Luetkemeyer wins seat in Congress

His win runs contrary to national trends with congressional seats.

By Greg Young

Published Nov. 5, 2008

Former Republican state Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer eked out a close win against Democratic state Rep. Judy Baker in the 9th U.S. Congressional District, keeping the seat in Republican hands and preserving the state GOP's 5-4 lead among members in Congress.

With all precincts reporting, Luetkemeyer defeated Baker, 50 percent to 47.5 percent.

Luetkemeyer mentioned that he will focus on "pocketbook issues" and the "value of the dollar" while he is in Congress.

"In order to win an election, you have to win trust of people," he said. "It's humbling to know that the majority of the district trust and support you."

Luetkemeyer's win runs contrary to national trends, in which Democrats picked up about a dozen races in the House and a handful more in the Senate. Four Senate races were too close to call early Wednesday morning.

With the election now over, Luetkemeyer also stressed the importance of working with Democrats in Congress.

"Right now our country is torn and there is a chasm between the right and the left," Luetkemeyer said. "It's something that we're going to have to find a way to breach. If we continue to tear each other apart, we're never going to be able move forward."

The people in the crowd at Luetkemeyer's watch party at Stoney Creek Inn said they believe Luetkemeyer will best represent their values.

"This makes me very confident that there is someone there representing my values," said Krista Hardecke of Owensville. "He'll be a good voice for conservatives and be able to work with other people."

MU College Republicans Chairman Jonathan Ratliff thought Luetkemeyer was one of the best candidates of the cycle.

"I think he's one of the best candidates on the ticket this year," he said. "He's really just a great Missourian and great American. He's going to continue the work that (U.S. Rep. Kenny) Hulshof has done and do amazing things and set Pelosi straight a few times."

Hulshof gave up the seat to run for governor against eventual winner Jay Nixon.

Luetkemeyer lost in Boone County 58 percent to 39 percent, though he racked up large enough margins in the rest of the northeast Missouri district to offset that deficit.

Meanwhile, Baker conceded at about 12:15 a.m., expressing a desire to continue in politics. She was joined by most of her immediate family, including her mother, father and husband.

"We know Missouri's Fighting 9th lived up to its name and together, I promise you, we will live to fight again," Baker said.

In Baker's final speech as a congressional candidate, she focused on one of the key issues in her campaign - health care.

"You know, health care isn't a buzzword for me," Baker said. "It has been a career and it is a calling and I will not rest until every Missourian has health care covered."