Missouri Auditor Fitzpatrick The Only Statewide Office Holder on This Year’s Ballot

Over 375 people attended 124th annual McKinley Day at the Ag Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds last Thursday evening.

Pettis County Republican Committee Chairwoman Carla Young explained that Pettis County Republicans sent a group to march in President William McKinley’s second inauguration parade in Washington, D.C. Shortly thereafter, McKinley was assassinated.

President William McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz on Sept. 6, 1901 at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. He died from his injuries eight days later on Sept. 14, 1901.

“Every year after, we have been celebrating President McKinley. And that still goes today, 124 years later,” Young told the politically-motivated crowd.

A Freedom Rally was held in conjunction with the event, which was tacked onto McKinley Day six years ago to honor local first responders, US Veterans and active-duty military with a free meal and public recognition for their services.

Guest speaker for the event was Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, who noted that his position is the only statewide seat on the ballot this time. “And that happens once every 12 years,” he said, adding that all the other statewide offices are elected during a presidential cycle.

He mused that typically when the auditor is at the top of the ticket this time around, voter turnout goes down.

He also predicted that there will be more money spent on ballot issues than candidates this election cycle.

Fitzpatrick was no means the only speaker Thursday night. A variety of candidates vying to take Congressman Mark Alford’s spot are on the ballot, most of whom showed up at McKinley Day to speak to voters. Alford’s seat will become available in January due to redistricting.

Taylor Burks, Micah Beebe, Rick Brattin, Brett Hueffmeier, Berton A. Knox and Brad Patty are all on the Republican primary ticket in District 5. Knox and Patty did not attend the Sedalia event.

There is also a Libertarian candidate running by the name of Randy Langkraehr.

There are also three Republican candidates who have since withdrawn from the race or have been disqualified.

The winner in the August primary will run against Democratic incumbent Emanuel Cleaver.

State Treasurer Vivek Malek also attended McKinley Day and delivered a speech.

Sen. Sandy Crawford D-28, Rep. Rodger Reedy D-57, and Rep. Brad Pollitt D-52, were all recognized for their service over the years. All are now term limited.

Pollitt is currently running for State Senator D-28 on the Republican ticket. If successful, he will assume Crawford’s seat.

Republican Pettis County elected officials were invited to line up in front of the stage and introduce themselves.

Pettis County Eastern Commissioner Israel Baeza, who is also running for higher office (Brad Pollitt’s current seat) gave a patriotic speech concerning America’s 250th birthday.

In his speech, Baeza noted that “for 250 years, people from every walk of life have come together around a common belief that freedom works. That individuals are capable of governing themselves, that families, churches, are communities are stronger than distant bureaucracies … these are not merely conservative principles, they are American principles, and they are principles that built this nation. And they are the principles that carry us forward,” he said.

Baeza is opposed on the Aug. 4 primary ballot by Phillip Sherman, who also attended the event.

Richard DeFord sang the National Anthem to open the ceremony and sang “God Bless America” to close out the program.

A silent auction and a live auction were held to help raise additional funds. "Hollywood" Bob Ramey was in charge of the live auction.

Plowboys BBQ out of Marshall catered the event, providing a tasty turkey and brisket meal.

Erica Elliott from Pettis County Health was present last Thursday night, handing out Narcan for those who wanted to take it home with them, store it in their vehicle or maybe in their purse. The Narcan Elliott handed out is good for three years.