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.”
China's Top Political Advisory Body to Hold Annual Session from March 4 to 11
New energy projects cater to Xizang's power needs
Children in Yuncheng celebrated the festive spirit of the New Year in their new clothes and hats
Popular Chinese crosstalk comedians bring laughter, cultural charisma to London
Antique beauty of architecture of the Ma Family Courtyard on Huimin street
Children visited Xiamen Science and Technology Museum during winter vacation
Jilin eyes stable foreign trade growth in 2024
Mexico is taking Ecuador to the top UN court over the storming of the Mexican Embassy
China's first new energy vehicle battery base in Northeast was established in Changchun
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao faces sentencing; US seeks 3
Residents and tourists seized the tail of ski season in Urumqi to enjoy snow fun