U.S. Representative

By Brian Eason

Three candidates appear on the ballot for the 9th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, a position incumbent Republican Kenny Hulshof will leave after making a bid for Missouri governor.

The candidates are Republican Blaine Luetkemeyer, a former 115th District state representative from St. Elizabeth; Democrat Judy Baker, the incumbent 25th District state representative for Columbia; and Libertarian Tamara Millay, former St. Louis County Chair of her party.

U.S. representatives introduce and debate legislation, serve on a number of House committees and represent constituents within their district. They serve two-year terms, less than half the number of years a senator serves. Representatives manage staffs of up to 22 members. There are 435 members of the House of Representatives. The 9th District in the 2000 U.S. Census was home to more than 600,000 people.