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VOTER GUIDE: Missouri state offices

Dwight Widaman

Missouri’s state wide race generally coincide with presidential election years. As part of our voter guide, here are the candidates for this year’s state wide executive offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Secretary of State and Attorney General. This information includes, when available, a photo, personal information, elected office history, associations and endorsement. At the bottom of the article is a guide to endorsing organizations.

For other resources for Missouri, including judges and amendments see the rest of our Missouri Election Guide.

Governor

MIKE PARSON

Republican

Parson is the current Gov. of Missouri.

Born in Missouri, and lives in Bolivar, MO. Attended both the University of Hawaii and University of Maryland. He served in the US military and sheriff of Polk County, Mo. He is also a farmer and member of the First Baptist Church of Bolivar.

Memberships and Associations:

His membership organizations include: Missouri Farm Bureau, NRA, optimist club, Cattlemen’s Association and Missouri Sheriffs Association.

Elected Office:

During May and June of the pandemic in Missouri, Governor Parson successfully ensured that Missouri’s healthcare system was not overwhelmed; implemented the “Show-Me Strong Recovery Plan” for Missouri on May 4; According to the Constitution Coalition, Parson supports: “’no new tax pledge’ for Missouri; supports requiring ride-sharing companies to have comprehensive insurance plans; is pro-life and pro Second Amendment; Parson is known for having signed the largest income tax cut in Missouri history. Opposes embryonic stem cell research. As a Missouri legislator, in 2011, he signed the “no new tax pledge” for Missouri; supports requiring ride-sharing companies to have comprehensive insurance plans; pro-life; pro Second Amendment; opposes Obamacare.

During his first year in office, the state economy increased by over 35,000 new jobs. Bunge, Bayer, Briggs & Stratton, CVS, Nucor Steel, Google and others are investing in Missouri and creating new opportunities for Missourians. The legislature passed, and Governor Parson signed, the largest income tax cut in Missouri history. signed legislation to safeguard our elections and protect Missouri voters during the pandemic; fully re-opened the state for business, part of the second phase of Missouri’s Recovery Plan; rapidly grew testing capacity, and implemented plan focusing on three main testing strategies – box-in outbreaks, sentinel testing and community sampling; distributed funds from the federal CARES Act to local governments, ensuring our local communities could continue providing critical services without delay; signed additional executive orders to assist with Missouri’s Covid-19 response; mobilized the Missouri National Guard to protect Missouri lives and property during civil unrest.

As a sponsor of Missouri’s Castle Doctrine, Parson says he is doing everything under the constitution that he can do to defend law abiding Missourians from liberal prosecutors. He “told Hannity… that ’without a doubt’, he will pardon Mark and Patricia McCloskey, hours after St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner filed felony charges against them. He said, “I will do everything within the Constitution of the State of Missouri to protect law-abiding citizens … They are law-abiding citizens, and they’re being attacked frankly by a political process that’s really unfortunate.”

Ratings/Endorsements:

Website:

www.mikeparson.com/

NICOLE GALLOWAY

Democrat

Current State Auditor

Born in Missouri, lives in Columbia; married with three children. Bachelor’s from Missouri University of Science and Technology (2004); MBA, Accounting, University of Missouri

Elected Office

Received controversial appointment as state auditor in 2015 by Democratic Governor Jay Nixon to fill the position of Republican Auditor Tom Schweich who died shortly after being elected in 2014. Current term as auditor ends January 2023. Galloway developed a debt issuance policy in 2012 that provided increased transparency. In 2011, Boone County became the first Missouri county to maintain an online search and claim system for unclaimed property. According to the Washington Free Beacon, “… [as county treasurer serving on the Missouri Technology Corporation and Missouri County Employees’ Retirement Fund] Galloway helped steer a $375,000 taxpayer-funded investment to a sexdriven online forum that markets itself to 13-year olds. …

Galloway recommended that the board approve $375,000 in public funding for the online forum GirlsAskGuys. … campaign spokesman, Eric Clusher, noted that she resigned from the MTC on April 23, 2015, one day before the board granted final approval for the website investment.”

