Rep. Scott Lipke likely to again run for Missouri House seat

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Though some local Republicans have approached him about running for circuit court judge next year, state Rep. Scott Lipke said he will likely seek a second term in the House of Representatives.

The idea of pursuing a spot on the bench never occurred to him, said Lipke, R-Jackson, until it was raised by supporters.

"Obviously, I will take a look at it," Lipke said. "But right now my intention is to run for re-election as state representative."

Lipke, a former Cape Girardeau County assistant prosecuting attorney, plans to make a final decision following the Missouri Legislature's veto session that begins Sept. 10.

"I've really enjoyed my first term up there," Lipke said. "These are really tough times, and I'm ready to get back up there and battle."

Judge John Heisserer of Cape Girardeau is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 32nd Judicial Circuit Court seat to which he was appointed earlier this year by Gov. Bob Holden. Heisserer filled the vacancy created after Democrat John Grimm of Cape Girardeau resigned to return to private practice.

The winner of the November 2004 general election will serve the remainder of the six-year term Grimm won in 2000. The circuit covers Cape Girardeau, Perry and Bollinger counties.

Should Lipke ultimately decide to run for judge, there probably would be no dearth of candidates to replace him in the House. Lipke narrowly won a four-way Republican primary for the seat last year before easily defeating Democrat Chuck Miller of Oriole in the general election.

Miller said he hasn't ruled out a second attempt but noted the district, which represents northern Cape Girardeau County and most of Perry County, is heavily Republican.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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