The New York Times reports:
Missouri’s top health official, a Republican who opposes mask and vaccine mandates but spoke approvingly of the Covid vaccine, was supposed to have been confirmed by State Senate by Friday.
Instead, conservative state legislators stonewalled the process earlier this week and Donald Kauerauf resigned on Tuesday, becoming the latest public health leader to be forced from office, as the politicized fight about masks, mandates and pandemic response rages on.
Mr. Kaeurauf’s statements in favor of vaccinations were apparently enough to doom his confirmation in the Republican-controlled Missouri Senate. The chamber adjourned on Tuesday, opting not to act before the Friday deadline.
Read the full article.
Missouri’s top health official, Donald Kauerauf, a Republican, is the latest public leader to lose his job because he spoke approvingly of Covid-19 vaccines. https://t.co/Vc8h0u4SBZ
— NYT National News (@NYTNational) February 5, 2022
It’s unfortunate that we now have to disrupt state operations and the leadership at an entire department because the Missouri Senate chose to indulge a few men’s egos.
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) February 2, 2022
The events that have transpired over the past few days surrounding Don’s Senate confirmation hearing are nothing short of disgraceful, unquestionably wrong, and an embarrassment to this state and the people we serve.
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) February 2, 2022
I’ve been a conservative Republican my entire life and contrary to what some Senators believe, tarnishing a man’s character by feeding misinformation, repeating lies, and disgracing 35 years of public health experience is not what it means to be conservative.
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) February 2, 2022
Don is a public health expert that is on record opposing masking requirements and COVID-19 vaccine mandates. He is outspokenly pro-life and morally opposed to abortion.
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) February 2, 2022
Missourians know that I share these beliefs and would not have nominated someone who does not share the same Christian values. Yet, Senators chose to believe baseless rumors and outright lies on social media rather than the facts in front of them.
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) February 2, 2022