Championed the Clean Missouri ballot initiative in 2018 which was funded, in part, by George Soros.

Associations and endorsements:

Ratings and Endorsements:

Website:

www.nicolegalloway.com

RIK COMBS

Libertarian

US Air Force veteran. Participated in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Desert Fox, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

CEO of Baron AG in Gainesville, Florida (2006-2009). Relocated to Jefferson City, Mo., in 2009. Member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Statements on website include: Believes that limited government works best and allows personal responsibility of Missouri’s citizens. Limited government, free enterprise and liberty for all. Let Freedom Ring! A traditional American, pro-life, pro-gun, and a huge believer in personal responsibility and accountability.

Associations:

VFW, American Legion, the Air Force Association, the United Sportsmen’s Club, Eagles, Rotary, United Way, Safety Net, Vitae Foundation, the Pregnancy Help Center, the NRA, Gun Owners of America, National Association for Gun Rights, Wreathes for Heroes, Americans for Tax Reform, Missouri Club for Growth, Campaign for Liberty, Toys for Tots, Young Americans for Liberty.

Ratings/Endorsements:

None found.

Website:

www.combsformissouri.org

JEROME HOWARD BAUER

Green

He is on the Central and Platform Committees of both the St. Louis Green Party (www.gateway-greens.org) and serves on the Missouri Green Party’s Platform Committee. Holds a PhD in Sanskrit Religious Literature from the University of Pennsylvania, an MA in Religious Studies for UCSB, and two degrees from the University of Chicago: an AB in Anthropology, and an AM in Social Science (Ideology and Utopia).

Served as President of the South Asia Graduate Student Association and the Graduate Student Associations Council. Taught at Washington University, Webster University, Saint Louis University, Fontbonne University, Columbia College, Lindenwood University, and Southwestern Illinois College. Ratings/Endorsements: None found.

Website:

www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail or facebook.com/Jerome-Bauer-Green-for-Missouri-Governor

Lieutenant Governor

MIKE KEHOE

Republican

Current Lieutenant Governor

Lives in mid-Missouri with his wife and four children. Champion cutting horse rider and successful cattle farmer on a 700-acre farm in Phelps and Pulaski Counties. Worked as an owner and operator of Ford and Lincoln Mercury franchises, manager at Osage Industries, and sales manager at Dave Sinclair Ford.

Elected Office:

Kehoe has been involved in the Central Missouri Community, serving as chairman of the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce, two-time United Way Fund Drive Chairman, and multiple other community organizations. Remains active in community business development and youth development activities including Boy Scouts. Served as chairman of the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce. Elected to the State Senate (2010) and later the Majority Floor leader working across party lines securing passage of balanced budgets that fully fund local public schools and laws protecting children and seniors from sexual predators. Works closely with veterans’ organizations and legislators. Member of the Tourism Commission.

Ratings/Endorsements:

Website:

www.mikekehoe. com

ALISSIA CANADY

Democrat

Grew up on Kansas City. Has a BS, Management/Finance from Park University (2000-2008). Certified, City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning, University of Missouri-Kansas City Field Of Study City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning (2008). Graduated from South Dakota School of Law (2008-2010) with a JD, Law. Assistant Prosecutor in Jackson County (2011-2015).

Elected Office:

Councilwoman for Kansas City’s 5th District in 2015

Associations:

Chair of the Neighborhoods and Public Safety Committee and the Health Commission. Chair of the Kansas City TIF Commission. Member, Association of Women Lawyers, Central Exchange, Communications Workers of America, Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus, Harvest Church International Outreach, International Association of Firefighters Local 42, Jackson County Bar Association, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, and board member of the Madam President Camp and InnovateHer.

Ratings/Endorsements:

Website:

www.canadyformissouri.com

BILL SLANTZ

Libertarian

Lived in St. Charles County since 1997, when he re-located his company to Missouri from New York City. Owner and founder of the W.G. Slantz Company, a radio and television consulting firm specializing in music performance rights. Chair, Missouri Libertarian Party. Believes in limited government and self-ownership. If elected, will propose legislation to abolish the office of Lieutenant Governor.

