'Sick of hate politics': Republican dynasty defeated in race for Missouri governor

Missouri Republicans ratified Gov. “Fifteen months ago, people said we couldn’t win,” Kehoe told supporters gathered in Jefferson City Tuesday. Kehoe endured attacks for his support of higher fuel taxes, votes to allow foreign ownership of farmland and used derisive nicknames like RINO, “Tax Hike Mike” and “Kung Pao Kehoe.” Those ads didn’t move Nick Schatzer of Ashland, who voted for Kehoe on Tuesday. “He’s run several businesses and been successful.” While no candidate gained a significant advantage when the biggest voice in today’s Republican Party, former President Donald Trump, endorsed all three leading contenders, it did help deflect some of the criticism aimed at Kehoe. Ashcroft was the first to concede shortly after 9:30 p.m., asking Missourians to “join me in asking God to bless Mike Kehoe, as he’s the Republican nominee for governor.” Eigel conceded soon after, congratulating Kehoe and wishing him “success as you take on the responsibilities of leading our state.” “The issues we discussed during this campaign, they’re critical,” Eigel said.