Barklage's resignation

The following letter was given by David Barklage to President Pro Tem Peter Kinder of the Missouri Senate:

The Honorable Peter D. Kinder

President Pro Tem

Missouri Senate

Dear Peter:

For the betterment of the entire Senate, I feel strongly that I must leave my post as Chief of Staff for your office. Having assisted in completing many of the administrative reforms and other duties required following the first change in majority parties in the Missouri Senate in 52 years, I feel most if not all of what I hoped we would accomplish has been achieved. Therefore, I offer my letter of resignation and ask that it take effect immediately.

It is clear that if I remain in my current role as your Chief of Staff that there are those who will use me to distract the Senate from conducting the people's business. I leave knowing my actions have always met the high ethical standards expected of an employee of the President Pro Tem's office and those of the Missouri Senate, but also understanding no one person is more important than the entire Senate. As a result, I will no longer allow my position serving the President Pro Tem to take away from the success of the Senate as it continues its transition in majority power.

During my tenure, I have had the wonderful opportunity to personally become connected with the Senate family, an opportunity I will value greatly and cherish well beyond today. I have also drawn great satisfaction having worked so closely with a President Pro Tem who has proven to be committed to upholding the best traditions of the Senate and who strives each day to make government benefit the people of Missouri. Furthermore, I have been truly honored to serve at my highest potential for a majority caucus that has consistently fought for what is right. I hope that my departure will allow you and the Senate to continue your hard work and success.

It is my greatest hope that my action today will no longer fuel the actions and excuses of a vocal few to disrupt the important business of the Missouri Senate. Most importantly, I want to thank you for allowing me to take part in the traditions of this strong and admirable institution.

Sincerely,

David Barklage