Staff Reports
Poplar Bluff, MO – Sunday, the four announced candidates for the Democratic party’s nomination for the 8th district congressional seat, State Representative Linda
Black, Todd Mahn, Dr. Jack Rushin, and the wife of candidate Markel Fitchpatrick, all answered questions in an hour long forum held at St. Anthony’s Lutheran Church in Poplar Bluff.
The questions focused on agriculture and economic development, but the real story was Rep. Black’s standout performance that left the crowd of Democrats enthused in advance of selecting their nominee on February 16th at the same venue in Poplar Bluff. Former 8th district chairman and current chairman of the 25th district senatorial committee Art Cole commented, “Her performance was enthusiastic and well received.”
Cole, who resigned last week as chairman of the 8th district democratic congressional committee, said he resignation was to allow him to focus on other tasks, “I just have too many irons in the fire right now, and being chairman of the 25th district senatorial committee is a lot of work.”
The crowd of nearly 60 was brought to applause throughout Black’s closing remarks that included a phrase meant to appeal to the district’s more conservative voters, “I’m pro-life, pro 2nd amendment, I believe in balanced budgets, and I love my god,” concluded Black to the applause of the room. Her closing even garnered applause from the local republicans, a dozen or so, in attendance.
The republicans are scheduled to select their nominee on February 9th in Van Buren, and the election is scheduled for June 4th.
