Gubernatorial hopeful visits Cape Girardeau

A day after announcing his decision to run for Missouri governor, State Sen. Mike Parson made a stop in Cape Girardeau to discuss his campaign.

The Republican from Bolivar was a supporter of deceased state auditor Tom Schweich.

Schweich, who was running for governor, fatally shot himself Feb. 26, amid reports he wanted to go public with allegations of perceived anti-Semitic remarks made about him by a top Republican official. Schweich also was upset over negative advertisements run against him, reports have said.

Since Schweich's death, Parson has been outspoken against negative campaigning. He said Friday afternoon, candidates in recent years have "pushed the limit." He made a promise to about 50 people gathered at the Cape Girardeau Public Library not to run any negative ads against other candidates, which garnered applause from many in the room.

Parson is the third Republican candidate to join the race, with Catherine Hanaway and former state representative Randy Asbury. More Republicans are considering a run, according to the Associated Press. Attorney General Chris Koster is the only Democrat running for governor so far.

Parson was introduced Friday by state Sen. Wayne Wallingford, R-Cape Girardeau, who praised him for the "wisdom and common sense" Parson brought to the Senate. Wallingford also said he had little doubt if elected, Parson still would spend plenty of time with lawmakers discussing legislative needs and priorities. That's not the case with Gov. Jay Nixon, he said.

After his speech, Parson took time to answer questions. Among the items for which he expressed support were smaller government, fiscal responsibility, affordable education and right to work. He also pointed to a need to work with and create more unity between urban and rural areas, which can be divided on topics such as agriculture, he said.

"My record always shows I have been very supportive of the urban issues in this state," Parson said, "but I also realize that if Missouri is to be successful, it's going to take both urban and rural working together, not being divided in this state on issues, when it comes to agriculture in urban areas. If you really want to be successful, you don't want one region in this state to be doing better than the other. You hope that all regions are doing well, because that's the best thing for Missouri's future."

Parson's background includes six years in the U.S. Army, former Polk County sheriff and a former member of the Missouri House of Representatives, to which he was elected in 2004. He was elected to the Missouri Senate in 2010.

srinehart@semissourian.com

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Cape Girardeau, Mo.