Two candidates will face off in the August primary for the Republican nomination for the Missouri House 35th District.

T.J. Berry, 44, of Kearney is challenging Noel Shull, 68, of Kansas City, North, for the seat now held by Doug Ervin, a Republican from Kearney. Ervin cannot seek re-election because of term limits.

The winner will face Democrat Jim Baldwin of Holt, Mo., in November.

In a survey the two Republican candidates answered for The Star, they presented similar views on many issues, but differed on some.

Berry supports increasing tobacco taxes, but only as a last resort. He opposes a statewide smoking ban, a cap on tax credits and consideration of revenue-generating measures to avoid new budget cuts.

“I have extensive knowledge of business cash flow and some of those same cash flow principals need to be brought to state government,” Berry said. “Also, being an entrepreneur, I sometimes look at things a little bit differently than other people. We need efficiencies. Creating those efficiencies is going to take looking at it at different angles.”

Meanwhile, Shull is opposed to increasing tobacco taxes, saying he sees no purpose in it except to increase taxes. He supports a statewide public smoking ban, a cap on tax credits and a consideration of revenue-generating measures to avoid new budget cuts.

“What we are facing right now is financial difficulties,” Shull said. He believes his background in finance is a reason voters should select him. His financial background as well as life experience are what differentiates him from his opponent, he said.

The 35th District serves the northern part of Clay County and encompasses Kearney. Representatives serve a two-year term. Under term limits, they can serve a total of eight years.