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.”
Dead infant found at Florida university campus; police investigating
Will the Bank of England cut interest rates soon? This is Money podcast
Sharp rise in rental fraud including faking payslips, as tenants seek to fight off competition
I took a flight from Bristol to Edinburgh instead of getting the train
AP WAS THERE: Mexico's 1938 seizure of the oil sector from US companies
Mercedes upgrades its electric EQS to give the EV a huge 511 mile
I took a flight from Bristol to Edinburgh instead of getting the train
3 officers killed, 5 wounded in Charlotte, North Carolina shootout; a suspect is dead
You're sure of a warm welcome along the awe
Powerball: Oregon authorities reveal winner of $1.3B jackpot
How to sort your pension and Isa before the tax year ends: This is Money podcast