Fisher remains state representative

Wednesday, November 8, 2006
State Representative Barney Fisher, R-125th District, and his supporters stood on the corner of Ash and Austin, on Tuesday. Supporters and voters honked as they passed by the group. Fisher retained his seat by a wide margin of votes against challenger Tim Wells, a Democrat, in Tuesday's election.

* State representative's race goes to incumbent.

Nevada Daily Mail

Voters across the state of Missouri and in Vernon County finally were able to voice their opinions on Tuesday, and they turned out in droves to do so -- polls in Vernon County saw a record number of voters.

In Vernon County, Barney Fisher has retained his position as a Missouri State Representative for the 125th District. Fisher received 63 percent of the vote while Tim Wells received 36 percent of the vote in Vernon County. The 125th district also serves some residents of Bates County, where Wells fared slightly better, but Fisher was still victor. Altogether, Fisher received 59.9 percent of the total vote to Wells' 40.1 percent.

Fisher stood outside on Tuesday morning on the corner of Ash and Austin, waving at potential voters who honked in earnest. This morning, Fisher told the Daily Mail, "Obviously this is a good victory and I appreciate the voters of the 125th District. I can't wait to return to office."

Fisher said that once he returns to office he will begin working on eliminating a state tax on Social Security pensions.

"Of course, there needs to be some fiscal research done first, and then we could reduce if not eliminate the tax. We are one of 15 states that still tax Social Security pensions."

Fisher says that if his objective is recognized it will mean more money for senior citizens. The honking horns yesterday were "a pretty good indicator," Fisher said.

Of his opponent, Fisher said, "He is a sincere individual and his solutions wouldn't have worked. Yes, there is a problem with Medicaid, and there is going to be a coming crisis in Medicaid. But it's because we are losing providers." Fisher also said "I want to thank you, all of the voters. It's an honor to hold this position and I am eager to get back to work."

Democrat Tim Wells said, "I would rather have won, but it was a good race."

Wells also stated that Fisher's campaign tactics were not the way he would have chosen to campaign.

"I would have preferred he would not get voters at the churches. He didn't focus on real issues for the people of Vernon County." said Wells. "There are problems with middle class people trying to make a living, and poor folks will continue to pay."

Wells also wanted to "thank all the folks who showed support, I appreciated it a lot It was a very good experience, and I enjoyed it."

Wells plans to run again, but for now he is continuing his mental health practice, what her refers to as his "first love."In other statewide races, Democrat Susan Montee was the victor with more than 52 percent of the vote, followed by Republican Sandra Thomas with 43 percent, Libertarian Charles Baum with 2.8 percent, and Progressive party candidate Terry Bunker with 1 percent.

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