A SMT News Report

POPLAR BLUFF - Citing growing concern for the direction of our state and nation, Poplar Bluff businessman Doug Libla on Monday announced his intention to run as a conservative Republican for the Missouri State Senate in the 25th District.

For the Republican nomination, Libla will face fellow Poplar Bluff businessman Jeff Shawan, along with State Rep. Billy Pat Wright of Dexter, who is completing his fourth term as state representative for District 154. The only announced Democratic candidate for the senatorial race is State Rep. Terry Swinger of Caruthersville, who is completing his fourth term as the District 162 state representative.

“When I look at government, I see too much spending, too much debt, too many job killing regulations, too many taxes, and not enough respect for the rights and freedoms of individuals and businesses which is affecting their ability to prosper and grow in our communities. I intend to roll up my sleeves in Jefferson City and get to work on changing things,” Libla said.

Libla, as co-owner of Poplar Bluff-based Mid Continent Nail Corporation, brings extensive real–world business and job creation experience to the campaign, according to the press release issued by his office. Libla is not a politician, and has never run for office or managed a campaign. Though a political outsider, he brings first-hand knowledge of the challenges of meeting a payroll and competing in tough economic times to the campaign.

“When I look across the 25th District—from Doniphan to Dexter, Piedmont to Caruthersville and in between—we have been exporting too many jobs overseas and too many of our young people are having to move to big cities to make a living,” Libla said. “We are still not able to export enough of our Missouri agriculturally grown and manufactured products, and I intend to work diligently on these issues to help all of our family owned farms and businesses.”

Libla firmly stated his intention to run and win as a conservative Republican, citing his strong pro-life, pro-gun rights, and anti-tax increases, adding that there are many more issues that need immediate attention.

“My campaign will be centered on improving the quality of life in the 25th District,” he said. “That means improving education, job training opportunities and working to attract more family sustaining careers.”

Libla and his wife of 38 years, Elaine, were raised in Wayne County, graduated from the Greenville school system and reside in Poplar Bluff. They have one daughter, Cassie, a son-in-law, Daniel, and two grandsons, Noah and Josiah. They are longtime members of the First Baptist Church of Poplar Bluff.

Libla is a board member of the following groups: Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Three Rivers Endowment Trust; Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center Advisory Committee; the overseeing committee of Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission; and past president, charter member, and current Troop E director of the Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society, “The MASTERS.”

He stated he looks forward to meeting and hearing the concerns from the citizens of the 25th District as he campaigns through all seven counties. “For those who want to further the conservative path set out by current Sen. Rob Mayer and continue the fight against excessive spending, debt and liberalism, I invite you to join us in the campaign.”

Campaign treasurer is Herman Styles, Jr. and deputy treasurer is Brent Davis, both of Poplar Bluff.