VOTERS GUIDE: Steven Wilson

Steven Wilson admits he’s never been too interested in politics and was surprised by his own decision to run for Congress.

“Normally I’d never get this involved in anyone’s life,” he said. “But this is more about America than me.”

Wilson, who has identified as a Libertarian since 1996, said he is fed up with government spiraling out of control.

“Being a Libertarian is about keeping power local,” he said.

Wilson doesn’t have much of a platform for his candidacy or even a top issue. Rather, he proposes a Constitutional amendment in response to his belief that the Constitution is a living document in dire need of revisions.

“I’m really just trying to update the Constitution, to make sure everyone has a fair beginning,” he said.

Wilson also supports abolishing the Federal Reserve and ending U.S. involvement in trade and wars abroad until lawmakers can balance the budget.

“You can’t be keeping an eye on your neighbor if your own house is on fire,” he said.

Wilson was born in Woodstock, Ill., and moved to Missouri in 2006 to care for his father, who died in 2007.

Wilson’s background in psychology led him to perform social experiments in several regions of the United States.

In late 2008 and early 2009, Wilson conducted an observational study of issues in Missouri, traveling to different cities to gauge residents’ reactions to a series of questions and theories. He said his personal insight into Missourian’s real-world concerns validates his candidacy.

Wilson hopes his ideas of smaller government and personal freedoms would influence others to support him.

“I want to get people active in liberty groups and inspire people to get involved,” he said.