Letter to the Editor

Mayer responds to DAR reader

Thursday, July 19, 2012

To the Editor:

I read with interest the letter to the editor in your paper from Don Barr regarding the Presidential Primary Election, and I need to set the record straight.

Yes, Missouri did hold a Presidential Primary Election which was non-binding and cost $7 million, but Mr. Barr is mistaken in where he places blame. During the 2011 Regular Legislative Session, the House and Senate passed legislation that would have fixed the problem by moving the election to March. Although this bill passed with large bipartisan majorities, Governor Nixon chose to veto it.

During Special Session the same year, the Senate again voted on legislation moving the election to March. This simple change would have completely fixed the problem and made Missouri relevant to the nominee selection process. Unfortunately, every Democrat Senator voted against it. The bill failed on a 16-16 tie vote.

I believe in having healthy debate on issues facing our state, but I also believe the facts should be state correctly. Rep. Todd Richardson and I both supported legislation that would have corrected the problem. These votes can be found in the Senate Journals of May 10, 2011 and October 17, 2011 and the House Journal of September 9. 2011.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Robert N. Mayer

President Pro Tem

Missouri Senate