JETTON KICKS OFF 2000 CAMPAIGN

MARBLE HILL -- Bollinger County Commissioner Rod Jetton kicked off his campaign for state representative Friday, preaching a message of lower taxes and less government.

The Marble Hill Republican said he will run for the 156th state representative seat next year. The seat currently is held by Bill Foster, R-Poplar Bluff. Term limits prevent Foster from seeking another term in 2000.

Over 300 supporters from the area, including state Sen. Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau and Reps. David Schwab of Jackson and Mary Kasten of Cape Girardeau, attended Jetton's campaign kickoff.

Kinder said, "Rod has done some great things for Bollinger County as commissioner. His philosophy of less government, lower taxes and common sense decision making are what we need in Jefferson City."

Jetton said, "The main reason I am running for state representative is to fight to make life easier for Missouri families.

"As citizens, we are paying more than ever before, but getting less and our families are suffering," Jetton said.

The 156th District takes in parts of Bollinger, Butler, Ripley and Wayne counties. It is one of the largest House districts in Missouri, extending from north of Marble Hill south to the Arkansas line.