Airplane Questions Hold Up Nixon’s Pick

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon’s choice to head up his Office of Administration will have to wait a bit longer before permanently taking over. 

Acting Director Doug Nelson’s confirmation is being delayed in the Missouri Senate after news broke that the State Highway Patrol spent more than $5.5 million dollars on a new airplane, which has been designated for use by Governor Jay Nixon and other statewide officials. 

Republican Kurt Schaefer, who sponsored Nelson’s nomination, first wants to know who made

“You know, at this point it’s being portrayed both by O.A. and the Patrol as the Patrol’s decision.  I don’t know if that’s true or not – ultimately it was the Patrol’s decision, but I think we need to start with the Patrol and find out what their purpose was,” says Schaefer.

Senate Republicans say lawmakers should have played a role in deciding whether the purchase of the King Air 250 was necessary. 

Meanwhile, Highway Patrol Colonel Ron Replogle says the plane was bought to upgrade the patrol's fleet and he would answer senators' questions.