Few issues these days serve as points of unity between Missouri Republicans and Democrats, but cleaning up state government is one of them. Gov. Mike Parson’s options seemed simple: He could have demonstrated bold, independent leadership by openly condemning the Legislature’s attempt to bypass the voter-approved 2018 Clean Missouri amendment. Now Parson is largely sidelined. His only say in the matter is whether to place the referendum on Senate Joint Resolution 38 on the August or November ballot.
Either Parson stands for democratic governance or he doesn’t. There can be no middle ground. He has spoken in favor of SJR 38, but it’s never too late to take a stand against dirty politics, gerrymandering and lobbyist influence.
The Legislature effectively says that 62% of Missouri voters didn’t know what they were doing when they approved Clean Missouri.
