Consultant joins Mo. House race

Sid Sullivan is not happy with the way Missouri state politics are shaping up in the legislature these days.

“I don’t like the way the current administration is going,” Sullivan said. “I think we need to get our priorities straight in this state.”

On Tuesday, Sullivan filed for the Democratic nomination for state representative in the 24th District.

This is the first time Sullivan has run for an elected position, but he said he thinks his political experiences qualify him to challenge Republican incumbent Ed Robb, who is currently serving his first term.

Sullivan earned a master’s in sociology from the New School for Social Research and an MBA in business from DePaul University in Chicago. As a graduate student, he interned for Sen. Jacob Javits, a former U.S. senator from New York.

In 1971, Sullivan moved to Chicago, where he participated in local and federal campaigns. He was a campaign manager for a Cook County Commissioner and an Illinois congressional nominee.

Deciding to retire from the political scene, Sullivan moved to Columbia three and a half years ago. He now works part time in sales and marketing as a consultant for hospital medical lab devices.

Developments at the local and federal level have inspired Sullivan to return to a political career.

He said his political views are aligned with the Democratic platform.

One of the major issues of his campaign is prioritizing the budget at the federal and state level. Sullivan said involvement with the war in Iraq and the federal deficit costs the state, diverting funds from the local community.

Addressing Medicaid cuts and the abortion debate are also issues Sullivan wishes to tackle as representative.

“I’d like to see some solution,” Sullivan said about abortion. “Instead of standing in picket lines and yelling at each other.”

Although Sullivan has only lived in Missouri since 2002, he said he hopes voters will recognize his leadership qualifications above his residential status.

Robb was elected for the 24th District in November 2004, following a 23-year Democratic hold on the seat.

“I expect a good, spirited race,” Robb said.

Robb cited several issues he thinks will be important in the upcoming election — responsible government, money for higher education, health care and tax reform.

Expanding science and technology opportunities for future generations is also an important aspect of Robb’s current and future agenda, he said.

Candidates have until March 28 to file for a position in the August primary and November general elections.