By Joe Hadsall

jhadsall@joplinglobe.com

As candidates line up to replace term-limited legislators, primary races are forming for the 2010 election.

At least four people have announced they are running for the Missouri House: attorney Shelly Dreyer, dairy farmer Bill Reiboldt, business owner Charles Davis and retired teacher Lynn Otey.

Announced candidates

Reiboldt and Otey, both of Neosho, plan to run for the 130th District seat currently held by Rep. Kevin Wilson, R-Neosho. The district takes in parts of Newton and McDonald counties.

n Reiboldt kicked off his campaign Wednesday and is running as a conservative Republican. The dairy farmer said he has always enjoyed government, and he believes that now is the perfect opportunity to serve.

“Since my college days, I’ve enjoyed government and understanding how it works,” he said. “I’m passionate about it.”

Reiboldt, 60, graduated from Harding University in Searcy, Ark., with a bachelor’s degree in business. He said he would focus on creating jobs, and strengthening law enforcement and education.

n Otey could not be reached for comment. According to a campaign Web site, she taught elementary education for 25 years in the Neosho School District.

n Dreyer said she is running for the 129th District seat currently held by House Speaker Ron Richard, R-Joplin. The district covers parts of Jasper and Newton counties. Though she has announced her candidacy, she said she will stage a kickoff ceremony on Aug. 4.

Dreyer was born and raised in the Springfield area, and was a lawyer in St. Louis before moving to Joplin about two years ago. She is currently with the Ed Hershewe firm in Joplin.

She said she is running as a Republican on family values, and that she plans to focus on the economy, job creation and health care.