House leaders predict fierce battle for chamber control

LAKE OZARK, Mo. -- After stinging election defeats last year that ended their decades-long reign in the House of Representatives, Democrats are hungry to take back the chamber in 2004 and are going to use a few pages from the GOP playbook in the effort.

Republicans, meanwhile, see themselves in the superior position as they strive to maintain the control they had coveted since last ousted from power in 1954.

Leaders who will play key roles in coordinating the state representative campaigns of their respective parties outlined their strategies Thursday during a conference sponsored by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.

Freshman state Rep. Fred Kratky of St. Louis said Democrats must recruit candidates whose views are tailored to their districts instead of simply accepting whomever comes along.

"The number one issue in winning an election is always having the right candidate," Kratky said. "I don't think a majority of people want extremes either on the right or left."

The GOP currently holds a 90-72 House majority with one vacancy last held by a Democrat. It takes 82 seats to control the chamber.

"It is unbelievable how the governor has helped us with our message," Jetton said.

Lawmakers were able to override the governor on the abortion and concealed weapons measures, though both new laws are being challenged in court.

Five GOP incumbents could potentially be in trouble because they represent Democratic-leaning districts, Jetton said. He put in that group state Rep. Otto Bean of Holcomb, who represents parts of Dunklin, Butler and Stoddard counties.

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