House members competing to move to Missouri Senate

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- If it wasn't for this year's elections, Democrat Bill Gratz and Republican Carl Vogel would gladly be enjoying a Coke and a smile together.

Gratz served as Vogel's real estate agent a few years back in a deal that helped him expand his Coke distributorship in Jefferson City. And Vogel has attended several auctions run by Gratz' auctioneering company.

In fact, their paths have been crossing for about 20 years in the Jefferson City area -- even more so since 1992, when Gratz won his first election to the House in the 113th District and Vogel won a second term in the 114th District.

"I think we had a good working relationship for 10 years," said Gratz, who lives in nearby Wardsville.

Adds Jefferson City resident Vogel: "I would hope that our efforts together were nonpartisan."

Things are different now.

The advent of term limits has prompted more House members to seek state Senate seats, and in some cases colleagues are going head-to-head in races that will determine the balance of power in the Senate -- where Republicans currently hold a 17-16 edge with one vacancy.

"You wake up one day and say 'Wow, there's only room for one person from this area that is going to represent the Senate,"' Vogel said.

While Gratz and Vogel slug it out for the 6th District Senate seat currently held by a term-limited Republican, Democratic Rep. Craig Hosmer faces Republican Rep. Norma Champion for Springfield's 30th District seat.

And in the St. Joseph area's 34th Senate District, Republican Rep. Charlie Shields faces Democratic Rep. Glenda Kelly for a seat currently held by a Democrat.

In all, there are 13 House members seeking seats in the Senate, where 17 seats are up for election.

Harder to be negative

Gratz said running against a familiar face changes the dynamic of a race because there are clear legislative records on both sides that voters can rely on.

"It's hard to say something negative about a fellow colleague," Gratz said. "You have to convey to people that they have to research both candidates."

There was a time when House members with an eye on the Senate had to wait for a Senate seat to open up.

For example, there are 18 current members of the Senate who previously served in the House, yet no more than two were elected in the same year. This time around, with 12 senators being forced out by term limits, there's the potential for 10 Senate seats to go to a former House member.

"It can be a blessing and a curse," said Scott Baker, a GOP spokesman. "The blessing is that you're familiar with your opponent. ... The curse might be you might have a very strong relationship and friendship and may be hesitant to point out flaws in an opponent."