Statehouse candidates speak

Phil Brinson, Nathan Cooper and Eugene "Pete" Frazier III all put forth their arguments as to why they should be the next state representative Tuesday night.

The three Republicans campaigning for the 158th District seat had many of the same opinions with some slight differences.

Frazier, a schoolteacher, concentrated on his family's strong Cape Girardeau heritage and that he wants to make sure future generations have the same opportunities he had.

Cooper, a lawyer, pounded home the word "conservative," noting he's been an active Republican for 12 years.

And Brinson cited his experience as a businessman and emphasized trying to create a better business climate for Missouri. He said too many of the decisions are made based on partisan politics instead of what's right for the state.

All three said they would not be in favor of a statewide tax increase to raise teachers' salaries.

All three talked about how changes are needed in the state's Medicare system.

--Southeast Missourian