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| 11/5/2008 12:17:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article |
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| VICTORY: Moments after receiving a congratulatory call from the losing Democratic candidate, Chris Benjamin, Teresa Pearce and her husband, Senator-elect David Pearce, enjoy laughs with supporters at a watch party in Warrensburg on Tuesday evening. J.C. VENTIMIGLIA/Star-Journal photo |
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Voters pick Pearce for Senate
Jack Miles
Editor
Voters picked Rep. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, to represent them in the 31st Senatorial District last night.
Pearce defeated rival Chris Benjamin, D-Freeman, easily. The unofficial tally from the Secretary of State's Office gave Pearce 57.2 percent of the vote districtwide compared to 42.8 percent for Benjamin out of 85,698 votes cast.
Pearce drew applause when he announced to about two dozen supporters that Benjamin had called to concede.
Supporter Jerry Franklin followed the announcement by being the first to say, "Congratulations, Senator Pearce."
Pearce said the campaign started in August 2007 and ended in victory because of his supporters' work.
"This victory is your victory," he said.
Campaign supporters put up 250 billboards, 3,000 yard signs and raised about $500,000 in the primary and general elections, Pearce said. He also appeared in 24 parades and at several football games.
After speaking to his supporters and kissing his wife, Teresa, Pearce said he does not believe he will have any problem getting along with Democratic Gov.-elect Jay Nixon. Pearce said he knows Nixon, who has served as attorney general for the past 16 years.
"We have a very good working relationship, so on a personal basis, I think I'm going to get along great with the new governor," Pearce said. "We need to work together on a lot of issues that are important to Missourians."
Pearce worked previously as a Republican House member with a Republican governor, Matt Blunt, who decided to retire after one term. There will be differences with Nixon philosophically, Pearce said, but that does not mean they will disagree on everything.
Pearce said he once brought Nixon to Warrensburg for a town hall meeting.
"I have tried to carry legislation for him dealing with robo calls and expanding the no-call list," Pearce said.
As a senator, Pearce said, he plans to move forward with the legislation he discussed during the campaign, including private jail inspections.
"That's important for the safety of our citizens," he said.
Pearce became concerned about policing private jails after two inmates escaped from the Integrity Correctional Center near Centerview. Hours passed before jail staff learned about the escape and notified Johnson County Sheriff Chuck Heiss. One escapee remained free for days and the other for weeks before being recaptured.
Pearce said he has plans for other bills - expanding the quality jobs program and the no-call list.
Benjamin did not return calls.
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