The Democratic nominee for speaker of Missouri's House has given up his nomination. Phill Brooks has the story from Jefferson City:
Sam Leake's decision came as no surprise.
He lacked support from the Black Caucus whose votes are essential for election.
But Black Caucus Chair Paula Carter said Leake's rural background -- and his past opposition to bills for St. Louis City and other urban areas simply made him unacceptable to the Black Caucus:
Carter listed opposition to allocating more state funds to urban parks and opposition to urban mass transit as among the positions that cost Leake support from the Black Caucus.
So, Democrats are meeting again behind closed doors to find another candidate for House Speaker.
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