GLENDALE, Mo. – Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale, released the first general election ad in the state treasurer’s race, telling the story of his son, Stephen.
The ad, titled “Inspiration,” tells how Schmitt’s son Stephen was born with tuberous sclerosis, which causes epilepsy. Stephen is on the autism spectrum.
“My son, Stephen, was my inspiration to make a difference, to fight for a better world. He was born with a rare genetic condition, tuberous sclerosis, which causes epilepsy and he is on the autism spectrum. Stephen has seizures nearly every day and to this day he is almost completely nonverbal. I get my passion and resolve to better the lives of all Missourians, especially the most vulnerable, from him,” Schmitt said. “All families face challenges, but it is how we respond to those challenges that say a lot about who we are. With the strong support of the special-needs community, I am proud of the work we accomplished in the state senate to help all Missourians living with disabilities, and I want to continue to be an advocate in the treasurer’s office for this community and all Missourians.”
In the ad, Schmitt cites Stephen as the inspiration to take up causes like expanding access to autism treatments when he joined the Senate. Gov. Jay Nixon touted some of that success last month.
Schmitt also introduced legislation, signed into law, establishing MO ABLE accounts to help families create saving plans for Missourians living with disabilities.
Schmitt didn’t face a primary challenge and Missouri Times polling showed Schmitt with a sizeable lead in the race over former state Rep. Judy Baker, D-Columbia.
