PROFESSOR CONSIDERS RUN FOR STATE SENATE

A political science professor at Southeast Missouri State University says he might throw his hat in the ring for a state senate seat.

Rick Althaus, a Democrat, said he will decide after the first of the year whether to seek the 27th district senate seat held by Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau.

"I'm interested," he said, "but I won't commit to anything until after the first of the year."

Althaus, 43, said he has been interested in running for political office since he was a legislative intern in college.

A negative aspect of running a campaign would be the contribution limits on candidates for state office, Althaus said. By waiting until after the first of the year to make his decision, Althaus won't be able to ask for campaign contributions until the state legislative session is over in mid-May.

State law capped contributions for state senators at $200 per person, causing difficulty for challengers and incumbents.

Although concerned about the contribution limits, Althaus said that wouldn't be a major worry if he decides to run.

Besides his duties at the university, Althaus also is the chairman of the county Democratic party, a post he has held since 1992.

Althaus is a native of St. Louis County but has taught at the university for over 15 years.