POPLAR BLUFF LAWMAKER SEEKS HOUSE MINORITY LEADER POST

JEFFERSON CITY -- In a letter distributed to Republican colleagues Thursday, State Rep. Mark Richardson of Poplar Bluff announced his intentions to run for minority floor leader of the Missouri House of Representatives.

The 41-year old Richardson will challenge Rep. Pat Kelley of Lee's Summit, who has served as the top Republican leader in the House for the last two years.

"I have had a lot of encouragement from both within and outside the Capitol to seek this post," Richardson said Friday, shortly after the 1994 session adjourned. "I have two terms under my belt and feel I have something to offer the Republican Party in the way of leadership."

Traditionally, candidates for party offices in the House distribute letters to colleagues near the end of legislative sessions.

Richardson circulated his Thursday and explained that he had decided to seek the leadership post some time ago.

"Although I have given this careful consideration for several months, and actually made my decision some time ago, I felt that it was not in the best interest of the caucus and our goals and objectives, to openly campaign for a position in the next General Assembly until our work in this one was completed," wrote Richardson.

With Democrats holding all but one statewide office and having majorities in both houses of the legislature, the minority leader of the House is a high profile position serving as one of the top spokesmen for the GOP.

An attorney, Richardson was first elected to the House in 1990. He represents the 154th District, which includes a large part of Butler County. He is running unopposed for re-election to his House seat this year.

Kelley has also indicated he will seek a second term as floor leader, and advised colleagues of his intention to run on Friday with a letter. Kelley also has no opposition for his House seat this year.

"I will run a positive, upbeat campaign and will work hard for it," said Richardson.

At this point, they are the only candidates, although Rep. Dave Oetting of Concordia, the assistant minority leader, has expressed some interest in the post.

Party leadership positions are filled in November, several days after the general election, at caucus meetings. Part of the campaign process for party leader involves assisting Republican candidates around the state in races this year.

The process also involves meeting individually with other members to seek their support.

Currently, 68 of the 163 members of the Missouri House are Republicans.

Although he was encouraged to seek a leadership post in the party two years ago, Richardson declined to do so.