Cole County candidate forum draws crowd criticism, two Republicans absent

Candidates for four Mid-Missouri races were invited to a forum hosted by several local groups at Lincoln University Thursday.

First, the candidates for the 6th district Senate seat, recently vacated by now-Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, and the 60th District House of Representatives office addressed a series of questions.

For the Senate race, Libertarian candidate Steven Wilson and Democrat Nichole Thompson were present. Republican Mike Bernskoetter, the current representative for the 59th district, was invited, but was not there.

Democratic House candidate Sara Michael was alone at the table as her Republican competitor Dave Griffith was not present.

The candidates for Cole County Prosecuting Attorney and Division 3 Associate Judge took the stage second.

Republican Locke Thompson and Democrat Deirdre “D.K.” Hirner are competing for the prosecuting office, while Republican Cotton Walker and Democrat Haylin Carver are vying for the judge’s spot.

The event was sponsored by Citizens Accountability Partners (CAPs), Jefferson City Faith Voices, Capital Area National Organization of Women and Empower Missouri.