Bev Randles Announces a Bid for Lt. Governor 2016

This past Monday, much to the surprise of  many Missouri conservatives and Republicans, Beverly Randles announced an exploratory committee for a possible bid for the Lieutenant Governor race in 2016.  Randles, whose husband Bill Randles ran for governor in
2012, has for years expressed her disinterest in running for elected office.

“During the past several months,
elected officials, community leaders, and grassroots activists throughout the state of Missouri have encouraged me to run for statewide elective office. After thoughtfully considering those calls to serve, today, I filed paperwork with the Missouri Ethics Commission to form an exploratory committee and gauge support for a potential run for the Republican nomination for Missouri lieutenant governor.” Randles said a press release Monday.

“As a lifelong Missourian who has had the opportunity to rise from humble beginnings to achieve numerous successes, my hope is that I can help others throughout our state realize similar opportunities to achieve their own goals. Over the coming weeks and months, I look forward to speaking with people all across our state about my vision for a better Missouri for all, and continuing to garner support for a potential campaign.”

While I find this good news, the big story around Randles throwing her hat in the race hasn’t been about her qualifications nor ability to lead. Most media outlets have chose to make her first donation the main headline. Thr infamous Rex Sinquefield made a $1 million dollar donation to Randles’ campaign. The media has been all over it.
” Rex is one donor,” Randles defended the sizable donation to St. Louis Public Radio. “He represents one vote. He is ot going to be the only person who contributes during this exploratory phase.”

Randles serves as the chairman of both the Missouri Club for Growth and the Missouri Club for Growth PAC. As chairmen, Randles successfully spearheaded support for SB 509 which became Missouri’s first income tax in nearly 100 years and she also ran her husband’s campaign in his bid for governor.

Although a soft spoken woman, she commands attention when entering the room and has been a dynamic force in recent conservative politics. She has proven herself to be a true leader and a captivating speaker. Can that translate into a primary win if others decide to enter the race and then into a win in the state-wide race in 2016? Only time will tell but I for one wish her luck.