JUDGE HECKEMEYER MAY RUN FOR CONGRESS

SIKESTON -- Circuit Judge Tony Heckemeyer says he may run for Congress in 1998.

The 58-year-old Sikeston Democrat has served as circuit judge for Scott and Mississippi counties for 17 years.

Heckemeyer said some members of his family aren't thrilled about the idea. But the judge hasn't been shy in talking up the race: He told a Sikeston High School class recently that he was interested in running for the 8th District congressional seat.

Heckemeyer said Wednesday he hasn't made any decision. He said he doesn't know if he can afford to run for Congress.

He said that if he runs for Congress, he probably won't announce until next year.

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

He said he would be legally bound to resign his job as circuit judge if he announces he is running for Congress.

Heckemeyer 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," he said. Heckemeyer was elected as a state representative in 1964 and served eight years in the House.

His son, Joe Heckemeyer of Sikeston, is currently a state representative.

Judge Heckemeyer acknowledged it is difficult to beat an incumbent. Republicans have held the seat since 1980.

Voters last November elected Republican Jo Ann Emerson to the congressional seat. She succeeds her late husband, Bill.

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

Farmington Democrat Emily Firebaugh, who lost to Jo Ann Emerson in November, hasn't indicated if she will run again.