State Representatives and State Senators from all over Southwest Missouri gathered with local citizens on Wednesday for a luncheon at Denny’s Restaurant to endorse Ed Emery for Missouri State Representative of the 126^th District and Delbert Scott for the Missouri Senate, District 28. 

Gary Nodler, who has no opposition in the coming general election for the 32^nd Senatorial District, spoke to the area voters about the need for building a unified voice in Jefferson City.  “Together, we can have a strong voice to represent the values of the people in Southwest Missouri,” Nodler said.  “Although we each think independently, we will be working together and walking in the same direction.  We are asking the people of House District 126 to send Ed Emery to Jefferson City to strengthen our voice in the House of Representatives.” 

Those attending included Republican Representative candidates Bryan Stevensen (Dist. 128), Marilyn Ruestman (131), Ron Richard (129), and Kevin Wilson (130). All, but Ron Richard, are uncontested in the November election.  Incumbents Bubs Hohulin and Steve Hunter attended as well as State Senate candidates Gary Nodler and Delbert Scott.  Several spoke of the change in direction needed in our state government.  “The common vision of limited government and strong family values will lead our state in a new direction with this team,” said Ruestman.

Hohulin congratulated all of the General Assembly and Senatorial candidates for their victory in the primary, reminding those present that the Representatives may, for the first time in over fifty years, have the opportunity to work in Jefferson City as the majority party.  Hohulin then answered questions in regard to the next possible Speaker of the House.  “The vote for Speaker will be the most important vote of the next session and will strictly follow party lines” said Hohulin.  “The two likely candidates for Speaker are Catherine Hanaway (R) and Mark Abel (D).”  Hohulin then clarified the voting record of these two candidates in regard to taxpayer funding of stadiums in St. Louis and Kansas City.  “Abel voted for funding the stadiums, Hanaway did not,” Hohulin said.

Emery expressed his gratitude for the encouragement of so many.  He reminded those attending that this was “the first time redistricting and term limits have come at the same time giving us the opportunity to make the needed change in the direction of our state.”  He said he was pleased to be associated with this group of Republican Representatives saying, “the Republican Party stands for the same values that we do.  It is pro-life, pro-gun, and pro-business, and we will not have to fight against our own Party.”

After a time for questions and an announcement of a “Meet the Candidate” luncheon on October 21 in Memorial Hall, the Representatives and candidates left to visit area businesses and homes.