JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Sen. Mike Parson, R-Bolivar, has an eight-point lead in the lieutenant governor Republican primary over attorney and Missouri Club for Growth Chairwoman Bev Randles in a poll released by MO Scout.
“It is truly humbling to know that so many, like me, believe in the importance of electing a proven leader as our next Lieutenant Governor,” Parson said in a statement reacting to the rule. “Over the coming months, I look forward to meeting with more voters, speaking about my belief in the importance of positive politics, and discussing my ideas for getting our state back on the right track. This election, we have an opportunity to make a real difference for our state.”
Parson entered the race in July after initially announcing his candidacy for governor. Once the field became crowded with current Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and fellow southwest Missourian Sen. Bob Dixon entering the race, Parson moved into the lieutenant governor’s race where he has seen success. He has consistently held higher numbers than his Republican counterpart in the primary, and last month, he led all candidates, including Democrats, in a Public Policy Polling poll.
Parson also has around $907,000 cash on hand, according to his Oct. 2015 quarterly report. He raised over $275,000 this quarter to surpass Randles’ total cash on hand, this month as her funding stalled in the past quarter. She has raised just over $7,066 since July, while after filing an amended report showed $ 784,704.38 on hand.
Before entering the General Assembly, Parson served in the Army and later served as a sheriff in Polk County for 12 years. He currently owns and runs a cattle farm outside Bolivar.
