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New Missouri GOP chairman Todd Graves outlines challenges, opportunities ahead

Todd Graves, the new chairman of the Missouri Republican Party
(Photo Provided by Todd Graves)
Todd Graves, the new chairman of the Missouri Republican Party

It’s been well documented that Missouri Republicans are in control of state politics.

The Missouri Republican Party has large majorities in the bicameral state legislature, hold all but one of the statewide offices, and are riding a wave of conservative sentiment that swept Donald Trump to the presidency on the national stage.

One might assume that Republican domination means that the new chairman of the Missouri GOP is supremely confident but Todd Graves, a former U.S. attorney for Missouri’s western district, is more cautious, citing challenges amid coming to the position at a “high-water mark.”

“When you have that many people in high positions then disagreements develop and that’s something that we’ll have to focus on,” Graves said as he recalled a phrase related to politics he thinks most apropos in that, “In politics, it’s never as bad as it seems and it’s never as good as it seems.”

Todd Graves, who is the brother of U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, R-Tarkio, said that some of his other challenges are reaching out to constituents in central urban areas as well as fundraising.

St. Louis Public Radio political reporter Jo Mannies wrote more about Graves when then Gov.-elect Eric Greitens announced the leadership change last month

St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh and producers Mary EdwardsAlex Heuer and Kelly Moffitt give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay in touch with our diverse and vibrant St. Louis region.

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Alex is the executive producer of "St. Louis on the Air" at St. Louis Public Radio.