Politics

Missouri has the lowest cigarette tax of any state in the country – and some of the highest smoking and lung cancer rates. A measure on tomorrow’s ballot – Proposition B – is aiming to change that.

While previous efforts to raise Missouri’s cigarette tax have failed, proponents of this increase are more optimistic.

Four years ago, Missouri Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon was elected by 19 points: a landslide. But this time around, it may not be so easy for him. Some polls show St. Louis businessman and Republican gubernatorial candidate Dave Spence within striking distance of the Governor. The race has been personal at times, but it’s primarily been about one overarching issue: jobs.

Dave Spence owns a couple of plastics businesses. One of those businesses is Alpha Packaging.

Libertarian Vice-Presidential Candidate Jim Gray rolled up to a Soulard bar and grill in a white minivan with a few hundred signatures from supporters on its exterior.

Before talking with a dozen or so supporters, he said if you want to fix the system, how about just getting rid of most of it.

“And by the way, we’re Libertarians, and we do believe in government, but government is the last resort, not the first resort,” Gray said.