HECKEMEYER EXPECTED TO RUN FOR CONGRESS

Circuit Judge Anthony J. Heckemeyer hopes to unseat U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson this fall.

The Sikeston Democrat is expected to announce his candidacy for Congress at a press conference at 1 p.m. Feb. 23 in his courtroom at Benton.

Heckemeyer announced earlier that he was considering running for the Emerson's 8th District seat.

Heckemeyer said last March that he always has had an interest in running for Congress. "When I first ran for judge I pretty much told everyone I would run for Congress," he said. "We are a political family."

Heckemeyer was elected a state representative in 1964. He served eight years in the House.

His son, Joe Heckemeyer of Sikeston, is a state representative for the 160th District. Joe Heckemeyer will be on the campaign trail too this fall, seeking re-election to his legislative seat.

Judge Heckemeyer was out of town Friday and couldn't be reached to comment. His sister, Anne Marshall, said he would have to resign as circuit judge as soon as he formally announces his candidacy.

Heckemeyer's term as circuit judge expires Dec. 31, 2000.

Born and raised in the 8th District, Heckemeyer. 59, has served as circuit judge for Scott and Mississippi counties for the past 17 years. He was elected circuit judge in 1980.

In discussing his possible candidacy last March, Heckemeyer acknowledged it is difficult to beat an incumbent. Republicans have held the seat since 1980.

Voters in November 1996 elected Emerson to the congressional seat. She succeeded her late husband, Bill.

An outspoken judge, Heckemeyer described himself as a Jeffersonian Democrat. "I am probably more conservative than most Republicans," he said.

The governor would appoint a temporary replacement as circuit judge, said Jim Grebing, a spokesman for Secretary of State Bekki Cook. A special election likely would be held in November to fill the remainder of the unexpired term, Grebing said.