Voters on Tuesday replaced a pair of state lawmakers who resigned amid scandal.

In only one of the districts, though, was there an actual choice.

St. Louis Democrat Joe Keaveny was the only name on the ballot to replace former state Sen. Jeff Smith, who stepped down after pleading guilty to federal conspiracy charges.

Keaveny was left running unopposed after both an independent candidate and a member of the Constitution Party failed to qualify for the ballot. City Republicans did not volunteer a contender.

However, Keaveny's lease on the Senate seat is short — it runs through next year, when Smith's unfinished term expiries. If Keaveny, 53, wants to continue representing the district, which covers about half of St. Louis, he'll have to run again in the 2010 Democratic primary, less than a year away.

Keaveny's lack of experience — his political résumé is limited to ward committeeman — makes it more likely he'll face competition from within his own party next year.

Meanwhile, Richmond Heights Democrat Stacey Newman has claimed a state House seat that eluded her last year.

In 2008, Newman was defeated in the party primary by ex-state Rep. Steve Brown, who would serve about eight months in office before stepping down in August after admitting his role in an anonymous campaign attack mailer, the same political cover-up that ensnared Smith.

In Tuesday's special election, Newman, 55, won easily in her second chance, beating Republican Dan O'Sullivan with 61 percent of the vote.

In addition to Richmond Heights, the district includes Clayton and Maplewood. Newman also will have to run again next November if she wants to stay in Jefferson City.