| Lt. Governor Kehoe, who is now serving his 13th year in elected office, announced his candidacy more than 2 years ago and is running as the establishment candidate, with the backing of nearly all the lobbyists and special interest groups in Jefferson City. Kehoe has consistently supported increases in the gas and sales tax, twice voted in favor of 2013 legislation allowing China to buy Missouri farmland, and has voted multiple times in favor of corporate welfare. Sen. Bill Eigel has formed an exploratory committee but not formally announced. Some speculate he may opt for a different office as he’s running as a conservative but without much oxygen given Ashcroft’s conservative credentials. Internal polling on Kehoe’s record show significant weaknesses in a GOP primary. His position on the gas tax increase is opposed by 68%, his support from Jefferson City special interests is opposed by 66%, and his support for China owning Missouri agricultural land is opposed by a whopping 83% of Republican voters. Depending on Sen. Eigel’s decision, this could be a two-person race between a traditional conservative who has led on issues that other Republicans have been too timid to lead on, and an establishment Republican who represents everything that frustrates our conservative base. The contours of this race favor Jay Ashcroft and his campaign is built on making Missouri the kind of state the nation looks to as an example of conservative leadership. Even though Republicans hold every statewide office, supermajorities in the House and Senate, they are not delivering on conservative reform. During the campaign, Secretary Ashcroft will roll out his Red Print for a Stronger Missouri, highlighting pro-growth policies to improve the lives of Missourians. |
