Democrats have chosen the second in command from last session to be the new Speaker of the Missouri House. Representative Jim Kreider of Nixa says he learned much serving under Speaker Steve Gaw of Moberly, but he says his style of leadership will be different. Kreider says he wants the House to move away from the partisanship that highlighted this year’s session. He says he will reach across political party lines. Kreider should formally assume the post when the legislature convenes in January. Republicans have chosen their first female leader, Representative Catherine Hanaway of Warson Woods.