A new challenger has emerged for speaker of the Missouri House. Rep. Justin Sparks, R-Wildwood, announced on social media that he wants to challenge House Majority Leader Jon Patterson, R-Lee’s Summit, for the position in January.
Sparks took issue with Patterson saying that lawmakers should respect voters’ choice if Amendment 3 passed, which overturns Missouri’s ban on many abortions.
“That’s not what the leader of the Republican caucus should be saying, guys,” he said. “We have to talk about why and who is supposed to be leading us as Republicans, so that we can represent the will of the people.”
In the viral video, Sparks called out “the system” because it only cares about money.
“That’s why it’s dangerous,” he said in the video. “The whole system’s in jeopardy. Well, let’s talk about the system. The system that gave us Jon Patterson, the truth is, the uncomfortable truth is, power is for sale in Jefferson City.”
Patterson was elected House speaker last week, but a formal confirmation vote won’t come until January.
“We must obliterate the system of pay to play, the quid-pro-quo, purchasing power, it has to end, guys,” Sparks said. “It’s the only way to root out the corruption that is currently in our system. The disinfectant of truth and transparency must rule the day once more, and we can do it together.”
Missourinet has contacted Patterson and is awaiting a response.
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