Blog

Nixon will have trouble blaming others in job-for-votes scandal

May 8, 2009

In a new development, Missourinet is now reporting that two high-level Nixon staffers—Dustin Allison and Chris Moreno—approached GOP Representatives Anne Zerr and Chris Molendorp about rewarding them with jobs if they would support legislation backed by the governor.

Nixon is denying the charges, but history shows that he is already looking for someone to blame. It’s classic Nixon: first, deny the allegations; second, point fingers and allow someone else to take the fall; finally, if the first two didn’t work, capitulate without admitting wrongdoing. From the controversy over his improper use of a state vehicle to the firestorm created by the MIAC report, Nixon always follows these steps.

But this time, it will be more difficult to find a scapegoat, because the fact that two staffers have been implicated in the jobs-for-votes scandal means that it was a coordinated effort directed by higher up in the Nixon administration. This eliminates Nixon’s ability to claim that the promises were made by a rouge staffer who was acting alone and without authorization.

In the end, Nixon must be held accountable for his actions, especially if those actions violate state and federal laws.

MORE…

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

KC Star: GOP calls for investigation into Nixon aide