Merideth resignation draws many reactions

JEFFERSON CITY - Members of both sides of the aisle were shocked and understanding when former Representative Denny Merideth of the 162nd district resigned on June 10 in order to pursue a position with the U.S. State Department's Foreign Service office.

Senators and Representatives alike expressed their feelings of loss after Merideth's resignation was made public.

Rep. Wes Shoemyer (D-Clarence), a Democratic colleague of Merideth's on the House Agriculture committee who also served with him on the House Budget committee, spoke of Merideth's work ethic. "He was very hardworking and well prepared. He was a great number cruncher when it came to the budget and a great leader on the Budget committee."

His own party members were not the only ones singing the praises of Merideth. Many members of the Republican Party also had glowing reviews of Merideth's work as a member of the House and as a leader among those the members of the "Bootheel Mafia" which includes senators and representatives from both parties in the Southeast Missouri region.

Sen. Bill Foster (R-Poplar Bluff) stated in the Dunklin Democrat, that to Merideth "party lines were not an issue" and that he "truly would be missed."

Rep. Peter Myers (R-Sikeston) said he had heard the rumors of Myers' resignation plans. "I'll miss him, he was a good legislator and a good friend," he said. "There was not another more capable legislator in the House."

Both Rep. Robert Mayer (R-Dexter) and Rep. Lanie Black (R-Charleston) said they believe that Merideth made the decision they hope is "best for him and for his family". Mayer added that Merideth was "a valuable member of the House."and that he had the "highest respect" for Merideth's knowledge of the budget and work ethic.

When asked about Merideth's possible motivation to join the Foreign Service for the United States State Department, all agreed the opportunity presented to Merideth was too great to pass up.

Elected in 1997 as an independent from the 162nd District Merideth was the talk of Jefferson City for being the first independent candidate to be elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in over a century. In 2000 Merideth joined the Democratic Party, much to the dismay of the Republican members of the House, who were also courting him heavily to join them on the other side of the aisle. Despite this decision Merideth maintained a positive relationship with most of the Republicans he came into contact with throughout the course of his career.

Merideth was in his last term as a representative with one year left to go due to term limits. Merideth reports to Washington, D.C. on June 30 to begin his job with the Foreign Service.