Kinder aide named to Public Service Commission

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Although they have worked together on several issues over the past four legislative sessions, Gov. Bob Holden and Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder aren't exactly political allies.

But the two men are in agreement concerning the qualifications of Jeff Davis -- Kinder's chief of staff and general counsel -- to serve on the Missouri Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities industries. Holden, a Democrat, nominated Davis, who grew up in the Pemiscot County town of Braggadocio, for the panel on Friday.

With an annual salary of $94,029, PSC spots are considered among the plums of gubernatorial appointments. That Holden would nominate the confidant of a political adversary is noteworthy.

However, all sides say no political deal was made in exchange for the appointment.

Davis said that about two months after he expressed interest in a vacancy on the commission, Kinder wrote Holden recommending him for the post but that no strings were pulled on his behalf. As Kinder's top aide, Davis has been the Senate leader's point man in consultation with the governor's staff on key issues.

"I think it was based on my ability to, wherever we could, work together to do what's right for the people of this state," Davis said of his appointment.

Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, said the idea of appointing Davis to the commission didn't originate with him.

"Jeff has a sufficiently strong reputation that Democrats actually came to us proposing him -- Democrats close to the governor," Kinder said.

One of those Democrats Kinder named is Roy Temple, Holden's campaign manager. Temple said he neither encouraged nor dissuaded the governor on Davis' appointment, though he has no objections to it.

"Jeff is a professional who will do a capable job in that position," Temple said.

Kinder said the Senate will vote on Davis' confirmation on May 14, the last day of the legislative session. In the meantime, Davis will continue working for Kinder.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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