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Videos Show Nixon Illegally Using State Car on Fundraising Binge

September 26, 2007

JEFFERSON CITY – In shocking video posted at YouTube.com, Jay Nixon is shown illegally using his taxpayer-financed state car to attend political fundraisers in Ladue and Kirksville in violation of Sections 37.450 and 301.260 RSMo. Section 37.450 states “State vehicles shall be used for official business only, in accordance with Section 301.260 RSMo.”

The two videos show Nixon’s state vehicle pulling into the political fundraisers with one of the videos actually showing Nixon getting out of the car and casually putting on his jacket. The Ladue fundraiser was on September 18 and the Kirksville fundraiser was on September 21.

“Jay Nixon must explain to Missourians why he was illegally using a taxpayer financed vehicle to attend political fundraisers. These are very disturbing images and Jay Nixon obviously has a lot of explaining to do with the taxpayers of this state,” said Paul Sloca, communications director for the Missouri Republican Party. “As the self-described chief law enforcement officer of the state, Jay Nixon’s blatant disregard for the law is appalling and he should immediately stop illegally using taxpayer resources to benefit his fledgling campaign.”

Gov. Matt Blunt does not have an official car like that provided to Nixon, which now stands exposed on YouTube as yet another tool of illicit taxpayer abuse. As secretary of state, the Governor parked his official car during the campaign to assure that no political use could occur or be alleged. On videotape, Nixon takes his official car to closed, private-home political gatherings, complete with Nixon political signs in front.  By the Highway Patrol’s decision and under the Patrol’s long-set security policy, the Governor as the state’s chief executive travels with a security detail and in Patrol vehicles. The Patrol does not provide security details for other statewide officials.

“Jay Nixon’s ethics are sleazy or non-existent; he isn’t raising very much money; and so decided that the general public and taxpayers — Republicans, Democrats and independents — should take him to his political events which is against the law,” Sloca said.   

The videos can be found at www.youtube.com, keyword “Jay Nixon”.