Camden County man files to run for 2 offices, 2 parties

CAMDENTON, MO. (AP) -- A Camden County man with a history of unsuccessful attempts at public office has filed to run for two different seats -- one as a Republican and one as a Democrat.

Bernie Mowinski, who was convicted of stealing in 2006, filed to run as a Republican for Camden County assessor in an uncontested contest.

Meanwhile, Mowinski also filed to run as a Democratic representative for Jasper Township.

Mowinski said he filed as a Republican in one race and a Democrat in another to prove a point. While he said he disagrees with the practice, nothing in state law prevents him from doing it.

Before filing paperwork for the assessor seat, Mowinski had filed to run against Camden County Associate Commissioner Thom Gumm. However, Mowinski said he changed his mind shortly after filing because that race already had several candidates. He said an election with too many contenders for one office can become convoluted.

Mowinski was fined $500 after his conviction on a misdemeanor stealing charge in the 2005 theft of a trailer in Sunrise Beach. Mowinski had managed the mobile home park where the trailer was located and was in a dispute with its owner, C.J. Smith, who was planning to move.

Shortly after the 2006 conviction, Mowinski lost an election to the state House. Mowinski also has run unsuccessfully for the Camdenton School Board, state senator and Camden County presiding commissioner.

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Information from: Lake Sun Leader, http://lakesunleader.com/