Temporiti chosen as chairman of Mo. Democratic Party

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- John Temporiti, a former aide to St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley, has been chosen as chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party.

Temporiti was elected Tuesday night by the Democratic state committee to succeed former Gov. Roger Wilson, who announced last month that he was stepping down as the party's leader.

Temporiti served as Dooley's chief of governmental affairs until January when he joined the law firm of Gallop, Johnson and Neuman. He also has served as president and CEO of both Mayflower Transit and Vanliner Insurance Co. From 1981-1985, Temporiti served as chief of staff to St. Louis Mayor Vince Schoemehl.

"I look forward to working with Democrats from across Missouri to build on the great momentum our party gained from our victories last November," Temporiti said.

Democrats won a previously held Republican U.S. Senate seat last November and also picked up seats in the Missouri House and Senate.

Yolanda Wheat, of Kansas City, was elected Tuesday night to serve as vice chairwoman of the state party. She is a community activist and attorney and the wife of former Democratic U.S. Rep Alan Wheat.