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2009 Legislative Session: GOP success puts state in a better position

May 15, 2009

Session marred by Jay Nixon’s weak leadership, broken promises, allegations of corruption

“Republicans in the Missouri House and Senate should be commended for showing tremendous leadership and a willingness to reach across the aisle. The General Assembly put Missouri in a better position to attract high-paying jobs by expanding the Republican-crafted Quality Jobs Act, protected taxpayer dollars, increased our education standards, and passed a responsible, balanced-budget—all without a tax increase.

“But this year’s legislative session was marred by Gov. Jay Nixon’s weak leadership, broken promises, and allegations of corruption among his high-level staff. In the wake of revelations that Nixon withheld funds for tourism that he had promised to release in Branson, the Republican-led General Assembly forced transparency on the process of withholding funds from state agencies. Desperate for an accomplishment in an otherwise dismal session for his agenda, Nixon was later accused of unsuccessfully attempting to bribe his political opponents with the promise of government jobs in exchange for their votes. Nixon has proven himself to be an ineffective governor, and his tactics merit an investigation.”