Cape Girardeau County District 2 incumbent Purcell wins

The biggest race in Cape Girardeau County this year wasn't even close.

Rock Finch, an independent backed by some of the biggest names in county Republican politics, lost to incumbent Republican Jay Purcell in the District 2 commission race. Purcell beat Finch 9,195 to 6,995.

Purcell, who escaped the candidate filing period unopposed, was challenged by Finch after a series of very public fights with his colleagues on the county commission.

Purcell angered Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones and Commissioner Larry Bock by arguing publicly over several issues, including the sale of a piece of county park land. But the big break between the three Republicans came after Purcell revealed he had secretly recorded a four-hour automobile conversation with Jones in February and a closed session of the commission in April.

Throughout the campaign, Purcell sought to portray himself as an outsider trying to bring openness and reform to county government.

"It wasn't just about Jay Purcell, it was about fair, open and transparent government," Purcell said. "I am happy that voters are sending a clear message to all those involved, and I am pleased to have the support of the citizens."

To Jones, Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle and Cape Girardeau Mayor Jay Knudtson, Purcell was a troublemaker and self-promoter who cared little for decorum and lacked respect for the established procedures. Finch sought to capitalize on that anger with Purcell while keeping as much distance between himself and Purcell's main public foes as possible. He portrayed his bid as a truly independent effort, propelled by a desire to serve.

He did, however, deride the spectacle that the commission had become, calling it "buffoonery" at a forum conducted by the Southeast Missouri Pachyderm Club.

After calling Purcell to concede, Finch said he was unable to overcome the fact that Purcell had the Republican label beside his name.

"The Republican moniker in a general election is a powerful tool," Finch said.

Finch discounted the impact of his supporter's harsh language against Purcell. But he did say that Purcell will be working in a minefield as he seeks to repair his relationships in county government.

"He is going to have a tiger by the tail," Finch said.

Finch said he knew early in the evening that he would have an uphill battle when he saw results from voting at Westminster Presbyterian Church and La Croix United Methodist Church.

"Every other house I went to voted for him," he said.

Finch, an insurance broker, said he would return to his business and forget about politics for a while.

Purcell, meanwhile, said he hopes that the past conflicts can be left in the past.

"I am going to start out fresh," he said. "I am going to forgive and forget."

rkeller@semissourian.com

388-3642

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