BLOOMFIELD -- Since claiming her 159th District seat in a special election in 1991, state Rep. Marilyn Taylor Williams, D-Dudley, says she has worked for affordable health care, quality and safe education, economic development and infrastructure improvements.

Her Republican opponent, Larry E. Sandage of Dexter, says she has become more liberal than her constituency and too often votes with urban legislators.

Sandage, who owns a locksmith business in Dexter, entered the race on the last day for filing when another candidate backed out. His only previous political experience is an unsuccessful run for the Dexter school board.

Based on early polling he says showed Williams is not a strong incumbent, he thinks he has a good chance to win the election.

"This is a very conservative district," Sandage said. "Her politics I believe have changed to more liberal. She's voting with the big cities and not taking care of the county and social issues."

He disagrees with Williams' votes he characterizes as "pro-gambling and pro-abortion."

She defends her work with urban legislators. "I don't feel I ever vote where I would hurt my district," she said.

Give and take and compromise are part of the representative form of government, she said.

"Without the support of legislators form urban areas we would not get the funding for our rural sewer grants."

The chair of the House Agri-Business Committee points out that she sponsored legislation that shot down a proposal that would have tripled farmers' property taxes.

She thinks voters will re-elect her based on her background, her morals and the issues.

Stoddard County is considered a Democratic stronghold, but Sandage points out that Bob Dole and Jo Ann Emerson took the county in the last election.

"I feel like the mood's ready for a change," he said.

159TH DISTRICT STATE REPRESENTATIVE CANDIDATES

Name: Marilyn Taylor Williams

Party: Democrat

Hometown: Dudley

Age: 44

Education: Graduate of Dexter schools and attended Three rivers Community College and took off-campus courses as Southwest Missouri Baptist College.

Job history: Former president of the Dexter of Chamber of Commerce.

Political offices: Seeking her fourth term in the Missouri House of Representatives. Elected in a special election in 1991.

Husband: Rick

Children: Two

Name: Larry E. Sandage

Party: Republican

Hometown: Dexter

Age: 30

Education: Valedictorian at Dexter High School, attended Oral Roberts University.

Job history: Owns L&M Locksmith, previously worked at Wal-Mart.

Political offices: None

Wife: Tina

Children: Two