JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Sen. Bob Dixon (R-Springfield) announced his candidacy for governor Monday morning at his home in Springfield surrounded by his family and supporters. He later spoke in the Capitol rotunda to outline his gubernatorial campaign flanked by his wife, Amanda, and his youngest daughter, Olivia.
His platform included a refocusing of the spirit of Missouri through faith and family, limited government and creating a governor’s office that communicates better with the state legislature.
“If I’m elected, we will embark on a new era of openness,” Dixon said. “We need a governor who will lead and work with all members of the House and the Senate, willing even to get out of the office and go door to door in this house of the people, the people’s house, the state house to get that done. I intend to do it.”
After striking down repeated requests to run for governor, Dixon says he decided to run after the legislative session while experiencing “overwhelming” support from his community.
Dixon also remarked on his record in the Senate, promising to be a candidate that would cut red tape in the capital to reduce government bureaucracy in an attempt to promote economic growth.
“Others talk about doing that, I’ve done it,” he said. “This process began three years ago when we passed my bill establishing the first ever top to bottom review of all state regulations. And that process is going on right now. And just last week, my bill to eliminate numerous boards and commissions from state government became law.”
The senator also hit all the strong points of social conservatism: faith in God and God’s authority that helps him “daily set the compass,” strong belief in the 2nd Amendment and the Constitution as a whole, pro-life and a supporter of traditional marriage between a man and a woman.
However, Dixon also noted that he would review the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act, or MONA, when it reached his desk.
“I believe it’s a sad day when we have to have laws to tell us to treat people with respect,” he said.
Dixon remained largely mute on his Republican opposition, a field which has ballooned to seven competitors. He invoked Ronald Reagan’s 11th Commandment, “Thou shalt not speak ill of other Republicans,” while calling his primary competitors “cream of the crop” and instead focusing on his own agenda. He hopes Missourians recognize his own accomplishments as well as what he can bring to the governorship.
“I have a record of getting things done in my neighborhood, for my city, for my county and for Missouri,” he said.
