JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The slate of Democratic candidates is in flux for a vacant Missouri congressional seat with just two days remaining before party leaders pick a nominee.
State Rep. Linda Black, of Bonne Terre, announced Thursday that she would not seek the Democratic nomination to succeed Republican Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson, who resigned last month. Black had been among the leading contenders for the 8th District seat in southeast Missouri.
Poplar Bluff chiropractor Jack Rushin, who lost to Emerson last year, said Thursday that he also is considering whether to drop his bid for the June 4 special election.
But state Rep. Steve Hodges, of East Prairie, announced he was entering the race.
The two other Democratic candidates are Todd Mahn of Festus and Markel Fitchpatrick of Blodgett.
