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 contributes over 50% growth to global renewable energy capacity in 2023Qixi Festival marked in Xi'an, NW ChinaGiant rice in north China to enter harvest season in OctoberHoliday to see pickup in outbound travelAcross China: German vlogger amazed by China's ethnic culturesXiplomacy: Xi's APEC Visit Signifies Hope for ChinaArt education on displayShanghai company completes world's first delivery of 'air taxi'New completion rules released for China to optimize the business environmentHarbin creates ice sculptures of Terracotta Warriors to cater for tourists