The Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee has rejected Governor Bob Holden’s appointment of Renee Slusher to head Missouri’s Labor and Industrial Relations Commission. The rejection is the first of Governor Holden’s appointments that has not been confirmed. Lawmakers opposed to the appointment expressed concern that Slusher had served as a board member of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys – a professional organization representing attorneys who bring cases before the Commission. Business groups support the Senate’s action. Missouri Chamber of Commerce President Dan Mehan says the nomination was not a merit appointment, but was based on Slusher’s association with the trial bar. The Missouri Democratic Party accuses Republicans and business groups of sabotaging the Slusher confirmation.
