Voter Guide: Voters will decide control of legislature
Published Nov. 3, 2006
The legislative elections looming Tuesday bring with them the possibility for the state of Missouri to see a change in leadership. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, a significant change of seats has been expected throughout the United States, and some even predict that Democrats could gain the majority of seats.
All 163 seats are up for election in the House, and half of the 34 seats are up for election in the Senate.
"The outcome this year is so important," said Minority Leader Jeff Harris, D-Columbia. "It is a critical juncture in the state's history."
Harris said that only 19 out of 163 Republican candidates are running unopposed, paling in comparison to the 41 Democrats that will run without competition.
"I don't like to make predictions," Harris said. "But Ed Robb and Steve Hobbs are in the races of their lives because they have made poor choices."
Hobbs, R-Mexico, represents the 21st House district. Robb, R-Columbia, represents the 24th district. Both were unavailable for comment.
On a national level, the stage is set for change. According to the NCSL, 83 percent of state legislative seats are up for election, and 35 percent of legislative chambers could switch party control.
Term limits could also be a factor in this year's election. Term limits in Missouri say that each elected official can serve in each chamber for eight years. The effect of term limits this year will be small, but there will be more open seats.
"You won't see a dramatic impact of term limits until 2010 because in 2002 there were 90 new members," Harris said.