LEGISLATORS OFFER BACKING TO HOLDEN

A group of state legislators from the 8th Congressional District have joined the steering committee of Bob Holden, who is one of three Democrats seeking his party's nomination for state treasurer this year.

Holden, who served in the Missouri House from Springfield from 1983-88, was the Democratic nominee in 1988 but lost a close race to Republican incumbent Wendell Bailey. The state constitution prohibits Bailey from seeking a third term.

Among those joining the Holden committee are Reps. Ollie Amick, D-Benton; Gene Copeland, D-New Madrid; Herb Fallert, D-Ste. Genevieve; Larry Thomason, D-Kennett; and Joe Driskill, D-Poplar Bluff.

Other Democrats in the 8th District endorsing Holden include Sen. Danny Staples, of Eminence; and Reps. Jess Garnett of West Plains; Jerry McBride of Edgar Springs; Wayne Crump of Potosi; and Don Koller of Summersville.

"I am pleased with the caliber of my steering committee," said Holden. "I think this shows the strength of our campaign now and the direction we will take the state after the election. With the help of the steering committee, I believe that my ideas for Missouri's future can be implemented to take Missouri in the right direction."

Holden worked in the treasurer's office for former State Treasurer James I. Spainhower. He also served as administrative assistant to U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt in his St. Louis office for two years prior to launching another bid for treasurer.