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Missouri Republican Party calls for investigation into Nixon job-for-votes scandal

May 8, 2009

JEFFERSON CITY—The Missouri Republican Party yesterday sent letters to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, the Cole County Prosecutor, and the Missouri Ethics Commission requesting an immediate investigation into allegations of bribery of lawmakers by Gov. Nixon and his staff.  The Party also asked the Missouri Attorney General to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate this matter.

“An investigation must be undertaken to determine if Jay Nixon broke the law by attempting to bribe public officials with offers of jobs in return for their support on specific legislation,” said Lloyd Smith, Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party. “Nixon must be held accountable for his actions, especially if those actions violate state and federal laws.”

A copy of the letter sent to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, the Cole County Prosecutor, and the Missouri Ethics Commission can be found here: http://www.mogop.org/media/2009_05_07_bribery_investigation_letter.pdf

A copy of the letter sent to the Missouri Attorney General can be found here: http://www.mogop.org/media/2009_05_07_bribery_investigation_letter_koster.pdf

Full text of the letter to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, the Cole County Prosecutor, and the Missouri Ethics Commission:

I am writing to bring to your attention widely-reported allegations of wrongdoing by the Missouri Governor’s office.  These accusations are serious and warrant a thorough investigation.

According to several media outlets, on May 6, 2009, at least two members of the Missouri General Assembly were approached by members of the Governor’s staff and offered state jobs in exchange for votes in favor of specific legislation.  The facts are detailed in a May 7, 2009 St. Louis Post-Dispatch article entitled “Missouri House Republican accuse Jay Nixon of offering jobs for votes.”  I have attached this article for your reference.

Attempts by the Governor’s office to exchange jobs for votes, if true, would constitute bribery of a public official in clear violation of state and federal statutes.

Again, we believe that a full investigation of these accusations is merited.  Bribery of public officials is a serious offense that undermines the integrity of government.  Missourians expect better from their government.

Please contact me if you have any questions.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Lloyd Smith
Executive Director