Libertarians select nominee to replace Cooper

Cape Girardeau's small Libertarian Party contingent this week nominated the first candidate in the race to replace former Rep. Nathan Cooper in the Feb. 5 special election.

George Webster, who received 2.7 percent of the vote against Cooper, a Republican, in the 2006 election, will again seek the 158th District Missouri House seat. Webster was nominated Tuesday evening by the Libertarian Party 158th District Legislative Committee.

The nominating committee for the Democratic Party will meet at 7 p.m. today in the Commerce Bank building at 160 S. Broadview. The committee will choose between three candidates: Matt Hill, a local attorney; Mike Keefe, a former Cape Girardeau postmaster; and Melinda McCulley, operator of an assisted living facility.

Republicans have not set a date for their nominating meeting, said Holly Lintner, chairwoman of the 158th District Republican Legislative Committee.

The seat is open because Cooper resigned after pleading guilty to two federal felony charges of immigration fraud. In addition to resigning his seat, Cooper's license to practice law has been suspended. He faces sentencing Oct. 19.

Webster, 28, works in healthcare information technology. Making the race is a civic duty, Webster said.

"The party needs someone qualified and willing to run," Webster said. "They asked me and I stepped up. If you are really serious about something, you should go all the way with it."

No Libertarian has won a partisan race in Missouri since the party achieved permanent status as an established party in 1992. While Webster doesn't expect to win the special election, he sees it as a chance to advance the party's ideals and win converts.

At the same time, Webster said, Cooper's legal troubles change the political picture. "It is going to be very difficult for a third party or anyone other than a Republican to win Cape Girardeau," he said. "But if anyone is going to win other than a Republican, now is the time."

A one-time Republican, Webster said he joined the Libertarian Party because it embraces a low-tax, small government philosophy. "Republican Party leaders don't seem to understand fiscal conservatism," Webster said. "They spend like sailors on leave. There is a thing about the Libertarian Party believing in reduction in government that the two major parties don't seem to follow."

Webster is married to Katherine Webster, a copy editor at the Southeast Missourian.

For updates, check back at www.semissourian.com or read Friday's Southeast Missourian.