Ratings/Endorsements:

None found.

Website:

https://billslantz.com

KELLEY DRAGOO

Green

Bachelor’s, Psychology, University of Central Missouri, 2007- 2012; Aquatic Nuisance Species Technician; Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 2013; Member/Treasurer/ Co-Coordinator, Green Party of the United States, 2014-present. Activist for ten years. Organized many educational programs and advocacy events on campus from promoting sustainability with 350.org to informational panels on LGBTQ+ rights and history. Involved in the Kansas City, Heart of America Chapter of the Green Party. Represented the party in coordination with other activist groups like Extinction Rebellion (XR) and Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ).

Ratings/Endorsements:

None found.

Website:

www.missourigreenparty.org.

 

Secretary of State

JOHN R. (JAY) ASHCROFT

Republican

Ashcroft is the current Secretary of State.

Born in Jefferson City, MO. Resides with his wife and their four children in St. Louis County. Son of John Ashcroft, former U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and Governor of Missouri. Received a BS and MS in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri at Rolla and a JD from St. Louis University School of Law. Currently, he is an associate with The Ashcroft Law Firm LLC. Supports Voter ID and small business and entrepreneurs for economic growth in Missouri. As Secretary of State works to streamline procedures, cut red tape, reduce fees and improve training for first-time businesses. Has increased the effectiveness and efficiency of the Secretary of State’s Office by improving technology, streamlining procedures, and eliminating waste. Pledges fair ballot language, secure elections, and making voter identification a priority. In response to elections and the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashcroft “has taken extraordinary measures to make sure that our elections are secure, poll workers and voters are safe, and that every legal vote cast will be counted. … He drove over 5,000 miles delivering [PPE, sanitizers, educational posters] to local election authorities in every single county.” (Press Release, August 5, 2020.)3

Ratings/Endorsements:

Website:

www.ashcroftformissouri.com

YINKA FALETI

Democrat

Born in Lagos, Nigeria. Became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018. Has lived in New York, Florida and Texas Lives in St. Louis; married with four children. Attended and graduated from the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science. Accepted an appointment to and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Served in the active duty United States Army. Yinka attained the rank of captain after two deployments overseas to Kuwait as part of Operation Desert Spring prior to 9/11 and Operation Enduring Freedom in response to 9/11. Graduated from law school at Washington University and practiced as an attorney at the global law firm of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner and subsequently, as a state prosecutor. Senior vice president with United Way of Greater St. Louis, raising $300M during his tenure to help people in the Greater St. Louis region. Served as Executive Director of the successor nonprofit to the Ferguson Commission, Forward Through Ferguson.

Ratings/Endorsements:

Website:

www.yinkafaleti.com.

CARL HERMAN FREESE

Libertarian

Born in Columbia, MO, and lives in Foristell, MO.

Unsuccessfully ran for MO House of Representatives, District 63 in 2018.

Licensed Contract Senior Security Officer, Securitas Security Services USA, Inc., 1987-present. Grew up on family’s century farm.

Associations:

Board member of The Living History Company, 2009-present

Freese Farms Inc., 1990-present

Member, United Church of Christ

Ratings/Endorsements:

None found.

WEBSITE:

www.lpedia.org

PAUL LEHMANN

Green

No information available. See youtube.com.

PAUL VENABLE

Constitution

Born in Columbus, OH; lives in Parma, MO, with wife and five children. Member of LDS. Attended Ohio State University and University of Cincinnati. Candidate for Idaho State Lieutenant Governor (2010) and Idaho State House of Representatives (2008). Member of Executive Committee, Constitution Party of Utah (2004). Delegate to the Continental Congress of 2009.

Ratings/Endorsements:

None found.

Website:

www.ourcampaigns.com

 

State Treasurer

SCOTT FITZPATRICK

Republican

Incumbent

Born in  Springfield, MO. Graduated from the University of Missouri. Married with two children.

Elected Office:

Missouri House of Representatives from January (2013- 2019).

