REPUBLICANS URGE YATES TO RUN FOR GOVERNOR

The Republican Caucus of the Missouri House of Representatives wants Rep. Zane Yates, R-Oakville, to be the next governor.

A letter released Tuesday by the caucus and signed by 24 Republican members of the House urged Yates to run saying, "without question or reservation we would willingly and actively support your candidacy."

The one-page letter also said although other "candidates seriously considering a campaign for the Republican nomination" the contingency representing districts from around the state would solely support Yates.

At least one other Republican gubernatorial hopeful is state Auditor Margaret Kelley.

Among the House Republicans backing a Yates candidacy are Mary Kasten of Cape Girardeau, Mark Richardson of Poplar Bluff, Patrick Naeger of Perryville, Bill Foster of Poplar Bluff, David Schwab of Jackson and Jim Graham of Fredericktown.