Missouri has a new state representative, who came to the legislature with just over a month left in the session. Political newcomer Sharon Sanders Brooks takes the oath of office and receives congratulations from House Speaker Steve Gaw. Brooks had a bit of sentiment on hand as she took the oath. She held the Bible her grandmother owned. Brooks, a Democrat, will finish the term of former Representative Vernon Thompson who resigned after pleading guilty to mail fraud. She says she wants to concentrate on economic development, nursing home regulation and charter school reform.