Currently serves as the Missouri State Treasurer, appointed by Governor Parson (2018) following the appointment of the previous state treasurer Eric Schmitt as state attorney general effective in January 2019.

Record as Chairman of the House Budget Committee reflects his commitment to fiscally conservative values as well as his support for small businesses and Missouri families.

Under Fitzpatrick, the State’s budget surplus nearly tripled to almost $500 million, while Missouri schools were fully funded for the first time in nearly a decade.

Started his own company, MariCorp US., a Shell Knob-based marine manufacturing and construction company that does business coast-to-coast.

Associations:

Member of the Cassville, Shell Knob and Monett Chambers of Commerce

Springfield Business Journal’s “40 under 40.”

Ratings/Endorsements:

American Conservative Union (87%)

Associated Industries of Missouri (90%)

Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry (84%)

Missouri Progressive Vote Coalition (0%); Missouri Right to Life (100%)

NARAL ProChoice (22%)

National Federation of Independent BusinessMissouri (100%)

National Rifle Association (93%)

Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri (0%)

Sierra Club Missouri Chapter (0%).

WEBSITE:

https://www.scottfitzpatrick.com or https://justfacts.votesmart.org.

VICKI LORENZ ENGLUND

Democrat

Born in St. Louis County, MO. Graduate of Lindbergh High School; holds a BA and MA in political science from The American University. Lives in South St. Louis County with her husband and three children.

Member of Assumption Parish in St. Louis.

Small business owner and worked as a Commercial Real Estate Coordinator and served as South County Sector Specialist for the St. Louis County Economic Council (2001-2004). Previously held a position with the Small Business Administration. In 2002, the St. Louis Business Journal recognized her with a “30 under 30” Award.

Founded giftpakexpress.com (an eBay assistant for the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan area).

Elected Office:

Missouri House of Representative (2009-2011) and (2013-2015), representing South St. Louis County.

Sponsored a bill that would help the State Treasurer of Missouri return military medals to their original owners.

Ratings/Endorsements:

American Conservative Union (15%)

Emily’s List

Greater Kansas City Women’s Political Caucus

Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry (53%)

Missouri Votes Conservation (100%)

Missouri Progressive Vote Coalition (90%)

NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri (100%)

National Rifle Association (0%)

National Women’s Political Caucus of Metro St. Louis

Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri (100%)

Sierra Club Missouri Chapter (80%)

United Auto Workers.

Website:

https://www.vickienglund.com or https://www.ourcampaigns.com.

NICHOLAS (NICK) KASOFF

Libertarian

Married with two children.

Unsuccessful bid for Missouri State House of Representatives, District 74 (2019 and for St. Louis County Executive, 2018;

Information Technology Consultant.

Ratings/Endorsements:

None found.

Website:

www.facebook.com/nick.kasoff

JOSEPH CIVETTINI

Green

Resides in the City of St. Louis for over 30 years. Control systems engineer, specializing in food & beverage automation. Member of the Gateway Green Alliance/Green Party of St. Louis since 1999. Treasurer of the Missouri Green Party since 2009. Green Party Committeeman of the 8th ward of St. Louis city since 2012.

Ratings/Endorsements:

None found.

Website:

https://www.missourigreenparty.org

 

Attorney General

ERIC SCHMITT

Republican

Incumbent

Lives in Glendale, MO, married with three children. BA from Truman University, graduating cum laude, and a JD from St. Louis University School of Law (2000). Inspired to enter public service to be a voice for his son, who was born with a rare genetic condition (tuberous sclerosis) causing tumors on his organs. His son also has epilepsy, is on the autism spectrum and is non-verbal. Believes that the Constitution is the bedrock of America’s legal system and taught “21st Century American Civics” at St. Louis University. Professional experience includes working as an attorney.

