JEFFERSON CITY - Acknowledging the wisdom of Republican-backed rules changes in the Missouri House, some Democrats broke with their party’s partisan leadership to support the changes in a move that raises serious questions about the leadership of House Minority Leader Jeff Harris of Columbia.

While Harris sought to insert politics into the rules changes by claiming they somehow favored Republicans, many Democrats stood behind the changes and dismissed Harris’ partisan rhetoric including Rep. Terry Young, who accused fellow Democrats of engaging in "symbolic acts of protest for purely partisan reasons." Young was joined by several members of the Black Caucus which is comprised only of Democrats, according to The Associated Press.

“We are pleased that some House Democrats have decided to rise above the kind of poison partisan politics that Jeff Harris routinely puts on public display,” said Paul Sloca, communications director for the Missouri Republican Party. “It is clear that House Democrats are divided, which raises serious questions about Jeff Harris’ ability to lead because of his penchant for putting politics ahead of Missourians.”