RIVERSIDE, Mo. — Tony Luetkemeyer officially started his campaign for Missouri State Senate, with the opening of his campaign headquarters on Saturday, May 5.
The Luetkemeyer for Senate campaign headquarters is located at 5015 NW Canal Street, Riverside and to celebrate the event, state treasurer Eric Schmitt was a guest speaker that helped kick off the occasion.
CYNTHIA CLARK/Special to the Citizen
Missouri State Treasurer Eric Schmitt, right, speaks during the grand opening of the campaign office for Tony Luetkemeyer on Saturday, May 5, in Riverside, Mo. Luetkemeyer, a Parkville resident, is running for the 34th state senate spot that represents Platte and Buchanan counties.
Schmitt served two terms in the state senate prior to election to treasurer. He is pleased to back his friend in his run for office.
“I’m proud to announce today I am endorsing my friend Tony Luetkemeyer for state senate,” Schmitt said. “Tony is a constitutional conservative who will bring bold leadership to the Missouri Senate. I know he will fight hard for the people of Buchanan and Platte Counties.”
The excitement and enthusiasm was apparent from cheers when Luetkemeyer, a Parkville resident, took the floor to address the assembled crowd.
During his remarks, Luetkemeyer ensured all of those on hand, from local high school students to area political leaders — both on the local and state levels — he will be there to take care of the issues he feels are important to the district.
“My promise to the people of the 34th Senate District is simple,” he said. “When I’m your state Senator, I will work hard every day to keep taxes low, grow the economy, and create more good paying jobs.”
According to Luetkemeyer, if elected, he will ensure lower taxes for Missouri families and businesses; strong funding for schools; a commitment to upholding the Bill of Rights; a strong fight to keep illegal immigrants out of Missouri; create a more ethical culture in Jefferson City; and to support Missouri’s farmers.
The freshly opened campaign headquarters was filled with state and local lawmakers, constituents, and family members. A few young volunteers also showed up to get to work.
A candidate such as Luetkemeyer is the reason why the young volunteers say they are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work.
“I think he’s a really good candidate for our party,” said Haley Wewers, a student from Park Hill South High School.
Wewers’ father is a retired U.S. Navy officer, and she also has family members who are in law enforcement.
“I’m just excited to see the workings of the campaign and see how this goes,” she said. “I love being surrounded by people who support the military and all of our heroes here at home … so the support here is a big ‘go’ for me.”
The candidate is currently serving as an attorney for a Kansas City insurance company. He served as an intern at the White House for President George W. Bush in the Domestic Policy Council. While attending the University of Missouri, he also served as student body president and was also named student representative to the Board of Curators by then-Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt.
District 34’s Republican primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 7. Luetkemeyer will be running opposite Buchanan County presiding commissioner Harry Roberts.
The victor of the primary will go on to run later this year, against Democrat Martin T. Rucker, who is running unopposed in his party’s race.