JEFFERSON CITY, Mo — Republicans in the state’s bootheel are increasingly coming across one name: Eddy Justice. Keeping people informed and involved is paramount to Justice, who serves as the 8th Congressional District Republican Party Head.
Justice began his involvement in politics with a Tea Party group called The Patriot Rally. He said the group’s efforts were, “Pretty effective, but I got tired of standing on the street corner and screaming until my lungs bled.”
Justice was then elected chairman of Butler County and the 8th Congressional District. At the time, Justice was also working as the treasurer for the Missouri House Republican Campaign Committee, a position he maintains today. Working as treasurer helped Justice build relationships, build a coalition, and get elected as chairman.
Today Justice is invested in winning and maintaining as many Republican seats as possible, utilizing fundraising and grassroots efforts.
“You have to be able to raise money to be effective in elections, from top to bottom,” he said.
In the 2013 Special Election that eventually sent Jason Smith to congress, Justice was applauded roundly for turning a potentially circus-like nomination process into a well-oiled machine.
“When Jo Ann Emerson announced that she was resigning and was vacating her office, we did a lot of intense research,” Justice said. “We wanted to make sure every ‘t’ was crossed and every ‘i’ was dotted so there were no legal issues with the nomination.”
Justice cited the work of committee members as crucial to the process.
“People who deserve the most credit are those of the committee that did their due diligence to make sure that the 8th Congressional District is represented in such a stellar way,” Justice Said.
Moving forward Justice believes that people involved on a grassroots level are critical to the success of the Republican Party. Justice also strives to increase the voter initiative. He says that the key to growing – not just maintaining – Republican success is outreach.
“I want to make sure people understand that they can make a difference if they get out and vote,” Justice said.
