A former Missouri lawmaker is defending his appointment to the state parole board in the face of opposition from some senators.
Dennis Fowler was appointed to the Board of Probation and Parole in December by Gov. Jay Nixon. But to remain in the job, his appointment must be confirmed by the Senate.
Several Republican senators have said they intend to block Fowler's confirmation. They note Fowler was one of 15 House Republicans who split from party leaders and voted in September to sustain the Democratic governor's veto of an income tax cut bill.
Fowler is defending his vote by highlighting flaws in the vetoed bill, such as a potential tax hike on prescription drugs. Fowler says he is meeting with senators this week to try to gain support.