HEARNES FILES FOR SENATE

CHARLESTON - Former Missouri First Lady Betty Hearnes has decided to seek the seat in the state Senate being vacated by retiring Sen. John Dennis.

Hearnes, a former member of the Missouri House and a one-time candidate for governor, said she would base her candidacy on her legislative experience, background in education, efforts to promote economic development and long record of service to Missourians.

She filed as a Democratic candidate in the 27th District Wednesday, and plans to have a formal announcement to kick off her cam~paign later.

"When I looked at the race, I just felt like I'd be the best candidate; that's what it boiled down to," said Hearnes. "I felt the district was winnable and that I would be the best candidate."

On the other hand, Hearnes is quick to point out that she does not expect the campaign to be an easy one.

Hearnes has been involved in the Missouri political scene for more than four decades, both in her husband's career and her own. She is the wife of Warren Hearnes, who served 10 years in the Missouri House, four years as secretary of state, and eight years as governor. He left the governor's office in 1973.

Betty Hearnes gave up her House seat in 1988 to run for governor. She was the Democratic nominee but lost to Republican incumbent John Ashcroft. Prior to running for governor, Hearnes had served as chairman of the Missouri Democratic State Committee.

Of the candidates who are considering a race for the Senate, Hearnes points out she is the only one with extensive legislative and governmental experience.

She also stresses that she has a sound knowledge of the 27th District, which includes the counties of Cape Girardeau, Mississippi, Scott, Bollinger, Perry and Madison.

"Having campaigned in all those counties and after having been involved in a number of statewide campaigns, I know something about the needs of these counties," said Hearnes. "I feel like I have something to offer the whole district and I feel like my legislative experience is of value to the region."

She added, "I understand state government and I think that is an extremely critical point. We need people who understand the Missouri budget and who have some experience."

While in the House, Hearnes served on the appropriations committee for education and transportation.

She also served as vice chairman of the committee on agri-business, and on the committees for education, public health and safety, and elections. Hearnes was chairman of the Joint Committee on Correctional Institutions and Problems, which did a detailed analysis of the state's prison system, an analysis that led to a decision to build new penal institutions.

In outlining her background in education, Hearnes points out she has been a teacher and that she worked aggressively for education at all levels while in the legislature. One of the prime areas of interest for Hearnes during her tenure in the House was Southeast Missouri State University.

"I have a strong background of working for our higher education institutions in the state, and Southeast Missouri State University is the main one I've worked for," said Hearnes.

Hearnes said she recognizes the value of the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority and has worked to secure state funding for the port. "The port authority is certainly nothing new to me," said Hearnes, who had much of the port site in her House district.

"I think I have the kind of interest to take in the whole scope of the senatorial district," said Hearnes, adding that she has worked closely with many members of the Senate.

Since giving up her House seat, Hearnes has pursued a variety of interests, many in the area of education.

She is president of the Autistic Society of Missouri, which is seeking new ways to teach children and adults with communication disorders.

Hearnes was responsible for bringing a national symposium to St. Louis on autistic children recently. One reason for her interest, Hearnes said, is because one of grandchildren is autistic.

She has also done consulting work in Jefferson City with former Rep. Jerry Burch, working primarily in the areas of higher education institutions and hospitals.

Hearnes first began looking at a Senate race in July, after Dennis announced he would not seek re-election. She then waited to see what the final make up of the district would be after the re-districting process ended.

Sikeston Mayor Bill Burch, also a Democrat, is the only other candidate who has filed. Other Democrats looking at the Senate race are Cape Girardeau County Clerk Rodney Miller and Cape Girardeau City Councilman Hugh White.

One Republican giving the race serious consideration is Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau.

Hearnes said she enjoys helping people and looks forward to an opportunity to return to public office.

"I've never separated myself from the concerns of people. That's the nature of the way I live," said Hearnes. "This is just a better way to serve; political office is a good way to serve people.

"I like government - I do think that's where the action is."