* The House leadership is decimated by absenteeism. Details: Recovering from heart surgery and a stroke, Majority Leader Bob Ward, D-Bonne Terre, makes only occasional visits to Jefferson City. The powers of his office in managing the daily agenda of the House are assumed by the assistant majority leader. House Speaker Pro Tem Jim Barnes, D-Raytown, is removed from the powerful Rules Committee because his absences threaten to deny Democrats a majority vote on the committee in the ru..