State treasurer candidate Rodney Farthing outlines beliefs
Farthing, running for state treasurer, mixes personal, political.
Published Oct. 7, 2008
Rodney "Rod" Farthing "makes no bones about it." He is the underdog third-party candidate in the race for Missouri's state treasurer.
A staunch member of the Constitution Party, Farthing was glad to merely be on the ballot.
"I agreed to run for treasurer because it gives a platform to get positions out," Farthing said.
A Joplin prison minister, Farthing does not boast an incredible political resume - in fact, he has not served in any high-profile public service position.
"I'm not an accountant," Farthing said. "I'm a citizen raised on a preacher's salary."
The 59-year-old has extensive experience with Christian ministries in Missouri and Kentucky. He is also an active member in the Missouri chapter of the Salvation Army.
His devotion to Christian values and beliefs is a cornerstone of the Constitution Party, which believes in the principles of the U.S. Constitution, coupled with an emphasis on the "Gospel of Jesus Christ," according to the party's Web site.
The party's chairwoman in Missouri, Donna Ivanovich, praised Farthing for his ability to handle money.
"Put your faith and trust in Rod," Ivanovich said. "He can do the right thing."
Farthing faces a tough battle against Democratic candidate Clint Zweifel and Republican Brad Lager this election.
A father of six children, Farthing said he believes the financial challenges of family life have helped in preparing him for the state treasurer position.
"I'm not a financial wizard," he said. "But the Constitution Party has something to say worth being heard. And I would like to be a spokesman."
Farthing said he also wants people to see that alternatives to Republicans and Democrats do exist.
