I keep hearing rumors that former state representative Rex Rector (r) is considering jumping into the republican primary for the open 31st Senate District seat. David Pearce (r), advocate of automotive deer hunting, and Chris Benjamin (D) have already declared their intent to run for the seat.
Rex Rector lost a close race to Luke Scavuzzo (D) for the 124th Legislative District in the 2006 general election:
State Representative – District 124 – Summary
Precincts Reporting 25 of 25Rector, Rex REP 8,043 49.9%
Scavuzzo, Luke DEM 8,071 50.1%Total Votes 16,114
Yep, a difference of 28 votes. There was a recount (Scavuzzo gained votes) and by all accounts the Cass County Clerk managed it in a professional and efficient manner. Unlike others.
Compare that to 2004:
State Representative – District 124 – Summary
Precincts Reporting 24 of 24Franzeskos, Johnnie DEM 6,833 36.2%
Rector, Rex REP 12,027 63.8%Total Votes 18,860
Evidently a few republicans sat on their hands in 2006 – and a few other voters switched their preference. Why would that be? Could it be that someone hates Harrisonville and the good voters of that fair city finally realized it?
So, for Rex Rector to challenge David Pearce in the republican primary for the 31st Senate seat would mean that somebody somewhere who is not happy with Pearce’s candidacy encouraged Rector to jump in. This, rather than take a shot at a 2008 rematch with Scavuzzo in the 124th Legislative District race.
If Rector does run in the senate primary where does that leave the republicans in the 124th Legislative District? A Democratic incumbent with a significant money advantage.
Luke Scavuzzo (D) has amassed a significant amount of money (4th quarter report – Missoui Ethics Commission) – enough to give potential challengers pause.
Detailed Summary of Committee Disclosure Report
Committe[e]: SCAVUZZO FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE9. TOTAL ALL RECEIPTS THIS ELECTION(SUM 1B + 7A – 8A) $31,695.00
28. MONEY ON HAND AT THE CLOSE OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (SUM 25 + 26 – 27) $20,238.98
[emphasis added]
And Rex Rector? He still has a committee which reports the 124th as his intended target.
Detailed Summary of Committee Disclosure Report
Committe[e]: CITIZENS FOR REX RECTOR15. TOTAL EXPENDITURES THIS ELECTION (SUM 10B + 14A) $1,144.92
28. MONEY ON HAND AT THE CLOSE OF THIS REPORTING PERIOD (SUM 25 + 26 – 27) $3,678.76
That’s not a particularly big chunk of change.
Detailed Summary of Expenditures And Contributions Made
Committe[e]: CITIZENS FOR REX RECTOR
Report[ ]Date: 1/14/2008B. ITEMIZED EXPENDITURES ALL OVER $100 AND ALL PAYMENTS TO CAMPAIGN WORKERS
Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce 400 E Mechanic Harrisonville, MO 64701 11/12/2007 Chamber membership $210.00
Making amends?
We’ll see.
I’m sure that Rex is having a serious conversation with God because we are talking about God’s Own Party.