Alarmed at the growing reach of government and the job-killing regulations that he says are stifling Missouri farmers and small business owners, retired Marshfield businessman Mike Cunningham, a former state representative, recently announced his intention to run as a conservative Republican for the Missouri State Senate in the 33rd District.
The new 33rd District, as approved in the most recent round of decennial redistricting, covers Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Ripley, Texas, Webster and Wright counties. Due to term limits, no incumbent senator will be eligible to seek election.
Cunningham intends to run an aggressive campaign across the entire district and has enjoyed early support and fundraising success, he says. His real-life business experience and background managing payrolls and making tough decisions are a strong asset in tough economic times, he says.
“I’m taking a stand and running for Senate because I see too many farmers and business owners hurt by needless government regulations,” Cunningham said. “Our families are being squeezed by the liberal Obama/Nixon policies that drive jobs away while prices of gasoline, food and tuition continue to skyrocket.”
Cunningham, a livestock farmer, is a retired owner and manager of Cunningham’s Fresh Foods in Marshfield. A graduate of Truman State University, he served his country in the U.S. Army, receiving an honorable discharge after earned rank of sergeant E-5 in the military police.
Cunningham served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2003 – 2011, where he fought to cut Social Security taxes, expanding educational opportunities and protect private property rights. He says he is 100 percent pro life and pro-gun rights.
“The hard-fought freedoms we enjoy are too precious to be whittled down piece by piece in Washington, D.C., and Jefferson City,” Cunningham said. “As your state senator, I will fight to protect the freedoms to hunt, fish, raise livestock and owner private property without government interference.”
Cunningham, who has three adult children, is active in numerous community organizations as well as his church.