Public Safety Director Decides Not To Run For Statewide Office

A prominent visible minority withdraws his name from consideration for statewide office. Public Safety Director Charles Jackson had considered a run for the LieutenantGovernor’s office. But, after a conversation with Governor Bob Holden last week, both men agreed he could do the best work where he already is. If Jackson had run, he would have been the only African-American up for a Missouri-wide office. When asked why there aren’t more blacks running for statewide office, he admits it could be a problem with electability for African-American candidates outside the major metropolitan areas. Jackson believes he could have drawn on his experience in law enforcement working with people in rural areas to bridge any kind of racial dividethere might be. Jackson does not rule out any future pursuits of political office.