Economic recovery ranks high on the list of issues for Kansas 3rd District Congressional Democratic candidates Stephene Moore and Thomas Scherer.

Moore, who has lived in the district for more than 40 years and hopes to succeed her husband, Dennis, in office, said 3rd District constituents share the same concerns for issues on less government spending; quality, good-paying jobs; and maintaining high quality education for children.

“In Congress, I would provide a strong voice for the issues and concerns that the voters of the 3rd District want made a priority,” Moore wrote in an e-mail.

Platform issues

Scherer, who has lived in the district for 18 years, said his top concerns involved returning the federal government into compliance with the Constitution, the national economy and the recently passed universal health care bill.

To return to the Constitution’s foundation, Scherer said he would “not vote nor sponsor more legislation that is not found in the Constitution.”

To fix the national economy, Scherer proposes that the government stop focusing on other nations and infringing on their sovereignty, and stay focused domestically on infrastructure and building a clean energy grid.

Although Kansas is split into four congressional districts, Moore and Scherer both said they planned to work for all Kansans if elected.

“I firmly believe that when it comes to what is best for the 3rd District and for Kansas, it doesn’t matter if it is a Republican idea or a Democratic idea; if it’s a good idea for Kansans, I will support it,” Moore said.

Scherer said if elected he would not just represent Kansas, but the nation.

“After the election, a congressman serves not only his or her congressional district, but the state of Kansas, the nation and how what we do domestically plays out globally. The voters of the 3rd District get to pick whom they want to represent them individually clear to the international level.”

Ending partisanship is also a concern for both Moore and Scherer.

“One thing I hear repeatedly from voters is that they are tired of the partisan bickering in Washington. I vow to work across the aisle in a civil manner with the highest regard for my fellow congressional colleagues,” Moore said.

Scherer said he has the formula to end the cross-aisle bickering.

“I have written a solution to end partisanship called the ‘Sandbox Rules,'” Scherer said. “Each party would introduce legislation with the majority party getting the first piece of legislation passed without obstruction by the minority party. Then, the minority party gets its turn without obstruction by the majority party.”

Preparation for Congress

Moore said her work experience has prepared her to represent Kansas’ 3rd District.

“My work in community service has built relationships between myself and numerous members of the community for many years. The best way to know what the people of the 3rd District want and need is to know them personally.”

Scherer cited his education and consultant work for a diverse group of companies as his preparation to run for Congress.

“The process (problem identification and implementing a solution) is the same whether that be a small mom-and-pop store, some domestic megacorporation or the federal government,” he said.

Though Moore has watched her husband serve the district as its congressman, she said living in the district, raising a family here and working with local organizations have prepared her more for the position.

“Running for Congress has been both very rewarding and very challenging. I hope to continue the great things my husband has done … while taking my own views and individual stances on issues to Washington as the 3rd District’s next representative.”

Her work in the community and desire to help others contributed to her decision to run.

“I have long been interested in the issues facing our state and nation, as they will impact the futures of my children and grandchildren. I have been involved in numerous community organizations because my aspiration has always been to make our community a better place to live and work.”

Scherer didn’t always have aspirations for political office; he once wanted to be a professional baseball player.

“There are many reasons (for choosing to run in 2010). I have been running for United States Congress since 2005,” he said. “After having the horrible leadership of both (George W.) Bush and (Barack) Obama, I figure we need someone that has some common sense and a sense of fiscal responsibility.”

Moore and Scherer face off in the Democratic primary on Aug. 3.