Ethics committee dismisses complaint against Missouri speaker
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A panel of lawmakers dismissed on Monday an ethics complaint against Speaker Dean Plocher, breaking from a Republican who argued that Plocher used his power as the House leader to block an investigation.
Members voted 7-2 to dismiss allegations against Plocher for misuse of taxpayer dollars, using his influence to push a pricey contract with a company with ties to his employer, and retaliating against staffers who raised complaints. One Democrat voted present.
“From the outset of this investigation, I’ve maintained my innocence,” Plocher told reporters after the hearing. “The Ethics Committee has finally reached the very same conclusion that I offered everybody back in November, and they vindicated me.”
Plocher is running as a Republican for Missouri secretary of state.
Republican Ethics Committee Chair Hannah Kelly, appointed to the position by Plocher, sought to dismiss the case “due to the inability of the committee to finish the investigation as a direct result of obstruction of the process and intimidation of witnesses by the respondent.”
Related articles
Pentagon vows to keep weapons moving to Ukraine as Kyiv faces a renewed assault by Russia
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin committed Monday to keeping U.S. weapons moving to2024-05-21National defense ministry slams 'Taiwan independence' separatists
A spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense on Thursday warned that the more rampant "T2024-05-21Chinese lawmakers submit 298 proposals to annual legislative session
Staff members work at the secretariat of the second session of the 14th National People's Congre2024-05-21Man City vs. Real Madrid could hinge on the fitness of one player. Just ask Vinicius Jr.
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Pep Guardiola kept Real Madrid guessing ahead of Wednesday’s Champions Le2024-05-21- The 'real-life Martha' from Baby Reindeer bombarded Sir Keir Starmer with almost 300 emails, it has2024-05-21
Charlize Theron brings along adorable daughter August, 7, to sit front row at Dior's pre
Charlize Theron brought along her youngest daughter August at the Christian Dior pre-fall 2024 fashi2024-05-21
atest comment