JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — While Missouri’s House Democrats re-elected most of their top leaders to fresh terms in their posts, the small caucus saw a protracted fight within its own ranks over the post of caucus chair.
Rep. Gina Mitten of St. Louis was ultimately chosen. Sources within the caucus told The Missouri Times that the absence of a small number of members and a close vote forced multiple ballots. Neither Mitten nor her opponent, sophomore Rep. Michael Butler of St. Louis, was able to reach the constitutionally required simple majority of caucus members on the first few rounds of voting.
House Democrats tabled the vote after both fell short of the 23-vote minimum, hoping the two could reach their own agreement. But when neither lawmaker was willing to concede, several rounds of voting took place.
After at least 5 ballots, Mitten was elected by a slim margin. Several members of the caucus declined to identify anyone who switched their vote.
The contentious fight may signal division within House Democratic ranks before new members are even officially sworn in yet, something leadership members are surely hoping to correct moving into 2015.
This story will continue to be updated.
Collin Reischman was the Managing Editor for The Missouri Times, and a graduate of Webster University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.
