Democratic Senate candidate Lucas Kunce picks up endorsements ahead of Missouri primary election

Andrew Sullender, Springfield News-Leader
·2 min read
Lucas Kunce, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks during a town hall at the Greene County Democrat Days held at the Doubletree by Hilton on Saturday, April 9, 2022.
Lucas Kunce, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks during a town hall at the Greene County Democrat Days held at the Doubletree by Hilton on Saturday, April 9, 2022.
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The first local endorsements in the U.S. Senate Democratic primary, former Springfield mayor Jim O'Neal and former Greene County Presiding Commissioner Dave Coonrod announced their support for Marine veteran Lucas Kunce.

"When you talk to Lucas, you're talking to a straight-shooter," said O'Neal — who met Kunce at the recent 'Dem Day' in Greene County.

"He actually knows who he wants to fight for in the Senate — real Missourians, working people and everyday families who make this state great. That's why I'm excited by Lucas Kunce. I really think this guy can win, and I think I speak for us all when I say we're ready for an honest broker who actually cares about regular people."

The former mayor also noted Kunce's military and intelligence background, which he said would be an asset for any Senate action concerning the current conflict in Ukraine

O'Neal was first elected as Springfield mayor in 2009 before resigning three years later. He is also owns national truckload carrier O&S Trucking.

More: About 15 percent of voters cast ballots in Tuesday’s election

Former Greene County Presiding Commissioner Dave Coonrod endorses Kunce

Former Greene County Commissioner David Coonrod speaks at an event Thursday at Valley Water Mill Park where an anonymous donation of $4 million to Community Foundation of the Ozarks was announced. The donation will support four Springfield-based environmental groups that promote outdoor recreation and preserve land and water resources.
Former Greene County Commissioner David Coonrod speaks at an event Thursday at Valley Water Mill Park where an anonymous donation of $4 million to Community Foundation of the Ozarks was announced. The donation will support four Springfield-based environmental groups that promote outdoor recreation and preserve land and water resources.

Kunce's other endorsement comes from Coonrod, who previously served 16 years as Presiding Greene County Commissioner.

“Lucas is one of those rare leaders who’s proven he’ll advocate for the people of this state,” Coonrod said. “I’ve been heartened to hear his commitment to protecting our land, our rivers, our communities that real Missourians raise their families in. He’s the only one in this race who’s proven that he stands for real people."

O'Neal and Coonrod represent the first previously elected Democrats in southwest Missouri to weigh in on the primary. Currently elected state representatives Betsy Fogle and Minority Leader Crystal Quade have not yet endorsed in the race.

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Kunce said that these endorsements show his campaign is "going everywhere."

"I'm proud to run on a message of fighting for working people. That's why I'm grateful to have earned the support of Jim O'Neal and Dave Coonrod," Kunce said.

"Winning in Missouri requires going everywhere and that's exactly what we're doing. And no matter where I go, people are energized by our core message to fundamentally change who has power in this country."

The fundraising leader among all candidates, Kunce faces a series of Democratic challengers to the seat — including recently announced Busch beer heiress Trudy Busch Valentine.

Whoever wins the primary faces long-odds in the heavily-red Missouri general election.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri Democratic Senate candidate Lucas Kunce gets endorsements