Former Holden opponent to serve as next House budget chairman

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A Republican who unsuccessfully challenged then-State Treasurer Bob Holden is to be the next House budget chairman -- a post that gives him say over the proposed spending plan of the Democratic governor.

Rep. Carl Bearden of St. Charles is to take over the Budget Committee chairmanship in January, when the Republicans newly won House majority is effective. House Speaker-nominee Catherine Hanaway, R-Warson Woods, tapped Bearden for the job months ago, pending a GOP victory.

In 1996, Bearden got just 38 percent of the vote while losing to Holden in the state treasurer's race.

Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, was selected Thursday to lead the Senate Republican majority.

He is the first Republican to lead the Senate in a Republican-controlled General Assembly since 1948.

"This is an important and historic opportunity," he said.

"I know I speak for everyone in our caucus in congratulating the new Republican majority in the House of Representatives as we move forward together to give Missourians the most effective and accountable state government possible."

As budget chairman, Bearden now could advance or scuttle Holden's proposed spending priorities. Bearden said he bears no grudge against Holden.

"We're going to have our disagreements, but I hope at the end of the day, we're able to agree," Bearden said.

Bearden's budget counterpart in the Senate is Republican Sen. John Russell of Lebanon, one of the longest-serving state lawmakers. Bearden said he already has been talking with Russell about setting priorities.