Different view provided for attacks on Jetton

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and State Treasurer Sarah Steelman have outlined proposals to ban legislators from acting as political consultants, proposals widely seen as attacks on the dual role played by Speaker of the House Rod Jetton.

In an article in today's Springfield News-Leader, reporter Chad Livengood explores a different angle- political consultants irritated by the competition Jetton provides. While I don't necessarily see that as a reason for Mrs. Steelman and Kinder to take this stance, it was interesting to read consultant Jeff Roe's take:

"If Rod Jetton believes that candidates work for consultants, then he is going to have a very short career in this business," Roe said.

Roe, who has had a longstanding feud with Jetton, took the speaker to task for what he called questionable ethics.

"Washington Republicans lost the House in 2006 due in part to the ethical dealings of some members that just didn't pass the smell test," Roe said. "It looks to me like Missouri Republicans have learned that lesson and they refuse to stand idly by while party leaders serve themselves instead of their constituents."