Gov. Nixon Calls For Comprehensive Ethics Reform During 2010 Legislative Session

Press Release

Governor outlines four key elements needed for 'meaningful' ethics reform

In a letter sent to every member of the Missouri General Assembly, Gov. Jay Nixon today called on legislators to pass comprehensive ethics reform in 2010 "to strengthen the credibility of Missouri's elected officials and the confidence of those they serve."

The Governor detailed four key elements that he believes should be the foundation of meaningful and comprehensive ethics reform. In doing so, Gov. Nixon stated clearly that while additional ethics-reform ideas merit discussion and consideration, real reform should be built around these key elements:

* Enacting strict campaign contribution limits, as mandated by 74 percent of Missouri voters through a ballot initiative in 1994 and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court;

* Eliminating committee-to-committee transfers, which undermine transparency and weaken contribution limits;

* Prohibiting an officeholder from taking money under the guise of "political consulting," political advice or similar services, during their time in office and for a reasonable period after leaving office; and

* Closing the revolving door between the legislature and lobbying, by prohibiting legislators from serving as registered lobbyists of the legislative branch for a reasonable period after they leave office.

"Missourians expect and deserve a government that is transparent, accountable and responsive," Gov. Nixon said. "Meaningful ethics reform will help make sure that each of us who holds the public trust lives up to that clear standard. That's why we must enact strict campaign contribution limits, eliminate shady committee-to-committee transfers, and prohibit officeholders from working as paid political consultants and lobbyists. I look forward to working with a bipartisan coalition to turn these key pillars into strong, comprehensive ethics reform that is worthy of the people of the Show-Me State."

Throughout his career in public service, Gov. Nixon has been a strong proponent of transparent and accountable government, including strict campaign contribution limits. In 1999, Gov. Nixon successfully argued the landmark Nixon vs. Shrink Missouri Government PAC case before the U.S. Supreme Court [No. 98-963, 10/5/1999], which upheld Missouri's system of contribution limits.

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