Forum Thursday

This Thursday night Cape Girardeau will welcome several Republican politicians who hope to be selected as the next person to represent the 8th Congressional District of Missouri.

The choice will be made by a district committee of about 80 people. The committee members come from several county and legislative district committees -- some represent multiple local political committees -- all across the wide district. Many of those members will arrive here Thursday to see what the candidates have to say.

One such forum already took place. Last Thursday night in Salem, Mo., 12 candidates appeared before voting members -- and the public -- and answered questions without having heard the previous candidate speak. It was an interesting exercise, though still they often repeated one another with their political leanings. This group of 12 appears to lean very conservative, based on their answers.

It may be difficult for the committee to base its decision on policy positions. Voting members may instead lean on other factors, such as personality, the ability to be re-elected in two years, fundraising prowess, familiarity with the candidate, age or any combination of factors.

"Personality and perception is huge in this because there is not a lot of difference in them all," said Eddy Justice, chairman of the committee, following the forum.

Thursday's forum in Cape Girardeau will be at 7 p.m. at the Concourse Building.

It is open to the public. We encourage you to consider attending. These are fascinating times in Missouri politics.