The 2004 legislative session ends with more filibustering in the Senate … and some harsh words … as the Senate passes foster care reform with just minutes to spare before the 6 pm deadline. The final hours of the legislative session saw Senate Leader Ken Jacob of Columbia continue to use the filibustering tactic he has employed much of the session. And, an attempt by majority Republicans to cut off debate and force a vote was rejected by Lieutenant Governor Joe Maxwell, who was presiding over the Senate. When all was said and done, Senate Leader Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau was holding nothing back, claiming the will of the people had been thwarted. Both Kinder and Jacob are term limited out of the Senate and are seeking the office of Lieutenant Governor. Jacob says the filibuster is a time honored stalling tactic … and he was using it to stop legislation he claims was repugnant.
