JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The loyal opposition in the Republican-led House of Representatives could have a more aggressive leader next year as state Rep. Rick Johnson said Tuesday he will seek the top post in the House Democratic Caucus.

Johnson, of High Ridge, currently serves as minority whip and was one of most vocal and animated critics of GOP House leaders during this year's legislative session.

Johnson said the adjustment period is over following Democrats shift to the minority party in the House this year after nearly a half century in control. Democrats need to put more emphasis on their core issues, he said.

"We could frame our issues better," Johnson said. "Regardless of whether we are in the majority or not, we need to have a strong, firm, positive legislative agenda."

Johnson, 34, so far is the only announced candidate to replace House Minority Floor Leader Mark Abel, D-Festus. Abel declared his candidacy for state treasurer last week and will resign his leadership post next month.

Several House Democrats said they knew of no other hopefuls for the position. State Rep. Bill Ransdall, D-Waynesville, the assistant minority floor leader, would be an obvious possibility, but Johnson said Ransdall, who couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday, told him he wouldn't seek the position.

The House Democratic Caucus is slated to pick its new leader Nov. 8. Johnson said he wouldn't change his sometimes combative style if selected.

"You have to recognize that in the minority if you see things the majority is doing you don't like, you have to try to stop them or at least moderate them," Johnson said.

Johnson, a lawyer, was first elected to the House in 2000. He spent four years in the U.S. Navy and served on a ballistic missile submarine during the first Gulf War.

Legislative leaders typically serve two-year terms, but Abel said he couldn't do the job effectively while also running for statewide office.

Party leader

In addition to the legislative duties, the minority leader will be responsible for coordinating Democratic efforts to retake the chamber in 2004. Earlier this year, Johnson declared his intention to run for House speaker should his party regain control. Republicans currently hold a 90-72 majority, with one vacancy last held by a Democrat.

Abel, 53, will continue to represent his Jefferson County legislative district until his term ends in January 2005.

Abel served as speaker pro tem from 2001 to 2003 and likely would have become speaker this year had Democrats remained the majority party.

Some observers felt Abel's normally low-key personality and desire for cooperation was ill-suited to the role of minority leader. However, Abel said the standard of decorum of the House had declined enough without him adding fuel to the fire.

"I thought I picked my spots to show when something outrageous was going on," Abel said.

House Majority Floor Leader Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, said lessons were learned on both sides during this year's legislative session, which was dominated by a bitter fight over the state budget. Crowell said he will work in good faith with the next Democratic leader whenever possible to foster better relationships.

"When we disagree, hopefully we can agree to disagree without being disagreeable," Crowell said.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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