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Webber announces Senate bid

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Rep. Stephen Webber (D-Columbia), announced this morning that he is running for State Senate District 19 in 2016 to replace termed candidate for attorney general and Senate Appropriations Chairman Sen. Kurt Schaefer (R-Columbia).

Webber is the senior Democrat from Boone County. He is an attorney a former Marine Corps Sergeant who served in combat abroad.

“As a State Representative my goal is clear; work with anyone, regardless of party, who wants to improve our community,” said Webber in a written statement. “I’ve reached across the aisle to try to make college more affordable, increase job training, support middle-class families, and ensure access to healthcare at no cost to taxpayers. As a State Senator I will continue to work with anyone who wants to make Mid-Missouri a great place to live.”

Webber’s announcement and new campaign website laud his Boone County roots. He is an alumnus of Hickman High School in Columbia and the University of Missouri School of Law.

“Mid-Missouri can lead our state, creating the next generation of engineers, scientist, farmers, teachers, and technicians,” continued Webber’s statement. “We can become the best in the world at developing new industries in fields such as material science, agriculture, and nuclear medicine, all creating family-supporting jobs. Not at some far off time, not later, but right now.”

Webber is joined by Reps. Caleb Jones (R-California), Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia), and Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia) in representing the 19th District in the House. Eyes now turn to Jones, widely rumored to be mulling his own run for the 19th, who has not yet stated his 2016 intentions.

“I’m exploring all options,” Jones said. “I think it’s important to Boone and Cooper counties to have an effective senator. Right now I’m focusing on making sure our legislative session is successful and we accomplish the goals necessary to improve Missourians lives.”

Jones declined to offer a timeline on when he would decide about entering the race.

“Stephen is a good friend and a good guy, I’m not sure his politics line up with the district but he’s a good guy and I welcome him to the race,” said Rowden. “We’ve thought about [running for senate], but for me right now I like the opportunities that maybe lie in front of me in the House. I think Caleb Jones, my good friend, I think he’s looking at it and would be a great candidate. He represents the area well and he’s very powerful in the building and able to get things done. If he gets in, I’m certainly ready to support him.”

Webber’s announcement came with over 140 endorsements from local business owners, community leaders, elected officials and state office holders. The list of endorsers can be found at http://www.votewebber.com/endorsements/.

The official campaign kickoff for Webber’s run will be on June 18th at Shakespeare’s South in Columbia.