JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Auditor Tom Schweich, a Republican candidate for governor in 2016, on Thursday sent a mixed message to the activist conservative.
On one hand, Schweich, a Republican, said he supports the long-sought “right-to-work” policy backed by his base supporters. But, on another wish-list issue, Schweich said he opposes the push to eliminate tenure for the state’s teachers.
On right-to-work, which would put a limit on labor union membership, Schweich said: “I am in favor of it for this reason: Almost all of our surrounding state have it.”
“At some point, its’s no longer a philosophical debate, a union v management fight,” he added. “It is about practicality. If you want the jobs, you have to be able to compete with your neighbors.”
On the education issue, Schweich said he is for school choice, including accrediting schools individually. He also said he has concerns about “common core,” but stopped short of endorsing laws that would eliminate teacher tenure.
“I do not favor eliminating teacher tenure,” he said. “I don’t think you can coerce people into good performance.”
When asked whether he would consider himself an “establishment Republican,” a term used to describe the less conservative wing of the party that has been challenged in recent years by activists like those in the Tea Party, Schweich noted support from both the activists and establishment, alike.
Schweich, who is challenging former House Speaker Catherine Hanaway for the party’s nomination, said Republicans should elect an “experienced” candidate with political savvy to go up against the likely Democratic candidate, Attorney General Chris Koster.
“If you want to win, you go with a proven winner, especially when they’re running against a proven winner,” he said.
Schweich said he was also in favor of campaign contribution limits. But, unlike other proposal, Schweich said he supports an approach that would put a limit on campaigns from accepting, not on the donors. His plan wold limit the amount of money a candidate can receive from one donor to 20 percent.
Schweich made his remarks Thursday while speaking with news editors gathered at the Capitol for events hosted by the Missouri Press Association.