Parson takes donation lead in lieutenant governor race

State Sen. Mike Parson, R-Bolivar, reported donations exceeding $1 million in his campaign for lieutenant governor, above that of the three other declared candidates.

In the fourth quarter, Parson, a former U.S. Army sergeant and Polk County sheriff, received more than $211,000 from 255 donors, according to a news release.

The latest quarter brings his cash on hand to $1.1 million and up from $907,188 at the end of the third quarter, according to filings due Jan. 15 with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Kansas City attorney Beverly Randles, a Republican and Parson’s closest competitor in terms of donations, reported $656,878 at year’s end.

Springfield personal-injury attorney Brad Bradshaw, a Democrat, reported $415,098 as of Dec. 31.

The only other declared Democrat for the race, Rep. Tommie Pierson of St. Louis, had $9,177 on hand at the end of the quarter.

Missourians will select a new lieutenant governor during the Nov. 8 general election. Compensation for the state’s second-in-command executive office is set by law at $86,484.