Possible candidates in Cape Girardeau County sounding out support for 2010 election

So far, all the noticeable activity for partisan jobs is in the Republican Party, which dominates Cape Girardeau County politics.

Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones said he's sticking by a decision, announced while seeking a fourth term in 2006, that he would not run again. "This has absolutely been the most fun, rewarding job I have ever been involved with," Jones said. "But since last May, it has been quite painful and I don't enjoy the just constant, constant fighting."

Associate Circuit Judge Peter Statler, who handles civil and juvenile cases in the Common Pleas Courthouse, would pass the mandatory retirement age of 70 if re-elected. He said Thursday he does not intend to run.

A third partisan office, Missouri House District 157, will be open because of term limits forcing out Rep. Scott Lipke, R-Jackson. Jackson School Board member Gerald Adams plans to run for the office for the second time, and Donna Lichtenegger, a prominent Republican activist, has said she is considering making her second bid for the job.

Term limits will also mean Cape Girardeau Mayor Jay Knudtson must step down, opening up what will likely be the most prominent open office on the April election ballot.

Knudtson, who was mentioned regularly as a possible candidate to replace Jones, said he would be hard-pressed to balance the demands of family, the commission and his banking profession if he ran for presiding commissioner. "I would say it is unlikely that is a position I would seek," he said.

Another longtime political fixture, U.S. Sen. Kit Bond's district director Tom Schulte, is looking hard at the race but won't commit himself until closer to when filing opens Feb. 23. Schulte, a former Jackson alderman, has worked for Bond since 1987, and Bond is stepping aside next year.

"I'm keeping my options open," Schulte said.

Candidates seeking partisan offices have until March 30 to file for office. But for anyone hoping to win the April election to become Cape Girardeau mayor, a decision will have to be made sooner. Filing opens Dec. 15 and ends Jan. 19.

Former Ward 5 City Councilman Matt Hopkins, who stepped aside in April 2008, said Friday that he plans to run for mayor. "My time on the council I really enjoyed," Hopkins said. "I believe I had a positive impact, and I would like to continue that as the mayor of Cape Girardeau."

Ward 1 Councilman John Voss, who will be completing his first term on the council in April, said he is considering the mayor's race. Voss is a manager at Procter & Gamble and chairman of the Cape Girardeau County Republican Party.

If Voss seeks the top job, it would add his council seat to two that are being forced open by term limits. Ward 6 Councilwoman Marcia Ritter and Ward 2 Councilman Charlie Herbst must step aside.

Lipke said he is considering both a possible run for Statler's job or waiting until 2012 when the state Senate seat held by Jason Crowell becomes an open job.

Lipke held a fundraising event recently in Cape Girardeau, which is not within his legislative district but is in the Senate district. In a filing earlier this year with the Missouri Ethics Commission, Lipke stated he was seeking an unnamed statewide office but said that designation was actually a placeholder that allows him to keep his campaign committee active and his options open.

"Right now I need to sit back and figure out what I want to do and figure out the best fit for me and my family," Lipke said. "I will have a decision before the end of the year."

Statler, a Democrat, could seek another term, then retire before the end of Gov. Jay Nixon's first term, giving Nixon the opportunity to appoint another Democrat. Statler said Thursday that he had considered that move as well as retiring early for the same reason. But retiring early is out, Statler said, joking that his salary of more than $100,000 a year "buys a lot of barbecue and bratwurst."

No potential candidates besides Lipke were mentioned by political insiders contacted for this article.

Others mentioned by political insiders as possible candidates are either dismissing suggestions they would be a candidate or taking a wait-and-see approach to determine their chances.

Ward 1 Jackson Alderman Phil Penzel said he considered a bid in the 157th District but has decided not to run.

And Rock Finch, who challenged District 2 Commissioner Jay Purcell in 2008 by running as an independent, said he remains interested in political office but is unsure whether he will be a candidate. The public reaction to his interest will help decide it, he said.

"I would love to serve in the capacity of something public," Finch said. "I like working with people and getting things done. Specifically I don't have a focus on one seat or the other."

rkeller@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent addresses:

401 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO

1 Barton Square, Jackson, MO

Common Pleas Courthouse, Cape Girardeau, MO