KMIZ reported that Columbia, Missouri is the location where the given event or incident took place.
In the upcoming November general election, five Missouri Democrats are vying for the party’s nomination for governor.
State Representative Crystal Quade (D-Springfield) and businessman Mike Hamra are both actively campaigning throughout the state as part of the five potential candidates.
Since 2017, the governor’s office has been under Republican control, with Eric Greitens assuming office. However, Greitens resigned from the position, and Gov. Mike Parson took over in 2018. He then secured a full term in 2020, defeating former state auditor Nicole Galloway.
Both Hamra and Quade come from the southwest region of Missouri. Hamra, who is 55 years old, attended the University of Missouri Law School and gained experience working in the Bill Clinton administration and the Federal Communications Commission in Washington D.C. In 2001, he returned to Springfield to work for his family franchise business, Hamra Enterprises, where he has remained ever since.
Nicole Quade, aged 38, has held the position of Minority Floor Leader in the Missouri House of Representatives since 2019. She successfully contested her first election in 2016 and was elected to represent House District 132. Prior to her political career, Quade worked as a social worker in Springfield, while also serving in various positions for the United States Senate and the Barack Obama campaign.
On the ballot, we can also find Eric Morrison, Sheryl Gladney, and Hollis Laster.
In an interview with ABC 17 News, Hamra shared his motivation for entering politics, highlighting his background as a successful businessman.
Hamra stated that his love for the state of Missouri is the driving force behind his decision to run for governor. He believes that Missouri is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. However, he feels that the politicians in the state have been focused on playing political games instead of making progress. Hamra is frustrated that while neighboring states have surged ahead, Missouri continues to fall behind. Like many other Missourians, he is determined to put an end to the stagnation and work towards a brighter future for the state.
According to Quade, the House of Representatives’ “divisive” politics motivated her to pursue the governor’s office. With her experience as party leader in the chamber, she believes she can effectively handle the responsibilities of a governor.
Quade emphasized the importance of having someone who is already skilled in the job, stating that they need to be prepared from the very first day. As someone who has experience working with Republican leadership, Quade understands the value of negotiation and finding common ground. She believes that compromise has become a taboo word, but it is necessary to address the issues that affect people’s lives. Quade is determined to start negotiations with relevant parties from the first day and work towards resolving issues that affect people on a daily basis.
Both Hamra and Quade stress the importance of collaborating with local law enforcement agencies when it comes to handling crime. Hamra expressed his support for “red flag laws,” which enable law enforcement to confiscate an individual’s firearm if they are deemed to pose a danger to themselves or others.
According to Hamra, red flag laws are something that law enforcement desires. He believes that such laws will aid them in carrying out their duties efficiently. At present, law enforcement officials have to deal with situations where they lack the necessary awareness, making their job even more challenging. Therefore, implementing red flag laws is crucial not only for the safety of the public but also to provide support to law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
Quade emphasized that her administration’s approach to crime policy would be driven by a deep understanding of the needs of different communities.
Quade states that she frequently receives feedback from law enforcement officials across the state regarding the need for different laws in various regions. As she grew up in Fordland, Missouri, she understands that the dynamics in different areas vary, and thus, access to certain resources should be different. According to Quade, the state has been attempting to implement a one-size-fits-all approach to legislation for far too long. She believes that it’s time to have conversations about laws that take into account regional differences.
In the upcoming general election, a ballot measure on reproductive health care is expected to have a significant impact. Hamra and Quade have expressed their support for the measure, which aims to provide constitutional safeguards for abortion rights in Missouri. It is worth noting that Missouri was among the first states to prohibit most abortions after the Supreme Court’s decision to revoke the protections granted in Roe v. Wade.
According to Quade, safeguarding the measure would require a Democratic governor in the state, in case it gets approved.
Quade promised to prioritize the voices of the voters as governor. She is committed to protecting their rights to access reproductive health care services, such as abortion, birth control, and IVF. Despite the Republican senators’ attempts to restrict these essential services, Quade reassured Missourians that she will stand with them and ensure that their voices are heard.
According to Hamra, the current ban on certain activities has negatively impacted the state’s business.
Hamra expressed that he has been speaking with parents and grandparents frequently and they all share the same concern. They worry that their children will not return to the state and instead choose to move to another location where they won’t be bothered by politicians discussing personal matters with them, such as the decision to start a family.
On Monday, campaign finance reports revealed that Hamra holds a significant cash advantage over Quade. Hamra’s candidate committee has a balance of $414,501.66, having spent $2.4 million on the campaign. Additionally, an associated political action committee supporting Hamra, Together Missouri, has $108,227.61 on hand and has spent a little over $130,000 on the election to date. In contrast, Quade’s candidate committee has $76,553.58 on hand and has spent $1.1 million on the campaign. Quade’s associated committee, CRYSTAL PAC, reported having $69,793.27 on hand and spending $86,753.25 so far.
