House gives first-round approval to bill banning governor from appointing some state offices
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House gives first-round approval to bill banning governor from appointing some state offices

Date: February 10, 2010
By: Theo Keith
State Capitol Bureau
Links: HB 1497

Intro:  Missouri's House gave first-round approval Wednesday to a bill to ban Gov. Jay Nixon from appointing a possible successor to Secretary of State Robin Carnahan. Theo Keith has more from Jefferson City.
RunTime:  0:41
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: If Carnahan wins retiring Kit Bond's U.S. Senate seat, the Secretary of State position would be open.

Under current law, Gov. Nixon would appoint her replacement, just like he would for vacancies in the U.S. Senate and state attorney general, auditor and treasurer.

But Salem Republican Representative Jason Smith says that's just not right.

Actuality:  SMITH2.WAV
Run Time:  00:10
Description: "Anytime I talk to someone who does not understand that, if there's a vacancy for U.S. Senate or anther statewide office, that the governor would appoint it, they go crazy."

The House voted along party lines.

Democrats say Missourians should have faith that the governor will choose the right person.

From the state Capitol, I'm Theo Keith, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.

Intro:  The opportunity Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich had to shop a U.S. Senate seat would be banned in Missouri under a bill the House gave first-round approval to Wednesday. Theo Keith has more from Jefferson City.
RunTime:  0:41
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Before a party-line vote, Republicans argued that Missourians should get to elect people to state office openings.

Democrats say Gov. Jay Nixon should fill the vacancies himself.

Jackson County Democratic Representative Mike Talboy says Missourians know what they're electing the governor to do, and one of those duties is to make appointments.

Actuality:  TALBOY1.WAV
Run Time:  00:07
Description: "If you don't think that they're smart enough to figure that out, then you have less faith in the people of this state than I do."

One Republican said he'd talked to Missourians who were outraged to learn the governor got to fill openings for the state's U.S. Senate seats and secretary of state, among others.

From the state Capitol, I'm Theo Keith, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.