Barnes says no to state Senate race

In this May 13, 2016 file photo, Rep. Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City, prepares to vote in Missouri House.
In this May 13, 2016 file photo, Rep. Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City, prepares to vote in Missouri House.

State Rep. Jay Barnes said Thursday he's not running for the Missouri Senate seat now held by Mike Kehoe.

Both Jefferson City Republicans are term-limited, and can't run next year for re-election to their current jobs.

In an email and a Facebook post late Thursday morning, Barnes said he plans to spend more time with his young family.

"At this time in our lives, the sacrifices required for a campaign and continued service are more than I wish to bear," he wrote. "Being a good parent requires actually being there and not being distracted.

"I'd much rather be coaching or watching pre-K to 3rd grade basketball or soccer than doing anything else."

Barnes, 37, acknowledged people have asked him "many times" if he would run for the 6th District Senate seat.

"After a long time thinking about it and discussions with Jane" - his wife of 12 years, he wrote, "the answer we have reached is no."

He added: "In making this decision, we thought back to our first campaign (in 2010), when we were just a family of three - and our toddler would cry every time I left the house to knock on doors.

"Today, we are a family of six - and all of our children are in their formative years. The sacrifices required at this point in my life, and the lives of our children - who are all at very important ages - is not worth it."

In his message, Barnes also said: "For that matter, I much prefer time spent doing anything with my family over anything related to politics."

He told the News Tribune he has not ruled out some future political campaign, but right now, he has no plans to be involved in next year's elections.

"I am not going to be on a campaign trail, running for a job that has no set schedule," he explained.

Barnes is an attorney and shares a law practice with his father, Randall Barnes.

While attorneys sometimes have long hours, he said, "I have a predictable schedule.

"Things over there (at the Capitol) aren't so predictable."

He added the size of the seven-county Senate district also was a small factor in his decision.

He acknowledged even when the Legislature isn't in-session in Jefferson City, a lawmaker can be gone from home every night, meeting with constituents or speaking to various groups.

"And I don't mean any offense to anyone," he said, but at this point in life, "I'd much rather spend time with Jane or the kids doing anything rather than doing something involving politics.

"It's ironic, but I'm an elected official who hates politics and hates campaigns."

Still, Barnes said: "I really enjoy the work from January to May, getting down into the details of legislation. It's a tremendous honor and privilege to be able to do this."

Barnes has one final year to serve of his fourth, two-year House term and promised not to slow down in his legislative work in that final year.

"I've always believed (and now teach my kids) that you sprint all the way to the finish line and that no matter what the score, you hustle every second you're on the field," he wrote in the email and Facebook post.

"That's exactly what I intend to do over the next 15 months. I will continue to do my best to make our state a better place to live - with the same diligence, vim and vigor with which I have approached the job over the past seven years."