VIEWS FROM AROUND MISSOURI: BOB GRIFFIN SHOULD STEP ASIDE

Want one more reason why Missourians hold state government in such low regard? Consider Speaker of the House Bob Griffin.

Last year, he wrote to a lawyer representing the Sahara Gaming Corp. demanding it give a $16 million share in a proposed Kansas City-area riverboat casino to a firm that has worked on his campaigns.

The Sept. 9 letter begins, "In order to facilitate your client's application for a license ... you may submit the following names and entities as minority interests in said application and operation." ...

The letter, published in the Kansas City Star this week, understandably brought charges of unethical, possibly illegal activity by Griffin. ...

Federal and state investigations have begun into Griffin's conduct. Regardless of the outcome, Griffin should step aside from his speaker's post. It's long past time for new blood and new trust.

If he won't step aside, House Democrats should oust him. Griffin gives them a valid reason, when he complains in his Thursday letter of Republicans with "moral windshield wipers."