Incumbents in U.S. Congress help party members in state

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Some members of Missouri's congressional delegation are spending more time, energy and resources on state campaigns in a coordinated effort to win statehouse seats in a historic political year.

While members of Congress have commonly lent their support to local candidates in the past, Republicans and Democrats are facing a year when legislative term limits and redistricting are putting a new face on Missouri politics.

With longtime veterans gone from the legislature, many candidates with little political experience are getting support from congressional leaders who would like to see their party run state government after the November elections.

Members of Congress add weight and prestige to local events and can help attract contributors willing to open their pocketbooks.

And there's a lot at stake in this year's elections because of the balance of power in Jefferson City.

On Nov. 5, there will be 124 contested House seats and 12 contested Senate seats.

Active on the campaign trial for Republicans have been U.S. Reps. Kenny Hulshof, Roy Blunt, Jo Ann Emerson, Todd Akin and Sam Graves. Democrats have the backing of U.S. Reps. Dick Gephardt, Lacy Clay, Karen McCarthy and Ike Skelton.

Hulshof, a potential Republican candidate for governor two years from now, has been one of the most active campaigners for statehouse candidates.

"I think with the number of open seats with term limits kicking in, there are some new opportunities to capture the majority in the House," Hulshof said. "I think the House candidates have taken heart with what they've seen with the state Senate. Missourians are ready for a change."

Democratic leaders have been making similar efforts and feel comfortable about the support their four members of the congressional delegation have been providing.

"I think the efforts of the congressional delegation are unprecedented because we have an unprecedented situation facing us," said Mike Kelley, executive director of the Missouri Democratic Party.

But Democrat Skelton, who represents Missouri's 4th District, said his schedule is much the same as it has been in the past -- a formula which he believes will be successful again this year.