THREE MORE FILINGS IN CAPE COUNTY

JACKSON -- Two more general election races developed and a primary election field grew when three more candidates filed for Cape Girardeau County offices Tuesday, the final day of filing for the 1994 ballot.

Among those drawing opposition was County Clerk Rodney Miller, a Democrat, who will face Republican Greg Lincoln of Cape Girardeau. Miller, first elected in 1978, is seeking a fifth term, while Lincoln is making his first bid for public office.

First District Associate Commissioner Larry Bock, who already had a challenge in the Aug. 2 Republican primary from Fred Wilkinson of Millersville, drew a Democratic challenger Tuesday when Jack Piepenbrok of Jackson filed. Piepenbrok, who served as county treasurer from 1977-80, is a Jackson city alderman.

Also filing Tuesday was Max Stovall of Cape Girardeau, who became the third Democrat to file for 2nd District associate commissioner. Other Democrats in the race are Andy Juden Jr. and City Councilman Doug Richards.

There are also three Republicans running in the 2nd District, which includes all of the city of Cape Girardeau except for Ward 17. Seeking the GOP nomination are: Joe Gambill, Public Administrator John Ferguson, and David Patterson.

Republican E.C. Younghouse, who has held the post since 1987, decided not to seek re-election.

The field of candidates for presiding commissioner remained at three. Filing for the right to succeed retiring Gene Huckstep in that post were: Mike Kasten, a Jackson cattle rancher and businessman; Gerald Jones, publisher of the Jackson Cashbook Journal newspaper; and Howard Tooke, a retired businessman and former mayor of Cape Girardeau.

No Democrats filed for the job, so the winner of the Republican primary will succeed Huckstep Jan. 1. Huckstep, a Republican, was first elected presiding commissioner in 1978.

Also in August, Darlene Bonney of Jackson and Cheryl D. Stoffregen of Cape Girardeau will battle for the Republican nomination for recorder of deeds. The winner will face Democrat Janet Robert, who has held the position since 1977.

The only other primary race in Cape County will be for Division IV associate circuit judge where Jeff Dix and Allen Moss are running. The winner will face Democrat Pete Statler of Jackson in the Nov. 8 general election.

Incumbent Democrat Marybelle Mueller is not seeking re-election because she will reach the mandatory judicial retirement age of 70 before the end of another term.

For Division III associate circuit judge, Gary Kamp of Burfordville, a Republican, will face Democrat Gary Robbins of Jackson, who has been public defender in the 32nd Judicial Circuit since 1977.

Division III judge, Republican Benjamin F. Lewis, is not seeking a second term and instead is challenging Democrat John Grimm for circuit judge in the 32nd District. The district includes Cape, Bollinger and Perry counties.

Grimm was appointed circuit judge last year by Gov. Mel Carnahan following the resignation of Judge A.J. Seier.

One of Cape County's state representatives drew opposition Tuesday, while the other did not. Rep. Mary Kasten, R-Cape Girardeau, drew a Democratic challenge in the 158th District from Melinda Benton McCulley. Rep. David Schwab, R-Jackson, is unopposed for a fourth term from the 157th District.

Among Cape County officeholders running without opposition this year are the two senior officeholders -- Collector Harold Kuehle and Auditor H. Weldon Macke. Both are Republicans.

Kuehle first took office in 1967 while Macke was elected the first time in 1968.

Also running unopposed are Democrat Circuit Clerk Charles P. Hutson, first elected in 1974, and Republican Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle, who won his first term in 1986.

Terms for all Cape County officeholders running this year will begin on Jan. 1.