton to place alongside his votes for Cap-and-trade and the wasteful and proven ineffective stimulus bill of last year. It's time for Ike to go…and to take Nancy Pelosi with him."

Bill Stouffer lives in Napton with his wife of 42 years, Sue Ellen. Stouffer currently serves as Chairman of the Republican Caucus in the Missouri Senate. Bill and Sue Ellen have two sons and four grandchildren.

Bill is running for Congress in the Missouri 4th Congressional District. For more information on Bill's campaign for Congress, please visit www.stoufferforcongress.com.
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Press Release: Stouffer Continues Strong Fundraising Pace
Raises $141,000 in 4th Quarter
January 31, 2010

Napton – Bill Stouffer, a life-long farmer and second-term Missouri State Senator, reported raising $141,063 in 4th quarter donations to his campaign for the 4th Congressional District.

Stouffer, who has been campaigning across rural Missouri and talking to voters about Ike Skelton's out-of-touch, Nancy Pelosi-driven agenda and his own record of fiscally conservative leadership in the Senate, has seen an explosion of support in rural Missouri.

Stouffer reported $141,063 in total donations and has $303,623 cash on hand.

"I am honored to have the support of so many hard-working, rural Missourians. The generosity shown toward our campaign since I announced my campaign for Congress last fall is humbling and encouraging for the future of our Nation and the new direction of Congress," Stouffer said. "As I travel throughout the district, I am struck by the number of people that are fed up with Ike Skelton's dedication to Nancy Pelosi's agenda and frustrated at the direction Ike Skelton and Washington are taking this country. 'Enough is enough,' they say. And I couldn't agree more."

Stouffer is leading in the Missouri State Senate by fighting job-killing tax increases and standing up for farmers by rejecting a direct tax increase on families in rural Missouri.

"The tide is turning in Missouri and throughout the Nation – the people are standing up against politicians like Ike Skelton who continue to vote for Nancy Pelosis's agenda 95% of the time," Stouffer continued. "It is time for a new direction in Congress; I hope to be part of that new leadership in Washington and new leadership for rural Missouri. We need real, consistent and conservative leadership."

Stouffer currently serves as Chairman of the Republican Caucus in the Missouri Senate. Stouffer and his wife of 42 years, Sue Ellen, have two sons and four grandchildren.

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Press Release: Bill Stouffer Rejects Tax Increase on Farmland
January 29, 2010

The Missouri Senate today voted 30-3 to reject a tax increase on Missouri farmland that was established by the State Tax Commission. The Commission raised taxes on farmland an average of 11.5 percent, causing concern from farmers and ranchers.

State Senator Bill Stouffer, R-Napton, sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 35 & 32 rejecting the tax increase. Stouffer said that while property tax levies are set locally, the commission's increase in farmland productivity values means a tax increase on farmers and ranchers statewide.

"What we have is an industry with extremely volatile markets combined with record production expenses, weak demand and landowners struggling to manage debt and cash flow," said Stouffer. "Now is a bad time to raise taxes on any Missourian, including the state's landowners."

The State Tax Commission raised land valuations last month. By statute, the General Assembly has 60 legislative days to reject the tax commission's recommendations.

Under the commission's actions, only values on land used for pasture and timber were lowered. The House passed a similar resolution earlier this week. Now, both chambers will consider each other's resolutions.

Bill Stouffer, R-Napton, is challenging Ike Skelton for the 4th district congressional seat. Stouffer is considered a leader in transportation and agriculture issues and currently serves as Chairman of the Senate's Republican Caucus, Chairman of the Senate's Committee on Transportation and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food Production, and Outdoor Resources.

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Press Release: Bill Stouffer Reacts to State of the Union
January 27, 2010

State Senator Bill Stouffer this evening offered the following reaction to President Obama's State of the Union Address to the United States Congress.

"Tonight the President offered no real plan to drastically reduce Washington spending and taxes. Instead, he offered lip service and half measures.

The message from the American people is clear: "enough is enough." Enough out of control Washington spending, enough tax increases and enough big government.

Ike Skelton and Nancy Pelosi continue to march in lockstep with this out of touch administration. It is time that we had a voice in the Fourth District that listens to the people and advocates common sense policies that help create jobs and bring down our deficit."

Bill Stouffer(R), Napton, is challenging Ike Skelton for the 4th district congressional seat. Stouffer is considered a leader in transportation and agriculture issues and currently serves as Chairman of the Senate's Republican Caucus, Chairman of the Senate's Committee on Transportation and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food Production, and Outdoor Resources.

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Press Release: State Senator Bill Stouffer congratulates U.S. Senator-elect Scott Brown on his win over Democrat Martha Coakley
January 19, 2010

JEFFERSON CITY — "The election in Massachusetts should serve as a wakeup call to Nancy Pelosi and the liberal Washington insiders. The American people have had enough. Scott Brown had the courage to stand up and say "enough is enough,"and the people of Massachusetts agreed.

