There is a new man at the head of the Missouri Democratic Party . He’s John Temporiti of St. Louis, who has been elected party chairman.

Temporiti, a lawyer, brings political experience to the table, having served as Chief of Governmental Affairs to St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley until January. His previous political activities include serving as Chief of Staff to St. Louis Mayor Vince Schoemehl from 1981 – 1985.

Temporiti says he was told, recently, that he was among those being considered by a committee consisting of outgoing Chairman Roger Wilson, State Attorney General Jay Nixon, and U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill. He insists he did not campaign for the post.

Temporiti says the party must appeal to all Missourians by placing emphasis on things that matter to residents of the various regions of the state. He rejects the one-size-fits-all candidate philosophy, saying a candidate must appeal to voters in the region in which he or she runs. He says it will be his role to formulate that as a key component of Democratic Party strategy.  He adds the creation of good, high paying jobs with benefits will go a long way toward curing a lot of the ills that currently exist in Missouri.

Download/Listen: Steve Walsh interviews new Missouri Democratic Party Chairman John Temporiti (9:00 MP3)