Elected office:

In an article, published in the Fulton Sun, “Schmitt said he’s committed to supporting men and women in law enforcement and said calls to defund police in the wake of several recent confrontations across the country, including some in Missouri, are not the answer to protect public safety. ‘Lawyers in our office have been cross deputized to be able to prosecute in federal court, which has helped us deal with some serious criminal offenses, such as hundreds of carjackings and illegal drug cases,’ Schmitt said. ‘I will continue to make sure the law treats everyone fairly. After the 2014 protests in Ferguson, I worked to sponsor legislation aimed at stopping St. Louis County police departments from aggressively issuing traffic tickets to raise revenue and to stop municipalities from raking in revenue from nuisance violations,’ Schmitt continued. ‘Those practices broke down the trust between the people and government. Law enforcement officers would rather do community policing instead of speed traps’.” Launched SAFER Streets Initiative which is designed to prosecute violent criminals and make communities safer; launched an initiative to address the problem of untested sexual assault kits; enabled Missouri to join a lawsuit against 20 of the largest drug manufacturers involved in inflating generic drug prices; partnered with FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force; joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general to investigate Google and Facebook.

Ratings/Endorsements:

American Conservative Union (100%); Missouri Cattlemen’s Association; Missouri Fraternal Order of Police; Missouri Right to Life; Missouri Soybean Association; NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri (14%); National Federation of Independent Business-Missouri (90%); National Rifle Association (100%); Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri (0%); Sierra Club Missouri (0%); St. Louis County Police Association.

Website:

http://www.schmittformissouri.com.

RICH FINNERAN

Democrat

Grew up in St. Louis County, graduate of Lafayette High School; undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina, attended law school at Washington University and teaches law there; attorney in private practice. Assistant U.S. Attorney from 2010-2017, handling large financial fraud cases. Received the David J. Dixon Appellate Advocacy Award recognizing exceptional appellate practice. Statements from his website include: “running to restore the integrity of the Attorney General’s Office and make sure that politics never get in the way of enforcing the law and protecting the people of our state; affordable health care; protect Medicaid expansion; combat explicit and implicit bias in justice system; fight fraud and abuse; protect rights of working families to earn a prevailing wage; eliminate political influence over law enforcement decisions; equal pay for equal work; against eight-week abortion ban; vigorously defend Clean Missouri; promote diversity and inclusion in the hiring processes; and defend rights to be free from discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.” In an article, published in the Fulton Sun, “His experience has focused on white collar criminal fraud. This included a record setting $435 million consumer fraud case to recover money for victims of economic crimes. ‘That’s what people expect from the attorney general — someone who is going to enforce laws and protect families,’ Finneran said. ‘I want to make sure the resources of that office are focused on the work that has to be done, not to make political headlines’. …” Ratings/Endorsements: Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri.

Website:

https://www.richfinneran.com.

KEVIN C. BABCOCK

Libertarian

Born in Modesto, CA; lives in St. Louis, MO. Holds a BA, Management, Webster University, 2005; and JD, St. Louis University, 2008. Candidate for MO State House of Representatives (1994, 2002 and 2006) and candidate for United States House of Representatives (2008). In an article, published in the Fulton Sun, “Libertarian Kevin Babcock said he is offering an alternative to the two major party candidates for those who ‘aren’t happy with the choices they have.’ The self-employed attorney, who served as a public defender in Ava from 2009-14, said his focus would be on criminal justice reform. ‘I’ve seen how the justice system unfairly treats poor people and minorities,’ Babcock said. ‘I want to restore confidence in the attorney general’s office.’ The focus of the attorney general should be justice, not just convictions. We need to get away from the practice of overcharging to get people to plead so they won’t go to trial. There’s an enormous imbalance between the two sides’.”

Ratings/Endorsements:

None found.

Website:

https://www.ourcampaigns.com

 

Endorsing Organizations explained:

21Wilberforce: Christian human rights organization dedicated to defending the universal rights of religion, belief, and conscience for all people. Vision is to empower people to collaboratively support persecuted communities, challenge repression, and expand freedom of religion and belief globally. https://21wilberforce.org.

350Action: Mobilizes progressive voters, gets climate champions elected, holds fossil-fueled politicians accountable, supports frontline partners, trains young movement leaders. See https://350action.org.

