The Rocky Mountain Collegian

Issue date: 2/22/08 Section: News

Webber

His résumé is impressive: Saint Louis University alumnus, Iraq war veteran and aide to Senator Claire McCaskill. Stephen Webber is now hoping to add Missouri State Representative to his credentials.

On Tuesday, Feb. 19, Webber announced his candidacy for the 23rd District seat. He will be vying to replace state Rep. Jeff Harris (D.), who is running for Missouri's attorney general.
"It's something I've been looking at doing for a long time," Webber said.

The 23rd district covers a large portion of Columbia, Mo., where Webber, 24, grew up. A Democrat, Webber's opposition in the primary thus far is Cande Iveson. Individuals may still enter the race because filing does not close until March 26. Though Webber has declared his candidacy, he will not officially file until March 4. The primary is Aug. 5; the general election will be held November 4.

Education is one of Webber's principle issues. Because of his district's location, the University of Missouri is a paramount concern.

As a state representative, Webber would "increase educational opportunities at the secondary level for Missouri students," he said. "Keeping the University of Missouri sound is a huge deal."
Both of Webber's parents are employed by the university.

Webber graduated from Hickman High School in Columbia in 2001. He then enrolled at SLU.

"There are a handful of professors I still stay in touch with; that has been really valuable, the friends I've made among the faculty," Webber said.

While at SLU, Webber was, among other things, a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, involved with Campus Ministry, the Great Issues Committee and social justice projects.

"There's a great sense of social justice … that SLU instills in students. I think that was already there for me, but SLU further [developed it]," Webber said.

Senior and former SigEp President Tim Sievers said, "Webber is an outstanding gentleman who fought for our country. He is truly a great brother and a good friend."

A reservist in the Marine Corps, Webber's studies were interrupted when he was called up for duty in Iraq.

After completing his first tour, Webber returned to SLU to complete a degree in Economics. He graduated in Spring 2006. After graduation, Webber volunteered for a second tour of Iraq, serving a total of 15 months there.

Since August 2007, Webber has worked as an aide to McCaskill in Washington.

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