Representing the people to Washington is a privilege, not an entitlement. Ike Skelton has spent over 30 years in Washington. It is time for a new generation of leaders who believe in smaller government, not bigger government.

This evening's result is just one step on the road to taking our government back. "Enough is enough," and voters will have an opportunity to tell Washington that in November.

Bill Stouffer (R - Napton), is challenging Ike Skelton for the 4th district congressional seat. Stouffer is considered a leader in transportation and agriculture issues and currently serves as Chairman of the Senate's Republican Caucus, Chairman of the Senate's Committee on Transportation and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food Production, and Outdoor Resources.

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Press Release: Stouffer Moves to Reject Tax Increase for Land Owners
State Senator Says, "Now is a bad time to raise taxes on any Missourian"
January 12, 2010

JEFFERSON CITY — State Senator Bill Stouffer, R-Napton, is putting forward a proposal to reject a tax increase on Missouri landowners.

Senator Stouffer joined leaders of the Missouri Farm Bureau on Tuesday morning in the State Capitol to announce his intention to file a Senate Concurrent Resolution rejecting a tax increase established by the Missouri Tax Commission.

Last month, the Missouri Tax Commission raised land valuations on productive farmland by 29 percent, causing concern from farm organizations and landowners.

"Now is a bad time to raise taxes on any Missourians," said Sen. Stouffer. "You have a governor and General Assembly claiming they are not going to increase taxes to fund existing programs. If we fail to pass this resolution, we are failing to keep that promise."

By statute, the General Assembly has 60 legislative days to reject the tax commission's findings.

According to Missouri Farm Bureau President Charlie Kruse, "Property tax levies are set locally, but an increase in farmland productivity values means a tax increase on farmers and ranchers statewide." Kruse added the organization urged the governor to "weigh in on this issue before the decision, and we now urge him to speak out in opposition to the recommended tax increase."

While the commission moved to increase productive cropland values, it lowered values on land used for pasture and timber. But Sen. Stouffer says the proposal still does not have merit.

"What we have is an industry with extremely volatile markets combined with record production expenses, weak demand and landowners struggling to manage debt and cash flow," said Sen. Stouffer. "Now is a bad time to raise taxes on any Missourian, including the state's landowners."
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Lafayette Co. Republicans: The Way We See It: Stouffer is Skelton's Only Challenge to Re-Election
November 21, 2009

By Molly Teichman<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = SKYPE /?> (on Twitter: @mommentator)

To say Lafayette County has a unique perspective on Missouri's 4th Congressional District race to unseat Ike Skelton is an understatement. As one pundit put it, Ike Skelton has been a part of our political scene since "baby Jesus was riding to school on the backs of dinosaurs."

Politics is a war of ideas, not personalities, and while we respect Ike Skelton as a statesman, we can no longer stand by and watch him vote with Nancy Pelosi 95% of the time.

Lafayette Co. voters appreciate Ike's service, but it is now time for the lawyer from Lexington to be honorably discharged from Washington. After 33 years as our congressman, Ike has become part of the problem, not the solution.

In 2010, Skelton will have the first real challenge of his modern political career. His state senator, Bill Stouffer, will challenge him for his seat.

Stouffer is not a slick politician. He is a farmer. He shows up. He is honest. He is grounded.

The problem for Skelton in 2010 goes beyond the national climate. Bill Stouffer cuts at the heart of his base. He is a popular state senator in the three northern counties in Skelton's district. His home county went for Ike with over 80% of the vote last year; Stouffer is the only Republican to get similar support on the same ballot.

Only Bill Stouffer can cut at the only Democrat base in the district; in 2010, Republicans will have to compete in the north to come close to Ike district-wide.

Stouffer's strengths are more than just numbers. He's not alone in beating the anti-Ike drum. There's a gaggle of other Republicans calling for Ike's defeat throughout the district that only helps Stouffer's cause.

Bill Stouffer understands our economy will only turn around on the backs of small business, not bigger government. In the late 1970's Stouffer worked with farmers throughout Rural Missouri to reorganize MFA, Inc. from near bankruptcy. Years later, it became the highest return-on-investment cooperative in the nation under his leadership.

As the state's leader in transportation issues, Stouffer is also not afraid to tackle tough issues. He has proposed a plan to expand Interstates 70 and 44 to eight lanes, including four truck-only lanes. The plan let Missourians decide through a statewide ballot to pay for the proposal in ten years. Both roads play a major role to the economy rolling through the 4th District.

Finally, while he does not wear it on his sleeve, Stouffer is as socially conservative as they come. He is a Sunday school teacher to young adults at his church. He will also be the first to tell you his faith has grown significantly in the last six years, after helping to nurse his wife, Sue Ellen, back to health from a farm accident that led to a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Fully recovered, she is his best asset.

