Candidate questionnaire: Judy Baker

NAME: Judy Baker

AGE: 52

PLACE OF BIRTH: Columbia, MO

SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

Married to Rev. John Baker (27 years); children -- Sarah, Lauren, David

EDUCATION:

Masters in Health Care Administration

Masters in Divinity

OCCUPATION:

Former Health Care Administrator

EMPLOYER:

Currently, none -- to run for Lt. Gov, I had to leave my position as Regional Director with the Department of Health & Human Services last year

BUSINESSES OWNED, ALL OR PART: Signal Innovations, LLC

PUBLIC OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT; GIVE DATES:

Former State Representative ('05-'09)

Democratic Candidate for Congress ('08)

WEBSITE: www.judybakerformissouri.com

WHAT CAN THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR DO TO ATTRACT MORE JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO MISSOURI?

I'll work to increase tourism by trumpeting the amazing geographic diversity of our state, countless family-friendly activities and destinations, and will be a strong advocate for the growing agritourism industry. I will also promote our state as a premiere destination for health care tourism -- a growing number of folks from around the country come to Missouri for medical care, and I'll use my health care background to increase those numbers.

THE CURRENT LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR HAS MADE CLEAR HIS PERSONAL OPPOSITION TO HEALTH CARE REFORM. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE LAW?

The Affordable Health Care Act (ACA) isn't perfect, but we need to fix what needs fixing and move on with helping all Missourians gain access to affordable health care. People don't stop getting sick or injured just because of political gamesmanship. When uninsured folks show up at emergency rooms, we ALL end up footing the bill -- it's time to stop playing games and get smart about implementing the many benefits available through ACA.

HOW CAN THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BEST SERVE THE STATE OF MISSOURI?

The LG should be a strong voice for our seniors and veterans. The LG has the power to shine a light on challenges facing these groups, and use her/his position to advocate for innovative solutions to help our seniors and veterans get the support and services they need and deserve. The LG also serves as a strong advocate for fantastic tourism opportunities in our state, bringing visitors, creating jobs, and much-needed revenue.

CLOSING REMARKS:

As Lt. Governor, I will strive to be a leader in the State Senate who prioritizes getting things done for folks throughout our state. Missourians are sick of politicians choosing politics over people -- I'll challenge my colleagues to help me focus the Senate's activities on the good of those we serve.