Kit Bond would tell you the highest honor is to receive and safeguard the public trust, a job he’s been doing since he first got into politics. After receiving his law degree from Princeton University in 1960, graduating first in his class, he has made service to Missouri his life’s work.

In 1973, at age 33, Bond became the youngest-elected governor of Missouri. He was re-elected to a second term in 1980. One of his greatest accomplishments as governor was to take the Parents as Teachers program statewide. The program, which encourages parents to take a more active role in children’s learning, is based on research showing that family involvement is a critical link in a child's academic development.

Six years later, he won a seat in the U.S. Senate, the only Republican to capture a seat previously held by a Democrat. Missouri voters re-elected him in 1992 and in 1998.

While believes government and taxes should be no bigger than necessary, Bond is a staunch supporter of law enforcement and the U.S. military. He announced in July that the bulk of $344 million worth of key military programs would be spent in Missouri, providing high-paying jobs for Missourians. Another $4.4 million would go to Missouri law enforcement, with $1.5 million to combat the methamphetamine trade.

What’s more, he recommended a million-dollar University of Missouri project to implement a program focused on the development of South African plants with properties used for controlling the spread of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

"Making sure that Missouri gets its fair share of needed federal funds is the most important part of my job," he says.

The senator’s legislative priorities also include literacy programs, environmental issues and high quality health care for women and children. He pushes these programs as a member of several committees and subcommittees including Appropriations, Committee on Small Business, Committee on the Budget, Committee on Environment and Public Works, and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Bond serves as the ranking Republican on the Small Business Committee and also the Appropriations subcommittee.

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