When I first ran for State Representative back in 1992, my aspiration was to represent my hometown of Tarkio. I was a 27-year-old farmer who just wanted to stand up for a way of life and his community. I never could have imagined where that decision would take me.For eight years in the Missouri House and Senate, I fought for Northwest Missourians. From deregulating vehicle inspections to standing for chain gangs to securing funding for rural schools in the desegregation fight, I never lost sight of why I was sent to Jefferson City. Then, in 2000, the good, hardworking people of Missouri’s Sixth District entrusted me to be their voice in Congress.For 26 years, I have had the privilege of serving, culminating in becoming the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and passing some of the most significant legislation in our nation’s history. The responsibility entrusted to me is not something I have ever taken for granted. Not for a single da...