By Maria Hickey
SAINT LOUIS, MO – A special election is taking place in St. Charles County Tuesday for the state senate seat in the 23rd District.
Republican Senator Chuck Gross resigned in May to take a position as St. Charles County's Director of Administration.
Representative Tom Dempsey, a Republican, and Democrat Ed Applebaum are vying for the seat.
Applebaum ran for a state house seat last year but lost. The St. Peters resident says health care coverage should be a national priority. "Here in Missouri we have the same problem," said Applebaum. "There are too many people without health or even affordable health care, and I think that's key in our community," Applebaum said.
Applebaum says he also wants to see higher education become more affordable.
Representative Tom Dempsey did not return several calls for KWMU seeking comment.