LETTERS: POLITICS AS USUAL

To the editor:

Two years ago, when Democrat Secretary of State Judith Moriarty was caught up in speculation regarding ethical misconduct of her official duties of office (and later convicted), Gov. Mel Carnahan was quick to call for her resignation. It had been public knowledge that the governor had never been a strong supporter of hers.

Why has that governor disappeared? The speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives (for the last 15 years) has been beset with legal problems, yet Carnahan continued to support Bob Griffin. Politics as usual is still the operational force in Missouri, and Carnahan is leading the charge. The conduct of the House and Carnahan is inappropriate and a slap in the face to all Missourians.

Carnahan rewarded the people of Missouri with a new secretary of state in 1995 when he appointed Rebecca Cook. In her first official role in office, she violated her ethical and moral obligation to the people by keeping the House voting board open for over three hours to prevent a Republican from becoming speaker and thus ousting troubled Bob Griffin. That move by Carnahan and Cook keep the Missouri House and all citizens at bay. The only question that needs to be asked is: Why was Gov. Mel Carnahan so afraid to lose his backroom crony, Bob Griffin?

Folks, politics as usual is still the driving force with Carnahan.

SEN. BILL KENNEY

District 8

Lee's Summit

EDITOR'S NOTE: Bill Kenney is seeking the Republican nomination for governor.