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Despite having never held public office, John Brunner has decided to shoot for the stars and run for the United States Senate in November.
Brunner said a lack of action by politicians currently in office has prompted his run for the coveted seat.
"Nine months ago I was upset nothing seemed to be getting done in Washington,” said Brunner during a recent trip to Rolla.
Brunner said he is against the concept of career politicians and if elected he would limit himself to two six-year terms before stepping down.
“When you aren't there for a career, you go into problem-solving mode,” he said.
He also believes there are too many politicians with no “real world” experience.
“(Some politicians) may or may not have any experience other than being a politician in their entire lives,” said Brunner. “They don't understand what the people are going through because they've never been there.”
He said he believes in the concept of a “citizen legislature” where politicians take their individual skill sets to Washington, work for two terms and go home.
“I would really like to see more politicians leave Washington and get a real job,” said Brunner. “Even if you are an outstanding legislator, sometimes it is good to bring in an outsider.”
If elected, he intends to use his business experience to help solving problems in Washington. One way he plans on doing this is by running economic impact studies to determine if regulations are worth the cost.
Brunner thinks some government regulations prevent business owners from being able to hire people.
“That's what (business owners) want – to be able to hire again,” said Brunner. “The government needs to get out of the way and stay out of the way.”
Brunner believes decentralizing parts of government would help get things done more quickly. One example he uses is giving control of grants to the states and local school systems instead of leaving them in the hands of the Department of Education.
During his interview with the Rolla Daily News, Brunner refused take a stand on who he is supporting for president.
"I would take any of these candidates over what we have right now," said Brunner. "If I had to pick a name today – I could pick a name out of a hat, and it would be better than what we have today."
Despite having never held public office, John Brunner has decided to shoot for the stars and run for the United States Senate in November.
Brunner said a lack of action by politicians currently in office has prompted his run for the coveted seat.
"Nine months ago I was upset nothing seemed to be getting done in Washington,” said Brunner during a recent trip to Rolla.
Brunner said he is against the concept of career politicians and if elected he would limit himself to two six-year terms before stepping down.
“When you aren't there for a career, you go into problem-solving mode,” he said.
He also believes there are too many politicians with no “real world” experience.
“(Some politicians) may or may not have any experience other than being a politician in their entire lives,” said Brunner. “They don't understand what the people are going through because they've never been there.”
He said he believes in the concept of a “citizen legislature” where politicians take their individual skill sets to Washington, work for two terms and go home.
“I would really like to see more politicians leave Washington and get a real job,” said Brunner. “Even if you are an outstanding legislator, sometimes it is good to bring in an outsider.”
If elected, he intends to use his business experience to help solving problems in Washington. One way he plans on doing this is by running economic impact studies to determine if regulations are worth the cost.
Brunner thinks some government regulations prevent business owners from being able to hire people.
“That's what (business owners) want – to be able to hire again,” said Brunner. “The government needs to get out of the way and stay out of the way.”
Brunner believes decentralizing parts of government would help get things done more quickly. One example he uses is giving control of grants to the states and local school systems instead of leaving them in the hands of the Department of Education.
During his interview with the Rolla Daily News, Brunner refused take a stand on who he is supporting for president.
"I would take any of these candidates over what we have right now," said Brunner. "If I had to pick a name today – I could pick a name out of a hat, and it would be better than what we have today."
According to JohnBrunner.com, he is the third generation of the Brunner family to lead Vi-Jon (personal care products manufacturing company with over 6,000 products) that was started in 1908 by his grandparents.
His website says, “Starting from the ground up, John has worked in virtually every aspect of the company’s operations, from operating forklifts, loading trailers, repairing production lines, mixing millions of gallons of raw materials, and traveling the country selling Vi-Jon’s products, eventually rising to the rank of CEO, where he served until 2009.”
Brunner has recently come under fire from candidates claiming he is trying to buy the election while not participating in debates.
A press release issued Monday by Caitlin Legacki, Communications Director of the Missouri Democratic Party stated “Despite making a verbal commitment to attend tonight’s debate, Brunner’s campaign backed out weeks ago so Brunner could continue hiding behind mouthpiece consultants and $703,205 worth of misleading television and radio ads since October.”
Todd Abrajano, John Brunner’s communication director said Brunner is scheduled to appear in four debates in the coming months, including:
• Feb. 18 in Kansas City — sponsored by Missouri Republican Party
• Mar. 16 — radio debate Charlie Brennan Show out of St. Louis
• Mar. 30 — St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association
• May 25 — Springfield Young Conservatives of America
“It will ultimately come down the voters,” said Abrajano on Brunner’s behalf. “I don’t think they can be bought.”
“(Brunner) has donated a substantial amount to his campaign, so has Sarah (Steelman),” said Abrajano. “It is hypocritical when she is donating hundreds of thousands to her own campaign.”