#BlackLivesMatter: Founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. The mission of Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc. is to eradicate white supremacy and disband or defund local police. In an interview in 2015,1 co-founder Patrisse Cullors warned, “We are trained Marxists [supporter of the political and economic theories of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels]. We are super-versed on ideological theories.” “If this country doesn’t give us what we want,” Greater New York Black Lives Matter President Hawk Newsome warned, “then we will burn down this system and replace it.” See https://blacklivesmatter.com.

American Civil Liberties Union: Founded 90 years ago, the ACLU is the progressive left’s most famous litigator. Some of their causes include LGBT Rights; due process regardless of immigration status; reproductive freedom; repeal of the death penalty; and women’s rights. See “Demand Justice Now,” www.aclu.org, or read “The ACLU vs. America” by Alan Sears and Craig Osten, published in 2005 by the Alliance Defense Fund.

American Conservative Union: ACUF is an educational foundation that illustrates why conservative policies work better than liberal alternatives to solve the myriad of problems facing America. Their congressional ratings have become the gold standard in determining how an elected official views the role of government in an individual’s life. See https://www.conservative.org.

Concerned Women for America: Concerned Women for America protects and promotes biblical values and constitutional principles through prayer, education, and advocacy. CWA is leading a movement dedicated to impacting the culture for Christ through education and public policy. See https://concernedwomen.org.

DUH!: The mission of Demand Universal Healthcare is to advance the cause of establishing a truly universal, single-payer, comprehensive, equitable, publically funded national healthcare for ALL. See https:// duh4all.org.

Eagle Forum PAC: Eagle Forum PAC supports candidates who will uphold the Constitution and enact profamily policies. Pro-life, pro-family political action committee of Eagle Forum that “supports American sovereignty. … American identity. … the U.S. Constitution. … traditional education. …[and] exposes the radical feminists.” See www.eagleforum.org.

EMILY’s List: “We elect pro-choice Democratic women to office. … EMILY’s List’s vision is to be a driving force of change in America. By electing more pro-choice Democratic women to national, state and local office, EMILY’s List will consistently infuse our government with leaders who will drive change. Change that truly matters today, tomorrow and forever. See http://emilyslist.org.

End Citizens United: A political action committee that aims to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. The decision held that corporate funding of independent political broadcasts in candidate elections cannot be limited because doing so would violate the  First Amendment. Founded by three former  Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee fundraising strategists. Supported and made contributions to Democratic candidates. In 2017, the website stated, “Democrats are leading the fight against Citizens United, and we believe meaningful change can happen with their leadership.”

Expect US: “[Rasheen] Aldridge says Expect US is prepared to protest racism and police brutality until change happens. … organizers are still working on solidifying their message, they did release a list of five demands. Those include defunding the police by ending the increase in police budgets; disarming officers, removing policing authority from officers with past incidences of excessive force, and firing officers who kill; closing the Workhouse; freeing political prisoners; and making reparations to North St. Louis City and County and parts of South St. Louis City.”

Gun Owners of America: GOA has a network of attorneys to help fight court battles to protect gun owner rights and has worked with members of congress, state legislators and local citizens to protect gun ranges and local gun clubs from closure by overzealous government anti-gun bureaucrats. A pro-Second Amendment organization. See https://gunowners.org.

Heritage Action for America: An offshoot of the Heritage Foundation in D.C., with focus on limited government, freedom of religion, economics, national defense, marriage, local education, etc. Uses recorded votes on issues identified prior to votes to tally percentages. See https://heritageaction.com.

Maggie’s List: A federal political action committee (PAC) dedicated to electing conservative women to federal office. Empowers conservative women candidates with political credibility and national notoriety. See http://maggieslist.org.

Missouri Farm Bureau: Advocating for farmers, the rural way of life and all Missourians. Endorses candidates that best support agriculture. See https://mofb.org.

Missouri Right to Life PAC: An arm of the Missouri Right to Life parent organization, existing for the purpose of identifying and supporting pro-life political candidates and opposing pro-abortion candidates in state level elections. Works to support pro-life ballot measures or oppose anti-life ballot measures. On rare instances, the MRL State PAC may get involved in municipal or county candidate elections or ballot measures. See https://www.missourilifepac.org.

