Republican leaders in the Missouri House and Senate seem to be more concerned about being ethical or at least appearing that way, according to one political expert.
David Robertson is a political science professor at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. He cites as evidence House Speaker John Diehl’s decision to end lobbyist-funded meals both inside the State Capitol and at country clubs and restaurants.
“It can be a real problem for people if some of the accusations that lobbyists are purchasing support can be validated in some way by the practices that occur in Jefferson City,” Robertson said.
In addition, GOP Senate Leader Ron Richard says he wished he’d banned free meals at meetings when he was House Speaker.
Republican leaders in both chambers, though, are still refusing to include caps on campaign contributions as part of their ethics reform agenda.
