Asbridge to focus on public education

Candidate Ryan Asbridge said he’d be willing to work with Democrats.

By Andrew Denney
April 18, 2008

Ryan Asbridge, candidate for the 25th district Missouri House seat, speaks with supporters Larry Gross and David Keller during his campaign kickoff event Tuesday at On the Rocks. Asbridge discussed his hopes to cooperate with House Democrats if elected.

Ryan Asbridge, the sole Republican contender for 25th district Missouri House seat, said he recognizes the challenges in running on a GOP ticket in a district that traditionally leans Democratic.

One of the obstacles, Asbridge said, was to dissuade voters from the notion that all Republicans are the same.

“The challenge is going to be convincing the voters of the 25th district that I am my own person, a different kind of candidate,” Asbridge said.

Asbridge, who said he supports stem-cell research and is concerned with environmental issues, does not fit the mold of many Republican lawmakers in Missouri.

At a kickoff event for Asbridge’s campaign, held Tuesday at On The Rocks, Asbridge said he would work across the aisle with Democrats on certain issues if he were elected to the House.

“I tend to see myself as someone that tries to bring together ideas from both parties,” Asbridge said.

Asbridge, a former U.S. Navy intelligence officer and Rock Bridge High School teacher, said the primary issue of his platform is public education.

“We have to realize public education is the currency of opportunity in America, and we have to support that,” he said.

While on the topic of education, Asbridge said support should be given to MU and the academic freedom of its faculty.

“The University of Missouri is the economic and intellectual engine that is going to drive the state into the future, and we have to get behind that.” Asbridge said.

Asbridge said he would increase support for small businesses, and that he would make Missouri “the small business capital of America.”

Asbridge’s statements presented in his platform, found agreement with On The Rocks owner Mike McGee.

“I agree with Ryan when he says that small businesses are the cornerstone of the economy,” McGee said.

Asbridge also said he would enact laws to provide additional funding for police and would work to preserve natural resources in the state. He said he would accomplish these legislative goals without raising taxes.

Missouri Deputy Lt. Gov Jerry Dowell, who introduced Asbridge at the event, said he is the “most educated person” in the race for the 25th district seat.

“He is someone that I know is going to work very hard for everything we believe in Jefferson City,” Dowell said.

Asbridge said that while voters in the 25th district tend to lean toward Democratic candidates, he believes voters in the district are independently minded and have voted for Democratic candidates because they “have better fit that mold.”

“I am the candidate that better fits that independently minded attitude of the district,” Asbridge said.

Rep. Judy Baker, D-Columbia, is vacating the 25th district seat to run for the representative of the Ninth U.S. Congressional district in Missouri. The Democrats running for the position are legislative advocate Bob Pund, state auditor spokesman Sean Spence and former MU spokeswoman Mary Still.

Asbridge said he would be better able to work with both parties in the House, because Democratic contenders in the race have taken positions that prevent them from working with House Republicans.

Asbridge campaign manager Mike Yoakum said the candidate’s advantage in the race is his realistic approach, as well as the fact that he is a longtime Columbia resident.

“He understands what Columbia needs,” Yoakum said.

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Asbridge to focus on public education

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