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Bean Wins!!!
Election Results Here!
Re-election:
Bean issued the following statement:
I am thankful for the
trust the voters have placed in me, and for their continued confidence. It is
an honor to represent the 163rd district, and I am deeply honored to
have been re-elected today. I will do everything in my power to continue to
justify their confidence and to represent them in
My opponent conducted
a vigorous campaign and I commend him for that. As the first Republican to
represent the 163rd district in over 120 years, I support a two
party system, and public debate and discussion of the issues is a good thing
for all of us. I also want to assure my opponent’s supporters that my office
door is always open to them, and that I will never lose sight of the fact that
I work for everyone in the 163rd district – Republican, Democrat,
and independent.
I also want to give a
special thanks to my supporters and volunteers. This campaign was a team
effort, and there are so many people who put in long hours going door to door,
making phone 
calls, walking parade routes and doing the
thousand jobs that go into a successful campaign. In particular, I want to
thank my wife, Janet. She’s been by my side through the first campaign, in
Once again, I
appreciate the voters of the 163rd district, and I look forward to
representing you for a second term in
November 1, 2004: Bean Launches Final Day of Campaign: In his last day of 
campaigning before
Election Day, Otto Bean, Jr. will appear in radio interviews, host a “Meet Your
Representative” forum, visit constituents door to door, and visit with
community leaders. In comments to volunteers, he said “I’ve had a great time during this campaign, and it is always a pleasure
to work with the residents of the 163rd district. I look forward to tomorrow, and encourage
everyone to vote. I commend my opponent on a vigorous campaign, but I remain
confident of victory and look forward to serving as your state representative
for another 2 years. Thank you for your trust and support.” Daily Dunklin Democrat
November 1, 2004: Bean and McCormick Air 30 Minute Interviews: In interviews broadcast on KBOA FM (105.5) this morning, Bean and McCormick spoke of their qualifications, positions, and plans if elected. Bean reiterated his strong commitment and voting record in favor of increased funding for rural schools, increased efficiency in health care, job-friendly tort reform, and projects that bring jobs and investment to the Bootheel. McCormick referred to school funding as a “magical formula”, said he was opposed to honoring the state’s financial commitments, and said he’d increase school funding by $600 million by refusing to pay 15% of a 15 million dollar obligation. He said his decision to run was based on a desire to see more lawyers in the legislature, and told voters that his experience consists of 2 years of practicing law and 1 term on the Holcomb city council.
October 27, 2004: Alford’s
BBQ Announces “Meet 
Your Representative” Forum 11/1: From
1:00 until 2:30 PM November 1, Alford’s BBQ will host State Representative Otto
Bean in a reception to give constituents and voters a final opportunity to meet
with their state representative before Election Day.
October 27, 2004: U.S. Representative Jo Ann 
Emerson and State
Representative Otto Bean Announce Community Picnic: Emerson and
Bean announced the free picnic to be held in Malden’s Frisco Park (in case of
rain - Malden Community Center) to give voters another opportunity to meet
their representatives and cast an informed vote.
October 15, 2004: National Association of Social Workers Endorses Otto Bean Jr.: “I’m very proud of the work I’ve done on the Mental Health and Social Services committee, and I’m grateful for the endorsement of the NASW.” National Association of Social Workers
October 14, 2004: Associated Industries of Missouri Endorses Bean: In a letter dated 10/1/04, President Gary Marble writes “It is clear that your public service in the House of Representatives will offer constituents the experience and ability to change government. We believe you will demonstrate exceptional leadership on issues important to Missouri taxpayers and employers.” Associated Industries of Missouri
October 14, 2004: Otto Bean Receives 2004 Arts Advocacy Award from Missouri Citizens For The Arts: Otto Bean said “This is a great honor, and I’m doubly honored to be recognized by an organization that does so much for Missouri. In addition to being a cornerstone of education, the Arts are also important to Missouri’s economy. For every dollar we spend on the arts, we bring back roughly eight dollars in revenue, and that’s a solid investment.” Missouri Citizens for the Arts
October 12, 2004: Representative Bean’s Car Vandalized: When he left an anti-drug meeting at Kennett High School, Otto Bean discovered that his truck had been vandalized by his opponent’s supporters, and that his own campaign signs had been covered with McCormick stickers. Bean commented: “I think it’s a shame that people would resort to this sort of behavior, and it’s typical of what we’ve been facing in recent weeks. Our supporters have reported signs vandalized and stolen, and during The Delta Fair we even had complaints from parents who said my opponent’s supporters pulled Bean stickers off their children or covered them with McCormick stickers. I continue to encourage my opponent to join me in offering a reward for sign thieves and vandals.”
