— St. Louis businessman John Brunner, who led an unsuccessful campaign for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2012, confirmed Thursday he is exploring a run for governor next fall.
“Missourians have always been and always will be pioneers and innovators. Missourians were once the leaders in the design and production of the Mercury, Gemini, and Saturn space programs. Missouri was once one of the largest automobile-manufacturing powerhouses in the world. Missouri agriculture is being plowed under by federal bureaucrats at the EPA,” he said in a statement.
“So where are we today? Missouri ranks near the bottom of the economic ladder. Our high school and college graduates are leaving Missouri to find their future. Lack of leadership equates to lack of opportunity. Continuing to do more of the same and expecting different results is the hallmark of Democrat politicians. I believe Missourians deserve better. With tested and proven leadership, Missouri again can show the nation how to grow its economy, create new jobs, and provide world-class education for its children. We need new leadership in the Governor’s office.
“Missourians are fed up with campaigns that have little to offer other than the politics of personal destruction. It is time to change the caustic culture of campaigning. As a candidate, I make the following pledge: I will not personally participate, nor will I condone any person employed by my campaign to engage in a campaign of personal destruction. I challenge all candidates for Governor to join with me and take the high road.
“I’m not a career politician. I’m a manufacturer and a job creator. I’m a problem solver who will roll up my sleeves to get the job done. The citizens of Missouri are seeking common sense, conservative leaders who will defend the U. S. Constitution and the Missouri Constitution, charging forward with a vision for a stronger and economically prosperous.”
If he runs, Brunner would enter a primary race against Catherine Hanaway, a former federal prosecutor. Eric Greitens, a former U.S. Navy SEAL is also considering a run.
Brunner’s public flirtation with the race comes more than a month after State Auditor Tom Schweich, another candidate effort governor, fatally shot himself. Last month, Brunner met privately with former members of Schweich’s campaign team.