Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate sneaks in a sweet potato fry while waiting to pick-up the rest of his staff's take-out lunch order at the Silver Anchor Diner on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in New London, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley waits to order takeout lunch with his staff at the Silver Anchor Diner on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in New London, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley talks with Scott Spoonhower, the owner and cook of the Silver Anchor Diner on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in New London, Mo. Spoonhower served in the US Navy for twenty years. Hawley's staff stopped at his diner to order takeout lunch. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
"The sweet potato fries smell too good," said Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley, who visits with Dariana Page (left) and Heidi Dreisewerd as they prepare a takeout lunch order for his staff at the Silver Anchor Diner on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in New London, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate sneaks in a sweet potato fry while waiting to pick-up the rest of his staff's take-out lunch order at the Silver Anchor Diner on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in New London, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley waits to order takeout lunch with his staff at the Silver Anchor Diner on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in New London, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley talks with Scott Spoonhower, the owner and cook of the Silver Anchor Diner on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in New London, Mo. Spoonhower served in the US Navy for twenty years. Hawley's staff stopped at his diner to order takeout lunch. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
"The sweet potato fries smell too good," said Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley, who visits with Dariana Page (left) and Heidi Dreisewerd as they prepare a takeout lunch order for his staff at the Silver Anchor Diner on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in New London, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
JEFFERSON CITY • On a quiet stretch of Highway 61 in northeast Missouri, Josh Hawley’s campaign bus has made an unscheduled pit stop.
It is 10:45 on Wednesday morning, too early for lunch and too late for breakfast. But the entourage surrounding Missouri’s Republican challenger for a seat in the U.S. Senate has some time to burn before heading to an appearance up the road in Hannibal, and the candidate is ready to eat.
Hawley, Missouri’s attorney general, likes what he sees on the menu of the Silver Anchor Diner in New London, population 973.
“Sweet potato fries. My favorite,†he tells the group in the otherwise empty restaurant. “I am hungry.â€
While farm trucks loaded with freshly harvested corn and soybeans rumble by, the stop is among the few unscripted moments in a week of disciplined barnstorming by the man fighting to unseat Missouri’s two-term U.S. senator, Democrat Claire McCaskill.
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley's Stop Schumer, Fire Claire bus exits U.S Route 54 enroute to a meet and greet at Stacey's Place on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Mexico, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
"I support him because he is fighting for our constitutional rights," said Nicole Shipley, who visits with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley during late breakfast at Stacey's Place on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Mexico, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley greets his crowd of supporters at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Trump won Missouri by nearly 19 percentage points in the 2016 presidential election. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
A group of supporters cheer as Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley arrives at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
"Number one, he's a Trump supporter. That's all I need to say," said Steve Kerwin of Platte City, who drove his Trump Truck to support Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Trump won Missouri by nearly 19 percentage points in the 2016 presidential election. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
"I want him to come to the Eagle Scout ceremony" said Joseph Kingsley,13, who extended the invitation to Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Kingsley hopes to make Eagle Scout sometime during the next two years. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley's Stop Schumer, Fire Claire bus exits U.S Route 54 enroute to a meet and greet at Stacey's Place on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Mexico, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
"I support him because he is fighting for our constitutional rights," said Nicole Shipley, who visits with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley during late breakfast at Stacey's Place on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Mexico, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley greets his crowd of supporters at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Trump won Missouri by nearly 19 percentage points in the 2016 presidential election. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
A group of supporters cheer as Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley arrives at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
"Number one, he's a Trump supporter. That's all I need to say," said Steve Kerwin of Platte City, who drove his Trump Truck to support Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Trump won Missouri by nearly 19 percentage points in the 2016 presidential election. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
"I want him to come to the Eagle Scout ceremony" said Joseph Kingsley,13, who extended the invitation to Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Kingsley hopes to make Eagle Scout sometime during the next two years. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Less than two years into his first term as an elected official, Hawley, a Stanford- and Yale-educated attorney, is trying to ride a wave launched by President Donald Trump, who won the Show-Me state by 19 points in 2016.
