PROFFER WON'T ENTER RACE FOR MISSOURI SENATE

Over the years, Marvin Proffer has considered running for the Missouri Senate several times. But 1992 will not be the time to put those thoughts into action.

With veteran Sen. John Dennis planning to retire at the end of next year, many people have been touting Proffer as a logical successor. Although he appreciates the expressions of confidence and support, Proffer isn't biting.

"The answer is no. I'm not running for the Senate," declared Proffer. "I have had a lot of people talk to me, and that is very nice of them to do so, but I have given 26 years of my life to the legislature and that's enough. Somebody else should have that opportunity."

Dennis announced in July that he would not seek a fifth four-year term. Although several people have expressed interest in running for the seat, no one has formally announced plans to run.

Filing does not begin until early January, and it will be later this year before anyone knows the exact boundaries of this senatorial district. A redistricting commission was unable to come up with a new map of the 34 Senate districts based on 1990 census figures, so a six judge panel of state appeals court judges will be assigned the task.

Proffer, who decided not to seek re-election to the House in 1988, said he carefully weighed his decision to leave the General Assembly then. Had he been interested in running for the Senate, Proffer said he probably would not have retired when he did.

During the last eight years of his career, Proffer, a Democrat from Jackson, served as chairman of the powerful House Budget Committee. In terms of power and influence, the post is considered by many to rank behind the governor and Speaker of the House.

In 1976, when Albert M. Spradling retired from the Senate, Proffer considered making that race but decided to stay in the House when a longtime supporter of his, Billy Joe Thompson, of Jackson, announced he planned to file. Thompson lost the Democratic primary to Dennis.

In the years leading up to 1984 and 1988, when there were some questions about whether Dennis would seek re-election, Proffer expressed some interest in running if Dennis did not.

Since leaving the House, Proffer has been working for Southeast Missouri State University. His title is special assistant to university development, which includes lobbying for the university in Jefferson City, fundraising, student recruitment, and public relations. He works on a contract basis.

Proffer stressed that he enjoys his present job and working in the capitol in his present role. Besides helping Southeast, he noted, "I'm always available to assist and help with organizations and groups for the proper purpose. I try to give groups the right direction and help get doors open for them where I can.

"As far as running for political office, I've had my day and my time. I said when I stepped aside that I had given a lot of thought about my decision. I enjoyed it a lot, and I would do it again if I had it to do over."

But Proffer pointed out that political campaigns are "hard and grueling" and at this point in his life he has no desire to get back on the campaign trail.

"I always hope that I made a difference and contributed during my time for the betterment of the people; I really think I did," observed Proffer. "I'm 60 years old, my health is great, and I feel good."