JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A man who spent years picking apart politicians may capture a public office for himself.

Mark Sheehan served as the News-Press’ opinion page editor until Friday, when the News-Press & Gazette Co. eliminated his position.

Hours before filing ended Tuesday, the St. Joseph Democrat challenged an incumbent in the Missouri House of Representatives. He filed for the 28th House District, which includes parts of Buchanan and Andrew counties.

Rep. Dr. Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph, has represented the 28th District since 2002. He is attempting re-election to his fourth term.

“In a dark moment for me, the Democrats came forward and opened a door to a great opportunity,” Mr. Sheehan stated in a news release.

He told the News-Press he’d considered filing for one of the open positions in Buchanan County government, but opted for the statehouse.

“The county is an easy way to make a living, but I think I can do more for St. Joe down here than checking roads and bridges,” he said. “... When you’re a 57-year-old man and lose your job at 4 o’ clock on a Friday, you get a whole new perspective on access to health care.”

Dr. Schaaf told the News-Press he couldn’t envision a better opponent. He referred to a Feb. 29 editorial Mr. Sheehan authored, which described the incumbent as a “maverick” who deserved “credit” for temporarily stopping a health care proposal from Gov. Matt Blunt.

House Speaker Rod Jetton named Dr. Schaaf Legislator of the Year in 2007 for his leadership in negotiating MO HealthNet, the governor’s proposal to replace Medicaid.

Dr. Schaaf this year has gained attention for his role as the leading Republican critic of Matt Blunt’s plan to expand Medicaid eligibility, Insure Missouri.

“I know in my heart I work as hard as any representative could,” Dr. Schaaf said.

But being known for taking on the sitting governor could hurt Dr. Schaaf’s fundraising chances within the Republican party, said Bill Caldwell, chair of the Buchanan County Democratic Central Committee.

St. Joseph’s two other incumbent representatives, Democrats Ed Wildberger and Martin Rucker, are unopposed in the 2008 election.

Mr. Caldwell said he believed Mr. Sheehan’s name recognition and ties to the community would help him gain votes and raise the necessary financial support to nab St. Joseph’s third House seat.

A News-Press employee for more than 30 years, Mr. Sheehan covered three legislative sessions as a political reporter in the mid-1980s. He lived in Savannah for 15 years before moving to St. Joseph in 1996 and has coordinated multiple community events and organizations. Those include Fourth of July at Lake Contrary and the Coleman Hawkins Jazz Society’s annual Mardi Gras parades and jazz festivals.

“On the surface, the people in the 28th District have traditionally voted Republican, but people know Mark. He’s been writing the Sunday column forever,” said state Auditor Susan Montee, who also serves as co-chair of the Buchanan County Democratic Central Committee.

Buchanan County Republican Central Committee Chair Bob Ott dubbed Mr. Sheehan’s candidacy as “a legitimate challenge,” but contended Dr. Schaaf can tout a broad base of support in the 28th District.

Fundraising won’t pose a problem, he said.

“He’s (shown) that his willingness to stand up for what is right and what his constituents need, for him, overrides any pressures put on him to follow the party line, even if it happens to be the governor himself,” Mr. Ott said.

With no other candidates in the race, the two won’t face off until the November general election.

Alyson E. Raletz can be reached at alysonraletz@npgco.com.