DEXTER, Mo. -- Rep. Billy Pat Wright has withdrawn from the Republican primary race for the State Senate District 25 seat.
His withdrawal advances Poplar Bluff businessman Doug Libla, a Republican, into the November general election against unopposed Democratic candidate Rep. Terry Swinger of Caruthersville.
Wright has represented House District 159 for 12 years and could not seek re-election due to term limit laws.
Wright announced his intention to run for the Senate District 25 seat in February 2011. About the same time, Swinger (District 162) announced for the seat, followed by Libla in Poplar Bluff. Two others announced but withdrew before the filing period officially opened on Feb. 27. The District 25 seat is being vacated by Rob Mayer (R) of Dexter. Mayer also was term limited.
Wright trailed both Libla and Swinger in campaign contributions. According to quarter campaign finance reports filed with the State Ethics Commission at the end of April, Libla had a total of $331,733.72 in his campaign finance fund, Swinger had $235,142 and Wright had $55,603.53.
Wright announced his retirement and exit from the Senate 25 race in a prepared news release.
"I will continue to serve with pride as your state representative until the end of December 2012," Wright said.
A Dexter native, Wright has served on a number of House committees, including the Committee for Agriculture Policy, upon which he served as vice chair, and he currently serves as chair of Emerging Issues and Animal Agriculture, the Appropriations Committee, the Joint Committee on Wetlands, the Special Committee on Veterans, the Special Committee on Utilities, and Homeland Security.
Wright gave no other reason for his decision, other than to say he is retiring. Wright is 73 years old and and a local rancher. His career was spent with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company after earning his BA from National University and attending Three Rivers Community College.
The Senate race was unsettled for a time after the first redistricting plan was unveiled. The redistricting was based on the 2010 census. The first plan removed Butler and Ripley counties from the district and substituted Scott County, including Sikeston, Bollinger and Mississippi counties. At that time, Rep. Ellen Brandom (R-160) announced for the District 25 seat. The first redistricting plan was drawn up by a panel of judges and did not include public input. It was appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court. A committee was formed to study the issue and came up with another plan that gained approval. It left District 25 as it was, with the addition of Carter and Shannon counties to the west and Mississippi County to the east.
Libla entered the race in August 2011. At that time he was co-owner of Poplar Bluff-based Mid Continent Nail Corporation. The company has since been sold. Running as a strong conservative, this is Libla's first attempt at public office.
Swinger represents District 162, which includes the counties of Dunklin, Pemiscot and New Madrid. Swinger said he wants to continue helping his constituents, especially in the areas of agriculture and veterans affairs. He also faced term limits in the House and chose to run for the Senate.