Lloyd Smith: Another political luminary from Southeast Missouri

The southeast quadrant of Missouri has contributed its fair share of politicians and political movers and shakers -- both Democrats and Republicans -- over the decades. Now a favorite son of Sikeston, Lloyd Smith, will be the executive director of the Missouri Republican Party, a post that requires a firm grasp of political insight and a broad understanding of state politics. Smith's job will include fundraising and helping GOP candidates in coming elections, which will see considerable turnover in the Missouri Legislature due to term limits.

A quick -- but by all means not all-inclusive -- rundown of Southeast Missouri officeholders and strategists of note in recent years range from governors (John Dalton, Warren Hearnes, Mel Carnahan, Bob Holden) -- to a key fundraiser for George W. Bush, Jack Oliver of Cape Girardeau.

Also: Roy Temple, now in Washington, D.C.; the late Mike Keathley of Dexter, who was Gov. Matt Blunt's commissioner of administration; former secretary of state Bekki Cook of Cape Girardeau; and the current lieutenant governor, Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau -- plus the Carnahan clan: the late governor Mel Carnahan, his wife and former U.S. senator Jean Carnahan; daughter Robin Carnahan, who is the current secretary of state, and son Russ Carnahan, former state representative now serving as a U.S. representative in Congress.

As a key staff member for U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson and the late congressman Bill Emerson since 1981, Smith also has had a significant impact on the delivery of services to constituents. He has considerable experience with national campaigns and is highly regarded for his organizing expertise.