Bowman Retains Chairmanship, But Methods Lead to Organizational Split 

EXCLUSIVE | READ IT HERE FIRST

Some legislators left today’s meeting of the Legislative Black Causus angry and frustrated. After delaying and rescheduling the meeting at least once today, St. Louis County State Rep. John Bowman was able to retain his chairmanship by means that some members found objectionable.

“The Black Caucus is split now,” one legislator told PUB DEF. The elected official said Bowman ran today’s meeting with an iron fist, refusing to allow others to make motions or even to vote if their dues were not current.

We’re also told that newly elected legislators were not allowed to vote or even given by-laws to read. Already there is talk of a break-off group forming.

Though the caucus’ rules have stated that the chairmanship should alternate between City, County and Kansas City legislators, Bowman lobbied back in September to have that rule changed so he could retain the chairmanship.

UPDATE: At today’s meeting, Bowman said that September’s rule change was also a vote to extend his chairmanship.

Even though Bowman was asking for the support of fellow caucus members as late as yesterday in anticipation of a challenge from St. Louis City representative Rodney Hubbard for the chairmanship, at today’s meeting Bowman said the only positions that would be voted on were vice-chair, treasurer and secretary.

We’re told Hubbard had the votes to beat Bowman.

In another twist, some members were told they could not vote in today’s elections because their dues were not current. But one legislator tells PUB DEF that at least three members had their dues checks returned by caucus treasurer State Sen. Rita Days.

Already a letter is circulating announcing the formation of a new caucus. Members of the new Urban Progessive Caucus would include not only African-American legislators, but legislators representing areas with large minority populations.

More later…