Gubernatorial candidate LePage visits

Democratic candidate for governor Jim LePage visited Cape Girardeau on Thursday as part of his campaign blitz leading up to the upcoming primary election. Although he acknowledges that he's an underdog in this four-candidate race, LePage emphasized that he presents important alternatives to the Democratic race favorites.

Unlike his opponents, LePage said he is a pro-life Democrat. He also said that he is in favor of a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.

He said what separates him from typical Republicans is that "their respect for life ends at birth." LePage explained that he supports fair tax cuts, not those just for the rich. He said that if the government gave the money back to the middle class, they'd spend it and help the economy grow.

It is also on the subject of economics that LePage said he stands above his competition. LePage has a doctorate in economics and is a certified public accountant. He also spent 14 years as Cole County auditor and is a previous director of the Missouri Department of Revenue. Through this resume, LePage said he can bring a scientific and professional approach to the governor's office and Missouri's economic problems. He said those problems include getting more money for an unbalanced budget, an ailing education system, floundering Medicaid and addressing the need for economic growth. He proposes to do the latter by promoting the state's capacity for growth in the fields of bio-medicine --stem-cell research -- and bio-materials -- soy ink, ethahol, etc.