Republican Women hear views of candidates

Janet Morales

Pro-life Christian core values were a recurring theme as Republican candidates introduced themselves at the meeting of the Randolph County Republican Women last week.

Rep. Therese Sander introduced the speakers, three of whom are seeking to fill the seat she will vacate at the end of the year due to term limits.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 22

Tim Remole

Tim Remole, Excello, told those gathered that, if elected, he would form an advisory committee of persons knowledgeable on a variety of topics to help provide ideas and insight into the work needed to be done in Jefferson City. He told of his participation in the Tea Party rally against high taxes in his “ship” the USS Porkulus. Now the focus is on mandatory health care.

“It is the vehicle they will use to get into our lives,” said Remole.

Remole, who runs on the platform of faith, family and freedom said the country must get back to the principles valued by the Founding Fathers and quoted Exodus saying “stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.”

Doug Farnen

Doug Farnen of Salisbury, is a small business owner who calls himself a rebel. He said he is showing his conservatism by not spending a lot on his campaign. He also confessed to a lack of eloquence but noted President Obama’s eloquence but lack of effectiveness in carrying out the wishes of the people.

“I am for individual freedom, personal responsibility and limited government,” said Farnen. We are on a path of self-destruction. As U.S. Patriot Thomas Paine said, it is the duty of every patriot to protect his country from its government.”

Randy Asbury

Randy Asbury currently serves as Randolph County Commissioner for the Western district. He was appointed to the commission at the end of 2007 and won re-election to the seat last year. He explained that the county was at a $476,000 deficit at the end of 2007 and started January 2010 with a positive $345,000 balance.

“It took conservatism and thoughtfulness to bring about that change,” said Asbury. “The process began when none of the current commissioners were serving so I don’t take credit but I did play a key role.”

Asbury said it is his work with the Coalition to Protect the Missouri River (CPR), of which he serves as executive director, that defines him in terms of leadership. He deals with entities that have diverse interests such as utilities, corn growers, environmentalists and those with an economic interest in the Missouri River.

“I weigh the pros and cons, the long- and the short-term impacts a decision may have,” said Asbury. “In the same way, we are very slow and very thoughtful at the commission. I want to know what is happening and what the outcome will be with the minimal impact.”

Asbury said he loves to serve but is reminded that “anything I have or anything I have done is only by the grace of God.”

U.S. SENATE

Chuck Purgason

Two candidates for the U.S. Senate seat which will be open due to the retirement of Sen. Kit Bond, were invited to address the meeting of the Republican Women. State Senator Chuck Purgason, West Plains, and U.S. Representative Roy Blunt were unable to attend but each sent someone to speak for them.

Col Fred Berry said he met Purgason through 9-12 groups in Columbia and called him a “true blue conservative”. Berry emphasized Purgason’s character saying “character is the most important thing. Character is everything.”

Berry said Purgason is “in it for the taxpayer”. While he acknowledged Purgason doesn’t have the name recognition or the campaign dollars that his opposition has, he said, “money isn’t what’s going to win this election.”

Roy Blunt

Jeanie Riddle, state representative from Mokane, spoke on behalf of Roy Blunt.

Riddle, a retired teacher, said she first met Blunt when she needed someone to help her with an immigration problem. Although she was not a Blunt constituent, he helped resolve her problem.

“He is a warrior,” said riddle. “Roy Blunt knows and loves Missouri and will listen to us. He has the experience and he will fight for us. He is part of the big change taking place in 2010 and will be part of the big change in 2012.”

RANDOLPH COUNTY CLERK

Will Ellis

Will Ellis is seeking the position of Randolph County Clerk.

Ellis said he has over 20 years in business management and negotiating transportation contracts. He belongs to the Huntsville United Methodist Church and serves on the Westran school board.

“I am a people person and I will work for you,” said Ellis.

Ellis said that involvement in local government and taking the privilege seriously is where real change begins.

“The foundation starts here,” he said. “You’ve got to vote.”

Photos below: Candidates are from left, top row, Randy Asbury and Doug Farnen; bottom row, Tim Remole and Will Ellis.