JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – As Governor Mike Parson continues to settle into his new role, he has continued building his staff as the days go on.
One of his latest announced staff movements has been applauded by many in the political realm, though it will leave Republicans with a big hole to fill.
Parson on Tuesday announced that Robert Knodell, the executive director of the Missouri House Republican Campaign Committee, would be joining his staff as deputy chief of staff.
Knodell has been involved in politics for years, and when he served as the executive director for HRCC from 2007 to 2010, the House Republicans made some of their largest gains. He has also served as political director for the Missouri Republican Party and worked as a partner for the consulting firm of Barklage and Knodell where he helped with numerous state senate, congressional and statewide campaigns.
Speaker Todd Richardson once called Knodell one of the best political minds in the Midwest.
His departure, however, has left some wondering about how this will affect Republican efforts in the coming elections, as campaigns are underway, and just two months remain until the August primaries.
Leaving his position with the HRCC, Knodell penned a letter, seeking to reassure everyone that the HRCC was in good hands.
Dear Members:
I wanted to let you know that yesterday I stepped aside as Executive Director of HRCC and today assumed a senior-level transitional role in the office of Governor Mike Parson. I pledge to work extremely hard to do my very best to help ensure a smooth transition that will reassure Missourians and continue to move our state forward.
I’ve poured my heart and my soul into HRCC, and I’ve been involved in Republican House campaigns as a volunteer, an advisor, or with HRCC for a very long time. I’m proud of our shared record of success on many November election nights.
The HRCC organization is in excellent shape, and your leadership team and the awesome staff we’ve built will keep it that way. Planning and preparations are on schedule for this election cycle, and operations should function smoothly throughout the near future. Members of leadership have indicated that over the coming weeks, they will be endeavoring to work with members to ensure that the caucus has the strongest team and personnel in place to ensure a successful cycle.
I covet your prayers and I look forward to having the opportunity to serve you in the future.
Very truly yours,
Robert Knodell
Benjamin Peters was a reporter for The Missouri Times and Missouri Times Magazine and also produced the #MoLeg Podcast. He joined The Missouri Times in 2016 after working as a sports editor and TV news producer in mid-Missouri. Benjamin is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield.
