St. Louis Public Radio News
(2009-08-26)
JEFFERSON CITY, MO
(KBIA) -
Elected officials in Missouri are reacting to the resignations today (Tuesday) of State Senator Jeff Smith and Representative Steve Brown. The two Democrats from St. Louis have pleaded guilty to federal charges connected to Smith's failed 2004 bid for Congress. Republican Senate President Pro-tem Charlie Shields says he's saddened by Smith's resignation."You know, I think these issues around campaign finance are serious matters, and certainly the message is that our constituents expect elected officials to play by the rules and be forthcoming."
Another Republican, Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, called the former Democratic Senator his friend, and says he'll stand by him during this, quote, "dark time." A spokesman for the Missouri Democratic Party issued a written statement, saying that it's regrettable that two public servants with promising careers involved themselves in this kind of situation. Governor Jay Nixon has set November third as the date for special elections to fill the vacant State House and Senate seats. © Copyright 2012, KBIA
