WESTPHALIA — Bruce Sassamann and Chris Beyer announced their intentions Feb. 20 to file for the 62nd District House of Representatives seat currently held by Rep. Tom Hurst. Both did so on Tuesday.

Sassmann, of Bland, addressed banquet attendees with a joke to start off, then continued to share his intentions.

“On the serious side, I am here to announce my intent to file as a state representative in the 62nd Legislative District,” Sassmann said. “I am anxious to get the campaign started, I am anxious to get better acquainted with everybody, and it would be an honor to defend conservative values and a real honor to support the Republican leadership in Jefferson City.”

Sassmann’s wife Jan Sassmann waved to her husband from the crowd. “Your name please!” she said. “Oh yeah,” Sassmann said over audible chuckles. “I am this good lookin’ guy on the card, my name is Bruce Sassmann and I would appreciate your vote in August and November. Thank you very much.”

Chris Beyer took the podium and commented that banquet is the “most packed house he has ever seen” at the Osage County event.

“Thank you all for coming, it reminds me what it means to be a Republican and what it means to support the conservative values,” Beyer said.

Beyer, who will be listed first on the Primary ballot with a random-number draw of 514, and his family have called Linn and Vienna home for five generations. “My family has had armorers, mechanics and veterans who served our nation here in mid-Missouri,” he said.

Beyer mentioned his grandfather who was a veteran.

“Where my grandfather fought Communism, there are Democrats like Bernie Sanders who want to bring it here to Missouri,” Beyer said. He said Americans deserve the right to life and liberty.

“As a Christian, a Republican and an NRA member, I understand this next election is critical,” Beyer said. “So that is why I am running for 62nd Representative. I plan on supporting the right to life, the Second Amendment and helping our local farmers and business really bring conservative values to the state.”

Sassmann’s random number was 734. Aaron Griesheimer was the lone Republican to file notice of candidacy in the 61st District. Gov. Mike Parson (348), Raleigh Ritter, Seneca (185), and James W. (Jim) Neely, Cameron (477) all filed as GOP candidates for governor.