In the final full week before Tuesday’s election, Hawley hit the road, ticking off seven stops to visit with small gatherings of Republican supporters from St. Joseph on the western edge of the state to Hannibal in the east.
“This is the race that’s going to determine control of the United States Senate,†he told supporters during multiple stops that started in Chesterfield on Monday. “And the stakes couldn’t be higher. We are fighting now to save our country. That’s what this race is about.â€
The impromptu stop at the Silver Anchor came after a visit to Stacey’s Place in Mexico, Mo., where he greeted diners eating their hash browns and eggs and listened to their stories. Waitresses in Halloween costumes had to fight through reporters and Hawley’s aides to deliver plates of food to customers.
David Penn, a Mexico resident sporting a red “Make America Great Again†ball cap, was among those who came to check out the man who wants to keep Republicans in charge of the Senate.
“He supports a lot of the same policies I agree with,†Penn said.
Time and again, those attending the rallies listened approvingly to Hawley’s stump speech message: Send me to Washington and I will support the president.
The speeches are an often angry message of a nation fighting against an immigrant invasion, Democrats in general and liberals who threaten rural values. Not to mention McCaskill, and Hawley’s contention that she isn’t on board the Trump train — which, he says, has already left the station.
“Do you want the extreme left wing to take over?†he asked a group at Becky’s Ice Cream Parlor in downtown Hannibal.
“Nooo,†supporters answered in unison.
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley arrives at a campaign stop at Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Hannibal, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
"It's nice to see a person who cares about the values I was raised with. I believe in the principles of the founding fathers of this country," said farmer Tony Smallwood of New London, Mo., who visits with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate Josh Hawley at a campaign stop at Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Hannibal, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley arrives at a campaign stop at Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Hannibal, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
"I think the constitution is a big deal. I think liberty is a big deal. It's been death by a 1000 cuts in that regard," said Sara Anton North, owner of Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor, who waits for Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley to pay for personal license plates Hawley found for his family at a campaign stop on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Hannibal, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
"You get `em, go win," said Ila May Dimmitt, owner of Show-Me Antiques, who visits with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, at her shop in Hannibal, Mo. Hawley stopped in after a campaign stop next door to congratulate the 99-year-old for being in business for 50 years. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley campaigns with his wife Erin and boys Elijah, 6, and Blaise, 3, at a campaign stop at Jackson Country Connection on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in La Plata, Mo. The boys were dressed in costume for Halloween. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley kisses his wife Erin after she spoke at a campaign stop at Jackson Country Connection on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in La Plata, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley fits in a little bit work while watching cartoons with wife Erin and two sons Elijah,6,and Blaise,3, while travelng on his bus to the next campaign meet and greet at Haymakers on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Macon, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley snuggles with giggling Elijah, 6, on the campaign bus on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, near Macon, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan • Post-Dispatch
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley relaxes with his son Elijah, 6, on the campaign bus on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, near Macon, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley arrives at a campaign stop with his wife Erin for a meet and greet at Haymaker's on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Macon, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley arrives at a campaign stop at Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Hannibal, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
"It's nice to see a person who cares about the values I was raised with. I believe in the principles of the founding fathers of this country," said farmer Tony Smallwood of New London, Mo., who visits with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate Josh Hawley at a campaign stop at Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Hannibal, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley arrives at a campaign stop at Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Hannibal, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
"I think the constitution is a big deal. I think liberty is a big deal. It's been death by a 1000 cuts in that regard," said Sara Anton North, owner of Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor, who waits for Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley to pay for personal license plates Hawley found for his family at a campaign stop on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Hannibal, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
"You get `em, go win," said Ila May Dimmitt, owner of Show-Me Antiques, who visits with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, at her shop in Hannibal, Mo. Hawley stopped in after a campaign stop next door to congratulate the 99-year-old for being in business for 50 years. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley campaigns with his wife Erin and boys Elijah, 6, and Blaise, 3, at a campaign stop at Jackson Country Connection on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in La Plata, Mo. The boys were dressed in costume for Halloween. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley kisses his wife Erin after she spoke at a campaign stop at Jackson Country Connection on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in La Plata, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley fits in a little bit work while watching cartoons with wife Erin and two sons Elijah,6,and Blaise,3, while travelng on his bus to the next campaign meet and greet at Haymakers on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Macon, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley snuggles with giggling Elijah, 6, on the campaign bus on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, near Macon, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan • Post-Dispatch
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley relaxes with his son Elijah, 6, on the campaign bus on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, near Macon, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley arrives at a campaign stop with his wife Erin for a meet and greet at Haymaker's on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Macon, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
After delivering his 10-minute speeches, Hawley took time to mingle with the people who came out to see him.
