Filings 3/2

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Although they opted to skip Tuesday's opening day crowds, three more incumbent state representatives from Southeast Missouri filed for re-election later in the week. A fourth incumbent who is being forced out of the General Assembly by term limits has opted to run for circuit court judge.

Filing with the secretary of state for the Aug. 8 party primary elections runs through March 27. Primary winners will advance to the November general elections.

Largely due to term limits, which are forcing out 12 senators and 73 representatives this year, turnout during the first week of filing was high for legislative seats. Republican state Reps. Lanie Black of Charleston, Peter Myers of Sikeston and Rob Mayer all filed on Wednesday or Thursday, after the first day rush had abated. None yet has opposition.

Myers and Black are both seeking their third two-year terms. Myers' 160th District takes in the western side of Scott County, including Sikeston, and a small portion of Cape Girardeau County, including Dutchtown. Black's 161st District covers eastern Scott County, including Scott City, Mississippi County and portions of New Madrid and Stoddard counties. Mayer is going for a second term. His 159th District encompasses most of Stoddard County, including Dexter, and southwest Cape Girardeau County, including Gordonville and much of the outskirts of Jackson.

State Rep. Mark Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, filed for judge in the 36th Judicial Circuit. Richardson must leave the House of Representatives after 12 years because of term limits.

Democrat Robert L. Smith of Poplar Bluff also filed for the post. Smith is a public defender and a former Butler County assistant prosecutor. Incumbent Judge W. Robert Cope isn't seeking a third six-year term.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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