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Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG
Mo. Digital News
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Mo. Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG
Mo. Digital News
Missouri Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Mo. Digital News
MDN.ORG:
Missouri Digital News
JEFFERSON CITY - After a closed caucus meeting that extended for over an hour and a half Monday night, House Republicans did not come to any conclusions on the Mark Richarson issue.
House Minority Floor Leader Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, was arrested Friday night on charges of driving while intoxicated and child endangerment. Richardson's 4-year-old daughter was a passenger in the car.
Upon adjournment Republican leaders were tight lipped, only divulging that they would continue the caucus early Tuesday morning.
Richardson refused to comment on whether he will resign his position. This is his second drunk driving arrest.
"How we justify this will be part of the discussion we'll have in the caucus tomorrow," House Minority Whip Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph. "And I can't say with any certainty that there will be a decision. If things remain constant, Mark will continue to be the floor leader."
One of the factors Republicans are weighing is the fact that there are only three weeks left in the legislative session and many feel that any kind of change in leadership could weaken the party's positions on legislation.
"My position is that he should not be removed immediately," said Republican Caucus Secretary Jim Froelker. "There are things in session that are much more important that an DWI."
Richardson has been a supporter of anti-drunk driving legislation in the past. In 1996, he supported a bill that took a hard line against under age drinking and driving. In 1995, he voted to approve a bill that would allow interlock ignition devices for convicted drunken drivers.
Some Republicans are concerned about how keeping Richardson will effect the image of the party.
"I think that as Republicans we have to not only set a high standard, but to live by a high standard," said Rep. David Levin, D-St. Louis. "I think that this is what out constituents expect. But we're not perfect. When we make mistakes, we have to live with out actions."