Joplin resident Steve Looney wants to do everything he can to help Missouri Secretary of State Matt Blunt become governor in November.

Although he’s confined to a wheelchair he’s still willing to work hard for the Republican candidate.

“I’m a die-hard Republican,” Looney said. “I want to see him get elected.”

Looney’s first step in helping Blunt’s campaign was to meet him in person, and he had that opportunity at Missouri Southern.

On March 29, the Southern College Republicans sponsored a visit by the secretary of state for an informal meet-and-greet session with guests.

“I wanted to get his views,” Looney said. “Being disabled, I wanted

to see if he could help me.”

Blunt spent time talking about several issues including the economy, education and local businesses.

“We have to make sure our state is competitive in a global economy,” Blunt said. “We have to advocate free and fair trade.”

Blunt said he’s going to base a majority of his campaign on education and how vital it is for Missourians.

“I think our education should be the most important thing that our government funds,” he said.

“I’m going to make education the No. 1 policy.”

Matt Hite, chairman of the College Republicans, said he was pleased to have the secretary of state speak at Southern. He knew Blunt has a tight schedule.

“It’s a good opportunity for people our age to hear who he is and know what he’s about,” Hite said. “It’s important to hear his message.”

About 10 people attended the session.

Most were Southern faculty and community members. Hite said he was disappointed about the turnout.

“It was a bad time in the afternoon,” Hite said.

“It was either this time or in June.”

Although the attendance was less than what Hite was hoping for, he still said he was optimistic about the session.

“Hopefully, the people here got to learn something,” Hite said.