In the House, Independence Democrat Paul LeVota was re-elected as House minority leader and Ron Richard, from Joplin, was nominated by Republicans to be House Speaker.
A a House Democratic news conference following the session, House Democratic leader Rep. Paul LeVota criticized Republicans for frequently shutting off debate on the final day in order to rush through bills with limited discussion.
"They just came to me as an option of what they could send a message to the speaker," said the leader of House Democrats, Rep. Paul LeVota, D-Jackson County. "They have some serious problems of sticking together and their major priorities aren't going to pass, which is good for the people of Missouri; and for the minority party's side, we don't want some of these things to pass."
Jackson County Democratic Representative Paul LeVota sent letters to Republican Representatives Allen Icet, Ron Richard, and Joe Smith, asking them not to vote on a bill that would remove campaign contribution limits.
House Democratic Leader Paul LeVota, D-Independence, sent out letters Monday asking some Republicans not to vote on the important measure. Other important House Democratic leadership member signed on to LeVota's news release.
Fierce opposition emanated from leaders within the Democratic House ranks, including the Democratic Floor Leader, Rep. Paul LeVota, D-Jackson County, and attorney general candidate and Columbia representative Jeff Harris.
"The purpose of the federal stimulus act was to give taxpayers money that they can save or spend, and if Missouri's going to tax that money and take away part of that, then they're not going to be able to save or spend it," said House minority leader Paul LeVota, D-Jackson County. "We need to stimulate the economy. Our unemployment rate is higher than surrounding states; our job growth isn't as good as other states. This is not for state government to get more money in our pockets."
Democratic Floor Leader Paul LeVota, D-Jackson County, said Republicans are unclear as to who their standard bearer is and what their message is, while House Democrats are united around Jay Nixon and his agenda.
Minority House Leader Paul LeVota argues the reasons why the limits would increase transparency and prevent individuals from donating extreme amounts of money to campaigns.
Minority House Leader Paul LeVota argues the reasons why the limits would increase transparency and prevent individuals from donating extreme amounts of money to campaigns.
Rep. Paul LeVota would not say who approached him, but said they claimed to represent more than a dozen GOP colleagues upset with Rod Jetton's leadership.
Missouri House Democratic Leader Paul LeVota, D-Jackson County, asked three House Republicans to not vote on an upcoming bill dealing with campaign contribution limits.
Missouri House Minority Leader Paul LeVota, D-Jackson County, asked three House Republicans to not vote on an upcoming bill dealing with campaign contribution limits.
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