Young House leaders face big challenge

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The next likely House speaker is age 39, the likely House speaker pro tem is 35, and the future majority floor leader is 30.

The new Republican leadership team of Catherine Hanaway of Warson Woods, Rod Jetton of Marble Hill and Jason Crowell of Cape Girardeau is a youthful group nominated by their colleagues to face a monumental task.

Together, they have eight years of legislative experience. Yet they now face the job of organizing the first Republican House majority since 1948 while helping initiate 90 newly elected members.

Hanaway, with two legislative terms behind her, smokes an occasional cigar to relax. Jetton, a Marine, walked halfway across the state a year ago to stress the need for improved roads. Crowell, a lawyer, is partial to jeans and sweat shirts. Jetton and Crowell are entering just their second legislative terms.

All three have an enthusiasm tempered by the knowledge that they don't know everything and are bound to goof up.

"We're going to make mistakes, no doubt about it. If you say you're not, you're probably lying," said Jetton, a rapid-fire speaker. "Whether you're 32 or 62, you're going to make mistakes. I don't think age is an issue, but hey, I'm young. I think if you have young people who don't listen and are headstrong and think they know it all, that's when you get into problems."

Prior to the onset of term limits this year, lawmakers could spend unlimited years in the legislature if they were popular with voters back home. When term limits swept away decades of legislative experience, Republicans got a better chance to capture seats previously held by Democrats.

When the legislature convenes Jan. 8, Republicans will control the House by a 90-73 margin and have a 20-14 majority in the Senate.

Statistically, the three top House leaders reflect Missouri's population as a whole. The average age of the House leadership is 34.6 years while the average Missourian is 36, according to the 2000 census.

The average age of incoming legislators is 46, which is due in part to the state constitution, which requires representatives to be least 24 and senators at least 30.

Hanaway, who in January is expected to become the first woman House speaker in state history, said there is a nervousness about the task ahead, from learning how to work as a majority to grappling with a faltering budget.

"It brings an added element of seriousness because we know that all eyes are going to be upon us. The pressure is enormous whether you're young or old. It's a big job whether you're young or old," Hanaway said. "Some will be wondering if we are up to the task. I think knowing we are going to be subject to a higher level of scrutiny focuses our attention."

Crowell said he spends a lot of time with young people, especially students, in order to get a better sense of their concerns.

"I hope they will look and see what is possible," said Crowell, whose district includes Southeast Missouri State University. "If you're interested in public service, you can succeed and can make a difference."

Crowell, like Jetton, also plans to spend more time listening to seasoned lawmakers and longtime political operatives.

"I don't think my ways are the only ways," Crowell said. "You can fully expect this young dog can be taught new tricks."

Mark Abel of Festus, the current House speaker pro tem who will become minority floor leader in January, said experience is important in leading the House.

"I can tell you from my experience that it's a difficult job," said Abel, 52, a Democrat with 10 years of legislative experience. "They don't have a lot of experience, and we'll just wait and see how they do."