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GEARING UP: Redmon touts proven track record in primary race

HURDLAND, Mo. — “Right now in Jefferson City, you have a battle going on but it’s not Republican and Democrat. Most of the time it is urban versus rural,” state Senate hopeful Craig Redmon told a group of potential supporters.

The small gathering in Hurdland really showcased the rural side of the Show-Me State in a Senate district that spans 14 counties in Northeast Missouri. 

Just to get there required passing acres of corn, soybeans, and hay fields along with a few herds of cattle. Getting there also required driving more than four miles on an unpaved road before turning onto a gravel road and traveling a few more miles.

The event was held outside on a farm offering a very country feel. The barbecue was fired up cooking hamburgers and corn, coolers held ice and drinks, picnic tables scattered around were a place to sit, and a breeze offered a reprieve from the summer heat.

There wasn’t a suit in sight. Most attendees came wearing boots, jeans, and a button-up shirt.

From the outside looking in, it felt more like a family gathering than a campaign event. Some had known Redmon for years and are fully behind his bid to transition from Representative to Senator.

One retired farmer simply said, “He hasn’t a done a bad job so far.”

“He gets things done,” one family said.

“He is a great friend for agriculture,” said a soybean farmer.

But for some, the event was their first time meeting the Senate hopeful. One semi-retired farmer said it’s the folks a candidate surrounds himself with that he looks at.

“You can tell a lot about a person by who supports him,” he said. He happened to run into a cousin of his at the event.

Redmon has received support from term-limited Senator Brian Munzlinger — whom Redmon is aiming to replace. He also brings with him eight years of experience in the Missouri House.

He served as chairman of the Subcommittee on Appropriations – Agriculture, Conservation, Natural Resources, and Economic Development. On that committee, he has “been able to take agriculture and economic development and marry those two together.”

A small business owner who is not a farmer by trade, Redmon said he recognizes the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy and as Missouri’s number one industry.

“Agriculture is our number one industry, we need to take care of it,” said Redmon. “If you don’t have a strong voice, our state and our agriculture is going to go backward. I think I can be that voice. I have been that voice.”

But for one former teacher, Redmon’s appeal is more than just his stance on agriculture.

“He is good for rural Missouri, not just farmers but for teachers too,” said Becky Thomson. “He is a good guy, easy to talk to, and very down to earth.”

He has recently been endorsed by Better Schools for Missouri, a political action committee of school leaders.

“Whether it be more funding and opportunities for our students or reducing state and federal control of our classrooms, Craig has continually delivered results for northeast Missouri,” said Eric Churchwell, former superintendent of the Palmyra School District. “Craig’s service on the Canton School Board and his leadership in the Missouri House makes him the clear choice for anyone that values their local public schools in northeast Missouri.”

Redmon considers protection education “one of the most important jobs.” He is also a strong supporter of the second amendment, the military, and is pro-life.  

“I’m a hard worker. I will keep going every day and [advocating] for what we need out here,” said Redmon. “I want my kids to be able to stay here, grow up and raise their families.”

In the Republican primary race, Redmon will face Cindy O’Laughlin and Reps. Nate Walker and Lindell Shumake. The winner of that race will then be up against Democrat Crystal Stephens in November.