A small-business owner from Gordonville has become the first Democrat to file for Cape Girardeau County presiding commissioner.

Brian Thomas, 35, filed Friday morning in his first race for political office. The owner of El Shaddai heating and air conditioning since 2005, Thomas said creating jobs will be a cornerstone of his campaign.

"I know there are a lot of people out of work and they need decent-paying jobs," Thomas said. "Being self-employed, I understand how important a role small businesses play in this county and nation. Small businesses are the backbone of our country."

Though Thomas said it may be difficult to win on the Democratic ticket, he also believes he has a chance if enough Republicans cross over party lines to cast their votes for him.

"If I thought I couldn't win, I wouldn't have run," Thomas said. "I like the Democrats because they try to help the poor side of the spectrum."

Thomas joins a field that consists of five Republican candidates. All five filed Feb. 23 for the Aug. 3 primary election. The Republicans in the primary are Chris Hutson, a financial adviser for Edward Jones; Clint Tracy, a state representative in the 158th Missouri House District; Stephen Daume, a farmer from Daisy; Charles Brawley, a former member of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department; and Doyle Parmer, town clerk for Dutchtown.

The winners of the primaries will then face off in the Nov. 2 general election. Filing for the primary election continues through March 30.

To date, the only other Democrat of the 15 candidates to file for office in the county is Janet Robert, who is seeking her ninth term as recorder of deeds.

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