Politics

Democratic candidate Mary Still said higher education could benefit from a higher cigarette tax, while Republican incumbent Kurt Schaefer said financial incentives have brought jobs to Columbia.

Thursday night's debate will be held in a high school auditorium in Clayton.

This election season is important in terms of economics, civil liberties and the environment, according to Missourian reader and commenter Derrick Fogle.

Contributors include UM System President Tim Wolfe, with a $1,000 donation; and chancellors from three of the system's four campuses.

The Missourian sent photojournalists to capture images of the campaigns as part of our The Trail photo series, which will show you scenes from different campaign events throughout mid-Missouri. 

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder used personal funds to reimburse the state more than $54,000 for lodging following reports by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he spent hundreds of nights at St. Louis hotels.

MU students would ask the presidential candidates questions on a variety of topics, such as financial aid, education and a compensation plan for veterans.  

If you're interested in interactive ways to participate in the debate, this guide is made with you in mind. Here are some outlets that are hosting live chats, conversations and commentary.

To assist in armchair fact-checking for tonight's debate at 8 p.m. CST, here's a guide to 10 of the leading misleading statements of the campaign.

Compare how much money candidates have raised and spent with the interactive graphic below. Contributions include money from committees, businesses and individuals, as well as in-kind donations.

The second of three presidential debates showed more aggressive candidates Tuesday night. President Barack Obama responded with feistier jabs than his previous debate performance in Denver two weeks ago, while Republican candidate Mitt Romney pushed back during the debate with discussions of lacking job growth and economic downturn.

Mitt Romney and Barack Obama took questions from voters in the second of three presidential debates Tuesday night at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y.

Use the graphic to compare the campaign finance reports for the Missouri Senate's 19th District seat candidates.

An interactive database produced by the Missourian shows what committees, businesses and people are contributing money to local candidates running for state legislative seats and Boone County offices.

Teresa Hensley is challenging incumbent Republican Vicky Hartzler, who unseated Democrat Ike Skelton following a 33-year run. She believes that partisan divisions are to blame for Congress' current impasse.

The Republican Vicky Hartzler faces Democrat challenger Teresa Hensley for the newly redrawn 4th Congressional District. Hartzler explained that if she is re-elected, her "undo list" will focus on areas that need strengthening.

Democrats had large financial advantages in every statewide race except for lieutenant governor.

Thomas Holbrook is one of four candidates seeking Missouri's 4th District seat. 

Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin's campaign said the family of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar will be appearing at several of his campaign events this week.

Use this graphic to compare the campaign finance reports of the candidates for Boone County Southern District Commissioner.