Area Missouri legislators' fundraising reports released

Fundraising reports for state representatives who must be re-elected later this year to hold their seats were recently released.

State representatives turn in quarterly fundraising reports to the Missouri Ethics Commission while in office. During election years, more frequent reports are required. Representatives seeking re-election to two-year terms this year will be on the ballot in an August primary and the November general election.

Cape Girardeau's Kathy Swan, representing the 147th House District, reported $14,000 raised during the period, which began Oct. 1 and ended Dec. 31. At the close of the period, Swan had $31,254 on hand. A portion of Swan's received funds -- $5,860 -- were in-kind donations from the legislator to her campaign fund.

Jackson's Donna Lichtenegger of the 146th House District reported $2,600 in contributions, ending with $8,310 on hand.

Kevin Engler of Farmington, Mo., reported $6,300 raised and had $34,054 on hand.

Holly Rehder of Sikeston, Mo., received $7,530 and had $40,123 on hand.

Shelley Keeney of Marble Hill, Mo., reported $14,706 in contributions, ending with $14,704 in her campaign account.

All of the House members who represent districts in Southeast Missouri are eligible to run for another term this year except for Steve Hodges, D-East Prairie, who is term-limited. A Democrat, Bill Burlison, a former Missouri congressman from Wardell, Mo., and a Republican, Neal E. Boyd of Sikeston, have expressed interest in replacing Hodges.

Burlison last ran for a House seat in 2010, when he lost for a second time against Billy Pat Wright, a Republican. In 2012, Boyd also ran for the 149th District, but lost to Hodges.

Boyd has not reported the formation of a campaign committee or any fundraising to the commission, but isn't required to do so until he receives or spends $500 or more on campaign activities. Burlison so far has been self-financing his campaign with personal loans, but reported no loans or other contributions during the last period, ending with $17,602 on hand.

Dennis Fowler, R-Advance, left his seat after he was selected by Gov. Jay Nixon to join the state's parole board, but must receive Senate confirmation to assume the seat and in recent weeks has run up against opposition from some senators.

Filing for state representative seats begins Feb. 25 and ends March 25. Candidates must file at the secretary of state's office in Jefferson City, Mo. The order in which they file determines order of placement on the ballot.

View complete fundraising reports with the online version of this story at semissourian.com.

eragan@semissourian.com

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Jefferson City, Mo.