DENNIS HONORARY CHAIR OF HEARNES' CAMPAIGN

Sen. John Dennis has announced that he will serve as honorary chairman for the campaign of Betty Hearnes, who is the Democratic candidate trying to succeed him in the Senate.

Dennis, who served 24 years as Scott County sheriff and 16 years in the Senate, will retire at the end of this year and is not seeking re-election. Hearnes won a three-way Democratic primary earlier this month with 57.3 percent of the vote.

"Betty and I have worked closely together for many years in the General Assembly," observed Dennis. "Through cooperation we have been able to help both the Cape Girardeau area and the entire 27th senatorial district."

The senator pointed out that Hearnes' previous experience in the legislature "would be invaluable in getting things done for the people of the 27th district."

Dennis, who did not take an active role in the primary, said he would help Hearnes in any way he could for the Nov. 3 general election.

She is facing Republican Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau.

Hearnes served in the Missouri House for five terms, from 1979 to 1988. She left the House in 1988 to make an unsuccessful race for governor.

Hearnes said she looks forward to the active support of Dennis and feels it will be an asset to her campaign. "I am grateful John has agreed to help my campaign," said Hearnes. "We have worked together when I was a member of the Missouri House, and he has been a close friend for years."

During his years in the Senate, Hearnes noted that Dennis has been a strong supporter of Southeast Missouri State University and promoting economic development to bring jobs to Southeast Missouri. Hearnes stressed she would continue the focus on those areas.

"Betty and I have always supported improving educational opportunities for the people of our area and in working to attract new and expanded business opportunities for Cape Girardeau and the other cities of Southeast Missouri," added Dennis.

"As a member of the Missouri Senate, I know Betty will work tirelessly for these goals to improve the quality of life in our area."

Hearnes, who lives in Charleston, is the wife of former Gov. Warren Hearnes.