KC U.S. House Seat Features Political Versus Business Experience

Voters in seven of Missouri’s Congressional districts will have the chance to vote for … or against the incumbent. But two of the seats – one in Kansas City, the other in St. Louis – are open as the incumbents have decided to retire. In the 5th Congressional District in Kansas City, Democratic Congresswoman Karen McCarthy is stepping down after five terms. Former Kansas City Mayor Emanuel Cleaver is the Democrat trying to replace her. He says his experience counts. His Republican opponent is businesswoman Jeanne Patterson, who built a career with Cerner Corporation, a Kansas City-based health care technology information company. She counts on her business experience. Missouri’s other open seat is in St. Louis, where Congressman Richard Gephardt is calling it quits.