State Representative Jeremy LaFaver was arrested Sunday in Boone County for possession of a small amount of marijuana.
LaFaver, a Democrat, represented the 25th district in Kansas City. He chaired the House Democratic Victory Committee, which helps to elect Democrats to the House. Today, LaFaver asked to step down from his chair in a statement, saying "The goal of electing Democrats to the House is too important to the middle class men and women of Missouri for my personal embarrassment to become a distraction."
PoliticMo reports that the committee "is expected to take on an increasing role as Democrats plan to redouble their efforts on the legislative front." A large $100,000 donation from Attorney General Kris Koster was expected to help this along.
LaFaver apologized for the incident in a statement, saying, "I made a serious mistake, I apologize for it, and I am prepared to face the consequences of my behavior,” but the Missouri Republican Party is pushing for more. The party's spokesperson, Matt Wills said today, “Missouri Republicans are calling on Democrat Rep. LaFaver to walk the walk and take genuine responsibility by resigning from the Missouri House of Representatives.
Possession of less than 1.2 ounces of marijuana is a Class A Misdemeanor in the state of Missouri. That carries a punishment of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
