After recent redistricting of the Missouri General Assembly, Rep. Jeanie Riddle, R-Mokane, has decided to become a candidate next year for the new Missouri Senate 7th District instead of her current Missouri House district.
Riddle said her first priority in next year's state Senate campaign will be to help the economy create more quality jobs.
"That's what the citizens of this state are hungry for. People want to go to work and support their families," Riddle said. "There are a number of people who are unemployed and there are others who are wondering if they will be able to hold onto their jobs."
She said since the last legislative session she has traveled around the state to talk to citizens and small business owners.
"They are concerned about whether people will be able to stay employed. I don't think government should be trying to create more temporary government jobs," Riddle said. "We need to create a business climate so that small businesses can prosper and create good jobs that will last."
She said a lack of leadership in Washington has created uncertainty in the economy and is damaging job growth in Missouri and throughout the nation.
Riddle is now the assistant majority floor leader of the Missouri House.