Blunt, McCaskill share views at forum

LAKE OZARK, Mo. -- Candidates for Missouri's governorship, including the Republican Party's favorite and an outspoken Democratic challenger, shared their views Saturday on the state's future, focusing on schools and roads.

The most prominent candidates, Democratic challenger Claire McCaskill and GOP front-runner Matt Blunt, shared details on their priorities, including an efficient government that provides more money for education and transportation.

Incumbent Democratic Gov. Bob Holden did not attend the Show-Me Press Association event, citing scheduling conflicts.

Democrats appeared in the morning and Republicans in the afternoon, so McCaskill, the state auditor, and Blunt, the secretary of state, did not share the stage.

On one issue that's been prominent at the state capital lately, both McCaskill and Blunt said they oppose gay marriage. Blunt said he'd vote for the amendment, which the Missouri Supreme Court said last week belongs on the August ballot. But McCaskill said state law recognizing marriage as only between a man and a woman is sufficient.

McCaskill called for more accountability in government, reduced administrative costs in schools and more money to improve roads, which in turn should help the state's economy and job growth, she said.

Blunt focused on creating a more cooperative environment at the state Capitol -- where the Republican-led legislature and Holden have clashed on topics from budgets to limiting lawsuits.

"We need a governor who wants to lead, work with legislators on both sides and find common ground," he said.

Blunt also said he'd work to improve access to health care and the business climate through limiting lawsuit awards and changing rules about where cases can be tried, among other things.