Senate Republicans today unanimously endorsed Sen. Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, to serve as President Pro Tem, the Missouri Senate’s top position, for the 95th General Assembly beginning Jan. 7, 2009. Shields must be elected to the post by the full Senate when they convene. He has served as the Senate Majority Floor Leader since 2005.

“The people of Missouri are facing many challenges, and none greater than a tough economy,” Shields said. “My goal as Senate Leader will be to work with the House and new governor to make sure we protect taxpayers, giving them every opportunity to pursue their dreams and raise their families here in Missouri.”

Also elected to Senate Majority Caucus leadership positions:

· Sen. Kevin Engler, R-Farmington, elected Majority Floor Leader

· Sen. Jack Goodman, R-Mt. Vernon, re-elected Assistant Majority Floor Leader

· Sen. Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, elected Majority Caucus Whip

· Sen. Bill Stouffer, R-Napton, elected Caucus Chair

· Sen. Delbert Scott, R-Lowry City, re-elected Caucus Secretary

Shields said the leadership of these senators will be an important key to passing legislation that improves the everyday lives of all Missourians.

“We bucked the national trend and increased a strong majority in the Missouri Senate on Election Day by gaining three more seats because the people of Missouri trust us to protect their pocketbooks from out-of-control spending, especially in these uncertain times,” Shields said. “Our leadership team will build on the common sense reforms we’ve passed and continue to work for the people by creating more jobs, making sure our state’s tax structure only generates enough revenue to pay for the critical functions of government, making healthcare available and affordable for all Missourians, and improving higher education while easing students’ costs.”

On Monday, the Missouri Senate Financial, Governmental Organizations, and Elections Committee heard testimony on several measures. Senate Bill 1245, sponsored by Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, would bar a felon from holding public office in the state.

The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 1310, sponsored by Rep. Theodore Hoskins (D-Berkeley). The legislation would require independent candidates to file declarations of candidacy and petitions for nomination by the same deadlines established for other candidates.

Committee chairman Sen. Delbert Scott (R-Lowry City) said the bill would help make the playing field more level and help prevent political “games” commonly played by both Democrats and Republicans.

Sen. Harry Kennedy (D-St. Louis) said the bill would help prevent “shenanigans” and people trying to “skirt the system.”

The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 1231, a proposal to implement instant runoff voting in Missouri, a system where voters rank the candidates in order of preference using one ballot.

Sen. Jeff Smith (D-St. Louis) presented the bill on behalf of sponsor Sen. John Loudon (R-Chesterfield).

Under the system, if no candidate has a majority, the lowest ranked candidate drops out and the next highest rankings on the ballots are attributed to the other candidates accordingly, until a candidate achieves a majority.