This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, July 27, 2012 - State Sen. Scott Rupp has released a television ad stressing his opposition to the federal health care law, extending term limits and abortion. With that move, all three Republican hopefuls for Missouri secretary of state have launched television advertisements as they make their case for the Aug. 7 primary.
The ad entitled “Voters First” features the St. Charles Republican speaking about how his support of Proposition C, a 2010 ballot initiative aimed at counteracting elements of the Affordable Care Act. He also notes in the ad his advocacy for a photo identification requirement at the polls, and his opposition to extending legislative term limits.
Rupp’s ad closes with the candidate pointing to his endorsement from Missouri Right to Life, an anti-abortion organization. Rupp was the only Republican candidate for secretary of state to grab the group's endorsement, although Right to Life also has backed a Democratic hopeful, MD Alam.
The secretary of state has no involvement in the abortion issue, or health care, beyond crafting ballot summaries for any proposals that get on the ballot.
Rupp is running against House Speaker Pro Tem Shane Schoeller, R-Willard, and Sen. Bill Stouffer, R-Napton, in the GOP primary for the statewide office. Schoeller released ads focusing on his background and his support for a photo identification requirement, while Stouffer this week released a humorous spot focusing a bloodhound named Duke.
Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, a Democrat, is not running for a third term. The office of secretary of state runs the state’s elections, registers businesses and monitors securities.
In an interview with the Beacon earlier this month, Rupp noted that his advocacy to pass a mandate for insurance companies to cover care for autism sparked support throughout the state, far beyond the St. Louis region.
Schoeller – the money leader in the contest – is banking on the support of his base in southwest Missouri, as well as endorsements from a slew of state representatives. And in addition to his TV ad, Stouffer has unleashed an extensive billboard campaign emphasizing his rural roots.
The winner of the primary will likely face state Rep. Jason Kander, a Kansas City Democrat who has more cash on hand the other three candidates combined. Kander’s campaign announced this week that it was reserving nearly $1 million in TV advertising for the fall.
