Filing Period for Special Elections Closes

Secretary of State Robin Carnahan has closed the filing period for three special elections scheduled for this Fall. Two vacancies occurred because of deaths – those of Senator Larry Gene Taylor and Representative Richard Byrd. Republican Jack Goodman of Mt. Vernon, Democrat Nolan McNeill of Cassville and Libertarian Robert Hempker of Hollister have filed for the Senate seat left vacant when Taylor died. Republican Moira Byrd of Kirkwood and Democrat Jane Bogetto of Kirkwood have filed for the seat left vacant upon the death of Byrd. Moira Byrd is his widow. The other vacancy occurred when Representative Frank Barnitz won a Senate seat. Republican Jason Smith of Salem, Democrat Bobby Simpson of Salem and Libertarian Brent Caudill of Steelville has filed for that seat.