Local candidate raises $725K in race for governor

Last edited 4:47 p.m., July 16, 2015

Sen. Mike Parson, R-Bolivar, yesterday disclosed he raised $335,481 for his gubernatorial campaign during the second quarter.

With donations from 191 individuals from over 25 counties, the funding brings his cash on hand up to $726,730, according to a news release.

“Over the past several weeks, I have traveled to dozens of cities and met with many voters who - like me - believe electing conservative leadership is of the utmost importance for our state,” Parson said in the release.

The owner/operator of a Bolivar cattle farm, Parson made his campaign for governor official April 30. Earlier that month, Springfield Business Journal reported the senator spoke to the Missouri Cattlemen's Association informing them of his intent to seek the Republican nomination.

Other GOP candidates are Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, former state Rep. Catherine Hanaway and former state Rep. Randy Asbury. Attorney General Chris Koster is the only declared Democratic candidate, according to Springfield Business Journal archives. Campaign donations were due to the Missouri Ethics Commission yesterday.

Candidates’ fundraising, according to MEC filings:

• Koster, $3.9 million;
• Hanaway, $1.5 million;
• Parson, $726,730;
• Kinder, $59,866; and
• Asbury, $4,400.