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Eyes on 2016: Q&A with Dave Hageman, Victory Enterprises

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — As eyes begin to turn toward 2016 and Missouri’s race for governor, The Missouri Times sat down with Victory Enterprises President, Dave Hageman to discuss their newest client, and the coming race.

 

So, first things first, we understand Victory Enterprises, has some news about 2016?

That’s right. We’re very excited to announce that we have joined Eric Greitens’ team for 2016.  We’ve gotten to know Eric quite a bit over the last year or so and are looking forward to the opportunity. It’s not very often you get to know someone with the resume he has, let alone work for him, and I know our whole team at Victory is excited about the opportunity.

 

He’s been rumored to be looking at governor and lieutenant governor. Any update on his plans?

Actually late last week, his campaign submitted paperwork to amend his committee to specify that he has ruled out the other races and is exploring the governor’s race.  In our conversations over the past year, Eric has always been focused on how he can best help lead our state forward and truly make a difference. There’s clearly been a lack of leadership for a number of years. Having watched that void he feels strongly that to most effectively move our state forward, he should pursue the governor’s race.

 

Hageman
Hageman

There are a number of candidates out there considering a run – why have you chosen Greitens?

There sure are.  I know the other potential candidates and have a lot of respect for each of them. The answer for me is simple: Republicans need to win back the Governor’s mansion. The Democrats appear to have coalesced around Attorney General Koster and it’s important we nominate someone who can effectively fundraise and effectively communicate. Eric has raised tens of millions of dollars for his organization and is a nationally recognized communicator. Simply put, I think he is our best candidate to win next November.

 

What do you think is important for readers to know about Greitens’ background?

It’s impossible to argue with all he has accomplished; a humanitarian leader, United States Navy SEAL officer, Founder and CEO of The Mission Continues, and a bestselling author. He has spent his entire career in service to others. He has shown how strong leadership that empowers people can make a real difference in their daily lives.

For example, after returning home from Iraq in 2007, Eric donated his combat pay to found The Mission Continues, a national nonprofit organization headquartered in St. Louis. As the organization’s CEO, Eric built The Mission Continues into an award-winning national organization with an annual budget of over $8 million that is serving veterans across the country. The Mission Continues offers new non-government solutions to help veterans returning home continue their leadership and service in communities across America.

 

Your firm has worked for some of the most conservative candidates in the state with an impressive record, can he succeed in a statewide primary?

As a firm, we choose to work for people we’re passionate about. Whether that’s Rand Paul or Bob Onder, we believe it’s important to work with people that can truly make a difference once elected.

Eric is right on the issues that our firm, and Missouri conservatives, care about. He’s 100% pro-life and he recognizes the proper role of government.

But also, I believe it’s not enough to just be right on the issues. Our Party is at a crossroads and we desperately need leaders who can effectively communicate our conservative values and our vision for this state. I believe Eric will be able to reduce the burden of state government and advance the conservative cause in our state through sound policy and an ability to articulate our values.

 

What is the timetable for a formal announcement?

Stay tuned. I think we’ll have some exciting news for you in the very near future. If you’d like to read more about Eric, you can check out GreitensforMissouri.com, follow him on Twitter or like him on Facebook.