October 11, 2004: U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson, Secretary of State Matt Blunt, Missouri Farm Bureau President
Charlie Kruse, Missouri Soybean Association President
Joe Sorrells, and State Representative Rob Mayer
Visit Bean Farms: Before a crowd of over 50, Bean, 
Emerson, Kruse, and Mayer
each spoke to their ongoing commitment to Missouri agriculture, rural health care, and Southeast Missouri.
Joe Sorrels announced the Missouri Soybean Association’s endorsement of Matt
Blunt, and the importance of electing farmers and farm-friendly legislators at
both the state and federal level. Daily Dunklin Democrat
October 5, 2004: Otto Bean, Jr. Offers Reward: In
response to an ongoing problem with sign theft and vandalism, Otto Bean, Jr.
today offered a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and
conviction of any person or persons who steal or vandalize Otto Bean campaign
signs. Further, he offered the same
reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person or
persons who steal or vandalize the campaign signs of his opponent.
October 1, 2004: Otto Bean, Jr. Endorsed by National Rifle Association: In recognition of his votes to pass Concealed Carry and stop reckless lawsuits against gun manufacturers, and his long standing support for 2nd amendment and hunting rights, the NRA-ILA issued an A rating endorsed Bean in his bid for re-election. NRA-ILA
September 29, 2004: Dunklin County Farm Bureau
Presents Otto Bean, Jr. with Friend Of Agriculture Award:
"This award is in recognition of Rep. Bean's voting record on issues of
importance to agriculture, of his working relationship with farmers and the
Dunklin County Farm Bureau, and his willingness to take a leadership role in
representing Missouri agriculture," said Cecil ‘Speed’ Ellis, president of
the Dunklin County Farm Bureau.” Daily Dunklin Democrat
September 27, 2004: Otto Bean Works to Save Broseley Senior Center: “State Rep. Otto Bean is trying to encourage Broseley area residents to renew their support for the center. He also said he would contact U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson. "I know the support is low, but maybe we need to give it another chance. I am very supportive of keeping it open," said Bean…” Daily American Republic
September 25, 2004: Otto Bean, Jr. Endorsed by Missouri State Teacher’s Association: In recognition of his continuing commitment to Education and Missouri schools, the Missouri State Teacher’s Association endorsed Otto Bean, Jr. for State Representative. MSTA
September
24, 2004: Democrats
attack, Bean Remains Positive: Responding to House Minority
Leader Rick Johnson’s comments in the
Daily Statesman, Bean said: “It’s a shame
my opponents have to resort to these sorts of tactics. I’m very proud to have
voted to increase funding for education by over $140 million, to have voted for
measures to keep affordable health care available in our rural communities, and
to have honored the state’s prior legal commitments without a tax increase.
Once again, I encourage my opponent and his supporters to campaign on the
issues and offer their own proposals instead of relying on negative
campaigning. I have great faith in the
voters of the 163rd district and their ability to make an informed
choice, given the opportunity.” Daily Statesman
September 21, 2004: Otto Bean Appears with Jo Ann
Emerson to Discuss Farm and Ag Business Issues: State
Representative Otto Bean, Jr. joined US Representative Jo Ann Emerson for a
forum on farm and ag business concerns at Baker Implement in Kennett. Daily Dunklin Democrat
September 17, 2004: Bean Responds to False and Misleading Push Poll
Attacks: Responding to a recent telephone attack campaign, Otto
Bean issued the following statement: “I
regret that my opponent has opted to conduct a negative phone campaign that
distorts my record, makes misleading statements, and attacks me for being a
farmer. Frankly, I think the voters of the 163rd district deserve better, and
that’s why I’m remaining focused on a positive campaign based on my record in
Jefferson City, my experience in our community, and my plans for the future. I
encourage my opponent to abandon his phone attacks and hope we can re-focus
this campaign on the ideas and issues that affect people’s lives.
