Another St. Louis lawmaker resigns

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Another St. Louis lawmaker is leaving the Missouri House, this time a Republican.

Rep. David Levin, R-St. Louis, sent a letter of resignation to Speaker Jim Kreider on Friday. His last day will be Monday, and his departure will create the House fourth vacancy from the St. Louis area.

"My personal responsibilities have grown to the point where I am unable to meet the high standards that I have set for myself since entering office," Levin wrote.

Levin, 52, said being in the House was a life-changing experience.

"I think he's done a fine job," said Scott Baker of the Missouri Republican Party. "He'll be remembered as a hard-working representative."

Levin and the GOP have asked Gov. Bob Holden to call a special election as soon as possible.

Others St. Louis members who have resigned from the House this year are Democrats Maida Coleman, who is running for a vacant state Senate seat; Harry Kennedy, who was elected to the Senate in a special election; and Louis Ford, who hopes to have his son succeed him.