Texas Gov. Rick Perry stumps for attorney general candidate in Cape Girardeau

Click to view video of the full speech by Gov. Rick Perry.

By Robert Overmann

Southeast Missourian

Ed Martin, Republican candidate for Missouri attorney general, speaks Friday, June 29, 2012 at a rally in Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

A Republican candidate for state attorney general got some help energizing local voters from a former presidential hopeful and an "America's Got Talent" winner at a Cape Girardeau rally Friday.

The rally for Ed Martin also featured Texas Governor Rick Perry and Neal E. Boyd, 2008 winner of "America's Got Talent" and candidate for the 149th state House district.

The rally was held at the Arena Building in Cape Girardeau. About 200 people attended, according to Josh Haynes, staff member for Rep. Jo Ann Emerson.

Ed Martin, Republican candidate for Missouri attorney general, speaks Friday, June 29, 2012 at a rally in Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

Martin spoke about fiscal responsibility, his disdain of big government and his Christian values at the rally.

"The federal government is telling us what energy we should use, what cars we should drive, whether our children can pray to God in school and what health care we should have," Martin said.

Martin emphasized his Christian faith and what he sees as the religion's role in modern America.

"You can't lead in America if you leave God behind," Martin said.

Martin also promised to work to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Martin criticized Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster for his weak stance and inaction against the law.

The Supreme Court in a 5-4 ruling upheld key provisions of the law Thursday, including the controversial individual health insurance mandate.

"You're either with Obama, or you're with the side that says freedom and the rule of law matters," Martin said.

Martin's speech was followed by Perry's stump-style speech endorsing Martin's candidacy.

"Wouldn't it be great to have an attorney general to fight for you?" Perry asked, referring to Martin.

Perry stressed the importance of the state's role in helping determine the outcome of the upcoming elections, urging those in attendance to cast ballots for conservative Republican candidates like Martin.

"You have the opportunity to turn Missouri cardinal red in this upcoming election," Perry said.

Republican candidate for treasurer Cole McNary also spoke, promising voters to cut waste and protect their checkbooks.

"My parents hated waste, they taught me all about efficiency. As treasurer, I want to plan for the future and fight waste," McNary said.

Evangelical pastor David Barton offered a closing prayer. Barton served as the former co-chairman of the Republican party of Texas.

The rally was well-received by attendants.

"It was a very nice event. I've seen lots of Ed Martin -- he really knows how to campaign. I enjoyed hearing governor Perry," said Brian Bollmann, local tea party organizer.

Steve Michael of St. Louis was also impressed.

"It was a great event and a strong showing for Ed Martin. I think Rick Perry showed clear support for Ed," Michael said.

Martin was chief of staff for former Missouri governor Matt Blunt. He faces Livingston County prosecutor Adam Warren in the Aug. 7 Republican primary. The primary winner will face incumbent Koster in the Nov. 6 general election.

rovermann@semissourian.com

388-3688

Pertinent address:

Arena Park, Cape Girardeau, MO

VIDEO:

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