I’m
proud of what we’ve accomplished in the 163rd district, and I plan to continue
to conduct a positive campaign, emphasizing my own positions and
accomplishments. I invite my opponent to join me in this commitment.” Read
how Missouri Farm Bureau and other Missouri farm organizations responded to
similar campaign tactics in 2002.
September 15, 2004: Otto Bean Pays Tribute To 1137th MP Company: “I hold all our military men and women in the highest regard, and I know the importance of their mission and their commitment. As the former commanding officer of the 1137th, I have a particular respect for this unit and am proud of each and every one of them. I sincerely thank them for their service.” Daily Dunklin Democrat
September 4, 2004: National Federation of Independent Business endorses Otto Bean Jr.: Recognizing Bean for his strong pro-small business voting record, the National Federation of Independent Business endorsed Otto Bean Jr. NFIB
September
2, 2004: Otto Bean Receives Farm Bureau Award at Delta Center
Field Day: Acting on behalf of Charlie Kruse and Missouri Farm
Bureau, David Haggard presented Otto Bean, Jr. with the Friend of Agriculture
award before a crowd of several hundred farmers, agribusinessmen, university
officials, and legislators. In comments to the crowd, Bean stressed the
importance of agriculture to Missouri and the value of the University of
Missouri to Bootheel farmers. Daily Dunklin Democrat, Bud Hunt
September 1, 2004: Bean Defends Medicaid For Truly Needy, Trial Lawyers Attack: "I think we need to give to the needy and weed out the greedy," Bean says. "That's the change I have promoted." St. Louis Post Dispatch
August 25, 2004: Otto Bean Attends Missouri
Rice Farm Field Day: “Agriculture is a key element of the
Missouri economy, and a healthy ag economy is essential to the Bootheel. The Bootheel
accounts for over 1/3 of the state’s cash crops, and Bootheel
agriculture builds Bootheel roads, funds Bootheel schools, and provides
Bootheel jobs. I’m proud of what we’ve done for Missouri farmers in the past
session, and will continue to work for Missouri farmers and for value added
agriculture that can help bring jobs and investments to our area.” Daily Dunklin Democrat
August 1, 2004: Missouri Right To Life Endorses Otto Bean, Jr.: Missouri Right To Life website
July 22, 2004: Missouri School Boards Association Endorses Bean: “…’Otto Bean has demonstrated a genuine commitment to the nearly 900,000 students in Missouri’s public schools’ says MSBA President Tom Kerber, a school board member in the Warrensburg R-VI School District.” Missouri School Boards Association
July 19, 2004: Missouri Bar Recognizes Otto Bean Jr.: In a letter applauding Bean and the General Assembly for their performance during the past session, Bar President William M. Corrigan, Jr. writes “…please accept my congratulations on a successful session and my personal thanks for your dedication to public service.” Missouri Bar
July 15, 2004: Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry endorses Otto Bean, Jr.: From their letter: “Your voting record and positions in favor of Missouri business shows that you would make a positive impact in Missouri’s Legislature to maintain and improve the business climate in our state.” Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry
July 9, 2004: Missouri Farm Bureau Federation Recognizes Otto Bean, Jr.: Bean named a recipient of the 2004 Farm Bureau Friend of Agriculture Award in recognition of his continuing service to agriculture and rural communities. Missouri Farm Bureau
June 28, 2004: Missouri Nurses Association endorses Otto Bean, Jr.: From the letter: “…The Missouri Nurses Association believes all Missourians deserve easy access to affordable, quality health care. We believe your position on health care will help us achieve those goals…” Missouri Nurses Association
June 13, 2004: Kennett Man Helping Collect
and Distribute Supplies for Iraqi Schools: “…Oney Pruett has been volunteering his assistance in setting up schools
and helping them to get needed supplies. And, he's getting help from back home.
…That effort has been bolstered locally by Jane Marshall, who recently called
on state Rep. Otto Bean, R-Holcomb, for help…Bean said establishing and supplying schools for children to be
educated will have a positive impact on Iraq in the future...” Daily Dunklin Democrat
June 2, 2004: Otto Bean Recognized by Missouri State Highway Patrol: In a letter recognizing Otto Bean’s support for and cooperation with Missouri law enforcement, Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre, Superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol writes: “I want to thank you for your outstanding support during the past session on issues affecting the Highway Patrol. …The passage of the Highway Patrol’s legislative agenda will allow us to more effectively promote traffic safety and protect our citizens…”
May 27, 2004: Area Lawmakers Analyze Session: “Passing a budget without new taxes was perhaps the biggest accomplishment, said District 163 Rep. Otto Bean Jr. (R-Holcomb)…. Bean praised the passage of legislation that improves delivery of state mental health services for children so parents will not have to relinquish custody of their children to the state to receive care.