From the way we see it, of the candidates to take on Ike Skelton, Bill Stouffer is his only real challenge. He has not run away from Jefferson City when things got tough – he nose-dive tackles tough issues even if it is they are not politically popular.

Stouffer's support base, his background as a farmer and leader, and his profile as a staunch conservative make Bill Stouffer the only real challenge to Ike Skelton's re-election in 2010.

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Press Advisory: Statement from Senator Bill Stouffer on Veteran's Day
November 11, 2009

"Today we honor our Veterans for their selfless work in defense of our great country. Without their sacrifice there would be no debate on health care, taxes or cap and trade. Millions of people across the globe owe their freedom to the work of our soldiers.

Today our soldiers are serving around the world in Iraq and Afghanistan and continuing the War on Terrorism. We also remember those serving at Ft. Hood and their families who are still coping with an attack on our homeland.

I join millions of Americans in simply saying, thank you for your service and sacrifice."

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Press Advisory: Bill Stouffer Statement on passage of Democrat Health Care Bill
November 8, 2009

"I would have voted against Speaker Pelosi's health care reform bill. As I travel mid-Missouri, I constantly hear that people have had enough. This bill is the wrong answer to the wrong question. Instead of growing government, we should have focused on common sense solutions like medical malpractice reform, Association Health Plans and getting rid of the state lines to create real competition. Ike Skelton and Nancy Pelosi continue to push policies that are bad for small businesses, manufacturers and farmers. I will bring some much needed common sense to Washington."

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Press Advisory: Bill Stouffer Statement on Pelosi Health-Care Plan
October 29, 2009

"This bill is more of the same. It increases taxes, increases the size of government and takes us toward the path of government run health care. I call on Ike Skelton to not only vote against this legislation, but to publicly urge his colleagues to oppose this legislation. Ike should listen to his district, which said loud and clear this summer that they did not want more government involved in health care. This bill is a slap across the face of the hard-working farmers, small businesses and families of Missouri's Fourth District."

Bill is running for Congress in the Missouri 4th Congressional District. For more information on Bill's campaign for Congress, please visit www.stoufferforcongress.com.

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Press Advisory: Statement from Senator Bill Stouffer on tonight's election results
November 3, 2009

"Congratulations to Governors-Elect McDonnell and Christie. Tonight's election results show that Americans are fed up with the extreme liberal agenda of Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama. One year from today, the voters of rural Missouri will have their opportunity to tell Washington that they too have had enough. Ike Skelton continues to vote with Nancy Pelosi 95% of the time and is no longer representing mid-Missouri. I look forward to talking with voters about my vision of lower taxes, less regulation and common sense in the next 12 months."

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Press Release: Stouffer Raises More than $200K in Six Weeks
October 15, 2009

Napton – Bill Stouffer, a life-long farmer and second-term Missouri State Senator, reported more than $200,000 in 3rd quarter donations to his campaign for the 4th Congressional District.

Stouffer has only been raising money for six full weeks – roughly half of the available time in the 3rd financial quarter. Senator Stouffer raised more money in 6 weeks than the combined first quarter results for all of Ike Skelton's 17 past opponents covering a period of over 33 years and more money in 6 weeks than all of Skelton's opponents raised for their campaigns combined in the last 13 years.

Stouffer reported $203,335.78 in total donations and $200,109.48 cash on hand.

"I am honored to have the support of so many hard-working Missourians. The generosity shown toward our campaign these last six weeks has been truly humbling," Stouffer said. "Everywhere I go in this District, I hear the same thing – 'enough is enough.' People have had enough 'Cap and Trade,' enough Government-run health-care and enough of Ike Skelton voting with Nancy Pelosi 95% of the time. Missourians have been more than willing to open up their checkbooks and contribute to a cause worth funding – returning common sense to Washington."

Stouffer currently serves as Chairman of the Republican Caucus in the Missouri Senate. Stouffer and his wife of 42 years, Sue Ellen, have two sons and four grandchildren.

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Press Advisory: Bill Stouffer on President Obama's repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell."
October 10, 2009

"Today, President Obama pledged to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy to allow openly gay people to serve in the military. This negatively impacts unit cohesiveness. Earlier this year, Ike Skelton supported the plan by agreeing to hold hearings on the issue. I call on Congressman Skelton to stand up for our men and women in uniform and reverse his support of President Obama's proposal." stated Senator Bill Stouffer.

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Press Advisory: Ike Skelton Caught Swearing on Floor of House
October 9, 2009

When pressed for an answer as to why Democratic leadership insisted on playing politics with military funding by including pro-homosexual legislation in a defense spending bill, Ike Skelton proved once again how
out of touch he is with Missouri. The following article, appearing today on WashingtonTimes.com, discusses the incident.

