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Rising Star: Ryan Burke

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – It’s possible that Ryan Burke cares about one thing almost as much as politics. That’s soccer. Burke, 28, got more involved in politics during college when he was forced to give up his favorite sport after a series of surgeries.

Ryan Burke with girlfriend Katie Hennrich
Ryan Burke with girlfriend Katie Hennrich

Politics, like soccer, is full of competition and energy. And the 28-year- old legislative assistant to Rep. Vicki Englund, D-St. Louis County, feeds on both. He walks fast, he talks fast, and he’s permanently caffeinated.

“The energy you get when you work in this building, it’s unlike any other work place,” Burke said. “Whether it’s on the floor or walking 
the building,
there’s this 
great rush of
energy when
 we make the
law, it’s the 
closest thing
I’ve ever felt to 
being on the soccer field again.”

Burke started early. After transferring to the University of Missouri – Columbia, Burke interned with Rep Jeff Roorda, D-Barnhart. He would serve as Roorda’s LA through the summer and fall of 2007. Burke immediately found his passion, and he has been a staple of Democratic politics in Missouri ever since.

“Ryan is a rare find in politics,” Englund said. “He has the drive, the knowledge and the tenacity to get the job done. One thing is certain, don’t get on his bad side. And if you do, he will convince you otherwise and win you over.”

Burke then volunteered on former Rep. Sam Page’s campaign for Lt. Governor. Burke was Page’s driver, sometimes crossing the entire state in a day to move the candidate to events. Burke went on to serve as legislative assistant to then-Rep. Jason Holsman, a Kansas City Democrat now in the Senate.

As Burke continued to rise up in Democratic ranks, he began working on campaigns. He soon started RW Burke Group LLC., a campaign finance and general consulting firm. Since beginning his own consulting LLC, Burke has been instrumental in the campaigns of Democratic Representatives Roorda, Englund, Genise Montecillo, Michael Frame, and TJ McKenna.

“I hadn’t thought about it at first, but those four things really do sort of highlight some of the most important issues we have right now.”

His work as a staffer within the capitol exposed him to some of the pillars of Democratic politics throughout the state.

“With Jeff, you have someone who fights for law enforcement and for unions, with Senator Holsman you have the guy who fights the absolute hardest on renewable energy, and with Vicki you have someone who is constantly trying to improve public education,” Burke said.

Burke’s track record of successful campaigns, youth, and seemingly endless energy has him in high demand. His biggest race in 2014 will undoubtedly focus on Roorda’s campaign against Republican Paul Wieland, R-High Ridge, for the 22nd Senate district seat.

“Nothing is easy, and it shouldn’t be, but Jeff is right for that district and for those constituents, and in a race like that, the person who is able to knock on the most doors is going to likely win, and there’s no way that won’t be Jeff,” Burke said.

Burke plans on being elbow-deep in Roorda’s race by the time summer hits, but he’ll also likely lend a hand to a few other races, particularly in the House and in the Jefferson County and South St. Louis region, where he’s had most of his success.

Burke doesn’t have a clear vision of his future. He’s declined a few out-of-state jobs, and he likes Missouri. He lives in Webster Groves with his girlfriend, Katie, and his dog. He plans to stick around for a while, saying the ultimate goal is to get more Democrats elected.

“In my heart of hearts, I love competition,” Burke said. “And I hate losing more than I love winning.”