WILLIAMS CLAIMS 156TH DISTRICT SEAT

DEXTER - Marilyn Williams said Tuesday night she plans to head for Jefferson City later this week to begin making arrangements for starting her duties as state representative from the 156th District.

Williams, who lives on a farm with her family near Dudley in Stoddard County, won a special election for a Missouri House seat Tuesday over Republican Jerry Seabaugh, a car salesman from Dexter.

Williams received 1,904 votes to 1,322 for Seabaugh.

"I'm ready to go to work," declared Williams, from a victory party at the Fiddlers Restaurant in Dexter. She owns and manages the restaurant.

"I'm overjoyed at the results today. I am just glad for the show of confidence from the people," added Williams. "I felt all along that I have a lot to offer; for them to reiterate that feeling with their votes is just wonderful."

Williams said she felt the support was there to win the election, but admitted she was concerned about turnout because it was a special election and the weather was bad.

Williams cannot take office until after the election results are certified, which will take a week to 10 days. She is hoping to be sworn into office next week in Stoddard County.

Sen. Jerry Howard, D-Dexter, who vacated the 156th District seat when he won a special election to the Senate Dec. 4, said he believes Williams "will make a fine representative. Her past experience as a business person and her reputation as a community-minded citizen involved in the Chamber of Commerce, youth activities and many other activities made people aware that she was the best choice and should be elected."

Howard said coming up in the middle of the session will limit what she can do this year, but noted that she can read the bills and learn the process so she is ready to go next year.

"I'll be happy to help her in any way I can to assist her in serving her constituency, and I look forward to working with her in Jefferson City."

In defeating Seabaugh, Williams overcame a vigorous effort from state Republicans to capture the House seat. Congressman Bill Emerson, State Treasurer Wendell Bailey, Secretary of State Roy Blunt, and Attorney General Bill Webster all made appearances in his behalf; last weekend, a group of freshman Republican House members knocked on doors in support of Seabaugh.

Williams carried all precincts in Stoddard County by a margin of 1,637 to 942 and the small portion of Wayne County in the district by a margin of 14 to 5. Seabaugh carried Bollinger County 375 to 253.

Seabaugh was born and raised in Bollinger County and his father was a former mayor of Marble Hill.

Williams said she spent some time campaigning in Bollinger County and plans to visit with citizens there again soon so they understand she will not neglect the northern part of the district.

Both candidates were making their first bids for public office.