Rep. Dr. Rob Schaaf's bid for a seat in the state Senate hit a snag recently, but he said it's not insurmountable.

Rod Jetton, a former House speaker, closed his political consulting firm after being arrested in connection with an alleged assault against a women he apparently knew for several years. Mr. Jetton was working on Dr. Schaaf's campaign.

Mr. Jetton is charged with second-degree assault, a felony, in Scott County. A warrant was served Tuesday, according to the state's court database, and Mr. Jetton was released on $2,500 bond. Arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 6.

"His firm was doing fundraising for me," said Dr. Schaaf, R-St. Joseph. "He's not going to be doing fundraising any more, so I'm probably going to need some help from another firm."

Dr. Schaaf said Mr. Jetton has "always been a great friend," and that he's never observed any dishonest or unethical behavior from the former House member from Marble Hill, Mo.

"It's just a real sad situation," Dr. Schaaf said. "I feel sad for him and everyone involved."

Dr. Schaaf said he was aware of people in Mr. Jetton's firm that were starting their own company, but that he was considering other firms as well.

"It's not an insurmountable problem," he said of finding a new firm. "We just have to roll with the punches."

Sen. Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, faces term limits and will vacate his 34th District seat next year. Mr. Shields in July endorsed Rep. Jason Brown, R-Platte City, to fill his vacancy. Rep. Martin Rucker, D-St. Joseph, is also running for the Senate seat in November.

According to the Associated Press, campaign finance records show Mr. Jetton's consulting firm received more than $400,000 from fellow Republican lawmakers over the past three years. The total includes $124,000 paid to Mr. Jetton since he left the Legislature in January of this year. Not included are payments from clients who aren't required to report to the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Jimmy Myers can be reached

at jimmym@npgco.com.