Mo. Democrats hope to claim House majority

With more unopposed races, members of the party look to rule the House.

By Andrea Kszystyniak

Published Oct. 31, 2008

The Missouri House of Representatives has had a Republican majority since 2002, but as Democratic candidates are leading in several key races across the state, it remains to be seen whether the Republicans will hold on to that majority. 

Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the Missouri Democratic Party, said a redefined majority is likely as Missouri citizens are blaming a Republican majority for a number of maladies currently facing citizens.

"When it comes to important issues like our state's economy and health care, Missouri families are absolutely fed up with the way that Republicans in Jefferson City have run the state," Cardetti said. "Clearly Missouri wants a change, which is why we feel confident that we will regain seats in the house and possibly the majority."

Nate Kennedy, chairman of the Young Democrats of Missouri College Federation, said he has helped with canvassing and registering voters in the 24th House District, in which Republican incumbent Ed Robb is defending his seat against Democratic challenger Chris Kelly. Kennedy said the race is one of the most contentious house races in Missouri history.

"It set a record for campaign spending in 2006 and looks like it will break that record this year," Kennedy said.

MU political science professor Marvin Overby said a shift to Democratic control of the Missouri House would be "unusual."

There are 89 Republicans in the House and 70 Democrats, with four vacancies.

"The Democrats would have to pick up 10 seats at least to achieve parity," Overby said.

Overby said that would be unlikely.

"I think once in recent decades we've seen either party pick up 10 or more seats in one election," Overby said.

But this does not mean that Democrats will not come very close to having a majority. This year, 25 Republican state representatives are running unopposed, as are 48 Democrats. Overby said in this election that 26 Republicans and 51 Democrats are not facing "serious" challengers.

"The lack of competition is more of a problem for the GOP than for Democrats," Overby said. "Republicans don't like serving in the legislature as much as Democrats do, in part because they are the 'anti-government' party. That makes it more difficult for the GOP to attract and retain good candidates and incumbents."

MU political science professor Peverill Squire said a new Democratic majority in the House was possible.

"I think the Democrats sensed that this was going to be a good year and I think they were able to recruit some fairly competitive candidates and they are competing pretty hard for districts that went Republican the past couple elections," Squire said. "The Democrats have all the issues breaking their way and I think that the Democratic organizations will be able to mobilize voters. "

Jonathan Ratliff, chairman of the MU College Republicans, said he feels the Democratic candidates are "trying to portray themselves as conservatives" to appeal to Republican voters.

"I think that Democrats are hoping that the electorate won't do any research on the candidates themselves and vote based on what they say and not what they've done or their records," Ratliff said. "It would be naive for the Democrats to think that they are going to take these conservative seats."