Wallingford, Glenn announce candidacies for 158th district rep seat

The announcement that Mary Kasten will not seek a full term as state representative launched two other efforts to win the GOP nomination in the 158th District.

Wayne Wallingford, director of human resources for McDonald's of Southeast Missouri, issued a news release announcing his plans to run. Wallingford for a time sought the Republican nomination for the 158th District last fall after Nathan Cooper resigned the post following his guilty plea on federal immigration fraud charges. Wallingford seemingly had the support of members of the nominating committee when issues arose about his eligibility to serve at that time.

Jeff Glenn, who held the post of district director for then-U.S. Sen. Jim Talent and was deputy director of the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation, plans to announce his candidacy this afternoon.

Wallingford is a native of Geneva, Ill. He moved to Cape Girardeau most recently in October 2004. He previously lived in Cape Girardeau from 1985 to 1989 when he commanded the Air Force ROTC detachment at Southeast Missouri State University. He was also a professor of aerospace science.

Wallingford flew more than 300 combat missions in Vietnam and was the electronics warfare officer on a B-52. Following his military career, he went to work for PepsiCo as a manager of multiple Taco Bell restaurants and retired from the company as leader of a 16-state training department.

He returned to Cape Girardeau to work for his son-in-law Shannon Davis, owner of 11 McDonald's restaurants in the region.

Wallingford said in his announcement that he feels prepared for the office. "I've been tested and am ready to lead on day one," he said in the prepared statement. "I know I will bring the right leadership at the right time to the people of our community.

In an e-mail sent to potential supporters, Glenn asked for help to kick off his "plans for continued service to the community. We would like you to join us as we embark upon this journey."

Glenn's announcement will be at 4:30 p.m. at the Osage Community Centre.

For updates, check back at www.semissourian.com or read Thursday's Southeast Missourian.