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October 2005
Bob Hempker, Branson
Musician, Runs for State Senate
Libertarian candidate
emphasizes development, eminent domain reform as key issues
Bob Hempker, an internationally renowned steel-guitar player, is
changing his tune to run for the Missouri State Senate, 29th District,
in a special election to be held November 8th. A professional
musician in Branson and a long-time resident of Hollister, Hempker is
running for office to represent the people – not the development
interests that hold the area hostage. He blames
government-planned "development schemes" for discouraging private
investment that would raise wages and living standards for the average
citizen.
"Most people around here have to work
two and three jobs just to make ends meet," said Hempker. "But the politicians and wealthy
developers spend money to keep gambling out of Branson. That would be
the biggest 'shot in the arm' to the community."
Hempker takes a strong stand on the abuse of eminent domain powers by
local governments: "We've seen
the way the City of Branson misused its eminent domain power to make
all the business and residences along Lake Tanneycomo move, so they
could build this 'Branson Landing' project. This has been a real
boondoggle."
The issue of eminent domain is likely to come before the Missouri
legislature next year. Hempker promises to represent homeowners
and small business owners, and will work to limit the powers of local
governments to seize their property in order to turn it over to private
developers. Hempker asks the voters: "When the issue of eminent domain reform
comes before the State Senate, who do you trust to represent your interests?"
In the special election November 8th, Libertarian Hempker is running
against Republican Jack Goodman, 32, and Democrat Nolan McNeill, 71.
A Musician Turned Politician
Robert E. (Bob) Hempker, 57, is presently a featured performer in
the Country Tonite Show in
Branson. He previously performed in Roy Clark's band in Branson,
after having spent over 20 years traveling as a member of Loretta
Lynn's band, the "Coalminers." He appeared in the 1980 film
"Coalminer's Daughter" as a member of the band.
This is Hempker's first run for public office: "I've never been
active in politics because I've been so busy. For many years, I was
gone a lot playing music on the road," he said. "It's hard to
even keep up on current events sometimes under those circumstances."
But his interest in politics has been building for some time. On
his political philosophy, Hempker says, "I first got interested in the Libertarian
Party when I read Robert Ringer's book, 'Restoring the American Dream.'
The more I researched and read about the party, the more I was
attracted to it." Having settled in the Branson area and
gotten to know the people there, Hempker says that he's ready to get
involved in politics: "I've gotten all
the papers filed, and am ready to do this."
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