Emerson aide won't seek Senate seat

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Long-time congressional aide Lloyd Smith of Sikeston said Wednesday that he will not run for the state Senate in 2004.

Smith said many folks had encouraged him to seek the seat and pledged support. However, he ultimately concluded next year wasn't the right time.

"I have decided that a state Senate race would take too much from my family and my job," Smith said.

Smith, 51, serves as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, and also held that post under her late husband and predecessor, Bill Emerson.

He managed Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Talent's successful run against Jean Carnahan last year and said he may run another Republican's statewide campaign in 2004.

Running for office on his own is still a personal goal he wants to achieve, and Smith said he "continues to have an interest in the 8th District Congressional seat when Representative Emerson chooses not to seek re-election."

Smith first publicly discussed running for the seat currently held by Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, in December. Term limits prevent Kinder from seeking re-election.

Leading candidates

The two other candidates that have publicly considered seeking the GOP nomination for the seat said they continue to be interested.

House Majority Floor Leader Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, said he's focused on the legislative session and has set no timetable for making a decision.

"It would be safe to say that I am leaning toward announcing as an official candidate, but I don't think this is the proper time to do so," Crowell said.

Crowell, 31, is in his second term in the House and first as majority leader. He is an lawyer with the Cape Girardeau firm of Oliver, Oliver and Waltz.

Former state Rep. Pat Naeger, R-Perryville, said he's "99.9 percent" sure he will run but still needs to discuss the matter with his family. Term limits forced Naeger out of the House in January after eight years.

"I still wake up every day with the passion to serve," Naeger said.

Naeger, 39, is executive vice president of Health Care Pharmacy and Health Care Equipment and Supply Co. in Perryville.

No Democrats are yet known to be considering a bid for the seat, which represents six Southeast Missouri counties.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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