Three candidates are running to earn the Republican nomination for the 28th District of the Missouri Senate on Aug. 4.
The field includes Sam Alexander, of Fair Play; Chuck Lentz, of Bolivar; and Brad Pollitt, of Sedalia.
The winner of the primary will face Democratic candidate Mike McCaffree, of Nevada, in the Nov. 4 general election.
Why are you running for office?
Alexander: My whole life has been dedicated to helping people; as a Christian, minister, Emergency Medicine Physician I have helped people. I look at Jefferson City and see that the swamp it has become has left the people out; the people of District 28 have no voice. The large corporations & lobbyists run Jefferson City. I will be the voice of the people of the 28th district.
Lentz: As a first time candidate, I’m often asked that question. My love for government began when I met Ronald Reagan in 1980. He inspired me to study history and the Constitution. I had been content to teach and help in campaigns until it seemed no one was representing the people.
Pollitt: I believe it is a calling and a responsibility to serve your community. I feel I have a connection with and understand the core values of the people of this Senatorial District. I have a handle on what issues are important to the majority of the constituents. I have a strong work ethic and understand the values that matter most to rural Missouri: hard work, faith, family and service. I am a proven common sense conservative leader.
What are your qualifications
Alexander: My life experiences from farming to business to being a physician qualify me to represent the people. I work with my head, my heart and my hands.
Lentz: The qualifications to run are to believe in the founding principles of self governance, that the people have been endowed with inalienable rights and that government derives its just power from the consent of the governed. I’m not running because I believe I am more qualified, but because I will work to secure the rights of the people.
My platform is that principles should guide our politics, and that a Senator must represent the people not rule over them.
Pollitt: I have spent my time in Jefferson City establishing working relationships with other representatives and senators. I spent 34 years in public education starting as a classroom teacher and finished as Superintendent of schools. I have been actively involved in the community and in agriculture most of my life. I have worked with local and state officials as well as private businesses, State Fair Community College and local non-profits to make Pettis County a better place to live and raise a family. I am a small business owner and have signed both sides of a pay check. I have a heart for children and working families. My office has proven to be a place that constitutes contact to get help with issues involving state agencies. These qualifications will fit well with the values of this Senate District.
What would your top priorities be in office:
Alexander: To represent and be the voice of the people of this district. The best government is at the county level and Jefferson City needs to relearn that they work for the people, not the other way around.
Lentz: My priorities come from the principles of representative government, namely Life, Liberty, and Property.
Pollitt: Continue to protect life, our 2nd Amendment, and rural Missouri values. To work on and pass legislation that would give communities some parameters to navigate through the increasingly quick development of solar farms and DATA centers, while still protecting private property rights. Supporting agriculture, smaller government, education, constitutional freedoms, strengthening our electric grid and upholding the rule of law. Working to make childcare more affordable to strengthen our middle class families and shore up our foster care system. Fighting eminent domain and woke educational policies.
What goals do you have for office if you are elected:
Alexander: My goals are to serve and represent the people; there are too many taxes and regulations that burden the people and small businesses.
We need less government and more voice of the people.
Lentz: My goals would be to preserve these goals by addressing the issues of stewardship or accountability with regard to the State budget and taxation; protect communities, education, and home ownership; defend personal freedom from excessive governmental regulation.
Specific to current issues I want to continue to abide by Hancock limitations on taxation so I am opposed to Amendment 5; I want transparency with regard to government decisions which disregard the will of the people so I favor a moratorium on AI data centers; I want to prioritize education of our young, parental involvement in their children’s education, and community preservation in small rural communities, so I support rural education.
Pollitt: Rural healthcare, veterans issues, keeping boys out of girls sports and senior citizens issues will remain on my priority list as well as a steadfast commitment to integrity which I have been able to uphold throughout my time in public service. Finding a path forward on taxes while still properly funding our local governments and our school system. During my time as a representative, working with Governor Parson and Governor Kehoe, I was able to secure over $150 million dollars back into our community through the Missouri State Fair, State Fair Community College, the Boys and Girls Club, Non-for-Profits, Road Projects and Bothwell Hospital.
Why should people vote for you:
Alexander: I am the only true conservative in this race. I will work for the people. My goals are not for myself to be exonerated but to honor God First, People Always, Missouri Forever.
Lentz: I am the only first time candidate in a race in which approximately a million dollars or more will be spent. I believe voters must decide if money should dictate how they vote. I am dedicated to representing the people and not special interests, and I will be free to vote my conscience and the voice of my constituents.
Pollitt: You deserve a Senator who is experienced and understands the inner working of government. I am a common sense rural Missouri values candidate. I am proven, have been in the arena and I am willing to make tough decisions. We are in a budget shortfall and we need a proven leader sitting at the table when these decisions are made that will know what effects the cuts will have. I have a track record of caring about my community and working to find solutions. Listening does not always mean agreeing, but open communication is important. I have been endorsed by the largest Law Enforcement agencies in the state (Fraternal Order of Police), Missouri Sheriffs United, Americans for Prosperity, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Cattlemen, Missouri State Teachers Association, Missouri Association of School Administrators, Missouri Chamber, Champion for Life and received an A Rating by the NRA. I humbly ask for your vote on August 4th.
