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Backer Makes A Run

JEFFERSON CITY- State Rep. Gracia Backer is joining the ranks of aspiring lawmakers. Backer, a New Bloomfield Democrat, announced Monday she's running for lieutenant governor.

Backer's announcement was not particularly surprising. She had made her intentions clear a couple of weeks earlier at the Democrat's Hannibal Days gathering.

Backer said her experience in House leadership would help her in the executive branch. Backer had served as Majority Floor Leader - the highest ranking House post to be held by a woman from 1996 to 1998.

"A lot of people think the lieutenant governor doesn't do that much," Backer said. "But I don't think that's true...it's a chance to promote the progressive agenda I've been a part of for the last six years," she added.

She joins Sen. Joe Maxwell, D-Mexico, who's also seeking the Democratic nod.

Current Lt. Gov. Roger Wilson has announced he won't seek a third term.

Two Republicans also have expressed interest - Sen. Bill Kenney, R-Lee's Summit, and St. Charles County Executive Joe Ortwerth.