JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- St. Peters Rep. Robert Cornejo (kohr-NAY'-hoh) has entered what could be a crowded race for Missouri House majority leader.
Cornejo told The Associated Press on Thursday he's running for the position, which became vacant after former House Speaker John Diehl resigned last week.
Diehl acknowledged exchanging sexually suggestive messages with an intern.
Cornejo says he's dedicated to helping other House Republicans raise campaign money. He says he's shown leadership through work on a bill to address issues with local courts.
Columbia Rep. Caleb Rowden and Assistant Majority Leader Mike Cierpiot (SEEHR'-poy) of Lee's Summit also are running for the majority leader post.
The majority leader determines if, when and how long House members debate bills. It's considered a stepping stone to speaker, the House's top position.
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