Public Service Commission Chairman Jeff Davis has taken himself off the merger case of Kansas City Power and Light and Aquila Energy Company.

Davis says he’s done nothing wrong, but questions have aeisen about his conversations with an Aquila official before the merger plans were announced. That official later told other company officials Davis favored the merger and would push for quick approval of it.

Governor Matt Blunt (R-MO) says Davis has done the right thing because the allegations about the discussion raise questions about whether the issue can be decided fairly and impartially.

Aquila and KCP&L have withdrawn their request for the merger, for now.