This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, June 10, 2009 - University City Mayor Joe Adams filed papers today to run for the Missouri state Senate next year. Adams is seeking the seat now held by state Sen. Rita Days, D-Bel Nor, who can't seek re-election because of term limits.
Adams' action complicates thing for state Rep. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, who had been expected to make a bid for Days' seat. Chappelle-Nadal's last campaign report showed her with $18,295.99 in the bank, although her campaign committee doesn't specify what post she is seeking. She could seek re-election.
Chappelle-Nadal also took a political hit last month, with the somewhat negative coverage of her success in passing a bill that only helps a pub in her district.
Adams, 65, said in an interview late Wednesday that he is seeking the seat "sadly, because of term limits'' forcing out Days.
"Municipalities need a strong voice in the state Legislature,'' Adams said. He believes he could be that voice. Adams has been mayor of University City since 1996. Before that, he served two decades on the City Council.
The state Senate, he said, was "the natural place to go'' after so many years at City Hall.
"I'm not running because I'm looking to run for some position,'' Adams continued. "I want to do the best darn job for the residents of this city, this district, this county and the state. I want to see Missouri become a progressive leadership state."
Adams said his campaign will have a formal launch soon.
