On Monday, I attended the Barry County Republican Rally at Cassville High School, a veritable who’s who of the politically minded and a consistent draw of state- and national-level politicians.

Last year, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway attended the event, which served as a campaign kick-off for State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, Barry County native, as well as U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison. This year, Burlison attended again — as did Fitzpatrick, who was up for reelection on Tuesday — and they were joined by Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins.

It’s notable, and was noted at the event, the Barry County Republican Rally has a knack for drawing state-level politicians on the eves of general elections, but my favorite part of this recurring event is the faces you see from years past.

It’s always nice to rub shoulders again, even if for just a moment, with folks like former Presiding Commissioner Cherry Warren, former Collector Janice Varner, former Clerk Gary Youngblood and former Judge Victor Head.

The event is always well-attended by the Republican-interested public, as well. I did not perform a head count, but I’d estimate around 200 people attended Monday’s Rally. Every time one is held, there are very few free seats.

Though some joke they expressly come for the free meal of brisket, pulled pork and all the appropriate sides, what attendees really come for is to hear the speakers — and learn what they may not without seeing them in person.

This year’s event began with State Rep. Scott Cupps, successor to Fitzpatrick in the State House who was up for his final term on Tuesday. Cupps is ever the conversationalist and is exceptional at working the crowd. Though his time is shorter than his state and national political colleagues, his most significant point was that in his final term, he aims to expose some of the shenanigans in Jefferson City, an effort he described as being “unhinged” in his last two years.

I’m not up enough on state-level politics to know what goals Cupps hopes to achieve, but I’m interested to see where that train is headed.

Following Cupps was Hoskins, who delved into the Amendments on the Tuesday ballot and their importance — delivering the night’s mantra of “No on 6, yes on the rest.” 

Most interestingly in Hoskins’ talk was his recounting of the state versus federal court orders he received regarding the state’s congressional maps. After being summoned to Missouri Supreme Court for contempt, Hoskins said he was prepared that day to go to jail for hours, days, weeks or months for following the federal court order over the state’s — and even as a neutral observer, that story of dedication was impressive.

Hoskins then introduced Burlison, whose most interesting points centered on national politics, namely his “The Great American Healthcare Plan,” which received its name from President Donald Trump on account of the plan containing many elements meeting Trump’s approval. I was not familiar with the plan, described as a Health Savings Account accessible to any American. After hearing him speak on it, it’s a plan I plan to research.

Another notable Burlison point was the state of the economy. Even though it hurts at the pump and the grocery store now, Burlison was optimistic about the future, pointing toward manufacturing having left for countries like China now making their way back to the States, and how flat-bed truck production is seeing a spike, which is indicative of an increase in things like heavy equipment and supplies needing transported, which creates jobs and a stronger economy.

Finally, Fitzpatrick took to the stage, immediately making light of how his campaign banner taped to the wall behind the lectern was continually falling down all night at one corner. 

“I don’t know who let the Democrats in here to put soap on the wall so my sign wouldn’t stay up,” he quipped.

Well played, Scott.

After addressing some of the amendments and their implications, Fitzpatrick lauded some of his successes as state auditor, rooting out illegal spending in cities and schools, as well as his efforts to streamline Medicare and other state-level work to reduce waste and raise the value of the Missouri taxpayer’s dollar.

While the auditor’s office could be made political, he said, the real role of the position is to make that dollar more valuable. It would be a chore to prove Fitzpatrick has not achieved that goal throughout his time in the auditor’s office, no matter your political leanings.

There’s also not much question that whatever Fitzpatrick decides to do after leaving the auditor’s office, his political future is on track to be exceptionally bright if he chooses to continue climbing.

Chatting with him while the attendees were starting to get their meals, Fitzpatrick mentioned how a number of people sent him a clip from the Democrat’s Oct. 21 “Through the Years” segment.

Part of that week’s segment was an “If I were President…” feature from 30 years ago, when as a third-grader, Fitzpatrick replied, “I would study and try to solve the racial problems and gang problems.”

Apparently, that question was posed to him a week after the death of Tupac Shakur, which at age 8 or 9, he said, may have held more importance in his life. 

Who knows, Scott? Maybe in the future, those problems will be worth tackling again.

If tonight, and past rallies, have shown anything, it’s that Republican support in Barry County remains exceptionally strong. Though I am writing this on Monday prior to the election, I have no doubt the GOP in Barry county will continue to flex its muscle each and every election. That consistency and support may prove pivotal in the future for each of the speakers in the high school commons.

Kyle Troutman has served as editor of the Cassville Democrat since 2014 and owner/publisher since 2023. He is a four-time ISWNE Golden Dozen award winner. He may be reached at 417-847-2610 or [email protected].