Mo. Democratic Party chairman to step down

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party plans to step down from the leadership post next month.

Mike Sanders was elected state party chairman in November 2011 and was re-elected in January. He also is serving his second term as Jackson County executive.

Sanders announced his plan to step down in a statement Wednesday from the Missouri Democratic Party. He says he looks forward to working with the next chairman to advance the state and party.

The Democratic Party plans to select a new party leader during the state committee's meeting Aug. 24 at a hotel in Jefferson City.