Stephene Moore (D) is running for Congress in Kansas' 3rd District.
Stephene Moore faces a primary and a general election race. Stephene Moore is a registered nurse who has spent her life advocating for the health of women and children. She specializes in high risk obstetrics and has assisted in the birthing, education and delivery of over a thousand Kansas children. In recent years, Moore has been volunteering as a nurse in third world nations- bringing basic health care and information to those most in need. Moore is running to fill the seat of her retiring husband, Dennis Moore. Stephene Moore has been chosen to be part of the Democratic Party’s “Red to Blue Campaign.” Moore’s position in this program is unique because not only is she running to fill a seat formerly held by a democrat but hers is the only open seat race that the party is taking a solid interest in. Moore’s opposition in the August 3rd primary is Tom Scherer. Not only did Scherer recently switch from being a Republican to being a Democrat, but he is not currently registered to vote in Kansas. Instead, he is registered to vote in Lee County Florida where he likes to spend his winters. According to the AP, Moore should easily defeat Scherer in the primary. The Republican primary, on the other hand, will be a race between nine candidates; Dan Gilyeat, Dave King, Garry Klotz, Patricia Lightner, Jerry Malone, Craig McPherson, John Rysavy, Jean Ann Uvodich, and Kevin Yoder. Kevin Yoder is widely believed to be the dominant candidate yet Patricia Lightner seems to be catching up. Background: Soon after Stephene Moore graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in Kansas’s 3rd district, she started a family and realized her passion for childcare and family advocacy. Her dedication to these matters led her to Topeka to testify in front of the State Legislature on the importance of proper infant nutrition. While still raising a young family, Stephene decided to go back to school. She eventually earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Kansas and became a Registered Nurse specializing in high risk obstetrics. Stephene is a certified childbirth educator and labor and delivery nurse. Stephene’s passion for healthcare has led her to be an advocate for increased wellness education. Stephene has proudly dedicated her life to the health and wellness of women and families and continues to be actively involved in several community organizations including the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault advisory board, Temporary Lodging for Children, Mother and Child Health Coalitition and Safe Home. Moore’s knowledge, experience and leadership in the fields of healthcare and family advocacy will surely serve to make her a strong leader in congress. Position on Key Issues: Stephene Moore is Pro Health Care reform, Pro Choice, and Pro Family. She believes that national health care reform was necessary due to a broken down insurance system and that ignoring the issue was not a viable option. With more than 25 years of professional healthcare experience, she recognizes the importance of fighting for and defending a Woman’s right to choose as well as educating the public on important issues, such as family planning and nutrition, to prevent some of the serious health issues that face our society. The Competition: The most likely champion in the Republican Primary is state Rep. Kevin Yoder. Yoder is anti abortion and has received an 80% approval rating from the Kansas Right to Life Group. However, he is often viewed as moderate by Kansas conservative groups. They have thrown their weight behind Patricia Lightner, who seems to be gaining on Yoder in the polls. Lightner has received the Kansas Right to Life endorsement with a 100% approval rating and is staunchly anti LGBT rights and anti healthcare reform. Both of these candidates have served in the Kansas state legislature and have proven, through their voting records, that if Elected to congress they will be detrimental to women’s rights. Prospects:The 3rd district of Kansas has consistently held a “swing” electorate. George W. Bush won here in both the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections. However, in 2008 Obama received the majority vote. Many of the voters in this district are more moderate and largely backed the democrats in 2006 and 2008. Because of the large amount of independent voters, this will likely prove to be a highly competitive Congressional race. Stephene Moore entered late into the race. While her fundraising efforts are proving to be largely successful, Kevin Yoder has time and money on his side. Moore will need as much help and support as she can get to successfully defeat her Republican opponent in the general election race. Endorsements: Feminist Majority PAC, Blue Dog Coalition |
