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Black switches parties

Black
Black

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Rep. Linda Black, who ran unopposed as a Democrat in the 117th District in St. Francois County, will be starting her senior term as a Republican. The former Democrat was one of the most conservative of her caucus, often co-sponsoring pro-life legislation. Black is pro-Second Amendment, pro-life, and has frequently voted with Republicans on income tax cuts.

“I’ve contemplated this move for quite some time,” Black said in a statement. “It’s a decision I’ve wrestled with, because I’ve been a Democrat my whole life. Increasingly, though, I find it difficult to square my social and moral beliefs, and, I believe, the social and moral values of votes in my districts, with some of the views of the Democratic Party.”

The announcement came during the House Republican caucus’ meeting today to elect new leadership with their new massive supermajority of 117. Black’s change brings the Republican total for the 98th General Assembly’s House to 118.

During the 97th General Assembly, Black actively co-sponsored a tax credit cap increase for pregnancy resource centers and food pantries with Republican Rep. Kevin Engler (R-Farmington), who formerly served as senator for her district. She has also joined Engler in being outspoken about the EPA’s efforts regarding mining in Missouri.

“The Democratic Party left me years ago,” Engler said. “I’m glad Linda finally came to that realization, too. With her pro-life, pro-gun conservative views, she will fit right in.”

Black made her realization clear in her statement.

“The simple truth is there are just too many issues on which I no longer agree with the Democratic Party. As difficult as this decision is, I believe it is the right decision for me and, more importantly, a decision that will best serve my friends and neighbors in St. Francois County.”

Black’s district is completely surrounded by Republican districts and after last night’s election, was only one of a few remaining rural Democratic districts. Black was one of few reliable bipartisan votes regarding socially conservative legislation that appeals to blue-dog areas like her district.

House Democrats are less than pleased with her change.

Hummel
Hummel

“State Rep. Linda Black’s decision to change political parties one day after winning re-election as a Democrat is a betrayal of her constituents, and the timing of her announcement makes it clear she had intended to do this all along,” said House Minority Leader Jacob Hummel (D-St. Louis). “If Rep. Black had wanted to become a Republican, she should have run on the Republican ticket instead of pulling a deceptive bait and switch on St. Francois County voters.”

However, Black does not believe the change is a betrayal to her district.

“I want to emphasize that I’m not changing,” Black said. I will continue to fight for the working-class people who put me in office. I will continue to focus on what’s best for blue-collar workers in the mining community I was raised in. And when it’s necessary to stand on my own against the majority party, I will do so. My core beliefs have not and will not change.”

The 117th District includes part of St. Francois County, which is an hour south of St. Louis, and includes Park Hills, Desloge, Leadington, and parts of Farmington – the county seat of St. Francois County. The district is a historical mining and popular outdoors area, which has 3 state prisons within or close by. Black’s defection also causes a shakeup for Democrats looking at the state senate races in 2016. Black was considered a potential candidate to run against Republican Sen. Gary Romine in two years.

Black currently serves as vice chairman of the Missouri Sportsman Issue Development Committee. She also serves on Appropriations – Agriculture and Natural Resources, Crime Prevention and Public Safety, Joint Committee on Corrections, Agricultural Policy, Tourism and Natural Resources, and Corrections Committees, among others.

117th District
117th District

Black is a former public school teacher in the North St. Francois County School District in Bonne Terre and West County School District in Leadwood. She is the former city Treasurer of Bonne Terre and the former Chief Deputy Treasurer of St. Francois County.

According to her biography, Black is a member of the National Rifle Association, Missouri Farm Bureau and the St. Francois Democrat Club. She also is on the Board of Directors for the University of Missouri Extension Council and an ex-officio member of the Backstoppers Organization. Rep. Black has been a member of East Bonne Terre First Baptist Church for the past 28 years and has served in the capacity of church treasurer, youth director and Sunday school teacher for both adults and the youth.

Black was born and raised in the 117th and raised two children there.

This story will continue to be updated.