Poplar Bluff businessman announces candidacy for 25th District Senate seat

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Poplar Bluff businessman and community leader Jeff Shawan stood in front of the Butler County Courthouse Tuesday morning to announce his candidacy for the senator of the 25th District.

Shortly after his declaration, Shawan, a Republican, hopped in a car to begin an ambitious tour that would see him make a similar announcement in each of the seven counties covered by the district.

By 9 a.m. he was addressing an audience in Doniphan. From there it was on to Greenville, Kennett, Caruthersville and New Madrid with a final stop planned in Dexter at 5 p.m.

"I am announcing in every county of the 25th today to send a message to the electorate that I am a serious candidate who intends to represent the entire district," said Shawan, owner of Heritage Appraisal. "As a longtime Butler County resident, I am thoroughly familiar with all seven counties of the district and aware of the diversified needs and concerns of the Bootheel of Missouri."

He addressed 20 people at the Butler County Courthouse and issued a news release.

"This is a very humble moment. I can't tell you how excited I am," Shawan said. "I grew up in this town. I love my town and Southeast Missouri."

He commended Republican state Sen. Rob Mayer of Dexter for his leadership. Mayer's second four-year term expires in 2012.

"I desire to continue his strong leadership," Shawan said. "I stand for jobs, education, freedom and family."

Never having run for office. Shawan, 54, said he is a small businessman who understands the difficulties of making a payroll and the "real world" reality of dealing with an ever growing government that harms the small business community with needless regulation and oversight.

"I am not a politician and have never run for office in my life," said Shawan. "Government has gotten way too big and has seriously overreached into our daily lives. I don't like this intrusion and have decided to take action."

Shawan said he has structured his approach to state government on four foundational pillars:

* Promoting economic freedom: "As your senator, I pledge to oppose tax increases, while fighting to keep government spending within our means, ending needless red tape and job killing regulation that threatens our farmers and small businesses."

* Promoting personal freedom: "I will fight Washington's healthcare takeover and cap and trade schemes at every opportunity while preserving private property rights, the freedom to farm, the right to bear arms, and protecting the God given rights of the unborn."

* Putting the people of the 25th District above politics: "I will fight for economic development and jobs here locally, promoting our agricultural products around the world, and investing in highway projects in our district, rather than in St. Louis and Kansas City. I consider higher education to be 'the tip of the spear' of our economic development future. As university costs have risen above people's means, the community college opportunity has become more important than ever. Support and expansion of Three Rivers College is crucial. The community college system generally, and Three Rivers College, specifically, have been overlooked and under supported in Jefferson City."

* Offer accountability to the highest standards: "I will answer to the voters, rather than special interests or party bosses. As your senator, I will refuse to accept 'fat-cat lobbyist gifts and perks' that poison the culture in Jefferson City. I aim to be a voice for our district, but also an ear for your concerns. My office door will always be open and when the legislative session is open, Senator Shawan will be present."

For more information, contact Shawan at 573-776-5213 or email campaign25th@gmail.com.

Two other Republican candidates, who previously announced, are Gayle Kingery of Poplar Bluff, who served as the District 154 state representative for eight years, and Billy Pat Wright of Dexter, who is completing his fourth two-year term as the District 159 state representative. The only announced Democratic candidate is Terry Swinger of Caruthersville, Mo., who is completing his fourth two-year term as the District 162 state representative.