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Jotte to kickoff run for Senate District 1 seat

WEBSTER GROVES, Mo. – Dr. Randy Jotte filed to run for the seat of Senate District 1 by the deadline in April, but he is officially kicking off his campaign Wednesday evening at his home in Webster Groves.

The Republican candidate will challenge Sen. Scott Sifton, D-Affton, for the district that comprises much of South St. Louis County and some of West County. Neither of the candidates will face a primary battle.

dr_randy_jotte
Dr. Randy Jotte

Although Jotte has competed in political races before, notably in a 40-plus-point loss to Congresswoman Ann Wagner in the 2012 Republican primary, the Barnes-Jewish ER doctor and Washington University associate medical professor believes he has the requisite experience to best represent the 1st Senate District.

“As a father, active member of the community, doctor, and medical professor, I not only have a unique understanding of the challenges facing the families of the 1st District but also possess the skill set necessary to solve them,” he said in a statement announcing his candidacy.

Jotte touts his experience in the medical profession as well as a brief tenure on the Webster Groves City Council. He has also served as the president of the Missouri College of Emergency Physicians.

Though he has attempted to make it into elected office, he has joined the national trend by saying that he has outside experience.

“Our community does not need another career politician serving them in Jefferson City. They need someone who has real world experience and who has spent his entire career solving problems,” Jotte said. “I understand the challenges our neighbors face as they look to provide a quality education for their children while living paycheck to paycheck due to the ever increasing cost of living.”

The district is indeed a swing district, and if 2012 is any evidence, Sifton could have a fight on his hands. Sifton topped then-incumbent Sen. Jim Lembke, a Republican, by just over 1,500 votes that year. However, Sifton is widely regarded as a strong candidate. Last summer, when he decided run for re-election instead of trying his hand in the attorney general race, Rep. Marsha Haefner, R-Oakville, dropped out of contention for the Senate seat.