This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Sept. 25, 2010 - Undeterred by his failed bid for the U.S. Senate, state Sen. Chuck Purgason is launching a new quest -- to win election as Senate president pro tem.
And that means taking on state Sen. Kevin Engler, R-Farmington.
Purgason, R-Caulfield, is raising money via a $500-a-person pheasant shoot Oct. 16. His platform includes pressing to make Missouri a "right-to-work" state that bars closed union shops.
In a letter sent out Friday, Purgason contended that the Senate GOP caucus and the Republican Party "have become more consumed with holding onto power than working for the betterment of our state and its citizens as a whole."
"We must get back to our basic principles of lowering taxes on all business and allowing everyone to compete on a level playing field regardless of size and campaign donations."
"We must also do what other states have done and become a right to work state."
Purgason said he has set up a leadership committee and is asking for donations to help him help other conservatives on the ballot Nov. 2.
Despite his support from many Tea Party activists, Purgason lost his bid for the U.S. Senate on Aug. 3 to now-GOP nominee Roy Blunt, a congressman from Springfield, Mo.
