Senator seeks to keep job by running for House

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Missouri lawmaker forced out of the Senate by term limits is trying to stay in the Capitol by returning to where his legislative career started - the House.

Missouri Sen. Kevin Engler is campaigning to become the first sitting senator in recent times to start anew in the House. Another term-limited senator currently is serving in the House after sitting out a few years.

Engler says his experience with the legislative process and in negotiating complex bills would be a boost. He notes that an elder statesman of sorts could be useful in a chamber where nearly half the members have less than a full term of experience.

No Democrat is running for the House seat, but local city councilman John Robinson is challenging Engler in the GOP primary.