RICHARDSON NEW MINORITY LEADER

Even though he considered the race for more than a year and campaigned for the spot since May, Mark Richardson said he was a little dazed and frightened by the position Missouri House Republicans gave him Thursday.

But Richardson's dazed condition probably won't last long. As the leader of the largest contingent of House Republicans in four decades, there is plenty of work to be done with new challenges and opportunities to face.

The 42-year old Poplar Bluff lawyer won his third term from the 154th district without opposition Tuesday. In Thursday's caucus for newly elected Republicans, Richardson defeated the current minority leader, Rep. Pat Kelley of Lee's Summit, on a second ballot.

Democrats hold an 87 to 76 advantage in the chamber. Prior to Tuesday's election, the advantage was 95 to 68.

The increased GOP numbers will be difficult for the Democratic leadership to ignore and should pave the way for more bi-partisan cooperation, Richardson said.

"I do perceive myself as being leader of a greatly enlarged group of Republicans that are very rapidly approaching a majority," he said. "That makes us a group whose viewpoints collectively should not and can not any longer be ignored.

"I think those are views that to a great extent are shared by conservative Democrats across the state, and that makes the prospect for change in direction in Missouri government even more likely."

Richardson said he was elected because members preferred his leadership style, and because they trust and respect him to include all members in discussions about direction the party takes.

One reason he was able to defeat Kelley is because the caucus is considerably different than it was two years ago when Kelley was elected. More than two dozen of the House Republicans weren't in the legislature when the last caucus was held.

"I think most members were looking for someone that can articulate and advocate their position in a forceful and effective way," said Richardson.

With the increased numbers, Republicans also will have a greater role in the legislative process. Thus, now is an appropriate time to bring in new leadership, Richardson said.

As Republican leader, Richardson frequently will lock horns with House Speaker Bob Griffin, who has held the powerful leadership job a record 14 years.

Richardson said he has a good relationship with the speaker, and believes it will continue.

"I would describe our relationship as being one where we have quite often disagreed, but between the two of us have not been disagreeable," said Richardson.

In comments Thursday, both Griffin and Richardson said they wanted to cooperate and pledged to work together on passing legislation to deal with pressing problems facing the state.

Richardson said he views his election as a mandate to move forward -- welcoming cooperation, but without abandoning philosophical positions of the party.

"It is a little scary when you think about it," he said. "The American people have handed Republicans the mantle, and what they do with it the next two years will determine whether Republicans grow in numbers and effectiveness," said Richardson.

"Here in Missouri they have not given us the mantle, but they have given us the numbers where they expect more from us. People expect less partisan bickering and more substance. I think both parties see a mandate to cooperate and have an impetus to cooperate for the good of the citizens."

As the House minority leader, Richardson becomes a statewide spokesman for the Republican Party. That role will require him to spend more time in Jefferson City and more time traveling the state.