Injury in April, physical therapy demands force candidate’s decision

By Kyle Troutman ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

Mike McGuire, Cassville police officer and Republican candidate for Barry County sheriff in the Aug. 6 Primary, has suspended his campaign.

Joyce Ennis, Barry County clerk, said because the withdraw deadline was May 21 and the withdraw-with-court-order deadline was June 11, McGuire will remain on the ballot in the election. Absentee voting began on June 25.

McGuire said he decided to halt his campaign due to time constraints and inability to campaign as he wishes.

On April 13, while on duty for Cassville, McGuire was involved in an incident where he was attempting to restrain a subject and went to ground, breaking his nose and injuring his shoulder.

“I had surgery on May 17, and my surgeon said I have four to five more months of physical training, [two days per week], before I am cleared,” McGuire said. “I have missed a lot of time campaigning since this happened in April, and I am not able to continue campaigning because I am not in a position where I am able to get out and give the time to my campaign that it needs.”

While he is not campaigning, McGuire said he would still take the job if chosen.

“I would absolutely accept the position if I am elected,” he said. “I love living in Barry County, and I will still be with the Cassville Police Department. My wife and I are almost done with our new house, and I am a Cassville graduate of 1977. I love it here, but just feel I can’t give enough time to my campaign.”

The race now shifts to the three remaining active candidates: Danny Boyd, incumbent sheriff; Randy Kalbaugh, current Stone County deputy; and James Morgan, current captain of criminal investigations division at Delaware County Sheriff’s Office.

The Cassville Democrat will host a forum for the candidates on July 12 at 7 p.m. at the FEMA Event Center in Cassville. Admission to the event is free.