Ken Iverson

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Ken Iverson

Libertarian Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Horace Mann High School

Bachelor's

University of Minnesota, 1982

Graduate

University of North Texas, 1993

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Navy

Years of service

1972 - 1978

Personal

Birthplace

Ada, Minn.

Religion

Lutheran - ELCA

Profession

Engineer

Ken Iverson (Libertarian Party) ran for election for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Iverson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Ken Iverson was born in Ada, Minnesota. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1972 to 1978. Iverson earned a high school diploma from Horace Mann High School, a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota in 1982, and a graduate degree from the University of North Texas in 1993. His professional experience includes working as a defense analyst and engineer.

Elections

2024

See also: Missouri lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2024

General election

General election for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri

David Wasinger defeated Richard Brown, Ken Iverson, and Danielle Elliott in the general election for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		David Wasinger (R)	57.4	1,671,771
		Richard Brown (D)	38.5	1,121,608
		Ken Iverson (L)	2.1	61,731
		Danielle Elliott (G)	2.0	58,260

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,913,370
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri

Richard Brown defeated Anastasia Syes in the Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri on August 6, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Richard Brown	64.9	232,454
		Anastasia Syes	35.1	125,619

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 358,073
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri on August 6, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		David Wasinger	31.4	207,087
		Lincoln Hough	30.2	199,579
		Holly Rehder	21.7	142,963
		Tim Baker	9.7	64,302
		Matthew Porter	4.3	28,347
		Paul Berry	2.7	17,575

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 659,853
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Philip Cotrone (R)
• Bob Onder (R)
• Dean Plocher (R)

Libertarian primary election

Libertarian primary for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri

Ken Iverson advanced from the Libertarian primary for Lieutenant Governor of Missouri on August 6, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ken Iverson	100.0	2,412

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,412
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Iverson in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Ken Iverson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Iverson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I grew up working in my father’s logging and lumber business, which provided me with the problem solving skills, discipline, and work ethic needed for my Vietnam era naval service in the western Pacific and subsequent engineering career. September 11th led to my second call to national service, this time as a defense intelligence analyst in Washington D.C., Omaha, and Saint Louis, where Christie & I chose to retire, and near where our daughter and grandson reside. Throughout most of my life, I studied economics and political philosophy, concluding that government works best when it promotes and does not impede the natural, peaceful interactions of individuals, all seeking the same general betterment for themselves, their loved ones, and their communities. I found that libertarianism is the only moral political philosophy that meets this standard. I still study the cherished values of liberty and take notice of how the major political parties subtly work to dismantle them. I am running as the Libertarian candidate for Lieutenant Governor to be the whistleblower who is offering a principled, realistic contrast to our oversized, voracious government. To clear my mind of the chaos that government causes, I enjoy sailing, pickleball, table tennis, gaming, church choir, and serving others as a problem solver.

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?

• As a principled economizer, I realize that our bloated state government is the result of overtaxing our burdened workers and seniors. Yes, most people want to help children and the poor, sick, disabled and victimized. Such concern is why we caring voters turned to Jefferson City to solve every social issue with money (that comes from us!). Social problem solving at the state and national levels have proven to cost far more than our gross domestic product, and therefore, far more than our household budgets can endure. The real fix will come when we soon realize that voluntary charity is the only efficient, sustainable, and moral way to care for others in need.
• I will advocate to end state tax on income and personal property so that workers and retirees can keep more of their incomes to enrich their lives through saving, investing, and donating to those in need. This action will greatly increase jobs and business opportunities in Missouri, as we become the tenth state without an income tax! We'll pay for this major tax reduction by spinning off state social programs to charities. This will delight the majority of voters in Missouri, who now, without the heavy burden of a state income tax and personal property tax, will be able to directly and efficiently help those people in need through their favorite causes.
• I'm a strong advocate for liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and:

  . The sanctity of human life . Preserving gun rights . Enabling law enforcement to fight violent crime . Ending corporate welfare and redistribution . Increasing employment and business opportunities • Bringing Missouri back to fiscal sanity . “Defending the Guard” to keep the Missouri National Guard stateside

  • Returning government back to the role of servant, not master of the citizenry

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Income taxation, property tax reform, jobs, crime, government transparency, and advocating for seniors.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The office of the LG is uniquely positioned to interact with all state departments, the legislature, the governor's office, and the public at large in all legal, executive, and functional matters that pertain to the operation of state government.

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

Clayton, my father, is the example that I have always followed. His ideas and reasoning have not always proved correct, but have led me in the right direction.

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

The book, "Healing Our World: the Other Piece of the Puzzle", by Doctor Mary J. Ruwart, explains how the people and governments of the world can live in harmony and flourish if they follow the principles of tolerance and nonaggression.

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

Elected officials must genuinely care about the lives and burdens of everyday citizens. The officials should believe in and live by a short list of general principles, including an understanding of the natural rights of all people to live, work, trade, attain wealth, and spend earnings through peaceful means and without government barriers.

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

I'm true to my word, sincere, and one who digs deep in whatever task is upon me. Though the state operates with force, I believe all our citizens should be treated with respect. In reality, the state should not have the power of force, unless it is to mediate when laws are broken.

