MISSOURI HOUSE SPEAKER BEARS CAREFUL SCRUTINY AFTER A CLOSE CALL

Voters in Missouri and across the nation sent a message to politicians last November: They are tired of the status quo. But status quo of the worst kind is just what occurred in the Missouri House when Bob Griffin was narrowly elected to an eighth term as speaker. His 14 years already served is unprecedented in state history He is tied as the second-longest-serving House speaker in the nation. It is a dubious honor.

Griffin must feel less than confident about the victory, winning by the narrowest of margins -- just one vote. Republicans and a growing number of Democrats are tired of his wheelings and dealings in office. Others would have probably joined an oust-Griffin effort if they weren't fearful of the consequences.

Has Griffin learned anything from his close call? Will he be more diplomatic in office, affording a greater degree of fairness to legislation despite the sponsor? Only time will tell.

A dark cloud has followed Griffin in recent months. A federal grand jury in Kansas City has subpoenaed several years' worth of personal financial disclosure and campaign committee reports, along with his state travel records. Griffin's dealings as a private attorney with Las Vegas gambling interests on behalf of his clients also has come under much scrutiny.

Legislators are part-time in Missouri, which means most of these men and women work at other jobs. But taxpayers still expect them to maintain a proper level of ethics and decorum at all times, especially when their jobs cross paths with the legislative responsibilities. A continued criticism for attorney Griffin has been that he uses his influence as speaker to help his legal clients. This should not be tolerated.

Missourians will be watching Griffin closely in this term as speaker, especially in his role in the effort to improve rules governing the House chamber. These rules can influence the life or death of all bill. It is important the rules become more democratic and not be at the whim of one or two powerful legislators.

Griffin has been somewhat conciliatory about his close win. The speaker has said he hopes partisanship will be set aside this session. That will only be accomplished if Griffin leads the way. The message from taxpayers should be clear: There is no room for unethical or strong-arm behavior in the General Assembly.