Shaking hands, taking selfies and bending down to speak to elderly supporters who sat on plastic lawn chairs at an event in St. Joseph, Hawley presented himself as a caring, earnest candidate who would ease their worries about the state of a nation he defines as threatened.
The message played well with those who showed up at the events. After 12 years in office, Hawley’s backers want someone other than McCaskill representing them in Washington.
“She’s been in office for too long,†said Catherine Oiler, who attended a stop at a diner parking lot north of Kansas City. “I like that Josh says it is time for a change.â€
Jim Lowbry, a ºüÀêÊÓƵ resident who stopped by Hawley’s Hannibal stop, said, “I like where the country is going.â€
As for McCaskill, Lowbry said, “She hangs with the wrong crowd.â€
At stop after stop — from a strip mall on the western border of the state to a farm field south of Kirksville — Hawley, the former University of Missouri law school professor, who once clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts, made it clear that Trump’s looming presence in the race is his key to victory.
A reporter asked Hawley, who has been a significant focus of Trump’s nationwide campaigning on behalf of Republican candidates, whether he thought Trump’s two visits to Missouri in the closing week of the campaign were a sign that the president was worried he might lose a race that could determine who controls the Senate.
Hawley scoffed at the idea.
“I hope that it means that he’s excited to be here, and we’ll take all the help that we can get. We’re just delighted he’s going to be here,†Hawley said.
‘Firewall of freedom’
In St. Joseph, Alison Schieber was among about 40 supporters who attended a campaign stop at the Buchanan County Republican Party headquarters.
Schieber said the hearings over Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation played a major part in her decision to cast a vote Tuesday for Hawley. She said the judge’s credentials greatly outweighed the accusations about his alleged sexual assault of a female teenager when he was in high school.
“I don’t want a conservative activist judge, and I don’t want a liberal activist judge. I want a judge who follows the Constitution,†Schieber said.
Also at the event was Tim Hahn, a cattle farmer from east of St. Joseph. While some farmers are voicing concern about the effect of tariffs imposed by Trump in his trade war with China, he is glad Hawley is backing the president’s effort to improve trade.
“I know there is some short-term pain, but in the long run, it will open up markets,†Hahn said.
At the stop in St. Joseph, Hawley popped off his bus at the strip mall campaign office wearing his standard campaign uniform of blue jeans, a white oxford shirt and cowboy boots.
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley wears his signature cowboy boots during a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley talks with supporters at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the GOP office in Saint Joseph, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley addresses a crowd of supporters at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the Buchanan County GOP office in Saint Joseph, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com.
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
"I like his hard stance on immigration, that's what brought me to his campaign. Europe is imploding from immigration. We already have a way for immigrants to come here legally. I want them to move here and assimilate to our culture and have American values" said Justin Turner, 24, (left), who talks with Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the GOP office in Saint Joseph, Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
"I'm voting for him because he's thinking with some common sense," said Donna Hahn, who visits with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley with her husband Larry and adult son Tim at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the GOP office in Saint Joseph, Mo. "Politicians think all we are good for down here are is for working and paying taxes. It's time for a change," said Hahn. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley takes a photo with Josie Sigars,11, during a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the GOP office in Saint Joseph, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley wears his signature cowboy boots during a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley talks with supporters at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the GOP office in Saint Joseph, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley addresses a crowd of supporters at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the Buchanan County GOP office in Saint Joseph, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com.
