Eli Yokley suspends PoliticMo, named managing editor of Missouri Times

Changes in political coverage of the state of Missouri continued this morning as Eli Yokley, the college student who has built a strong following with his PoliticMo operation, announced he was suspending it and joining the Missouri Times as its new editor.

Missouri Times, which started at the beginning of the year is fronted by former Speaker of the House Rod Jetton.

Yokley announced the decision this morning in an e-mail to the followers of his daily newsletter, which he said will continue but under a different banner:

Good morning, 

 For more than three years, you and others have been great supporters and even better friends as I’ve developed and expanded PoliticMo to be a real statewide force in the Missouri political news arena. Your phone calls, emails, and friendly handshakes when we finally met (beyond Twitter) have been humbling, and your friendship has been rewarding. 

 That is why I wanted you to be one of the first to know about a big opportunity I have decided to accept. Early this year, an emerging newspaper — The Missouri Times — launched in the Capitol with the vision of being the paper of Missouri politics and culture. About a month ago, I sat down with the paper’s publisher, and over the last few weeks, we have met repeatedly about a potential role for me in their operation.

 Last night, after a great deal of thought, I accepted their offer to take on the role of managing editor —  to help lead the paper through this important time in its development. After much consideration, advice from friends, and long discussions with the paper’s current leadership, I’m confident I will be given the freedom to independently lead this paper to the next level. 

 Because of this, I wanted you to know that PoliticMo.com will go on hold, for now. The morning email will continue to go out, though under different branding, and the work ethic and reporting style I’ve developed will continue, just sporting a new header. 

 I’m writing because I want your continued support as I begin this new chapter in my career. Your comments and concerns have always been valuable.  As I’ve said before, thanks for reading, tell your friends about the work we’re doing, and of course, continue to send your tips – I cannot get enough of those. 

 Thanks for all you do.

Yokley also serves as statehouse correspendent for the Joplin Globe.