WILLIAMS WINS 159TH DISTRICT PRIMARY RACE

BLOOMFIELD -- State Rep. Marilyn Williams of Dudley coasted to victory Tuesday in the Democratic primary.

She defeated Bloomfield resident Forrest Jackson by 1,395 votes. Williams garnered 2,581 votes to 1,186 for Jackson.

Williams defeated Jackson by a vote of 1,673 to 631 in Stoddard County and by a vote of 908 to 555 in Scott County.

Williams will face Dexter businessman and Republican Larry Sandage in November. Sandage was unopposed in Tuesday's primary.

The primary race was short on issues.

Jackson publicly said he didn't have any gripes against Williams.

A retired school superintendent, Jackson said he wanted to get involved in government.

Williams was elected to the Missouri House in a special election in 1991. She was elected to a full term in 1992 and was re-elected in 1994 and 1996.

The 43-year-old Williams has stressed her business and agriculture background.

She is a former restaurant owner. She and her husband have a fish farm.

Williams said prior to the primary that she views herself as a conservative Democrat.