Voting for shared values

By LARA GLAUBER

Like many college students, I'm finding it's a struggle to pay both tuition and rent.

I'm currently a senior at Southeast Missouri State University, and I work at a local call center.

A few days ago, I turned 22 and lost my health care coverage. Previously I was covered under my parent's insurance.

With the election coming up on Nov. 7, I want to vote for a Senator who will fight to raise minimum wage.

The first time I met Claire McCaskill was last year at an event sponsored by the Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life. The 10-year-old Sue Shear Institute was founded to assist women develop an interest and skills necessary to succeed in political offices.

At the event, I was impressed with McCaskill's passion for her job and family, as well as her willingness to share her experiences with the next generation of influential women. She described struggles that all public figures face, and spoke about how she was able to overcome diversity.

In 2004, McCaskill was defeated by Matt Blunt in the race for governor. She discussed this race at the event, and I was impressed with her humility and courage. She's taken every obstacle in stride. She has the determination to never give up.

McCaskill's values have stuck with me to this day.

With the elections taking place next week, McCaskill is in a tight race with Jim Talent for the U.S. Senate.

On Nov. 7, I will be casting my vote for Claire McCaskill -- and I could not be more proud.

McCaskill is a role model for me -- and women like me -- who want to grow up and change the world for the better. She has been a successful public servant for the past 20 years, and has forever changed the landscape of Missouri politics.

I support McCaskill's values -- work hard for an honest day's pay, affordable healthcare for all and quality education for every Missouri student.

As I work my way through school -- the same way McCaskill did -- I know she will be on my side in Washington. I believe she knows the meaning of a hard day's work. I believe she will fight to raise minimum wage so people like myself can afford to pay for school as well as rent. I also believe McCaskill will work tirelessly for affordable health care for all Missourians.

McCaskill knows the value of a college education and an educated workforce. She will fight to ensure that college is affordable to all who wish to obtain a degree.

McCaskill has fought long and hard for Missouri as our state auditor for the past seven years. I believe she will continue to fight for us in the Senate, and will be the senator on our side.

Lara Glauber is a student at Southeast Missouri State University. She is the president of the college Democrats club.