FLURRY OF FILINGS BEFORE DEADLINE

For the first time in four years, state Rep. Mary Kasten will face opposition in her bid for re-election in District 158.

The Cape Girardeau Republican will face Cape Girardeau lawyer and Libertarian David Rosener in the November election.

Rosener represented Regina's House of Dolls strip-tease club in its legal battles with the city in 1995 and 1996 over the city's efforts to restrict adult businesses.

Rosener was one of a number of candidates in Southeast Missouri who filed for legislative seats by Tuesday's filing deadline. The last-minute filings created a number of races.

Kasten has served in the state House since winning election in 1982. She was unopposed in 1996. In 1994, she handily defeated Democrat Melinda McCulley.

This will mark only the third time she has faced opposition for the House seat.

In 1982, she won election to the House seat by winning a three-way Republican primary and then defeating Democratic candidate Thomas M. Meyer in the November election.

In 1986, she again defeated Meyer, a Cape Girardeau realtor.

Kasten said it isn't unusual for incumbents to draw last-minute challenges.

She said she shares the Libertarian Party's concern about big government.

Rosener said, "Government is getting too big at the state and federal level, and more laws aren't the solution.

"The solutions come from the community and the family and working with one another," he said.

Rep. Patrick Naeger, R-Perryville, already faced opposition from Democrat Diane Edwards of Brewer prior to the last day of filing. But now he faces opposition in the August primary from Republican Elbert "Al" Bohnert of Perryville.

Democrat Betty Hearnes of Charleston has drawn a last-minute challenge from Charleston farmer Lanie Black, a Republican, for the 161st District House seat. Black lost to Rep. Gene Copeland, D-New Madrid, two years ago.

The election led to Republican charges that Democratic Party campaign workers gave voters coupons for beer in exchange for votes. The allegations led to a federal grand jury investigation, but federal prosecutors have yet to file any charges.

Copeland has decided to retire after nearly four decades in the Legislature.

In District 154, Rep. Mark Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, has drawn a last-minute opponent: Democrat Mary Findley of Poplar Bluff. Findley is the wife of former state representative F.A. "Cap" Findley. She serves on the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education.

In District 159, Rep. Marilyn Williams, D-Dudley, has drawn a Republican opponent, Larry Sandage of Dexter. Sandage filed Tuesday.

Williams also faces opposition from Democrat Forrest Jackson of Bloomfield.

In District 162, Rep. Denny Merideth is running as an independent candidate. He faces opposition from Caruthersville Democrat Cleat Stanfill.

In District 163, Rep. Larry Thomason, D-Kennett, has drawn a last-minute challenge from Republican Judy Wallace of Malden.

On the Senate side, Sen. Danny Staples, D-Eminence, has drawn a second challenger, Alan Redbum of Ste. Genevieve. Redbum is running on the U.S. Taxpayers Party.

Staples also is challenged by Republican Ed Doughty of Farmington, who filed earlier this year.