Rone elected as new 149th District House of Representatives

Residents of the Missouri 149th District of the House of Representatives has a new state representative.

District voters elected Don Rone to the seat. He defeated Democrat Bill Burlison, 3801 to 2768 or 57.863% of the votes. Steve Hodges, the current state representative did not run due to term limitations. According to the Missouri Secretary of State website, shows the break down as follow.

Mississippi County -- Burlison, 388 , Rone, 521.

New Madrid County -- Burlison, 1353, Rone, 2334.

Pemiscot County -- Burlison, 574, Rone, 522.

Scott County -- Burlison, 453, Rone, 424

"I'm incredibly humbled by the support and encouragement I've received over the past several months. I see it as a privilege and a great responsibility to represent the Bootheel community in Jefferson City. My most important job will be serving the people of 149th District, answering their questions, and working to make our state government responsive to the people," said Don Rone.

"I cannot thank my family and friends enough for all their support, especially my wife Myra. They were right by my side, working phone banks, knocking door-to-door, and walking in a parades. I've never felt so much love and encouragement in my life," Rone said.

In a special election held by the City of Portageville asking the voters to pass a one half of one percent sales tax for the purpose of funding capital improvements. Said tax would terminate after 10 years. This measure passed by six votes, 357 to 351, or 50.42% of the votes.

According to the unofficial election results Tuesday night, with all the 19 precinct, there were 3,751 ballots cast out of 12,425 registered voters. "As for the turnout. it was low for a general election," said New Madrid County Clerk Clement Cravens.

New Madrid Countians elected incumbent Tom Schweich back in as State Auditor with 2,197 votes. Opponents Sean O'Toole, Libertarian, with 614, and Rodney Farthing with 323 votes.

For US 8th Congressional District representative, incumbent Jason Smith was re-elected with 2,145 votes, or 60 percent. His opponents, Barbara Stocker received 1161 votes, Rick Vandeven with 65 votes, Doug Enyart with 78 votes, and Terry Hampton with 117 votes.

There were several uncontested county office seats to vote on.

Josh Underwood for Associate Circuit Judge with 2,889 votes and 40 write-ins.

Mark Baker for Presiding Commissioner with 2,678 votes and 47 write-ins. "Baker's term of office as Presiding Commissioner will begin Jan. 1, 2015," said Cravens. "At that time there will be a vacancy for the remainder of his Associate Commissioner's term and an appointment will need to be made by the Governor."

The Democratic Central Committee will be able to submit names for consideration for the appointment but the Governor can appoint anyone he chooses if he doesn't approve of the committee's recommendation, Cravens noted.

Clement Cravens for County Clerk with 2,765 votes and 43 write-ins.

Martha Meatte Holiman for Clerk of the Circuit Court with 2,766 votes and 36 write-ins.

Kim St. Mary Hall for Recorder of Deeds with 2,771 votes] and 45 write-ins.

Steve Riley for County Treasurer with 2,747 votes and 34 write-ins.

Andrew C. Lawson for Prosecuting Attorney received 2,670 votes and 31 write-ins.

Dewayne Nowlin for Collector or Revenue with 2,901 votes and 34 write-ins.

Many New Madrid Countians made their voices heard on the proposed Constitutional Amendments.

Amendment 2 -- 2658 yes and 866 no.

Amendment 3 --901 yes and 2715 no.

Amendment 6 -- 996 yes and 2498 no.

Amendment 10 -- 2194 yes and 1641 no.