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

The lieutenant governor (LG) is the primary ombudsman for the executive branch, the person who diligently directs those seeking answers or details to the proper department, office, private business or charity, etc . The LG is the president of the senate and serves as the official elderly advocate, as well as serving on several boards and commissions. The LG stands ready to assume the role of governor in the unfortunate event of the governor's inability to continue serving, whether temporarily or until the governor's elected term ends.

What legacy would you like to leave?

He was a morally principled Christian who was here to help anyone in need without asking.

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

The first Apollo moon landing, January 20th, 1969. I was 17 and watching it on a black and white television with my family in International Falls, Minnesota.

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

I grew up in Minnesota, working for 12 years in my father's logging and lumber business starting at age 8.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Healing Our World: The Other Piece of the Puzzle, by Dr. Mary J. Reward

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

Santa Claus

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

Smooth

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

The LG is the ombudsman, the connection to the general public, who must understand the workings of all departments and be able to explain to the public at large how and why specific departments perform as they do and what they can do for those who seek help and answers. The LG must also promote total government accountability and financial transparency so that the public can be made aware of the details of the disbursement of their tax dollars.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

People need to know of the LG's role as ombudsman to the public. Not only is it every citizen's right to be made aware of what the government is doing with the tax money it receives. Every citizen seeking information should be served with the utmost timeliness and respect.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

No, an educated outsider may be the perfect replacement to provide the untainted vision needed to pick out the bottlenecks, the unnecessary diversions, or even corruption as it unfolds.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

The LG must be a true servant to the public; one who is personable, prompt, gives attention to details, takes note of special requests, honors those who have sacrificed much, and praises work well done.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The Libertarian Party of Missouri

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Our state government has failed on both counts. The general public deserves and must have the ability of easy online access to all state financial data and an accurate accounting of all associated government activity.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

No, I oppose changes to our current ballot initiative process.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Interview with AltonMO.com

Iverson highlighted the following themes in an interview with AltoMO.com published on July 12, 2024. The questions from AltonMO.com are bolded and Iverson's responses follow below.

“

Are you aware that many schoolchildren cannot read or write cursive? What would you do to solve this problem? We don’t have a free market in education. Instead, Missourians are forced to pay a hefty school tax to have government employees teach a one-size-fits-all state board-approved curriculum. Stop regulating and taxing away our educational choices. School choice gives parents the financial wherewithal to select the most advantageous education for their children, while a free market generates more learning options as well as opportunities for benevolence and endowments. Thus, parents can choose cursive writing, calligraphy, or any kind of writing format for their children. Do you believe that self-defense is a right? Why? Should there be any limitations? Self-defense is an exercise of the natural, unlimited, God-given right to life, self-protection, and survival. In light of the Bill of Rights, how do you propose supporting our enumerated freedoms and rights? I will reflect on, act on, and cite the Constitution while proudly displaying the Bill of Rights. As illegal persons come to Missouri, do you see their presence as a help or a hindrance? What will they do to our economy? As we are reminded daily, our immigration laws are obviously counterproductive and dangerous. They have cost the average tax payer about $1000 per year, not to mention the many lives lost while immigrants desperately try to enter this country illegally because of our quota system. Morally and economically speaking, we should welcome documented immigrants who intend to work. Allow them to become net contributors to our economy. Instead, we round them up and provide for their every need free of charge. Remove the quotas and allow innocent asylum seekers to come through our points of entry. Let us show our humanity while saving the tax payers hundreds of billions in otherwise wasted expenditures. What is the biggest problem facing Missourians/Americans? High taxes, low wages, poverty, and despair tend to foment idle youth and lead to high rates of violent crime. On the other hand, the principles of liberty tend toward economic opportunity, prosperity, peace, harmony, and goodwill. The traditional family has been defined as a father, mother and children. Is this type of family good for our culture? YES, and socialism has been chipping away at it for decades. What are the most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects in the state? Our electric grid system should be made more robust and secure, and nuclear power should play an increasing role. How would you protect Oregon County from big government interference? Tax manipulation? I will strive to end state taxation of personal income, tips, personal property, and retail sales. Also, I will be skeptical of federal mandates and decrees, rejecting federal funding if need be. What laws would you like to see passed or repealed in your term? I will work toward eliminating Missouri state taxes and replacing them with user fees (example: fuel surcharge), abuser fines (example: pollution penalty), and sales of state properties (example: state campuses). What is your greatest accomplishment that you want voters to know about? I listened to my parents and the preacher. I learned and applied the morality of religious principles and formed an ethical philosophy that led to my views on liberty and politics. Can you give a short bio on why you chose to run for office? As a US Navy veteran, former defense analyst and engineer, I have witnessed the waste of valuable tax funding on knowingly fruitless and offensive endeavors for the sake of enriching the already wealthy career politicians, bureaucrats, insiders, lobbyists and contractors. Missourians deserve to keep the fruits of their labor, not to become beasts of burden to an “overarching” state.

”

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Ken Iverson campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	Lieutenant Governor of Missouri	Lost general	$0	$0
Grand total			$0	$0
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

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