Columbia Republican Bob Northup filed papers in Jefferson City on Monday to replace Joel Jeffries on the ballot in the 25th District state representative race.
Jeffries pulled out of the election last week after he was appointed to Missouri’s Board of Probation and Parole by Gov. Bob Holden. Jeffries also said he was unwilling to wage a negative campaign against Democratic candidate Judy Baker.
Northup contacted A.J. McRoberts, the chairman of the Republican Party’s 25th District Committee, last week and volunteered to run in Jeffries’ place. Northup’s decision was announced Friday.
Northup, 62, operates a hearing aid dispensary in Columbia. Although he has had a late start, he said he still has time to make a difference in the race.
“There’s still time to make a rumble in these state races,” Northup said. “Ten days from now that wouldn’t have been the case, so I’ve got to hit the road hard in those 10 days.”
If elected, Northup said he would push for tort reform in Missouri, try to pass legislation to help low-income people who want to buy homes and work to get an Interstate 70 bypass around Columbia rather than expanding the current road.
He said he will campaign door to door with brochures.
McRoberts said Northup’s knowledge of the area makes him a good candidate for state representative.
“He’s lived here his whole life and his parents before him,” McRoberts said. “He knows a lot of people here.”
Northup ran for Southern District Commissioner in 1986, but lost in the primary election. He also lost state senate elections in 1984 and 1992.