Sikeston Standard Democrat: Local News: Rehder wins 148th; Hodges takes 149th (11/07/12)

Holly Rehder (seated) and Ellen Brandom look over early election returns on Tuesday night at the Republican Headquarters in Sikeston. Rehder defeated Bart Ziegenhorn in the 148th state representative race. Bob Greenlee, Staff

SIKESTON -- When Holly Rehder's defeat of Bart Ziegenhorn came late in the evening Tuesday, it was the end of a long road on the campaign trail, the newly-elected Sikeston native said of the race for the 148th House District.

"I'm very humbled by the support," said Rehder, who garnered more than 60 percent of the vote. "It's been wonderful, and fun campaigning, and I tell you, I pray for wisdom and courage every day and it has definitely been needed."

Throughout the race, Rehder, a Republican who owns a cable communications company in Sikeston and once worked for U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, held a large fundraising advantage over her Democratic opponent, who is the son of Scott County Commissioner Dennis Ziegenhorn.

A large voter turnout held up returns in parts of Scott County, where both candidates' supporters were found outside the polls Tuesday.

Scott County voters chose Rehder, 7,294 votes, over Ziegenhorn, 4,458 votes, while Mississippi County voters also preferred Rehder, with 1,697 votes to 1,434 for the Democrat.

In the 149th district, Rep. Steve Hodges, a Democrat who currently represents the 161st district, won Tuesday with 66 percent of the vote over Republican Neal E. Boyd, who took 34 percent.

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