Senate candidates weigh in on ballot initiatives

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. � Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill said she supports measures on Missouri�s November ballot to increase the state�s minimum wage and hike the gas tax.

McCaskill recently told reporters she also supports medical marijuana. She said she �couldn�t be more enthusiastic� about another proposal that would change redistricting and limit lobbyist gifts to state lawmakers, among other things.

McCaskill is running for a third term this fall.

Her Republican challenger, Josh Hawley, said he needs to read through all of the proposals and is still making up his mind. He said he�s inclined to support medical marijuana, but he said he wants to make sure there are enough protections to limit it to medical uses.

The election is Nov. 6.