Jim Lembke

Who is Jim Lembke?

Jim Lembke was a Republican member of the Missouri Senate, representing the 1st District from 2009 to 2013. Previously he was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from 2003 through 2008. In 2011, Lembke led a filibuster over the state accepting extended unemployment benefits from the federal government, effectively cutting off those benefits until an agreement cut state benefits to 20 weeks from 26 weeks. The move was criticized by both Democrats and Republicans, as the state was not required to pay anything for the extended benefits.

He was the only Republican representing a significant portion of St. Louis City in the state legislature. He was defeated by Democrat Scott Sifton in 2012.