Senate Republicans have scuttled Gov. Jay Nixon's nominee to direct the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
The Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee refused to vote Wednesday on confirming Jason Hall to head the department. Senate President Pro Tem Rob Mayer says he has no intention of bringing Hall up for a committee vote before the deadline to confirm him expires.
Hall was nominated by the Democratic governor in late December to replace department director David Kerr, who resigned. Hall is an attorney who had been the executive director of the Missouri Technology Corp., a government-created nonprofit group that aids technology-based businesses.
Mayer said several Republican senators believe Hall lacks the private-sector experience necessary to lead the department. Some also raised concerns about an audit that criticized the Missouri Technology Corp.
