Mike McCaffree

Mike McCaffree was born in Nevada, Missouri. He attended Nevada High School and graduated in 1987, and received a degree in political science from Westminster College in 1991.[1]His career experience includes working as a real estate broker. McCaffree has been affiliated with Realtor's Land Institute, National Association of Realtors, Council of Resiential Specialists, and Ducks Unlimited.[2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a small business owner in Nevada, Missouri and have worked as a real estate Broker since 1997. My wife Julia and I have five children and I've served on the local Board of Education for the past 16 years. I graduated from Westminster College in Fulton, MO is 1991 with a degree in Political Science. I have lived in Missouri's 4th District most of my life and, if elected, work hard for the people of our District.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I believe in our public schools and will work hard to make sure they have the resources and support to be successful. Our public shools are the backbone of the communities and they give young people from all economic backgrounds the basic skills and knowledge they need to be successful. I will work hard to make sure our Career Technical Education schools in the district get the funding and support they need to continue to provide hands on training in fields like nursing, construction, agriculturen welding, culinary arts, business, engineering, and automotive.We need more affordable housing in the district. In my job as a Realtor I see daily the lack of supply of good middle class affordable homes. We need to build more one level basic ranch style homes that people can afford. We need more of these homes for elderly Missourians in the District who have mobility problems and can't access washer and dryer in basement for example. I will work with our Government loan programs like FHA, USDA, and VA to create incentives for builders to build more homes like this and create jobs and increase the supply which will help our housing affordability issue.We need to cool down the partisan rhetoric in the country and remember we are all Americans and are all in the same boat. Both Democrats and Republicans are concerned about the state of our Democracy but have different concerns about the causes. I will listen to both sides and do my best to represent people from both sides of the political aisle.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public education is big priority for me. I graduated from Nevada High School in 1987 along with my wife. We both believe in public education and want to see that our public schools remain strong. The past 16 years I have served on the local school board have only reinforced my belief that public education is key to giving kids the opportunities they need to grow and be successful adults.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Abraham Lincoln, Harry Truman, Franklin Roosevelt and my dad. Lincoln was one of the few people who could have held the country together during the Civil War. He came from a small town, he understood the evils of slavery, and tried to avoid a Civil War but the war came anyway. Lincoln worked to heal the country at the end of the Civil War but was not able to complete the job due to his untimely death. My dad worked harder than anyone I know and has remained honest and humble.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

"A. Lincoln: A Biography" by Ronald C White

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Humility, experience, and a willingness to listen are all key for an elected official. I am a big reader of history and have recently read biographies of former Presidents like Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt. I think you can learn a lot by reading books about these people and the struggles they went through.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am honest and want to do what is best for the country. I've studied history and have a good overview of where the country has been and where we need to go to remain prosperous and free.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I believe supporting the Constitution and rule of law are the most important responsibilities for a Congressman.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be remembered as a middle of the road Democrat who tried to do what's best for the people of Missouri.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember the Iran Hostage Crisis in 1979. I was around 10 years old at the time

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked as a grocery store "bag boy" in Nevada during summer in High School. I worked there about six months. It was a really good experience in dealing with different people and learning to manage my time.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"Truman" by David McCullough

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Not sure

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Blue Sky by the Allman Brothers Band

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I raced Motocross competively when I was young and have some lingering injuries that have been a challenge to overcome.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

House members have to stay in touch with the people in their District because they are elected every two years. I believe the Founding Fathers designed our Government this way for a reason. They use the first Article of the US Constitution to describe the role of house members and Senators, the Second Article for the President, and Third Article the Supreme Court. Our Founders did not want America to be another monarchy like in Britain. They want a strong Congress to oversee and advise the President and a Supreme Court to make sure the other branches acted lawfully.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I think serving on any type of committee or board is of benefit where you learn to work with other people. I was President of a regional Summer competitive yourth swim league for apx 10 years and learned as much from that as I would have going into politics earlier in life.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

I am concerned about the degree of "tribalism" or "partisanship" that has become part of political life. Republicans get their news from one news channel and the Democrats get theirs from another. We need to work harder to understand the other side and remember we are all on the same boat. I am a small town Harry Truman Democrat. Many of my friends are Republicans. I don't always agree with them on all the issues but I respect them and work hard to not let political difference ruin old friendships.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I think experience is important and I don't think term limits have helped in the Missouri legislature. We have seen what the constant turnover over representatives and Senators does in the Missouri legislature. It takes a few years to really learn what you are doing on any board (I'm a case in point with my experience on local Board of Education) and we lose that experience in Jefferson City every 8 years. With term limits, lobbyists have been around the Capital longer than the politicians and this gives the Lobbyists greater "institutional knowledge" that the politicians. It should be the other way around.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Ike Skelton

Tell us your favorite joke.

Probably can't tell it here

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

yes.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

The Founding Fathers desired the House to be the most in touch with the people. That is why I would listen to the people of Missouri before drafting or voting on this type of legislation

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The house should always try to avoid partisanship when using its investigative powers. Once elected, a Congressman represents all constituents - Independents, Republicans and Democrats.

What committees interest you?

Military affairs, Agriculture, Education, Real Estate

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I don't think politicians should be using their office to benefit themselves financially. I would look seriously at banning members of Cognress from playing the stock market while they are members of Congress.

Campaign website

McCaffree’s campaign website stated the following:

Now, as Mike steps forward to support the Fourth District, his focus remains firmly on the concerns of all Missourians in the 4th District. With a deep understanding of the challenges facing small towns and the cities, Mike's campaign priorities - increasing job opportunities, improving public schools, and advocating for sensible border legislation - reflect his genuine dedication to the well-being of Missouri's communities. With his friendly demeanor and sincere commitment to his community, Mike McCaffree is poised to be the advocate Missouri's 4th District deserves in Congress. [3]

—Mike McCaffree’s campaign website (2024)[4]