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
"I like his hard stance on immigration, that's what brought me to his campaign. Europe is imploding from immigration. We already have a way for immigrants to come here legally. I want them to move here and assimilate to our culture and have American values" said Justin Turner, 24, (left), who talks with Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the GOP office in Saint Joseph, Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
"I'm voting for him because he's thinking with some common sense," said Donna Hahn, who visits with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley with her husband Larry and adult son Tim at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the GOP office in Saint Joseph, Mo. "Politicians think all we are good for down here are is for working and paying taxes. It's time for a change," said Hahn. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley takes a photo with Josie Sigars,11, during a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the GOP office in Saint Joseph, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
“We are the firewall of freedom,†he told the 50 attendees.
Later Tuesday, in Riverside, located north of Kansas City, Hawley repeated his performance, hopping off the bus now wearing a brown jacket to ward off a slight drizzle.
Standing in front of his red campaign bus, Hawley again invoked his rallying cry that McCaskill represents “liberal elites†over the values of a “flyover state†like Missouri.
“Our way of life is the future of our country,†said Hawley, painting a Norman Rockwell-esque portrait of growing up in the small town of Lexington on the west side of the state.
Fred Pouche, the treasurer of the Platte County Republican Party and a former member of the Missouri Legislature, said he likes Hawley’s youth and energy.
“Claire? I just think it’s time for her to retire,†said Pouche, whose son attended the private Rockhurst High School with Hawley.
At a farm in La Plata on Wednesday, Hawley’s wife, Erin, took the stage on his behalf while he held his 3-year-old son, Blaise, who was already dressed in his Halloween costume — Dash, from “The Incredibles.â€
She said Hawley, whom she met while the two clerked at the Supreme Court, wasn’t immediately sold on the idea of running for U.S. Senate.
But, she told the crowd, “Josh is called to serve Missouri.â€
Later that night, a day before Hawley would share a stage with Trump at the airport in Columbia, he said he was looking forward to taking his two sons trick-or-treating.
“We’ll be knocking on doors for a different reason,†Hawley said.
‘Trump, Trump, Trump’
Hawley’s support from the national Republican Party doesn’t stop with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, who also has campaigned heavily for him to help keep a GOP majority in the Senate.
A visit by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina on Monday put an exclamation point on the national nature of the race and the Republican bet that Trump supporters want retribution for the way the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court confirmation process played out.
In a hotel conference room in Chesterfield, Graham hammered on McCaskill for her “no†vote on the confirmation.
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Senators Cory Gardner and Lindsey Graham hive-five after a campaign with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley backstage on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
"I am against Claire. The country is ready for Trump's agenda. I like his economy and security," said Laurie Leleu of Manchester, who donned a pair of glasses she bought at Carnival Supply at campaign stop for Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield. Hawley is seeking to unseat Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) in the November midterm elections. She is one of 10 Senate Democrats up for reelection this year in states won by Trump in 2016. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley addresses a crowd of supporters on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Senators Cory Gardner and Lindsey Graham hive-five after a campaign with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley backstage on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
"I am against Claire. The country is ready for Trump's agenda. I like his economy and security," said Laurie Leleu of Manchester, who donned a pair of glasses she bought at Carnival Supply at campaign stop for Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield. Hawley is seeking to unseat Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) in the November midterm elections. She is one of 10 Senate Democrats up for reelection this year in states won by Trump in 2016. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
On the road with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley addresses a crowd of supporters on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Graham, who has become a chief defender of Trump and of Kavanaugh, asked the crowd, “Can you believe what we did to this man? If we win here, it will be the most visible example that Kavanaugh did matter.â€
Missouri Treasurer Eric Schmitt said Democrats turned the confirmation process into a “circus.â€
“We see what the left is doing. They are completely unhinged,†Schmitt said.