Another bill Bean worked to pass concerns government loans for nursing students. At present, 25 percent of such a loan will be forgiven if the nurse goes to work at a not-for-profit hospital. If signed into law, the new bill will provide the same benefit to nurses who go to work at for-profit hospitals. Bean said that since Poplar Bluff Medical Center is a for-profit hospital, the bill could keep more nurses in this area.” Daily American Republic
May 20, 2004: Representative Otto Bean Presents Flag to Girl Scouts: “Sweetwater Girl Scout Camp will have a new flag this summer thanks to the efforts of State Representative Otto Bean (right). The flag has the distinction of having flown over the State Capitol in Jefferson City” Daily Dunklin Democrat
May 6, 2004: Heartland Children’s Choir Performs at State Capitol: “There were several area guests there, including Representatives Rob Mayer and Otto Bean," said Chamberlain. "They heard us sing, and I guess were very impressed with what they heard. So we are actually going at the invitation of Otto Bean and Rob Mayer." Daily Statesman
April 24, 2004: Lincoln Day Event Draws Large
Crowd: “Perhaps the night's
most honored candidate was the State Representative from the 163rd District,
Otto "Ott" Bean …Bean followed the suit of the other speakers …then
in true Bean fashion, entertained the crowd while presenting his stand on
several legislative issues.” Daily Dunklin Democrat
April 14, 2004: Highway 67 Group Shows United Front: Otto Bean, Jr. joins local and state leaders to push for upgrades for Highway 67. Daily American Republic
April 13, 2004: USDA Rural Development Grant
Checks Presented: Bean said “These
grants took a lot of effort at the local, state, and federal level, and they’re
going to do a world of good. In addition to benefiting our current residents,
these projects will make the Bootheel more attractive to businesses considering
the area.” Daily
Dunklin Democrat
April 8, 2004: Lawmakers Work To Protect Poplar Bluff Water Lab. From the Southeast Missourian: State Rep. Otto Bean, R-Holcomb, said the Poplar Bluff lab provides rapid results when the quality of a water source is questioned. Transporting those samples to the state capital could cost precious time and potentially put Southeast Missourians at risk of illness. Southeast Missourian, Daily American Republic Previous Story 1, Previous Story 2
April 6, 2004: House of Representatives Passes Budget – Education Funding Increased: “This budget is proof that through fiscal responsibility, we can cut waste and focus on our most important priority – Missouri’s children.” said Bean. Associated Press, Press release
March 26,
2004: Representative
Otto Bean Honors Officers for Roles in Major Drug Busts: "I'm very proud of the Missouri Highway
Patrol and the Commercial Vehicle Officers," said Bean. Daily American
Republic.
March 23, 2004: Representative Otto Bean, U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson, and State Representative Rob Mayer host legislative
update in Kennett. From the Daily Dunklin Democrat: United States Representative Jo Ann Emerson,
and Missouri Reps. Otto Bean, Jr., and Rob Mayer discussed the MAP scores and
the energy bill Monday at the Kennett Chamber of Commerce during a legislative
update session. Daily Dunklin Democrat.
March 4, 2004: State Donates National Guard Armory to City of Bernie: Mayor Willard Adams says “"I'd like to express my appreciation to State Representatives Otto Bean and Rob Mayer for their support in this endeavor. They are always there any time we need them and they never fail to respond." Daily Statesman
February 27, 2004: Representative Otto Bean Recognized by the Missouri Art
Education Association. Dr. Mick Luehrman, President of the 
MAEA,
presented Rep. Bean with a certificate of appreciation and commemorative print
for his continuing work to promote the arts and art education in Missouri, and
in founding the Arts Caucus in the House of Representatives. In comments to the 400+ art educators in
attendance, Bean said “Art is a key
element of a well rounded education, and is an important way to integrate what
students learn in other classes. The arts are also important to our
communities, because for every dollar we invest in art, we get eight in return.
That revenue can go a long way towards funding education!” (Photo courtesy
of Gabrielle Farley, MAEA)