Nixon touts health care, education

With less than two months until election day, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jay Nixon made a stop here Saturday to tout his plans for health care and education.

Nixon, Missouri’s attorney general, faces Republican congressman Kenny Hulshof in the Nov. 4 general election.

Nixon shook hands with nearly every one of the more than 50 people gathered for a grassroots fundraiser at the Best Western Saturday afternoon.

“Investing in the future and investing in people is what I’m all about,” Nixon said.

Nixon campaigned Saturday in three other cities, Warrensburg, Marshall and Independence.

Nixon expressed his concern for the quality of health for Missouri children.

“Every kid in the state of Missouri deserves health care,” Nixon said.

Nixon is also promoting college education for all middle-class student — one that will not leave them in debt.

Nixon said that he would like to adapt the A+ school program for all students who meet the requirements, not just those attending an A+ certified school.

The program provides students with state-paid scholarships for two years if they attend a public community college or technical college in Missouri. The students must meet certain requirements such as a 2.5 grade point average.

Nixon said he would like to see the financial help continue after the first two years of college.

“We need to grab this state and get it going in the right direction again,” Nixon said.

Marguerite Ellis, 67, of Sedalia, said she heard Nixon speak earlier in his campaign, and his ideas have not changed.

“I think he did a very good job,” Ellis said. “ He said it sincerely, and I think he meant every word of it.”

Dave Kelley, 72, of Sedalia, said Nixon’s brief speech was, “fantastic.”

“I feel like he is right on track,” Kelley said.

During his hour-long stop, Nixon encouraged people to make contributions to benefit not only his campaign but the people of Missouri.

“We need people that are united to change things,” Nixon said.