Moms Demand Action: A grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. Works to pass stronger gun laws and close the loopholes that jeopardize the safety of families and in communities and with business leaders to encourage a culture of responsible gun ownership. Committed to doing what it takes to keep families safe. See https:// momsdemandaction.org.

MoveOn: Millions mobilize for a better society—one where everyone can thrive. Whether it’s supporting a candidate, passing legislation, or changing culture, MoveOn members are committed to an inclusive and progressive future. Envision a world marked by equality, sustainability, justice, and love. A force for social justice and political progress. See https://front.moveon.org.

National Cannabis Industry Association: Leading the charge to protect the legal cannabis industry, defend state laws, and advance federal policy reforms. Working to end prohibition and expand opportunities within the legal cannabis industry. See https://thecannabisindustry.org.

National Education Association: The teacher’s union that supports a progressive agenda in the classrooms. Although the NEA describes itself as a “professional employee organization,” it is incorporated as a professional association in a few states and as a labor union in most. Responding to Donald Trump’s speech to the RNC, the NEA President, Lily Garcia, said, “… it is clear that Donald Trump and Betsy DeVos have done nothing but fail students, parents, and educators. Unlike Trump and DeVos, who have ignored scientists and doctors while trying to bully students and educators back into unsafe classrooms, Joe Biden is focused on uniting the country and will always put the safety of students, parents and educators first,” said NEA President Lily Eskelsen García. “NEA’s three million members know what is at stake in November, and we will remind voters that Joe Biden is the only candidate we can trust to lead this country.” See https://www.nea.org.

National Federation of Independent Business: Organization of small, independent businesses promoting free enterprise, entrepreneurship, capitalism, and the preservation of small business. Nonprofit, nonpartisan group. See http://www.nfib.com.

National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws: NORML’s mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to legalize the responsible use of marijuana by adults, and to serve as an advocate for consumers to assure they have access to high quality marijuana that is safe, convenient and affordable. See https://norml.org.

National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund: “… NRA relies on a very simple premise: when provided with the facts, the nation’s elected officials will recognize that ‘gun control’ schemes are an infringement on the Second Amendment and a proven failure in fighting crime.” See http://www.nrapvf.org.

National Taxpayers Union: Voice of America’s taxpayers. America’s oldest grassroots taxpayer organization working for lower taxes, smaller government, accountability from public officials, and economic freedom. See https://www.ntu.org.

National Women’s Political Caucus: A national, pro-choice, multi-partisan, grassroots membership organization dedicated to identifying, recruiting, training and supporting women candidates for elected and appointed office. “We support the right of women to control their own reproduction [abortion, etc.] without government intrusion … [and] equitable public and private health care insurance coverage for women, including family planning, birth control and prenatal care … equal pay for equal work.” See http://www.nwpc.org.

Planned Parenthood Missouri/Planned Parenthood Action: Operates abortion and family planning clinics across the nation; involved in many states teaching comprehensive sex education classes in public schools. “Fighting for access to safe, legal abortion services; full range of birth control methods; equal access to reproductive health care, access to sex education programs.” See https://www. plannedparenthoodaction.org.

Sierra Club: An environmental group dedicated to shutting down coal plants, lead mines, [Missouri was home to the world’s largest lead mining operations.] drilling for oil and gas; anti-automobile – favors walking, bikes and public transit; promotes smart-growth, federal and state control of water and wilderness forests [no logging]. Goals include: “Transition to 100 percent clean energy; defend our wild heritage, onshore and offshore, from extractive energy development; lead in diversifying the environmental movement …” See http://sierraclub.org.

Susan B. Anthony List: Mission of SBA List is to end abortion by electing national leaders and advocating for laws that save lives, with a special calling to promote pro-life women leaders. The SBA List is dedicated to electing candidates and pursuing policies that will reduce and ultimately, end abortion. To that end, the SBA List will emphasize the election, education, promotion, and mobilization of pro-life women. See https://www.sba-list.org.

–Compiled using Ballotpedia and information from the Constitution Coalition.

 

 

 

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