Piedmont, Mo., man announces independent candidacy for 8th District

PIEDMONT, Mo. -- A Piedmont man has declared his intention to run as an independent for Missouri's 8th Congressional District.

Because Devin Wymore, 24, is running as an independent, he will have to gather about 4,000 signatures before making it on the ballot next November. He must have his petitions turned into the Missouri secretary of state's office by July 30.

"Though it seems like a large task, most people whom I have talked to have been very supportive," Wymore said. "I feel that is a sign that people are tired of the status quo and realize that a change needs to occur.

"I'm proud of the fact that I'm independent. I'm independent not only of party lines, but also of big money, which stands in the way of the people being fully represented."

Wymore is running on a platform of fiscal responsibility and economic growth. As part of that platform, he believes that federal spending must be reduced by eliminating waste in the budget, investing in small businesses and new technology, and eliminating loopholes and tax breaks for industries that outsource to other nations.

"I personally have had enough with the situation our country is in right now," Wymore said. "It appears that both major parties are content with bickering across the aisle at one another, while many Americans are without jobs and future generations have nothing to look forward to except a tremendous amount of debt."

Wymore grew up in Piedmont, graduating from Clearwater High School. He then attended Wentworth Military Academy and Junior College in Lexington, Mo. After Wentworth, he graduated from Missouri State University in Springfield with a bachelor of science in sociopolitical communications.

Wymore is employed at the Wayne County Journal-Banner and Town and Country Supermarket, both in Piedmont. He is also serving in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Republican Rep. Jo Ann Emerson of Cape Girardeau currently represents the 8th District.