Democrats file challenges for House seat and judgeship

Two Democrats filed challenges Friday to two incumbent Republican officeholders.

Matt Hill, a Cape Girardeau lawyer, filed for office in the 158th District Missouri House seat held by Rep. Nathan Cooper, a first-term Republican from Cape Girardeau.

And John Heisserer, a former circuit judge, filed as a candidate against Benjamin Lewis, a Republican who won the job from Heisserer in 2004.

Hill is a partner in the law firm of Dickerson, Hill and Lange, a law office that includes former Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents president Don Dickerson.

"We see a very good potential of winning this election," said Tom Neumeyer, chairman of the Cape Girardeau County Democratic Party.

Hill could not be reached for comment Friday.

Cooper was unopposed in the 2004 general election.

Heisserer narrowly lost the 32nd Circuit judgeship to Lewis in 2004. Heisserer was the incumbent in that race, having won appointment to fill a vacancy in 2003. This year's contest will be for a full six-year term.

Heisserer won in Cape Girardeau and Perry counties, but lost by 272 votes when Lewis showed strength in Bollinger County.

"Private practice has been great, but I really do miss the job," Heisserer said. "It is a job I love to do."

Lewis filed for re-election on March 2. "I closed my private practice in 2004 and I intend to serve as a circuit judge until I retire," Lewis said.