KASTEN WON'T ENDORSE SUCCESSOR

After nine campaigns for the Missouri General Assembly, state Rep. Mary Kasten says she is staying out of this year's battle to replace her.

"I think people should be able to make their own choices without me endorsing somebody," said Kasten, a Cape Girardeau Republican who isn't seeking re-election. "I'm really trying hard not to get into the middle of this."

Kasten, first elected in 1982, says she is taking no public stance in the three-way Republican primary for her 158th District seat. One Democrat is also seeking the post.

However, her husband, Dr. Mel Kasten, is the campaign chairman for one of the Republican hopefuls, Cape Girardeau City Councilman Jay Purcell. Dr. Kasten served on the council with Purcell before stepping down at the end of his term in April.

"I have not endorsed anyone and I don't intend to, but my husband is his own man," Kasten said. "I had wanted us both to stay out of it, but he feels very strongly in his support for Jay."

The other two Republican candidates are attorney Jason Crowell and businessman Stan Wicks, both of Cape Girardeau.

Popular with voters throughout her 18-year legislative career, Kasten faced opposition only three times in nine elections. Kasten is aware some of her would-be successors have tried hard to identify themselves with her record despite her pledged neutrality but says it doesn't offend her.

"I'm flattered they think it's important to have my endorsement and support," Kasten said.

With Kasten not publicly behind a candidate, the first major endorsement of the race went to Crowell earlier this week. Missouri Right to Life, one of the state's strongest organizations opposed to legalized abortion, gave Crowell its sole endorsement.

Despite being the preferred choice of Missouri Right to Life, Crowell isn't the only abortion- rights foe in the race. Purcell also strongly opposes abortion rights.

"I am pro-life on every level possible," Purcell said. "There is no reason to end a life. Period."

Wicks personally opposes abortion but also opposes government interference in personal decisions. City Councilman Tom Neumeyer, who is unopposed for the Democratic nomination and will face the Republican primary winner in November, also says he is "personally opposed to abortion."

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