Recent electoral history in Missouri indicates that the winner of the Aug. 6 Republican primary is likely to have a strong chance of winning the governorship in November. The next governor of Missouri will likely emerge from the three Republican contenders vying for the position. Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, and Missouri state Sen. Bill Eigel are the leading candidates in the race. The GOP has a significant advantage in the state, as evidenced by recent election results where Republicans have dominated statewide offices. The Republican candidate selected in the primary will face off against the Democratic Party’s choice in November. The leading Republican contenders have outlined their visions for Missouri’s future in interviews with The Epoch Times. Mr. Kehoe, Mr. Ashcroft, and Mr. Eigel each bring their unique perspectives and plans for the state if elected governor. Polls conducted in June show that a large portion of likely voters remain undecided, indicating a competitive race among the top candidates. In terms of fundraising, Mr. Kehoe has raised significantly more funds compared to his opponents, giving him a financial edge in the campaign. Kehoe raised approximately $5.6 million during the election cycle and had around $4 million in cash on hand as of July. In comparison, the other major candidates and their associated PACs had less cash remaining at the end of June, as indicated by the most recent disclosure statements released on July 15.
All three primary candidates, who are conservative Republicans, share similar views on issues like crime and immigration, as well as social and cultural matters. The economy emerged as the top political concern for 34% of Missourians in 2024, according to the Emerson poll. While all candidates discussed their plans to address economic worries, only Kehoe did not mention utilizing additional tax cuts to boost the state economy.
Abortion ranked as the second most critical issue for 12% of respondents, following the economy. Missouri currently prohibits abortion following the 2022 ban enacted after the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade. However, a ballot initiative awaiting certification from Mr. Ashcroft’s office could potentially reverse this law by establishing a right to abortion in the Missouri Constitution.
Regarding professional sports teams in the state, a significant majority of Missouri residents expressed the importance of retaining the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals. Both NFL and MLB teams face uncertainties about their future home following Jackson County voters’ decision not to renew a sales tax for new stadiums. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill offering special bonds to cover 70% of the cost for new stadiums if they are built in Kansas instead, potentially violating a 2019 agreement between Missouri and Kansas.
The candidates differ in their approaches to economic incentives for sports teams, with Eigel and Ashcroft pledging not to engage in a “border war” with Kansas. Kehoe, aligning with Parson’s approach, emphasized the significant economic impact of the Kansas City teams and pledged to work towards retaining them in Missouri if elected.
The article also includes insights from team officials, past events involving the Los Angeles Rams’ relocation, and perspectives on fostering an attractive economic environment through education, public safety, and economic reforms.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.) Please rewrite this sentence.
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