Southeast Missourian's 'Pints & Politics' series kicks off with State Rep. Jon Patterson

The Southeast Missourian is launching a new event this year with the start of its Pints & Politics series, kicking off on Monday, June 24, at the Rust Center for Media. This series of one-hour talks will feature in-depth interviews with political leaders, hosted by Southeast Missourian editor Rick Fahr, providing a look at the key issues and personalities shaping Missouri's political landscape.

The inaugural event will spotlight State Rep. Jon Patterson, a Republican serving as the majority floor leader in the Missouri House. Patterson was chosen by his colleagues in the majority to become the next House Speaker for the legislative session beginning in January 2025. His background includes undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a surgical residency at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City. From 2011 to 2022, Patterson practiced general surgery in eastern Jackson County and has participated in medical mission trips to the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Jordan. He resides in Lee’s Summit, Missouri with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children, Leah and Andrew.

The Pints & Politics series aims to create a platform for substantive political discourse, helping to inform and engage the community. By offering a space where complex issues can be explored thoroughly, this initiative seeks to contribute to a more informed electorate.

"We're excited to launch the Pints & Politics series," said Lucas Presson, assistant publisher and general manager of the Southeast Missourian. "This series provides an opportunity to engage with political leaders from around the state, delve into significant issues, and go beyond the typical sound bites to foster deeper discussion."

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the event starting at 6 p.m. Tickets for the in-person event include one beverage and can be purchased at semissourian.com/politics. For those unable to attend in person, the livestream will be available on www.semissourian.com.

Pints & Politics is sponsored by Clean Fuels Alliance America, Missouri Soybeans, and the Southeast Missourian.