Justin's Political Corner

JEFFERSON CITY • Republican Steve Tilley, the leader of the Missouri House, is resigning today, five months before his term expires. But he told colleagues in a letter that he “will not be far away.”

Tilley, of Perryville, said he would give up his office at 11:59 p.m. today to work as a consultant on campaigns and public policy.

“I choose to leave early because I did not want to be a paid consultant while serving as the speaker of the House,” he wrote.

An optometrist from Perryville, Tilley said he also would continue to practice optometry, which he has done part-time while serving as speaker.

His heir-apparent, Rep. Tim Jones, R-Eureka, is treading the same path.

The Republican Caucus tapped Jones two years ago to succeed Tilley. That decision must be ratified by the full House in January. Republicans control the House 106-57 and are expected to easily maintain their majority in the November election, so Jones’ election is virtually assured.

h/t: STLToday.com