SENATE CANDIDATE OPENS OFFICE IN CAPE GIRARDEAU

Bill Burch, who formally declared his candidacy for the Missouri Senate in Cape Girardeau in January, has opened a campaign office at 1858 Broadway here.

"The office will be open every day except Sunday," said an office spokesman Saturday.

Burch, the first to file for the 27th District spot to be vacated by the retiring Sen. John Dennis (D-Benton), served as mayor at Sikeston six years.

Burch will be at the new office at 10 a.m. Monday to discuss plans and issues and to meet with people.

He is one of three Democrats who have filed for the Democratic nomination. Other are former state Rep. Betty Hearnes of Charleston and former Cape Girardeau City Councilman Hugh White.

Burch is owner of Burch Food Services, based in Sikeston, which has branches in Cape Girardeau, Kennett, Paducah, and Martin, Tenn.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau, who is unopposed in his party's primary.