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Primary opponent backs Luetkemeyer for state Senate

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Following a contentious Republican primary, Tony Luetkemeyer has received the backing of his former opponent in the bid to replace the term-limited Sen. Rob Schaaf.

Presiding Commissioner of Buchanan County Harry Roberts, who lost the August primary by 6 points, announced his endorsement of Luetkemeyer at the Northwest Missouri Republican Club fall picnic on September 29.

“Since the primary, Tony and I have had several productive discussions about the 34th Senate District,” Roberts said, “Tony is a common-sense conservative who will be a great leader in the state senate, and we need to do everything we can to ensure he wins in November.”

“I am grateful for Commissioner Roberts’ endorsement as we work toward victory in November,” Luetkemeyer said. “We had a spirited primary, but we are united as Republicans in our commitment to ensuring the people of the 34th District have bold, conservative representation in the state senate.”

Luetkemeyer will face Democrat Martin Rucker of Kansas City in the November General Election.

The race to be the next state lawmaker in District 34 has drawn numerous ethics complaints from both sides of the aisle and during the primary election. Complaints were filed against Luetkemeyer and Rucker with the Missouri Ethics Commission regarding accusations of dark money and violations of campaign contribution laws.

The MEC dismissed the complaint against Luetkemeyer and is still investigating the accusations against Rucker.