Blog: Jetton disappointed by former chief of staff's decision to defect to Democrats

Missouri Political News has posted the contents of an e-mail sent by Speaker of the House Rod Jetton concerning the announcement that his former chief of staff, Chris Banjamin, has crossed the aisle to the Democratic side and is about to launch a campaign for state senate:

Since he decided not to return rumors have circulated that he was considering running for the state senate, but as a Democrat. This is shocking news because I feel Chris is a pro-life & pro-gun Republican, not a Democrat. Even if Chris was frustrated at times with the party I find it so difficult to believe he would choose to join the ranks of extreme liberals whose policies we have fought, and beaten with Chris’s help. However, as time has passed the rumors have stepped up and unfortunately; our understanding is that Chris is going to run as a Democrat.

I can’t explain my disappointment, shock, and confusion over this news and have even talked to Chris personally to try and convince him not to run, but haven’t been successful. I am sure we all have friends who are Democrats and maybe Chris will be one of those friends.