STATEWIDE OFFICE FILINGS A RECORD

JEFFERSON CITY -- Turnout on Tuesday for the first day of filing for state offices in the 1996 elections was up significantly from recent years and may be a state record.

A total of 292 candidates filed for statewide office, House and Senate seats, circuit judgeships and congressional races. Staff in the secretary of state's office checked the records back several years and unofficially called the total a record.

Secretary of State Rebecca Cook said the increase may be due to changes in the filing practices instituted this year under a new state election law.

It had been a longstanding tradition for candidates or their proxies to stand in line, sometimes for weeks, at the office of the secretary of state, who is charged with overseeing state elections, to ensure they would be the first to file and therefore be listed first on the ballot for their particular races. Being listed first, according to some, is worth up to 3 percent more votes.

"I think it may have something to do with it," said Cook. "With the different way it was conducted (today), you do not have to stand in line forever, and still have a shot at being first on the ballot.

"But maybe we're just going to have a lot more people file for office."

Under the new system, if multiple candidates from the same political party file for the same office on the first day, a lottery system determines who earns what position.

The 292 opening-day filers this year continued a trend of increases in recent years. In 1990, 197 people filed, followed by 237 in 1992 and 269 in 1994.

Cook, a Cape Girardeau Democrat, said the first trial of the new system went well.

"Everyone seems to be really happy with it," she said. "I haven't personally heard one complaint. I did hear of two people whom staffers said did not like the lottery system, but overall I think candidates were pleased."

For governor, incumbent Mel Carnahan of Rolla and Edwin W. Howald filed as Democrats. Howald is not considered a serious challenger. Announced Republican candidate Margaret Kelly has not yet filed. However, John M. Swenson of Kirbyville did sign up on the GOP ticket. He is not considered a serious challenge for the nomination either.

Two candidates filed to challenge Cook, her party's chosen candidate, in the Democratic primary. They are perennial candidate James J. Askew of St. Louis and V. Marvalene Pankey of Leeton.

In the other three statewide races, incumbent Democrat Jeremiah "Jay" Nixon filed for attorney general and Republican challengers Bill Kenney and Carl L. Bearden respectively filed for lieutenant governor and state treasurer. Lt. Gov. Roger Wilson and State Treasurer Bob Holden had not yet filed.

Most Southeast Missouri legislators up for re-election were day-one filers. So far only two have challengers.

In the 25th Senatorial District, Sen. Peter Kinder, a Cape Girardeau Republican seeking his second term, will be challenged by Democrat Rick Althaus, also of Cape Girardeau. Rep. Marilyn Taylor Williams, D-Dudley, who has held her 159th District seat since 1991, will face Republican Raymond McCormick of Puxico.

Also filing but as yet without opposition: Sen. Jerry T. Howard, D-Dexter; Reps. James E. Graham, R-Fredericktown; Mark L. Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff; Patrick A. Naeger, R-Perryville; Bill Foster, R-Poplar Bluff; Joe Heckemeyer, D-Sikeston; Gene Copeland, D-New Madrid; Don Prost, D-Caruthersville; and Larry Thomason, D-Kennett.

Also, 32nd Circuit Judge William Syler of Cape Girardeau filed to retain his seat.

Democrat Thad Bullock so far is that party's lone candidate for the 8th District congressional seat held by Republican Bill Emerson. Emerson plans to run but has not yet filed.