Democrats seeking new candidate for House seat

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Democrats have until June 4 to pick a new candidate to challenge incumbent state Rep. Peter Myers, a Sikeston Republican.

Gary Riley of Sikeston was the only Democrat to file for the 160th District seat, which represents the western half of Scott County and a portion of southern Cape Girardeau County.

However, on May 7 Riley asked the secretary of state's office to remove his name from the Aug. 8 primary ballot.

No reason was given for the withdrawal. Riley couldn't be reached for comment on Monday.

A spokesperson for the secretary of state's office said the Scott County Democratic Committee has been notified of the ballot vacancy and has four weeks from the withdrawal date to name a replacement.

Frank Marshall, the committee chairman, said the panel would likely meet within the next 10 days to pick its nominee.

"There are some potential candidates, but until the committee meets I'd rather not name them," Marshall said.

Those interested in running for the post can contact Marshall at his law office, (573) 471-2525, or any other committee member.

Cape County role

It wasn't immediately clear if Cape Girardeau County Democrats will be involved in the decision, because the newly redrawn district now comes into the county.

Marshall said he assumes they will play some role as some county residents may be interested in the seat.

Tom Neumeyer, the party chairman for Cape Girardeau County, said the decision probably would be left up to the Scott County committee.

"I wouldn't look for us to have direct input, but we will give advice," Neumeyer said.

Myers said the change in opponents won't affect his campaign for a third two-year term.

"If they pick somebody else, I'll run just as hard as I would have against Gary," Myers said.

According to the most recent campaign disclosure reports filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission, Myers had $7,795 in campaign cash on hand as of April 1 -- not an insurmountable advantage for a potential challenger late to the game to overcome by the Nov. 5 general election.

Riley had submitted a statement of exemption saying that he didn't intend to raise or spend more than $500 on his campaign.

mpowers@semissourian.com

(573) 635-4608