Analysis: Missouri voters stick with status quo

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The status quo has got to go? Not in Missouri.

Based on election results this past week, Missouri voters might be better described as gung ho for the status quo.

With the notable of exception of Missouri's preference for Republican Mitt Romney over Democratic President Barack Obama, voters rejected change in virtually every significant race and ballot proposal.

Missourians re-elected incumbents for both chambers of Congress, governor and other state executive offices. Republicans kept their large majority in the state Legislature. All of Missouri's judges were retained. And voters opted to keep the state's tobacco tax and judicial nominating system unchanged.

Some political scientists believe voters meant to preserve the status quo. Others think it might be a coincidence as voters made choices on individual candidates and ballot questions.