Nixon, Missouri legislative leaders pledge cooperation

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Democratic governor-elect Jay Nixon stood in a show of unity Thursday with newly chosen Republican and Democratic legislative leaders and pledged to work together -- though not on any specific agenda.

Nixon met for about a half-hour with the top Republican and Democratic officials from each legislative chamber. They then appeared at a brief news conference in which Nixon did all the talking.

"We've all pledged to stand together -- Missouri has to move forward," Nixon said.

After easily winning Tuesday's gubernatorial election, Nixon claimed a voter mandate to enact his campaign platform of reversing the Republican-led 2005 Medicaid cuts, expanding college scholarships and creating jobs in a struggling economy.

But Nixon and the legislators said no specifics were discussed in their initial meeting, which was intended more to lay the groundwork for future communication. Likely House Speaker Ron Richard, R-Joplin, said he had never met Nixon before Thursday.

"The shared principles are, we're going to work together," Nixon said. "There are 200,000 Missourians unemployed and that's way too many. We're going to work together to create the jobs and opportunities that Missourians need."

Their meeting occurred as the outgoing administration of Gov. Matt Blunt released figures showing state tax revenue lagging behind budget projections.

Citing financial pressures, Republican legislative leaders said separately from Nixon that the state cannot afford the estimated $265 million in general revenue that it would cost to restore the Medicaid cuts.

"To do a restoration of Medicaid cuts at this point would just flat be irresponsible -- it's not doable," said Sen. Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, who was nominated Thursday by Republican colleagues as the next Senate president pro tem. "My gut is he knows that in his heart of hearts."

Richard also cited budgetary concerns while indicating a willingness to work with Nixon, particularly on economic development issues.

"Unlike Washington, D.C., we haven't forgotten we're Republicans," Richard said. "We're here to stand for what we believe: low taxes, education, energy, economic development. We're going to stay true on some issues that we believe got us here."

Term limits led to turnover in the top spots in both the House and Senate.

Richard had been selected previously by Republicans to succeed House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill. Shields would replace Senate President Pro Tem Michael Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, who lost a bid for attorney general.

Shields and Richard must be elected by their full chambers in January to officially assume their leadership positions.

Senate Republicans chose Kevin Engler, of Farmington, over Gary Nodler, of Joplin, and Scott Rupp, of Wentzville, to succeed Shields as majority leader. As his campaign pitch, Engler said, he told colleagues he does not aspire to statewide office or Congress and would work well with Republicans and Democrats alike.

"I try to forge compromise without being vicious and going after people to where they hate you," Engler said.

In a somewhat unusual move, Senate Democrats held their caucus at a Jefferson City hotel instead of the Capitol. Their mood was a bit somber after apparently losing three seats, though in one of those the Republican leads by only a few dozen votes with the results not yet certified.

Sen. Victor Callahan, D-Independence, was chosen by Democrats to replace Minority Leader Maida Coleman, D-St. Louis, who was prohibited by term limits from seeking re-election.

House Democrats, who picked up three seats after expecting to take more, turned back an intraparty challenge to their leadership.

Rep. Ed Wildberger, D-St. Joseph, challenged Minority Leader Paul LeVota, D-Independence, for his top spot but was defeated. Wildberger said shortly after the vote Thursday that he had planned to challenge LeVota unless the Democrats took control of the House.

Wildberger said he felt he would work better with Richard than LeVota could because their two hometowns are similar and about the same size.

"I really felt I would be able to work things out with him and that would make a more pleasurable atmosphere in the House," Wildberger said.

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Associated Press Writer Chris Blank contributed to this report.