Candidates for the 158th District of the Missouri House of Representatives told a group of Republican women Friday -- one in person, two by proxy -- that if elected they intended to work toward reducing the size of government, creating jobs and making business a priority.

The candidates for the district, which covers most of the city limits of Cape Girardeau, are Phil Brinson, the owner of Buckner Brewing Co. in Cape Girardeau; Nathan Cooper, a local lawyer; and Pete Frazier, a social studies teacher at Cape Girardeau Central High School.

Of the three, only Frazier attended the noon meeting of the Cape Girardeau County Republican Women. Cooper and Brinson sent representatives to the meeting. Brinson is out of the country on a trip to Cuba, and Cooper was attending his sister's wedding.

Frazier told the group of more than 25 women and visitors that he went into teaching because he felt a "civic duty" and while he naturally supports education, he said he was not a one-theme candidate. He said he wants to promote a healthy business climate, as well as be an advocate for reducing taxes, pro-life and pro-gun issues.

Brinson had his friend and fellow downtown business owner Chuck McGinty, who owns C.P. McGinty Jewelers, speak on his behalf. McGinty touted Brinson's 12 years as a businessman, first in Sikeston and now in Cape Girardeau.

"He purchased a restaurant 12 years ago and the restaurant business has the highest attrition rate," McGinty said. "It's the toughest thing to do. It takes someone with brains to make it work like Phil has."

McGinty said Brinson's background in business would help him address the issues of the economy, such as job loss. "Jobs are an issue, and a businessman knows jobs," McGinty said.

Cooper sent a letter to be read to the group. Cooper wrote that one of his top priorities if he is elected would be to reduce what he called a "bloated" state government.

"For too many years, bureaucrats have spent money in a frivolous manner," he said. "We can no longer afford to go down this road. We cannot expect government to create jobs, but it can create a business-friendly climate in which family-supporting jobs will thrive."

The three are trying to replace House Majority Floor Leader Jason Crowell. Crowell has filed for the 27th District Senate seat being vacated by state Sen. Peter Kinder, who is running for lieutenant governor.

The primary is Aug. 3, and there are no Democratic challengers, meaning whoever wins the primary wins the seat.