(LISTEN): Southeast Missouri U.S. Rep. Jason Smith (R-Salem) praises Governor Kehoe on "Wake Up Missouri"

Veteran U.S. Rep. Jason Smith (R-Salem), the powerful U.S. House Ways and Means Committee chairman, traveled to Jefferson City to witness Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe's inauguration on Monday. Congressman Smith joined us during live inauguration coverage on KMIZ Channel 17 and on 939 the Eagle, telling listeners that Governor Kehoe will govern the state like a business, with integrity. Congressman Smith says the governor will do great things, noting Kehoe's farm in Phelps County is in his congressional district. Congressman Smith tells listeners that the governor knows every county and every issue in his southeast Missouri district, which is impoverished. Congressman Smith acknowledges this, describing his district as "Ozark Appalachia." He believes the district will have economic success under Kehoe. We also discussed the recent winter storms, which caused numerous power outages in Smith's district. Congressman Smith tells listeners that the storm left tens of thousands without power. Many schools in his district were out for weeks: