An already contentious race heated up again Friday between two candidates running to fill the 152nd state representative seat that includes the majority of Butler County and a portion of Dunklin County.
A new ad described Republican Hardy Billington as the only pro-life candidate, prompting a denial from his Democratic opponent Robert L. Smith.
The two Poplar Bluff men also faced off in August over Billington's conservative views regarding same-sex relationships. When past statements by Billington that a "homosexual lifestyle" is more dangerous than smoking resurfaced, it resulted in news articles and editorials across the nation.
Voters will decide Tuesday on who will replace former Speaker of the House Todd Richardson. Richardson left the legislature Friday to take over as the head of Missouri's Medicaid program.
The winning candidate will be sworn in Jan. 9 and will serve a two-year term.
Billington, 66, said in an interview last week he is the only candidate endorsed by Missouri For Life and he wants to help protect the unborn.
A mailer delivered to homes Friday said Billington opposes any tax dollars going to abortion groups. It was paid for by Friends for Hardy Billington.
Smith challenged the flyer's description of Billington as the only pro-life candidate.
"I guarantee I would vote for anything that helps pro-life. That's what my district wants and what I believe in," said Smith, adding he participated Oct. 7 in the Annual Life Chain at the Butler County Courthouse.
Billington could not be reached by phone Saturday for a response to the most recent debate. He said in an interview last week supporters of Smith have made false claims against him regarding the performance of Poplar Bluff School District during his time on the Board of Education.
Interviews were conducted last week with both candidates, in which they were asked the same series of questions regarding their strengths as a candidate and views on a variety of topics.
"I have been a janitor, I have been a dishwasher, I have been a small businessman. I am a veteran and people need a voice. All the people out here in our community need a voice and I want to be that voice for them," said Billington, a retired heating and cooling business owner, who now owns and manages rental property.
His priorities would include job creation, something he believes could be supported with tax incentives. In the long term, Billington said, lower taxes, fewer regulations and a fairer litigation environment would make Missouri a more attractive place for businesses.
"The biggest thing I want to do is listen to the people in my community," he said.
Smith said he chose to run because he questioned Billington's experience and qualifications to be a state representative.
"I've worked for 30 years to improve this community and I think I've made a difference," said Smith, 68.
Smith's priorities would include expanding Medicaid for the working poor and creating a fairer system of funding for education.
Too many people who are working cannot afford appropriate medical care, Smith said. Other states have managed to expand without an increased net cost to the state, he continued.
Education is the leveling field of all classes, Smith believes.
"That's taking care of your neighbor, making sure even the poor ones have opportunity. That's what America is all about. It's about providing opportunity for all people," he said. "You're not going to solve gangs and drug issues without providing education and opportunity."
Smith cited his work with the Boys and Girls Club of Poplar Bluff, truancy and veterans court programs, efforts to revitalize downtown Poplar Bluff, the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, a new non-profit effort to create a homeless shelter for families and others, and other charitable efforts.
An attorney, Smith received the 2018 Phillip S. Hoffman Award for legal services. He is also a Marine Corps veteran, former assistant prosecutor, former circuit court judge and former city attorney.
Billington has long been involved with the Republican party, serving on platform committees at the state and national level. He has been recognized by the Butler County Republican Central Committee with the Kenneth M. Link Service Award.
Billington is a past Poplar Bluff school board president. He received a master board member award from the Missouri School Boards Association, which recognizes education and training as a board member.
"There are different people that are coming to me to ask for help. That's the reason we are doing what we're doing, to help the people in our community. I'm already doing that now and I think as state rep, I'll be able to do a lot more of that," said Billington.
He believes because of Republican control of the state legislature, he could do more for the community than a candidate from a different party.
Both men said faith is an integral part of their lives, influencing who they are and their decision making.
"You can never separate faith from the way we live," Billington said. "Faith is who we are. Every decision we make in life involves faith, but will I represent everyone who believes or doesn't believe? Yes.
"I am never going to dictate my beliefs on other people's beliefs."
Faith is the basis for everything he does, said Smith.
"I believe in the sanctity of life, not just when it's born, but early childhood development, medical, education, expanding day care for mothers who work ... just saying you love your neighbor but when he's hungry and destitute and you just go your way, what good is that," he said.