Tension Within House Remains

Democrats and Republicans remain at odds in the Missouri House. Republicans angry that Democrats cut off the tobacco bill debate a month ago have slowed work ever since. Their anger boiled over last week during a lengthy night session when Speaker Steve Gaw accepted a motion to again cut off debate. That forced a meeting of top party leaders, something Republican leader Delbert Scott admits hasn’t happened enough. Majority Floor Leader Wayne Crump will accept only so much Republican protest. And while agreeing to talk, Crump adds Democrats will use their majority status if they feel the need to speed things up.