Hawley called the hearings a “smear†job by Democrats.
“On Nov. 6, the eyes of the country will turn to us,†Hawley said.
The crowd ate it up, chanting “Trump, Trump, Trump†— a refrain that would be repeated at other stops along the way.
Less than two hours after arriving at the venue, Hawley boarded his campaign bus for the trip west on Interstate 70 to his campaign headquarters in Columbia, located in an office park on the city’s east side.
Unlike his later, more freewheeling visit to the Silver Anchor, Hawley did not stop to chat with reporters. Spokeswoman Kelli Ford said the candidate was planning to spend the remainder of the day in meetings, preparing for an appearance on Fox News.
In that appearance, Hawley was asked if there were any state-level issues he was campaigning on. Hawley’s response was emblematic of his campaign.
“I think the big issue here is what has happened in Washington, D.C. (McCaskill) hasn’t heard anything the people of my state told her in 2016, and that’s going to be the decisive thing in this election,†Hawley said.
Missouri candidate, national team
To that end, Hawley has surrounded himself with a national team. Ford, a Michigan native, worked for two Michigan congressmen and that state’s Republican Party operation before trekking to the Show-Me state. Campaign manager Kyle Plotkin formerly worked for former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, including during Jindal’s short-lived bid for president in 2015. He also served as an analyst for Mitt Romney during his run for president.
Timmy Teepell, a key consultant for Hawley, is from Louisiana. He has been advising Hawley since he took over as attorney general in 2017.
Even Hawley’s campaign bus, bedecked with a montage of McCaskill and top Democratic leaders, has license plates from out of state: Tennessee.
None of that mattered to Ronn Paschia, a veteran and retired businessman from Hannibal.
Standing inside Becky’s Ice Cream Parlor in Hannibal after Hawley spoke to about 40 supporters, Paschia said he’s looked into Hawley’s eyes and sees a good man.
“I don’t bet on guesses. I know Josh is a sure thing,†Paschia said.
Terry Davison, a farmer and car dealer from La Plata, sounded a similar tone. Standing on the edge of a cornfield where Hawley had just delivered a speech Wednesday to 40 supporters, Davison and his wife, Jenita, said they haven’t always voted Republican.
But, the two agreed Hawley would get their vote this time around.
“We always vote for who will best serve Missourians,†Davison said.
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley runs onto the stage to room full of supporters on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley addresses a crowd of supporters on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
"I am against Claire. The country is ready for Trump's agenda. I like his economy and security," said Laurie Leleu of Manchester, who donned a pair of glasses she bought at Carnival Supply at campaign stop for Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield. Hawley is seeking to unseat Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) in the November midterm elections. She is one of 10 Senate Democrats up for reelection this year in states won by Trump in 2016. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Senators Cory Gardner and Lindsey Graham hive-five after a campaign with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley backstage on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
"I spent $250 and made 50 of these signs," said Hawley supporter Doug McDougall of Kirkwood, who waits to to be admitted to an event for Republican candidate and attorney general Josh Hawley greets addresses the crowd on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley's Stop Schumer, Fire Claire bus exits U.S Route 54 enroute to a meet and greet at Stacey's Place on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Mexico, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
"I support him because he is fighting for our constitutional rights," said Nicole Shipley, who visits with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley during late breakfast at Stacey's Place on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Mexico, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
"It was just neat to meet him in person. If I could vote, I vote for him," said Ellie Smith, 16, (second from right) who stood with classmates from Eagle Heights Christian High School at a campaign stop for Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Teacher Fred Bundy brought his history class to the event. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley greets his crowd of supporters at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Trump won Missouri by nearly 19 percentage points in the 2016 presidential election. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley wears his signature cowboy boots during a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
A group of supporters cheer as Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley arrives at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
"I want him to come to the Eagle Scout ceremony" said Joseph Kingsley,13, who extended the invitation to Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Kingsley hopes to make Eagle Scout sometime during the next two years. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
"Number one, he's a Trump supporter. That's all I need to say," said Steve Kerwin of Platte City, who drove his Trump Truck to support Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Trump won Missouri by nearly 19 percentage points in the 2016 presidential election. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
"It was just neat to meet him in person. If I could vote, I vote for him," said Eagle Heights Christian High School student Ellie Smith, 16, who shakes hand with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Teacher Fred Bundy (left) brought his history class to the event. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
A sign for Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley stands in a field on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2018, in Cameron, Mo. Hawley, the state attorney general, is seeking to unseat Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) in the November midterm elections. She is one of 10 Senate Democrats up for reelection this year in states won by Trump in 2016. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley addresses a crowd of supporters at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the Buchanan County GOP office in Saint Joseph, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com.
Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley talks with supporters at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the GOP office in Saint Joseph, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
"I like his hard stance on immigration, that's what brought me to his campaign. Europe is imploding from immigration. We already have a way for immigrants to come here legally. I want them to move here and assimilate to our culture and have American values" said Justin Turner, 24, (left), who talks with Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the GOP office in Saint Joseph, Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
"I'm voting for him because he's thinking with some common sense," said Donna Hahn, who visits with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley with her husband Larry and adult son Tim at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the GOP office in Saint Joseph, Mo. "Politicians think all we are good for down here are is for working and paying taxes. It's time for a change," said Hahn. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley takes a photo with Josie Sigars,11, during a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the GOP office in Saint Joseph, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley waits to order takeout lunch with his staff at the Silver Anchor Diner on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in New London, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley talks with Scott Spoonhower, the owner and cook of the Silver Anchor Diner on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in New London, Mo. Spoonhower served in the US Navy for twenty years. Hawley's staff stopped at his diner to order takeout lunch. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
"The sweet potato fries smell too good," said Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley, who visits with Dariana Page (left) and Heidi Dreisewerd as they prepare a takeout lunch order for his staff at the Silver Anchor Diner on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in New London, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate sneaks in a sweet potato fry while waiting to pick-up the rest of his staff's take-out lunch order at the Silver Anchor Diner on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in New London, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley arrives at a campaign stop at Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Hannibal, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
"It's nice to see a person who cares about the values I was raised with. I believe in the principles of the founding fathers of this country," said farmer Tony Smallwood of New London, Mo., who visits with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate Josh Hawley at a campaign stop at Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Hannibal, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley arrives at a campaign stop at Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Hannibal, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
"I think the constitution is a big deal. I think liberty is a big deal. It's been death by a 1000 cuts in that regard," said Sara Anton North, owner of Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor, who waits for Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley to pay for personal license plates Hawley found for his family at a campaign stop on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Hannibal, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
"You get `em, go win," said Ila May Dimmitt, owner of Show-Me Antiques, who visits with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, at her shop in Hannibal, Mo. Hawley stopped in after a campaign stop next door to congratulate the 99-year-old for being in business for 50 years. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley delivers his stump speech at a campaign stop at Jackson Country Connection on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in La Plata, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley campaigns with his wife Erin and boys Elijah, 6, and Blaise, 3, at a campaign stop at Jackson Country Connection on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in La Plata, Mo. The boys were dressed in costume for Halloween. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley kisses his wife Erin after she spoke at a campaign stop at Jackson Country Connection on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in La Plata, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley snuggles with giggling Elijah, 6, on the campaign bus on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, near Macon, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley relaxes with his son Elijah, 6, on the campaign bus on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, near Macon, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley fits in a little bit work while watching cartoons with wife Erin and two sons Elijah,6,and Blaise,3, while travelng on his bus to the next campaign meet and greet at Haymakers on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Macon, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley arrives at a campaign stop with his wife Erin for a meet and greet at Haymaker's on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Macon, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley and his wife Erin arrive on Air Force One with President Donald Trump for a Make America Great Again rally on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, at Hangar 350 at the Columbia Regional Airport,. Trump will be back Monday in Missouri to campaign for Hawley and the get out and vote message in Cape Girardeau. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Early in the evening supporters show their support for Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley before President Donald Trump arrives at a Make America Great Again rally on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, at Hangar 350 at the Columbia Regional Airport,. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley addresses the crowd alongside President Donald Trump during a Make America Great Again rally on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, at Hangar 350 at the Columbia Regional Airport. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley addresses the crowd alongside President Donald Trump during a Make America Great Again rally on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, at Hangar 350 at the Columbia Regional Airport,. Trump will be back Monday in Missouri to campaign for Hawley and the get out and vote message in Cape Girardeau. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
