Views about the incoming Speaker of the House vary. Former Speaker Catherine Hanaway of Warson Woods says Representative Rod Jetton of Marble Hill, who served as Speaker Pro Tem, is ready to assume the office. She calls Jetton a natural-born leader, who inspires others and never forgets the constituents the legislature serves.But many at the Capitol remember Jetton for his outburst during Governor Holden’s 2004 State of the State speech when he challenged Holden to release school funding he had been withholding in a budget dispute with Republicans. During a pause in the speech that was very critical of Republicans, Jetton heckled Holden, shouting, “Release the money, Governor.” Holden didn’t care for the tactic Jetton used, saying he remembers a different etiquette when he served in the House. Holden says a certain etiquette should be followed by all parties, because everyone serving in the Capitol represent the people of the state. Still, Holden says Jetton now has the opportunity to articulate the solutions he sees for the state of Missouri and Holden says he wishes him well.
First Woman Speaker Prepares To Move Aside
The first woman Speaker of the House prepares to step aside as a new session of the legislature begins. Catherine Hanaway of Warson Woods moved from Minority Leader to Speaker after Republicans won control of the House in the 2002 elections. Hanaway says it’s been an honor to serve as Speaker. Hanaway admits to a bit of melancholy as she leaves the office. She could have served one more term. Instead, she chose to run for statewide office and lost to Robin Carnahan in the Secretary of State’s race. Hanaway counts foster care reform and dedicating a quarter of the tobacco money to life science research among her accomplishments in the House, though many will remember her high profile clashes with Governor Bob Holden – both as Minority Leader and as Speaker.
Race For Secretary Of State Features Veteran Against Political Newcomer With Famous Name
A veteran at the State Capitol runs against a political newcomer in the race for Secretary of State. Republican Catherine Hanaway of Warson Woods has decided to bypass a chance to retain her seat as House Speaker to seek statewide office. Democrat Robin Carnahan has decided to come from behind the scenes to run for office for the first time. Both pledge to implement federal election reform and beef up the securities division. Hanaway defends her campaign’s attacks on their alleged differences on social issues. Carnahan bristles at campaign’s criticism of her opposition to the constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Carnahan denies she is running solely on her name. She claims Hanaway has been heavy-handed and partisan as Speaker. Hanaway claims Carnahan doesn’t have the experience for the job.
Hanaway Touts Experience And Pledges To Ensure Integrity Of Elections
The Republican who wants to become Missouri’s election authority has been touring the state, talking up her plans to make it easier for eligible voters to cast ballots and more difficult for cheaters to get away with voter fraud. The next Secretary of State will implement a centralized voter registration system which would see the state registering voters so that lawbreakers won’t be able to register in several locations. House Speaker Catherine Hanaway of Warson Woods says this will protect the integrity of the electoral system. Hanaway is also promising to take action to ensure military personnel serving abroad receive their ballots in time and that their votes are counted.
Veto Session Ends With First Woman Speaker Giving Farewell Address
The legislative veto session has wrapped up with a prominent member of the General Assembly bidding farewell to colleagues. The Republican takeover of the Missouri House for the first time in about a half century was due in no small part to the efforts of Representative Catherine Hanaway of Warson Woods, who moved from Minority Leader to House Speaker once the Republicans took control. She’s leaving the House and is running for Secretary of State. In her farewell speech from the floor, she reminded lawmakers of what she believes is the important work of the House. Hanaway says this group of House lawmakers will be remembered for such things as legislation protecting newborns and laws requiring background checks on child care providers.
