Jason Smith names former Cape lawyer as his chief of staff

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Former Cape Girardeau lawyer Eric Bohl has been tapped by U.S. Rep. Jason Smith to serve as his chief of staff. Bohl will work in the 8th District congressman's Cape Girardeau office, Smith announced today.

"Eric is exceptionally qualified to help provide valuable services and resources to the residents of southeast and south central Missouri," Smith said.

"A Missouri native, he has strong family ties in the Cape Girardeau and Sikeston areas and shares my rural, conservative values. Eric's experience practicing law at The Limbaugh Law Firm and navigating an often confusing federal agency process have equipped him to be a strong advocate for our families and communities," Smith explained.

Bohl will be primarily located in the Cape Girardeau office at 2502 Tanner Drive, Suite 205.

According to a 2010 study from the Chief Administrative Office of the House of Representatives, over 85 percent of U.S. House members' primary base for their chief of staff is in Washington, but Smith said he believes it is of greater value to the residents of Missouri to have his chief of staff based in Missouri's 8th Congressional district. Smith added, "I am extremely excited to have Eric as part of our team."

For the past four years, Bohl has served as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler of Missouri's 4th Congressional District. Bohl was born in Harrisonville, Missouri, and attended the University of Missouri for college and law school before practicing law in the Cape Girardeau area for four and a half years.

"It is an honor to join Team Smith," said Bohl. "I have watched and appreciated congressman Smith's tireless work ethic, leadership and dedication to his district since coming to Congress. When he sets his mind to something, it gets done, and that's invaluable to the folks of this congressional district. I am excited for the opportunity to serve the people and area I love, and I look forward to moving closer to our family in Sikeston."

Bohl is husband to Sarah Strom Bohl, who is originally from Sikeston, and a father of two.