Former state representative bows out of area Senate race

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A former Poplar Bluff state representative has changed his mind about running for state senator in District 25 in 2012.

"All our children and grandchildren want grandma and grandpa to be available for them," Gayle Kingery said Monday. "I started telling people at church Sunday."

In February, Kingery was the first candidate to announce he was seeking the Republican nomination for state senator. He could not seek re-election in 2010 as a Missouri House member because of term limits. He had already served the maximum eight years.

While talking with family members in Colorado and Texas, Kingery said he was "politely asked" to spend more time with his family. He and his wife, Jolene, have three sons in Aurora, Colo., a daughter in Littleton, Colo., and another daughter in San Angelo, Texas. They also have four grandchildren.

He also talked with their son, David, who is completing his second tour of duty in Iraq. He was there 16 months the first time and will complete his current 12-month assignment in September.

"My supporters wish I could be in the Senate, but they understand family is important," Kingery said. "I will not publicly support anyone, but I will vote in the next election."

Kingery's decision to withdraw from the race leaves Poplar Bluff businessman Jeff Shawan and state Rep. Billy Pat Wright of Dexter, Mo., as the current Republican candidates. State Rep. Terry Swinger of Caruthersville, Mo., is the only announced Democratic candidate.

Shawan is seeking public office for the first time. Wright in District 159 and Swinger in District 162 will complete their fourth two-year terms in 2012.

Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Rob Mayer of Dexter currently represents District 25, but he will complete his second four-year term in 2012 and cannot run again due to term limits.

District 25 covers seven counties -- Butler, Ripley, Wayne, Stoddard, Dunklin, New Madrid and Pemiscot.

The legislative redistricting process, currently taking place, may include some boundary changes before the 2012 election.

Kingery also said his family feels he has already been involved in public service work for 48 years, and it was time to retire. Kingery served four years in the U.S. Air Force, 36 years as a teacher and coach and eight years as a state representative.

The Kingerys will retain their home in Poplar Bluff, but they plan to do more traveling and spending more time with their children and grandchildren.

"A lot of people really wanted me to run and thought I could win," Kingery said. "Everyone has been very supportive,"

Pertinent address:

Poplar Bluff, MO