Law student runs for seat in Mo. General Assembly
Published Jan. 30, 2004
MU law student Lara Underwood, who expects to graduate in May, has announced plans to run for the seat currently occupied by Rep. Vicky Riback Wilson, D-Columbia, in the Missouri General Assembly.
"I've always had an interest in the political process," Underwood said. "Politically and personally, I feel this is a good time for me to run."
Underwood has interned in the House and worked on Wilson's re-election campaign.
"After working in politics, I fell in love with it," she said.
Underwood said she has always been politically active, in part because of her parents' influence. Underwood has considered running for about five years, and she said members of her family have influenced and inspired her budding political career.
"My mother was never afraid to speak out about her concerns," she said.
Underwood said she would like to focus her efforts on domestic violence and child abuse.
"Legally, I've done a great deal of work with domestic violence and child abuse," she said. "I would like to see as a legislator what I can do to prevent it."
Underwood also said she has a desire to increase education funding. She said she supports Gov. Bob Holden's tax plans to boost education funds. The plan includes an increased tax for cigarettes.
As an MU student, Underwood said she has a good grasp on issues facing the students, such as tuition raises.
"Almost every member of my family has attended MU," she said. "I consider it a family university, so I obviously care about issues facing the university."
Judy Baker, D. Duane Dimmitt and Rick Raven are also seeking the Democratic nomination.