A package of proposals to plug holes in Missouri’s drunk driving laws will be one of the Governor’s top priorities for the next legislative session, that starts in less than a month. He says too many people convinced multiple times of drunk driving are getting back on the road. [Read more...]
Former Speaker Jetton closes consulting firm, will concentrate on defense against sex charges
December 9, 2009 By
Former House Speaker Rod Jetton has closed his political consulting firm to concentrate on his defense against charges that he assaulted a woman during an evening of sex in Sikeston.
Jetton’s attorney, Stephen Wilson, issued a written statement saying that Jetton would leave politics to deal with false allegations and spend time with his family. Jetton, who is from Marble Hill, turned himself in to authorities in Cole County late Monday after a warrant had been issued for his arrest.
Jetton and Associates sparked controversy from its creation in 2004, primarily because Jetton, a Republican, served as House Speaker at the time. Critics charged Jetton with multiple conflicts of interest by providing consultant work while serving in one of the most powerful positions in state government. Jetton has informed clients that the vice president of the firm, Eric Brooks, will open a new consulting firm.
The charges have shaken the State Capitol, especially Republicans who have given Jetton a lot of credit for a string of political victories the last few election cycles, including the 2002 elections when Republicans won the majority in the Missouri House. Jetton served as Speaker Pro Tem under House Speaker Catherine Hanaway. He was elected Speaker after Hanaway stepped down in an unsuccessful run for statewide office.
“The allegations against former Speaker Jetton are extremely serious. I feel very sad for each of the families that have been affected. Right now, it is important to let the prosecutors, judge and jury begin their work to determine whether the charges are accurate. If the allegations prove to be true, Jetton should be prepared to accept the full legal and other consequences of his actions,” current House Speaker Ron Richard, a Republican from Joplin, said in a written statement.
“These are very serious charges and our legal system must handle them. Each of us is innocent until proven guilty, however if these accusations are true I can assure you that my office will have nothing to do with someone convicted of these charges.” Steven Tilley, Majority Floor Leader, who is a close associate of Jetton, said in a written statement.
The woman alleged that the assault occurred in mid-November. Jetton and his wife divorced in October.
Mizzou fans can have last laugh on Cyclone fans
December 9, 2009 By
Iowa State says it’s already sold nearly 2,000 tickets to the Insight Bowl. The 6-6 Cyclones were chosen over the 8-4 Tigers to face Minnesota in the Dec. 31 bowl game in Tempe, Ariz. Missouri is heading to the Texas Bowl, but at least fans not going to the game will be able to watch it on TV.
Rams place Atogwe on injured reserve
December 9, 2009 By
The St. Louis Rams have placed S Oshiomogho Atogwe on the reserve/injured list and waived LB Dominic Douglas. The Rams also signed QB Mike Reilly from the Green Bay Packers practice squad and free agent S Clinton Hart to fill the roster spots opened by Atogwe and Douglas.
Bearcats ready to give it ole college try…for a fifth time
December 9, 2009 By
If you’re bummed about the BCS or the Missouri Tigers’ snub in the bowl process, then you need to watch Division II football this weekend. They do it the right way. They actually have a playoff system and The Northwest Missouri State Bearcats are headed back to Florence, Alabama for their fifth straight Division II National Championship Game appearance. Nevermind that the Bearcats lost the last four games, this is not Marv Levy and the Buffalo Bills. Mel Tjeersdma, the head coach has brought two national titles to Maryville, MO.
