Lipke wants to lead crime committee

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- As a former prosecutor, state Rep. Scott Lipke obviously has an interest in criminal law. If he wins appointment as chairman of the House Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee, the second-term lawmaker will wield great influence on legislation that will shape Missouri's criminal code.

Lipke, R-Jackson, has asked House Speaker Rod Jetton to pick him to head the committee.

"It is a logical choice for me," Lipke said. "That is really my passion and what I feel strongly about."

Jetton, R-Marble Hill, is expected to announce committee assignments in the coming days. Lipke was unaware of any competition for chairman of the panel.

"I have been on that committee for two years, and that certainly is a plus in my favor," Lipke said.

Cape Girardeau Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle has lobbied Jetton on Lipke's behalf. Lipke was an assistant prosecutor under Swingle for five years before winning election to the House in 2002. In a letter to Jetton dated Jan. 3, Swingle praised his former employee for his command of every aspect of criminal law.

"With his distinguished service as a prosecutor, Scott earned the respect of everyone in law enforcement, including police officers and prosecutors," Swingle wrote. "You simply cannot go wrong by naming him to this important position."

State Sen. Rob Mayer, R-Dexter, chaired the House crime prevention committee until his move this year to the upper chamber. State Rep. Brian Nieves, who was Mayer's vice chairman, ordinarily would be in line for the top job. Nieves, however, has assumed a top House leadership role as majority whip. As a result, it is unlikely Nieves, R-Washington, would also chair a major committee.

mpowers@semissourian.com

(573) 635-4608