Running in the 158th

When Missourians go to polls next Feb. 5 for the state's presidential primary, voters in three House districts will also be filling vacancies, including the one left by the recent resignation of Nathan Cooper of Cape Girardeau from the 158th District.

The constitutional requirements for state representatives are minimal: must be 24 years old, must have been a qualified Missouri voter for two years before the election and must have been a resident of the 158th District for one year before the election.

The Missouri Legislature meets for about 75 days a year in sessions that begin in early January. There is a brief veto session in late summer, and the governor can call special sessions as well.

While some Missourians consider representatives to be part-time legislators, many legislators say they devote far more days each year to representing their approximately 34,000 constituents.

For their efforts, representatives receive annual pay of $31,351 plus $79.20 in per-diem payments for each day they attend sessions and 45.5 cents a mile for travel. Some funding is provided for office staffing, supplies and mailing expense.

The 158th District, which includes parts of Cape Girardeau and Scott counties, needs good candidates in next February's election. Now is the time to step forward.