The race for Missouri’s Republican gubernatorial nomination features two candidates who tout their conservative beliefs and values. But one of those candidates – Sarah Steelman – is questioning opponent Kenny Hulshof over what she believes is his embrace of Washington, D.C. values over Missouri values.

During a Missouri Press Association candidates’ forum, Steelman bought up a number of Hulshof’s votes in Congress, suggesting he felt compelled to go along with things he should not have supported. Hulshof says he has proven he is willing to take a stand, and did so as a member of the U.S. House Ethics Committee when he went after then-House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

Hulshof defends his congressional votes, saying Capitol Hill votes are rarely up or down votes on one issue, and a lawmaker must decide whether to say yes or no to an entire package of components.

Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)