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Press Release: Skelton Mixes Gay Rights Bill with Troop Funding Measure
October 7, 2009

Napton, MO – Ike Skelton, the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, once again demonstrated that he is a reliable vote for the liberal priorities of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and not the constituents of Missouri's 4th District. Following on the heels of his vote for the national energy tax, Skelton is this week helping Speaker Pelosi pass a controversial bill to advance the homosexual agenda that is much more popular with liberal special interest groups and constituents in Speaker Pelosi's home district of San Francisco than it is in Missouri's 4th District.

As the House considers the National Defense Authorization Act, a measure that authorizes funding for our troops in combat, Skelton has allowed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Act to be added onto the bill in order to pass it. Instead of a simple up or down vote on providing funds for troops, Skelton and Pelosi have turned it into a partisan bill.

The Hate Crimes Act would create a different class of crimes motivated by sexual orientation or gender-identity – items that are not defined in the bill. This bill would mean that some crimes in the United States are treated differently than others- violating the spirit of equal protection under the law. More disturbingly, this bill would violate First Amendment rights of countless Americans including religious leaders who might disagree with the homosexual agenda or lifestyle.

The Chairman of the Committee, Ike Skelton, is the lead House negotiator for the National Defense Authorization Act in conference negotiations with the Senate. Not only did Skelton allow the Hate Crimes Act to be added to the National Defense Authorization Act, but last night Skelton voted against a motion to instruct conferees to drop the Hate Crimes Act language from the conference report (House Roll Call Vote #754).

Skelton, who has voted over 95% of the time with Nancy Pelosi this year, has done nothing to stop the homosexual agenda in Washington from taking over this important piece of legislation that funds our men and women in the combat zone.

Fourth District Congressional Candidate Bill Stouffer called on Skelton to represent his constituents, not the Speaker and the radical Left.

"Congressman Skelton needs to remember that he represents the good conservative folks of Missouri's Fourth District, not Nancy Pelosi or the radical Left. Instead of playing politics with a troop-funding bill, he should let these two measures be voted on separately. It's disgraceful that Congressman Skelton has allowed a bill that funds our troops in combat to be hijacked by a homosexual agenda. Congressman Skelton needs to tell Pelosi and her friends on the radical left "NO" for a change, especially when it's plain as day that this is the wrong thing to do."

Press Release: Stouffer Launches Campaign for Congress: 'Enough is Enough'

September 24, 2009

Blue Springs, Mo. – State Sen. Bill Stouffer has formally launched his challenge against longtime western Missouri Congressman Ike Skelton.

Stouffer, a Republican and farmer from Napton, announced his candidacy Wednesday in Blue Springs. He planned events later Wednesday in Marshfield and Thursday in Jefferson City.

Skelton, a Democrat from Lexington, has served in Congress since 1977 and is chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

Skelton has been known as a conservative through most of his career, but Stouffer says Skelton recently has become more liberal and increasingly voted with Democratic House leaders.

Two other Republicans already are in the race - former state House member Vicky Hartzler, of Harrisonville, and former Jefferson City councilman Roy Viessman.

Press Release: Bill Stouffer Announces Run for U.S. Congress

September 23, 2009

Family Farmer says to Congress, "Enough is enough!"

Napton, Mo. – Bill Stouffer, life-long farmer and two-term State Senator, today announced his candidacy for the 4th Congressional District seat covering much of Western Missouri.

“As a fourth-generation Missouri farmer, I never planned on being involved in politics,” Stouffer said. “Watching what is happening in Washington, and with the sharp left-turn Ike Skelton has taken, I’ve arrived at a simple conclusion: enough is enough.”

Stouffer was born and raised in Missouri and is a 4th generation Saline County farmer. Stouffer graduated from the University of Missouri College of Agriculture and served on MFA’s Board of Directors for 16 years, including 8 years as the Board’s Chair.

“As I travel the District, I constantly hear that folks have simply had enough of the same old Washington style politics,” said Stouffer. “They’ve had enough of big government, enough wasteful spending and enough of Ike Skelton consistently saying ‘yes’ to Nancy Pelosi’s liberal agenda.”

According to the Washington Post, Ike Skelton has voted with liberal Democrat House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), 97% of the time. (http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/S000465/)

“Missourians across the state are speaking out against Ike Skelton’s votes for a cap-and-trade plan that would sky-rocket our electric bills by 90%; they have demanded accountability for out of control bailouts and have rallied against government-run health care,” Stouffer explained. “I cannot stand by any longer and watch Ike Skelton turn farther left and cast more votes against Missouri’s interests…that is why I am running to replace him in Washington.”

“I hope for the opportunity to serve the people of Missouri’s 4th Congressional District so together we can bring Missouri common sense to Congress.”

Stouffer lives in Napton with his wife, Sue Ellen. The Stouffer’s have two sons and four young grandchildren.

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