REP. DRISKILL LIKELY CHOICE FOR CATINET POST

JEFFERSON CITY - State Rep. Joe Driskill, who has made economic development legislation a key focus of his career, will be named director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development today by Gov. Mel Carnahan.

Carnahan has called a 1 p.m. press conference today to make the announcement.

Driskill, who is serving his ~sixth two-year term in the Missouri House, represents a district that includes parts of Butler, Ripley and Bollinger counties and all of Wayne County.

The Poplar Bluff Democrat is serving his second term as chairman of the House Commerce Committee, which handles most economic development bills.

The 37-year old Driskill has had close ties to Carnahan for many years, serving on his campaign staff in 1980 when Carnahan was elected state treasurer. Later, Driskill worked in the treasurer's office before leaving to run for the Missouri House in 1982.

He was a strong supporter of Carnahan in his campaign for governor last year, and since the election has been a key advisor.

Driskill's appointment as economic development director has been rumored for months, and the announcement today would only be a surprise if Driskill were not the governor's choice.

On Wednesday evening, Driskill declined to confirm he would be named to the job, but left little doubt.

"It's the governor's prerogative to announce, but I'm confident the press conference tomorrow afternoon will bring good results to me," said Driskill.

Driskill has considered seeking higher office for several years. In 1990, he unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for a Senate vacancy in the 25th District, and last year gave careful consideration to challenging Republican 8th District U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson.

Driskill has not ruled out a future race for Congress and had earlier indicated if he was named the economic development director he would keep his residency in Poplar Bluff.

During this legislative session, Driskill is handling the governor's "Jobs 2000" legislative package, which includes most of the economic development initiatives proposed by Carnahan during his campaign.

Today's appointment of Driskill will complete Carnahan's cabinet. Driskill will have to be confirmed by the Missouri Senate before assuming his new duties. A confirmation hearing will be held early next month.

Once he is confirmed, Driskill will resign his seat in the Missouri House and a special election will be called to fill the vacancy in his 156th District.