JEFFERSON CITY — A ºüÀêÊÓƵ County Republican plunked down $1.5 million Tuesday in a bid to become Missouri’s next lieutenant governor.
The self-funded contribution by David Wasinger, a Huntleigh attorney who previously ran for state auditor, puts him closer to fundraising leader Lincoln Hough, a state senator from Springfield, as the GOP primary race enters its final 10 weeks.
“Dave Wasinger is the only true America First conservative running for lieutenant governor and he is all in to win,†Wasinger campaign consultant Mike Hafner said.
Wasinger, who is married to former ºüÀêÊÓƵ County Councilwoman Colleen Wasinger, previously contributed $100,000 to his war chest and ended March with $222,500 in his campaign account.
In March, the anti-abortion group Missouri Right to Life put its weight behind Wasinger in the race.
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“Missouri conservatives everywhere are fed up with the Jefferson City swamp and Dave is running to drain it for good,†Hafner said.
In his 2018 run for auditor, Wasinger came in second in a crowded field to GOP nominee Saundra McDowell. McDowell lost to Democrat Nicole Galloway.
Hough, who has amassed more than $1.5 million, is the chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee and recently received the endorsement of former U.S. Sen. Christopher “Kit†Bond. He also is being backed by state agriculture groups.
Hough recently traveled to Italy on a trade mission with Gov. Mike Parson.
Sen. Holly Rehder, R-Scott City, reported more than $500,000 across two affiliated political action committees.
Other candidates include ºüÀêÊÓƵ businessman Matthew Porter, Franklin County Clerk Tim Baker and Paul Berry III, of Maryland Heights.
Rep. Richard Brown, of Kansas City, is the lone Democrat in the race.