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Still announces 25th district House run

The Maneater -- March 18, 2008

Mary Still gathered with around 100 friends and supporters at the Orr Street Art Studio on Monday to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while officially beginning her campaign for state representative of Missouri’s 25th district.

Still is one of three Democrats aiming to fill the House seat left by Rep. Judy Baker, D-Columbia.

Still is an MU graduate who worked for the MU News Bureau for eight years. She has also worked as the communications director for Attorney General Jay Nixon for ten years and held the same position for former Governor Bob Holden for three years.

Still said maintaining a focus on education is a priority to her campaign and she would be a “champion” for MU.

“What is good for MU is good for this state,” Still said.

Having a comprehensive research university in Columbia has helped to create a thriving economy, Still said. She said the community should maintain its focus on education for the economy to continue being successful.

“We are coming to understand the connection between research and the economy,” Still said.

She said the transfer of knowledge from the university to the community helps boost the economy.

She also reiterated MU’s goal as a land-grant university to “teaching research and service, while offering affordable, high-quality education to the sons and daughters of Missouri.”

Holden was in attendance and said Still’s dedication to what she values would make her one of the “most effective legislators” in the Missouri General Assembly.

“Nobody will outwork Mary Still and be more compassionate and passionate about what she’s doing,” Holden said. “She doesn’t know how to do it any other way.”

Still also told the crowd she would advocate for the priorities of the Columbia community.

“We have a community that values the economy, diversity, education and health care,” Still said. “I will be a strong voice for these values.”

Clint Birdsong, Associated Students of the University of Missouri executive board member, met Still at an ASUM press conference and now works for her campaign. He said her experience as a spokeswoman for multiple offices at the state and university level would provide her with the ability to communicate effectively.

“The state is very regionalized, and she can bring it together,” Birdsong said.

Former City Councilman Bob Hutton said Still’s experience allows her to be effective as a legislator, but he said she has more to offer.

“The most important thing is that she’s not looking for a job, but she’s looking to serve,” Hutton said.

Using her experience at MU, Still will make sure the university is adequately funded, Hutton said.

Senior Joel Smith has been a family friend to Still for his entire life and worked at the event. He said Still’s enthusiasm and involvement with the community would make her an ideal legislator.

“Her two daughters grew up in the community and she has been involved with MU and the other schools here,” Smith said. “Mary has a lot of reason to care.”

Still is campaigning against health care advocate Bob Pund and State Auditor spokesman Sean Spence for the Democratic nomination for the state representative seat.

Monday’s event follows her initial announcement Feb. 13 of her intent to run.

By Ryan Martin

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