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.”
Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?
NPC Deputies Interviewed Before 2nd Plenary Meeting of 2nd Session of 14th NPC
SW China's Yunnan Observes Tourism Boom in Winter
Woman's 'Home' a Pillar of Strength for Families with Sick Kids
Britain's new bonkers EV: Callum Skye is an £80k electric buggy built in Warwickshire
Time Needed for Incentives to Boost Fertility: Expert
Laba Festival Gathering for Migrant Children in Xi'an
Country's Tourism Market off to a Robust Start in 2024
Messi in and Dybala out in Argentina squad for pre
NPC Deputies Interviewed Before 2nd Plenary Meeting of 2nd Session of 14th NPC
Kristin Cavallari, 37, ignores critics of her age
Maglev Sightseeing Express Line Boosts Tourism in Fenghuang Ancient Town