Hundreds of Republican supporters gathered in Springfield, Mo. on Wednesday for a rally featuring former presidential candidate Ted Cruz, Sen. Roy Blunt, Missouri gubernatorial candidate Eric Greitens, and other Missouri GOP candidates.
The rally came as both Blunt and Greitens find themselves tight in the polls against their respective opponents.
The gathering was held at the National Safety Compliance building, where a long line of supporters gathered before the event.
Senator Ted Cruz received the loudest applause after being introduced by Blunt.
“We're here because the principles that built this great nation are being threatened fundamentally this election," said Cruz.
Cruz touched up on several election issues; from the Affordable Care Act and the Hillary Clinton email scandal, to gun rights and the future of the Supreme Court.
Cruz told those in attendance that the race between Sen. Blunt and Democratic candidate Jason Kander has much at stake.
“The eyes of the country are on the state of Missouri,” he explained. “As this Senate seat goes, if Roy were to lose the seat, we would lose the US Senate. We need to keep a Republican majority in the Senate because we need it to check the executive branch."
Missouri Secretary of State candidate Jay Ashcroft, Missouri State Treasurer candidate Eric Schmitt, Missouri Lieutenant Governor candidate Mike Parson, and former US Attorney General John Ashcroft joined the other leaders on stage.
41 Action News spoke exclusively to Eric Greitens before the event started.
Greitens, who is tied in gubernatorial polls with Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, said the Wednesday rally came at a crucial time.
“What's so important about a rally like this is that it brings people together and it lets people know that this is a united Republican ticket,” the former Navy Seal explained. “We are united all the way up and down the ticket. We've got to defeat Hillary Clinton, and we've got to defeat Chris Koster."
Greitens explained how he hopes to win the race as a political outsider, and how his campaign offers special things to the metro area.
“(Koster) has the well-paid lobbyists and all the corrupt insiders on his side. We've got the people of Missouri,” said Greitens. “What we offer Kansas City is a very clear mission. More jobs and higher pay, safer streets and better schools."
Several rally attendees who spoke to 41 Action News afterwards said they were pleased with the event.
“I noticed how wonderful the speeches all were,” said veteran Kevin Hall, who has volunteered for the Greitens campaign. “I noticed there were no teleprompters and how enthused the people were."
Others said they hoped the rally excitement could carry over to Election Day.
“I was really happy to hear every one of them because I'll be voting for them," said Jean Wehr, who was the first in line to get into the event. “The Senate is a big deal to me right now. I'll be putting my sign out for Roy (Blunt)."
After the rally in Springfield, Cruz and the Missouri candidates held a second rally in Joplin on Wednesday night.
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Tom Dempsey can be reached at Tom.Dempsey@KSHB.com.