The spotlight awaits for Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley to take the stage at a campaign stop on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield. Missouri voters. Hawley, the state attorney general, is seeking to unseat Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) in the November midterm elections. She is one of 10 Senate Democrats up for reelection this year in states won by Trump in 2016. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Photos: Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley campaigns for U.S. Senate seat
With just a week left in election, Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley met with residents in small town America on his Stop Schumer, Fire Claire bus tour. On Thursday, he deplaned Air Force One alongside his wife Erin and President Donald Trump, who made the fist of two trips to the Show-Me-State to campaign in support of Hawley. Â
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley runs onto the stage to room full of supporters on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley addresses a crowd of supporters on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
"I am against Claire. The country is ready for Trump's agenda. I like his economy and security," said Laurie Leleu of Manchester, who donned a pair of glasses she bought at Carnival Supply at campaign stop for Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield. Hawley is seeking to unseat Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) in the November midterm elections. She is one of 10 Senate Democrats up for reelection this year in states won by Trump in 2016. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Senators Cory Gardner and Lindsey Graham hive-five after a campaign with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley backstage on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
"I spent $250 and made 50 of these signs," said Hawley supporter Doug McDougall of Kirkwood, who waits to to be admitted to an event for Republican candidate and attorney general Josh Hawley greets addresses the crowd on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley's Stop Schumer, Fire Claire bus exits U.S Route 54 enroute to a meet and greet at Stacey's Place on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Mexico, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
"I support him because he is fighting for our constitutional rights," said Nicole Shipley, who visits with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley during late breakfast at Stacey's Place on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Mexico, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
"It was just neat to meet him in person. If I could vote, I vote for him," said Ellie Smith, 16, (second from right) who stood with classmates from Eagle Heights Christian High School at a campaign stop for Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Teacher Fred Bundy brought his history class to the event. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley greets his crowd of supporters at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Trump won Missouri by nearly 19 percentage points in the 2016 presidential election. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley wears his signature cowboy boots during a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
A group of supporters cheer as Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley arrives at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
"I want him to come to the Eagle Scout ceremony" said Joseph Kingsley,13, who extended the invitation to Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Kingsley hopes to make Eagle Scout sometime during the next two years. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
"Number one, he's a Trump supporter. That's all I need to say," said Steve Kerwin of Platte City, who drove his Trump Truck to support Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Trump won Missouri by nearly 19 percentage points in the 2016 presidential election. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
"It was just neat to meet him in person. If I could vote, I vote for him," said Eagle Heights Christian High School student Ellie Smith, 16, who shakes hand with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, outside the Corner Cafe in Riverside, Mo. Teacher Fred Bundy (left) brought his history class to the event. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
A sign for Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley stands in a field on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2018, in Cameron, Mo. Hawley, the state attorney general, is seeking to unseat Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) in the November midterm elections. She is one of 10 Senate Democrats up for reelection this year in states won by Trump in 2016. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley addresses a crowd of supporters at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the Buchanan County GOP office in Saint Joseph, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com.
