St. Louis Democrat to quit Senate in 2005

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- State Sen. John Scott plans to resign Monday after a 30-year career in the Legislature that included a stint as the Senate president pro tem.

The Democrat from St. Louis issued a news release Thursday announcing his retirement without specifically stating why he was leaving before his term expires in January 2005.

Some who are close to Scott said they expect to see him back at the Capitol lobbying -- either officially or informally -- for St. Louis area interests.

Scott also hinted at that possibility.

"For the past 30 years, it has been a real honor to work as a legislator for south St. Louis and all of Missouri," Scott, 62, said in a statement. "Now, I look forward to continuing that winning team effort beyond elective office."

First elected to the House in 1970, Scott served three two-year terms there before winning election in 1976 to the Senate, where he is in his seventh term.

From 1983 through 1988, Scott served as president pro tem of the Senate -- the highest ranking position among senators.

He gained a reputation as a friendly yet shrewd politician who focused especially on St. Louis area interests.

"He is a winner on personality and has served the people of St. Louis to great distinction," said Sen. James Mathewson, D-Sedalia, who succeeded Scott as president pro tem. "They've lost a very strong voice in the Missouri Senate that will probably never, ever, be there again."

Scott's voice indeed was strong. When casting votes in the Senate, Scott's "aye" or "no" often echoed throughout the marbled-walled chamber. He once yelled a yes vote from a nearby men's restroom so loudly that it could be heard by chuckling colleagues in the chamber. Technically, Senate rules require members to vote from their desks.

Mathewson said Scott was considering taking a job as a lobbyist.

Lobbyist Tom McCarthy, a former senator who represents several St. Louis area interests, said Scott had several offers.

"I wouldn't be surprised to see John working for the likes of the city of St. Louis or somebody with regional concerns, because he's always been big on it," McCarthy said.

McCarthy worked last session with Scott on legislation to provide state funding for a new St. Louis Cardinals baseball stadium and downtown development project. The bill failed, but Gov. Bob Holden later endorsed the idea and supporters plan a renewed push when the session resumes in January.

Prized votes

Among his prized legislative accomplishments, Scott listed successful bills authorizing construction of the MetroLink light rail system and the St. Louis Stadium and Convention Center, where the St. Louis Rams play football.

"He was probably the shrewdest political tactician of anybody I ever met," McCarthy said.

"John would play people off against each other like a master, and it was never him, he never said "no" or "do this" or "do that." He just would arrange it so other people would be pressuring you do to this or that," McCarthy said. "It's good in that it made John a very effective legislator, because he didn't make a lot of people mad at him."

Scott almost retired one year ago.

He said in August 2000 that he hadn't been enthusiastic about his legislative duties in recent years, especially since his wife died in 1996. He told friends that he would remove his name from the general election ballot, but then changed his mind after receiving supportive phone calls. He won re-election last November.

It will be up to Holden to set a special election for Scott's replacement.