Heisserer, Lewis add to coffers for 32nd Circuit race

The closest 2004 election contest in Southeast Missouri saw a narrow gap at the polls but the same wasn't true for the two campaigns' bank accounts.

John Heisserer, a Democrat appointed in 2003 to be circuit judge in the 32nd Judicial Circuit, lost his post by 272 votes to Republican Ben Lewis. But Heisserer far surpassed his rival in fund-raising, building a 4-to-1 advantage.

That race was for the final two years of a six-year term. Now Heisserer is in the position of challenger as the two seek a full term on the bench. And over the past three months, Lewis has been very successful raising funds.

As of June 30, Heisserer had raised $17,915 for the November contest. Lewis has raised $15,285, just $3,550 short of his entire fund-raising effort for 2004.

At this point in the 2004 race, Heisserer had raised $42,745, while Lewis had gathered only $3,825.

The maximum donation in the race is $650. No contributor has given either the maximum amount.

In interviews, both candidates said they were happy with the effort so far. Lewis said his showing was the result of an earlier start than in 2004, while Heisserer said his fund-raising results reflect a more leisurely effort than two years ago.

"I haven't had any formal fundraisers to speak of so far," Heisserer said. "I am very pleased and people have been most generous."

Lewis said his position as the sitting judge is making it easier to gather money. "These are the people my committee has sent invitations to and solicited for donations. I think part of it is being the incumbent and part of it is that people are confident with the job I am doing."

The 32nd Judicial Circuit covers Cape Girardeau, Perry and Bollinger County. In 2004, Heisserer was the only Democrat on the ticket to carry Cape Girardeau County. He also won in Perry County, but ran far enough behind Lewis in Bollinger County that he suffered a narrow defeat.

Judicial races, by Missouri Supreme Court rule, are supposed to be less involved in the rough-and-tumble aspects of partisan politics. Heisserer, who said he believes judges should not be forced to run on party labels, nevertheless sees aspects of the political landscape this year that could work in his favor.

First, he said, is the Missouri Legislature's decision to eliminate straight party ticket voting. Republicans hold a huge edge locally among voters who chose a straight ticket, including a 3,035-vote majority of such ballots in 2004 in Cape Girardeau County alone.

And dissatisfaction with Republicans nationally and at the state level should work in his favor, Heisserer said. "I am very encouraged by the response from voters I am meeting on these hot afternoons as I knock on every door I can find."

Lewis, meanwhile, said the voters he is meeting are giving him confidence. "The response I am getting from people is that they have heard I have done a good job and they are happy to support me," he said. "I get out and it is a lot more fun to campaign this year than two years ago when I was the challenger."

The largest single source of contributions for Heisserer is John Benning of Jackson and the Benning family's numerous auto dealerships. The Benning contributions total $2,100.

The largest single source of money for Lewis has been himself. He loaned his campaign $1,000 on April 21.

rkeller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126