KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Current Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe has claimed the Republican nomination for August’s gubernatorial race, running for the state’s highest office.

Kehoe, who says he comes from humble beginnings, is a small businessman and, if elected, will run his office with an emphasis on conservative Christian values.

Kehoe says he wants to eliminate the state income tax, defend the Second Amendment, support law enforcement and secure the nation’s border.

KSHB 41’s Megan Abundis spoke with him about what Missourians can expect if he wins, how he’ll address economic challenges, police oversight, abortion and the future of chiefs and royalty.

Kehoe says that as governor, he would rely on his experience as a small business owner, especially when it comes to building Missouri’s economy.

Missouri on the rise

Kehoe said growing Missouri will be a priority for him.

“I think there’s a very clear path for Missourians to grow our economy,” he said. “You know, we have a great state with a great workforce and people who really want to come out and work, but we have to be able to give them opportunities. Now, I don’t think government should create jobs – I think government should create a platform or an environment where businesses can grow and expand, and if they do that, that creates opportunities for Missourians , I think you need someone at the head of the office, and I hope it’s me who understands what it’s like to create. jobs.”

A state police department

Chris Morrison/KSHB-TV

While Kehoe sees the current economy as a major problem for Missourians, he wants to make sure the Kansas City Police Department remains under state control.

“I’m a big fan of that model; it has to stay that way,” he said. “In fact, we are working to regain state control of the St. Louis Police Department. Louis, because we know that when we have state control with designees, we can protect the men and women in blue; this is the best way to go.”

He says his first priority in office would be to fight crime and give law enforcement more freedom to do their jobs.

Abortion laws

As the Republican nominee, he says he will expand pro-life laws.

“I believe that all elected officials have a fundamental right to also protect the lives of the unborn — those who cannot speak for themselves,” he said. “So if, again, we’re fortunate enough to win this election, and unfortunately, if Amendment 3 passes, we’re going to do everything we can to protect innocent life. I think it’s the worst amendment I’ve seen since I’ve voted in my adult history — I’m absolutely against Amendment 3. I think it’s not right for the people of Missouri.”

Kehoe emphasized that he would do everything he could to help “protect the unborn.”

“I would say that if, unfortunately, it obviously passes, we, if elected by Missourians, are going to get our hands on the Bible to protect our constitution,” he said. “It will be a constitutional amendment, but I believe that all elected officials have a fundamental right to also protect the lives of the unborn – those who cannot speak for themselves – so if we are again lucky enough to win this election, and unfortunately if the amendment is approved, we will do everything we can to protect innocent life.”

Keeping the Chiefs, Royals in Missouri

Courtesy of the bosses

Asked what efforts he would make to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in Missouri, Kehoe says he has spoken with the management and patrons of both teams.

“To be clear, I’m not in favor of taxpayer dollars to build stadiums, but I’m in favor of using the economic development incentives we have in our toolbox that are a good return for Missourians,” he said . “There has to be a good return on investment – ​​this has to be the first litmus test to make sure we keep businesses like these two franchises here.”

Kehoe’s final words to voters

KSHB 41 The News Staff

In his final words, Kehoe said why he should be the next governor.

“I think I have the skills to make sure we continue to grow our economy to provide opportunities for Missourians, just like my mother and my brother and my sister had,” he said. “Part of the problem with our economy, although it’s been handed down to us from Washington, DC, in my opinion, (is) failed policies of our current administration. I hope we have a change with Donald Trump on November 5th in the White House because I think another businessman will really be able to get our economy back on track.”

He also promised investment in the Kansas City area.

“We want to encourage investment here in the Kansas City region; if I am elected governor, we will certainly do those things,” he said. “I would just ask the viewers to remember that I am the youngest of six children, raised by a single mother, and the values ​​that my mother instilled in me, and as a conservative conservative Christian, I am very passionate about that and pass them on. the state and certainly here to the Kansas City area. It is who we are as a state. We must support law enforcement. My murder plan from day one will do that; We’re going to give not only KCPD, but Missouri law enforcement officers across the state, the tools they need to do their jobs and keep the bad guys off the streets.”

KSHB 41 reporter Megan Abundis covers Kansas City, Missouri, including neighborhoods on the city’s south side. Share your story idea with Megan.
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