Cape Girardeau City Councilman Tom Neumeyer will run for state representative on the Democratic ticket.

Neumeyer, a Democrat, left today for Jefferson City, where he intends to file Monday to represent the 158th District, which encompasses most of Cape Girardeau.

Neumeyer has a photography business, owns a bed and breakfast and has been a councilman for six years. "My goal is to serve all the people of Cape Girardeau -- all income levels, all ages, not just the elite or one wing of the political spectrum," he says. "My support comes from a wide range of many people from all parts of this city."

The 50-year-old Neumeyer characterizes himself as a fiscal conservative, a populist and a centrist.

He is the second Cape Girardeau city councilman to file for the seat being vacated by Rep. Mary Kasten, a Republican who is retiring after serving since 1982. Councilman Jay Purcell, a Republican, already has announced his intention to run. Lawyer Jason Crowell also has announced his intention to run on the Republican side.

Neumeyer is the first Democrat to enter the race. Jim Grebing, director of communications for Secretary of State Bekki Cook and a former Southeast Missourian reporter, has said he may run as well. He is a Democrat.

Neumeyer was born in Cape Girardeau and graduated from Notre Dame High School and from Southeast Missouri State University.

He and his wife, Terri, have three grown children. He is a member of the Greater Cape Girardeau Historical Association, the Haarig Area Development Corporation, the Community Pride Coalition, the Capaha Antique Car Club and other groups.

He has served on the Cape Girardeau Central Democratic Committee and is Democratic chairman for Ward 8 in the city.

He said he would provide the region with an advantage in Jefferson City because he is a member of the majority party. "This area has been left high and dry many times due to having been represented by the minority party in both the House and Senate," he said.

"As a Democrat in the state House, I will be able to accomplish much more."