CROWELL TAKES 158TH DISTRICT SEAT

Cape Girardeau voters returned a Republican to the Missouri House when they elected Jason Crowell to the 158th district seat Tuesday.

Crowell earned 58 percent of the vote, and Democrat Tom Neumeyer gained 42 percent. Crowell defeated Neumeyer 7,458 to 5,368, which included absentee ballots cast.

Crowell will fill a seat vacated by Rep. Mary Kasten, who is retiring after 18 years. He is a 28-year-old lawyer with the Oliver, Oliver and Waltz firm.

While he doesn't have the vast experience Kasten has in office, Crowell hopes to bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the post. "Our feet are firmly on the ground and we have an eye to the future and are going to make a difference in Jefferson City," Crowell said.

Crowell said he hopes to be as effective a leader as Kasten has been for Cape Girardeau during her tenure. He plans to go to Jefferson City Thursday for the Republican caucus and will likely prefile some legislation related to education plans. "We intend to hit the ground running," he said.

Neumeyer, a small business owner, has served on the Cape Girardeau City Council for six years and intends to keep working for the people of the city.

Despite a defeat, Neumeyer said he felt energized and wouldn't rule out a future bid for office. "We'll give it two years and see what could happen. Maybe the people will take a second look," he said.

About 20 people -- relatives, friends, campaign workers and other supporters -- gathered at the Neumeyer home on South Spanish Street to listen to election results.

Voter turnout was about 62 percent in Cape Girardeau, but turnout tends to rise in presidential election years, election judges said.

Judges at the old May Greene School in south Cape Girardeau said they saw several first-time voters Tuesday and that turnout was exceptional in their precinct.

Voter Teresa Kitchen cast a ballot for Tom Neumeyer because he had taken the time to speak to her. "He just seemed so nice and came over to shake my hand and introduce himself," she said. "He seemed to give his time and I think he would be good."

Voters casting ballots at the A.C. Brase Arena Building had mixed results when polled about how they voted in the 158th district race.

One man voted for Crowell because he knew him and his wife had attended school with Crowell. "I just liked some of his ideas about helping senior citizens and schools and think he has good ideas," he said, but refused to give his name for fear that his family of Democrats might discover he'd voted for a Republican.