RICHARDSON WAGING LOW-KEY CAMPAIGN FOR LEADERSHIP POST

Although he doesn't know how many votes it will take to win, or even who all will be eligible to vote, State Rep. Mark Richardson has been quietly campaigning for minority leader of the Missouri House of Representatives.

Election to the post would make the 42-year old Poplar Bluff attorney the top ranking Republican in the House and one of the party's highest ranking spokesmen in the state.

Traditionally, the leadership position has been used as a stepping stone to run for higher office.

"The race is shaping up," said Richardson. "I have been doing a lot of traveling and visiting with other representatives and helping them with their races."

One longtime Republican Party leader in the House, Rep. Mary Kasten of Cape Girardeau, announced recently that she will not seek a fifth term as caucus secretary.

As caucus secretary, Kasten was involved in almost daily leadership meetings, was responsible for notifying members of caucus meetings, and for overseeing social functions.

"I am trying to get myself a little less overwhelmed so I can do a better job in legislation," said Kasten.

She also holds a seat on the House Budget Committee, which meets at least daily and sometimes several times a day during sessions. That responsibility has taken a toll on her time, Kasten said.

Richardson, whose 154th district includes Poplar Bluff and a few areas of Butler County, announced during the last week of the legislative session in May that he would run for the post. He is unopposed for re-election to a third term this year.

Richardson is challenging Rep. Pat Kelley, R-Lee's Summit, who is the minority floor leader. A third candidate, Rep. Dave Oetting, R-Concordia, also is in the race.

Leadership positions are filled in party caucuses several days after the general election. So it won't be until late on the evening of Nov. 8 that Richardson will know who will be part of the upcoming legislative session as Republican members.

To secure support for his candidacy, Richardson is helping Republican candidates in races around the state.

"One of the roles I see myself in, is where we have strong viable candidates I want to work with them and give them assistance with their campaigns," said Richardson. "I think through my helping other candidates I am demonstrating my leadership skills, and perhaps proving to those candidates that number one, I am committed to the caucus, and second, that I am capable of providing leadership."

There are 68 Republicans in the 163 member House, with 59 of them seeking re-election and nine either retiring or filing for higher office. There also are 25 open seats.

"I'm not sure what our final numbers will look like after the election, but obviously what will make the difference is being able to cultivate the support of new people," said Richardson.

Republican representatives and candidates began a three-day meeting Sunday at Branson to talk about issues and campaigns. The annual caucus provided an opportunity for candidates for party leadership positions to seek support.

"I'm not to the point of counting numbers yet, and probably won't get to that point until after the election," said Richardson. "I anticipate it will be a close race."