Poplar Bluff businessman to run for state's 25th senatorial district

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- When Doug Libla looks at government, he sees too much spending, excessive taxes and too many job-killing regulations.

That's why the Poplar Bluff businessman plans to ask voters next year to give him a chance to help fix that.

"I intend to roll up my sleeves in Jefferson City and get to work on changing things," Libla said.

Libla has announced his intention to run as a Republican for the Missouri Senate's 25th District. The seat is currently held by Sen. Rob Mayer -- last session the president pro tem -- but he is being forced out by term limits.

Libla is a political neophyte and has never run for office nor managed a campaign. He sees that as a plus and says he will bring firsthand knowledge of the challenges of meeting a payroll and competing in tough economic times to the office.

"We have been exporting too many jobs overseas and too many of our young people are having to move to big cities to make a living," Libla said.

Libla is a self-described conservative, citing strong pro-life, pro-gun rights and anti-tax increase beliefs. His campaign will focus on improving education and job training opportunities and working to attract more family-sustaining careers, he said.

Libla is joining an increasingly crowded field to replace Mayer. While former representative Gayle Kingery has changed his mind about running for the seat, Poplar Bluff businessman Jeff Shawan and state Rep. Billy Pat Wright of Dexter, Mo., are the other Republican candidates. State Rep. Terry Swinger of Caruthersville, Mo., is the only announced Democratic candidate.

The 25th District makes up most of the state's Bootheel and includes the counties of Butler, Dunklin, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Ripley, Stoddard and Wayne.

smoyers@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

Poplar Bluff, MO