Bill would repeal state law barring some from running for office

If former Gov. Roger Wilson was interested in renewing his political career, a bill awaiting the signature of Gov. Eric Greitens would allow it.

Since 2015, state law has barred anyone convicted of a felony under state law or a federal felony or misdemeanor from running for state or local office in Missouri. The portion of the law dealing with federal misdemeanors, which is constitutionally suspect because of a 2006 court ruling, would be repealed under the pending measure.

Wilson, a Columbia Democrat, held a variety of offices from 1976 to 2001. He was elected lieutenant governor in 1992 and became governor on Oct. 16, 2000, when Gov. Mel Carnahan was killed in a plane crash while campaigning for the U.S. Senate.

Interviewed Wednesday morning, Wilson said he had not heard of the bill and has no interest in running for office again.

Read more: http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/20170518/bill-would-repeal-state-law-barring-some-from-running-for-office