Three candidates file for Rep. Hodges' seat

Voters in Missouri's 149th District could have an interesting August primary election for the open House seat.

As of Friday afternoon, three candidates had filed with the secretary of state's office for the seat held by state Rep. Steve Hodges. The East Prairie Democrat has held the post since 2006 and cannot run for re-election because he is term-limited.

One of the candidates is former Missouri congressman Bill Burlison, D-Wardell, who declared his intention to run in September. This is his third attempt at a state House seat, but his first time running for the 149th District.

He faces party opposition from Morgan Copeland Nesselrodt of New Madrid, Mo., Although she's never held political office, Nesselrodt has ties to the political world. Her grandfather, former state representative Gene Copeland, served in the Missouri House for 38 years, longer than any legislator in state history. He represented the 161st District, which included Mississippi County and parts of Scott and New Madrid counties. Portions of those counties now are part of the 149th District.

From 1960 to 1998, Gene Copeland, a Democrat, helped implement improvements in the operation of Missouri banks, passed legislation that brought Noranda and Associated Electric to New Madrid and passed laws to help farmers and small businesses obtain low-interest loans.

Don Rone of Portageville, Mo., is the only Republican to declare candidacy so far.

Neal E. Boyd, a Republican from Sikeston, declared his intention to run in September. He has yet to officially file with the secretary of state's office but posted March 14 to his "Neal E. Boyd for Missouri" Facebook page: "Has my Party decided that District 149 is gonna have a Republican Primary? I believe they have! Bring it!"

If he does file, this will be Boyd's second attempt at the seat after losing to Hodges in 2012.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Wardell, Mo.

New Madrid, Mo.

Portageville, Mo.

Sikeston, Mo.