Laurie Skrivan
Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley talks with supporters at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the GOP office in Saint Joseph, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
"I like his hard stance on immigration, that's what brought me to his campaign. Europe is imploding from immigration. We already have a way for immigrants to come here legally. I want them to move here and assimilate to our culture and have American values" said Justin Turner, 24, (left), who talks with Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the GOP office in Saint Joseph, Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
"I'm voting for him because he's thinking with some common sense," said Donna Hahn, who visits with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley with her husband Larry and adult son Tim at a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the GOP office in Saint Joseph, Mo. "Politicians think all we are good for down here are is for working and paying taxes. It's time for a change," said Hahn. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley takes a photo with Josie Sigars,11, during a campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at the GOP office in Saint Joseph, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley waits to order takeout lunch with his staff at the Silver Anchor Diner on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in New London, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley talks with Scott Spoonhower, the owner and cook of the Silver Anchor Diner on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in New London, Mo. Spoonhower served in the US Navy for twenty years. Hawley's staff stopped at his diner to order takeout lunch. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
"The sweet potato fries smell too good," said Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley, who visits with Dariana Page (left) and Heidi Dreisewerd as they prepare a takeout lunch order for his staff at the Silver Anchor Diner on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in New London, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate sneaks in a sweet potato fry while waiting to pick-up the rest of his staff's take-out lunch order at the Silver Anchor Diner on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in New London, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley arrives at a campaign stop at Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Hannibal, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
"It's nice to see a person who cares about the values I was raised with. I believe in the principles of the founding fathers of this country," said farmer Tony Smallwood of New London, Mo., who visits with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate Josh Hawley at a campaign stop at Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Hannibal, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley arrives at a campaign stop at Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Hannibal, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
"I think the constitution is a big deal. I think liberty is a big deal. It's been death by a 1000 cuts in that regard," said Sara Anton North, owner of Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor, who waits for Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley to pay for personal license plates Hawley found for his family at a campaign stop on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Hannibal, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
"You get `em, go win," said Ila May Dimmitt, owner of Show-Me Antiques, who visits with Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, at her shop in Hannibal, Mo. Hawley stopped in after a campaign stop next door to congratulate the 99-year-old for being in business for 50 years. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley delivers his stump speech at a campaign stop at Jackson Country Connection on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in La Plata, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley campaigns with his wife Erin and boys Elijah, 6, and Blaise, 3, at a campaign stop at Jackson Country Connection on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in La Plata, Mo. The boys were dressed in costume for Halloween. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley kisses his wife Erin after she spoke at a campaign stop at Jackson Country Connection on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in La Plata, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley snuggles with giggling Elijah, 6, on the campaign bus on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, near Macon, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley relaxes with his son Elijah, 6, on the campaign bus on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, near Macon, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan • Post-Dispatch
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley fits in a little bit work while watching cartoons with wife Erin and two sons Elijah,6,and Blaise,3, while travelng on his bus to the next campaign meet and greet at Haymakers on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Macon, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley arrives at a campaign stop with his wife Erin for a meet and greet at Haymaker's on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in Macon, Mo. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley and his wife Erin arrive on Air Force One with President Donald Trump for a Make America Great Again rally on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, at Hangar 350 at the Columbia Regional Airport,. Trump will be back Monday in Missouri to campaign for Hawley and the get out and vote message in Cape Girardeau. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Early in the evening supporters show their support for Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley before President Donald Trump arrives at a Make America Great Again rally on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, at Hangar 350 at the Columbia Regional Airport,. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley addresses the crowd alongside President Donald Trump during a Make America Great Again rally on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, at Hangar 350 at the Columbia Regional Airport. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan • P-D
Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley addresses the crowd alongside President Donald Trump during a Make America Great Again rally on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, at Hangar 350 at the Columbia Regional Airport,. Trump will be back Monday in Missouri to campaign for Hawley and the get out and vote message in Cape Girardeau. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
The spotlight awaits for Missouri Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Hawley to take the stage at a campaign stop on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Double Tree in Chesterfield. Missouri voters. Hawley, the state attorney general, is seeking to unseat Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) in the November midterm elections. She is one of 10 Senate Democrats up for reelection this year in states won by Trump in 2016. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
Laurie Skrivan
EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story gave an incorrect location in the state for New London, Mo. This version has been corrected.