State Senate seat at stake in vote today

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A special state Senate election today for a St. Louis area seat pits a Democratic member of the House against a Republican who hopes to earn a first term in Jefferson City.

Rep. Harry Kennedy, D-St. Louis, is looking to replace longtime Democratic Sen. John Scott, who resigned in October. Republican lawyer Matt Hoffman is making his third foray into politics after unsuccessful bids for the state House in 1996 and the St. Louis board of alderman in 1999.

Also running is Green Party candidate Bob McFall, 72, a retired biology teacher and women's sports coach.

All hope to win the right to serve the final three years of Scott's four-year term in the district that covers part of the city of St. Louis and areas in St. Louis County.

Republicans hold an 18-14 edge in the Senate going into today's election. Another seat was vacated last month when Sen. Paula Carter, D-St. Louis, died after a long battle with cancer. That election is set for February.

Kennedy, a real estate agent who has served in the House since 1996, said Monday his legislative experience provides him with an edge.

"The learning curve is huge in the Legislature," Kennedy said. "Experience does make a difference, a positive difference."

Kennedy, 49, is focusing on several issues that affect the elderly, including controlling high interest loans and ensuring affordable health care.

He also supports better funding for education and, in response to the Sept. 11 attacks, tougher anti-terrorism legislation.

"It's really not something we looked at before Sept. 11 but I think it's important now," Kennedy said.

Hoffman, 32, also is focusing on senior issues ranging from a freeze on property assessments to a better way to administer prescription drug programs.

"I am very worried about the elderly and we live in a district with a large elderly population," Hoffman said. "I think I am going to bring a fresh outlook -- a person who follows the issues of the community but who is not a career politician."

Hoffman said that having a Republican majority in the Senate will benefit his constituents if elected.

"I will be able to more easily facilitate our needs within the majority," Hoffman said.