CARNAHAN FACES APPOINTMENT

As pressure increases on Secretary of State Judith Moriarty to resign, speculation about possible successors also grows.

The ultimate decision rests with Gov. Mel Carnahan, who is among the officials calling on his Moriarty, a fellow Democrat, to resign.

Over the weekend, Carnahan spokesman Chris Sifford said Carnahan hadn't formally met with staff to discuss a replacement for Moriarty. He said if Moriarty is ousted, the governor would move swiftly to fill the position.

Among the names being mentioned for the job are: Joe Driskill, director of the Department of Economic Development and former state representative from Southeast Missouri; State Rep. Gracia Backer of New Bloomfield, who was first elected to the House in 1982; and State Rep. May Scheve of Afton, serving her second term in the House.

Others are Howard Wagner, the circuit clerk of Jefferson County who lost a bid for the Democratic nomination in 1992; Marsha Murphy, county executive of Jackson County who lost a bid for the U.S. Senate this year; and Emily Firebaugh of Fredericktown, a former newspaper publisher and longtime Democratic Party worker.

Carnahan's appointment likely will be someone who is recognized as a competent administrator who will restore the public confidence lost in the charges of mismanagement and lawbreaking that have clouded the secretary of state's office the past few months.

The appointment takes on added significance since this is an election year, and the secretary of state is the chief election authority.

Many officials have speculated privately that Carnahan has not choice but to replace Moriarty with another woman.

At one time, Murphy seemed to be the leading contender. But after losing a close race to U.S. Rep. Alan Wheat Aug. 2 for the Senate nomination, it was reported that Murphy chose to repay a loan she had made to her campaign rather than spend the money on more advertising, which might have helped her win the nomination.

That has hurt her credibility as a candidate among many Democrats.

Many believe Backer, who has a reputation in the House as a hard worker and effective legislator, is the frontrunner for the secretary of state appointment.

One of her biggest supporters is Rep. Bob Ward, D-Desloge, the House majority leader.

Backer, now the assistant leader, is challenging Ward for his job. With Backer as secretary of state, Ward likely would win another term with little or no opposition.

Having a grateful majority leader also could help Carnahan with his 1995 legislative agenda.

Scheve, the House Democratic caucus secretary, is considered a potential star in Missouri politics and has inquired about the appointment. But Scheve only recently turned 30, the minimum age to serve as secretary of state, which could work against her.

Firebaugh, who has considered challenging 8th District U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson several times, is actively seeking the appointment from Carnahan.

Formerly Emily Brennecke, Firebaugh is a Cape Girardeau County native. She offers her long-time business experience as her primary qualification for the appointment.

Driskill, a native of Ripley County, resigned from the House last year to head the economic development department. During his six terms, Driskill earned a reputation as a hard-working, conscientious legislator who passed a wide variety of bills.

Driskill has been mentioned as a future candidate for Congress in the 8th district or for a statewide office.

Wagner established a strong statewide base in his bid to win the secretary of state nomination in 1992. Among his supporters was longtime Secretary of State James Kirkpatrick.

Despite his statewide approach to the nomination, Wagner finished second to Moriarty in a four-candidate race. Moriarty entered the race late, ran a low key campaign, and did not travel statewide, fueling speculation at the time that she was victorious because of what many political observers called "the year of the woman."

If the resignation drags on past the Nov. 8 general election, two other names enter the picture if they are unsuccessful against Republican opponents: State Sen. Steve Danner, the party's nominee for state auditor, and Wheat.

If Wheat were appointed, he would be the first black ever to hold statewide office in Missouri.

Whoever Carnahan appoints will serve out the remainder of Moriarty's term, which expires in January of 1997.

One of the governor's considerations will to appoint someone who is capable of keeping the office in Democratic control in 1996.