At least one lawmaker was missing when Missouri's newly elected representatives took the oath of office.
Republican House member Keith Frederick of Rolla was not at the Capitol on Wednesday for the first day of the annual session.
Frederick's office assistant, Joyce Bush, said he was in Washington, D.C., bidding his daughter goodbye as she left on a yearlong mission trip. She said Frederick plans to be back Thursday to take the oath of office in Jefferson City.
Republican Senator Brian Nieves of Washington also was absent Wednesday. But Nieves was elected to a four-year term in 2010, so he did not need to take the oath of office Wednesday. His office assistant said Nieves was traveling out of state but declined to elaborate.
