Younger generation passes off to older in House

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- In politics as in life, it is typically the older generation that passes on wisdom and experience to the younger generation. But in the case of state Rep. Al Liese, the situation is a little different.

The 62-year-old freshman Democrat from Maryland Heights was elected in November to represent the same House district previously served by his 39-year-old son, Chris, who was forced from office by term limits.

"The things I taught him is the way he is teaching me now," Al Liese said with a chuckle. "It's very strange. The roles have been reversed."

'Wasn't by design'

A gregarious man with an infectious laugh, Al Liese spent 29 years working for utility AmerenUE. He remained in the background as he helped his son win five House terms but "was always instrumental in helping me with my elections," Chris Liese said.

"This was the perfect segue, although it wasn't by design," said the younger Liese, who also shares a birthday with his father.

Missouri's Legislature has a long tradition of parents passing the political torch to their children.

Freshman Rep. Trent Skaggs, D-North Kansas City, won the seat previously held by his father, Bill, in the Nov. 5 elections.

Likewise, Rep. Craig Bland, D-Kansas City, followed his mother, Mary Bland, to the House after she was elected to the Senate a few years ago. Others current House members who followed their parents' political paths include Democratic Reps. Russ Carnahan of St. Louis, Amber Boykins of St. Louis and Ryan McKenna of Barnhart.

The Lieses seem to have broken that mold. Longtime Statehouse observers say they can't recall a father replacing a son in the Legislature.

Chris Liese said he offers bits of advice to his father, such as suggestions about how to make the best use of time at the Capitol.

"It's a hard thing for a new legislator to go through the paperwork and know what bills to really look at and what dinners to attend," said the younger Liese, who is now a lobbyist.

Have set guidelines

That raises the question of how Al Liese would react if his son were to lobby him on a particular issue. Both said they have set some guidelines to avoid any conflicts. In fact, Al Liese said his son can't even pick up a restaurant check.

"We don't talk about it much," Al Liese said. "He's never lobbied me, and I doubt he would. If it was something good. I would probably support it. If it wasn't, I probably wouldn't."

With less than a month in the job, Al Liese is still learning the ropes. But he knows one thing for certain.

"I guess the advice for the dads out there is teach your son well, because he may be teaching you some day," he said.