There are again 110 Republicans in the Missouri House after a special election in two districts that coincided with the August Primary. That would be enough to overturn vetoes during September’s veto session, but only if all Republicans are in the Capitol and if all of them vote for the overturn.
That could prove to be a big “if,” according to House Speaker Tim Jones (R-Eureka), who says he’s only really concerned about unforeseen circumstances.
“It is difficult any time to get 110 people in the same place at the same time,” says Jones. “You never know when people are going to have tragic events in their family or that may affect them personally. We hope everyone remains healthy. We hope no one has any serious family issues that come up. We hope no one gets stuck … we had some members that got stuck because of travel in years past.”
Some members who are term-limited out of office at the end of the year might also not want to drive from far reaches of the state for the veto session, particularly if there isn’t a bill or two of particular concern for them or their districts.
Then there is the question of four members who faced primary opposition backed by financier Rex Sinquefield, who had voted against the override of a veto on a tax cut bill – a bill that Sinquefield wanted to become law.
Those four representatives told Missourinet’s Bob Priddy that they are somewhat upset with the party over that situation, but did not say it would impact how they will vote in the veto session.
Bob’s stories with four Republicans who beat Rex Sinquefield-backed primary opponents:
The Four:Â Sinquefield tried to buy seats in the House (AUDIO)
The Four:Â time for campaign reform (AUDIO)
Jones says he met with those four members during the party’s caucus earlier this month. He says he does anticipate having their votes.
“I absolutely do,” says Jones. “I welcomed them back and congratulated them. They’re on the team. They’ve always been on the team and I don’t think that will be a problem at all.”
Jones says as far as he knows, all lawmakers want to return for the veto session to override Governor Jay Nixon’s vetoes.
“The General Assembly has shown leadership on so many issues this past session – on budget, on appropriate spending, on education, in health care reforms, on education reforms, on tax cuts,” says Jones.
The veto session begins September 10.
Earlier story:Â House Speaker discusses possible veto overrides on budget items, tax policy bills
