Forty-one years and party politics create a wide distance between the candidates for the 30th District Missouri House of Representatives.

But it is the younger candidate, Republican Jason Brown, of Platte City, who holds more experience, notoriety and fundraising. His opponent, Democrat Mary Anne Baier, of Kansas City, was a last-minute filer who hopes to knock off the incumbent and focus on common issues for the Platte County district.

“I do not feel that the Democrats have been represented for the last six years because of the partisanship of the House,” said Ms. Baier, 79. “I would be bipartisan and represent all of the people of the district.”

Mr. Brown, 38, was first elected to the office in 2002 and was re-elected in 2004 and 2006. He is one of the co-chairs for John McCain’s Missouri presidential campaign, and he’s chairman of Veterans for McCain.

“I have been very privileged to serve the constituents of Platte County, and I want to continue to do that by keeping taxes low, keeping government out of our lives and continuing to fund education,” Mr. Brown said.

Mr. Brown is the former public works director and planning and zoning director for the city of Platte City. Since 2001, he and his wife have owned Brown Dog Fence and Construction, in Platte City.

In the last legislative session, he was vice chair of the local government committee and said he hopes and expects to be appointed as chairman of the committee in 2009. He identified key issues as being the state budget, keeping property taxes low and “keeping a constant watchful eye on” the Missouri Department of Transportation.

“I have served faithfully and honestly, and I will continue to do so,” Mr. Brown said. “I believe I am much more representative of the district than (Ms. Baier) is.”

Ms. Baier is a 35-year Platte County resident who retired in 1990 from TWA’s commercial credit department. She filed for office when another candidate dropped out, and she makes the case for that as a strength.

“Because I have no aspirations to run for higher office, I have no agenda other than to serve the people of the district,” Ms. Baier said. “I have always been a person who tries to help other people.”

Mr. Brown was wounded two years ago in Iraq while on his second tour of duty with the U.S. Army Reserves. Mr. Brown said he doesn’t expect having to take any more time off as a legislator to serve overseas.

“There is nothing that I see that sends me back to Iraq at this point,” he said. “... But obviously if my country would call, I have answered it twice before.”

As of Sept. 4, campaign fundraising reports were as follows: Mr. Brown raised $23,950, with $24,008 cash on hand; and Ms. Baier had raised $5,420 with $3,830 cash on hand.

Joe Blumberg can be reached

at joeblumberg@npgco.com.