Editor – On October 23rd, Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher was the subject of a Missouri Independent story alleging that he billed the state for thousands of dollars worth of travel that was already paid for his campaign. He had already been facing allegations over his attempts to hire a private company to manage constituent emails for $800,000 instead of the in-house process the House already uses and allegedly threatening staffers who objected.
On October 24th, despite the fact that Plocher had begun writing checks to reimburse the House, The Independent reported other politicians began calling for investigations and/or his resignation. On October 26th, the Independent reported that he had reimbursed the House $4,000 as of that day.
Among the people speaking up were Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, GOP Attorney General candidate Will Scharf, State Senator Bill Eigel, Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe, and State Rep. Chris Sander. Ashcroft and Eigel are running for Governor, as is Kehoe. Plocher is running for Lieutenant Governor.
On Wednesday, October 25th, State Representative Mazzie Boyd published her own statement on her campaign Facebook page:
“Over the last several weeks, we have heard multiple accusations against Speaker Plocher and his alleged unethical behavior that is deeply concerning. From his business dealings with Fireside and an $800,000 contract for software that is unnecessary, to allegedly threatening staff employees who challenge his double dealing, to this latest accusation of receiving thousands of dollars in reimbursement personally when his campaign paid for lavish trips, the allegations keep coming.”
“But while these are merely accusations, there seems to be a pattern developing. As a conservative member of the Missouri House, I have lost confidence that Speaker Plocher can lead effectively. I believe he needs to devote his time to clearing his name and serving his district, and he can’t do all that while remaining Speaker of the House. That’s why I am calling on Speaker Plocher to resign as Speaker.”
“I would also urge the Missouri House Ethics Committee to do a full investigation of the numerous allegations of misconduct. The people of Missouri deserve to know the full extent and veracity of these allegations against Plocher.”
“Once the Ethics Committee has finished their investigation, the House can determine whether or not further action should be taken. Until that process if complete, I believe we need a new leader with integrity to help House Republicans move this state forward.”
“The Legislature can’t be bogged down by this distraction; we have work that needs to be done for Missourians. Our state can’t wait till 2025.”
But on October 26th, the Independent reported that Plocher rejected calls for his resignation, calling the expenses a checkbook error and calling the new revelations a witch hunt by “leftist media,” Democrats, and disgruntled staff.
On October 24th, Plocher took to Twitter to defend himself. He wrote:
“We self-reported and immediately corrected the administrative errors referenced. Missourians deserve complete transparency and accountability from their elected representatives, which I’ve delivered and will continue to deliver as Speaker.”
“My primary focus is working with my colleagues who elected me Speaker to pass a forward-looking conservative agenda next session that brings greater opportunity and prosperity to Missouri while protecting our Constitutional freedoms.”
“The sideshows and political spectacle must end so we can get back to doing the important work Missourians expect of us.”
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