Jetton defends record; takes swipe at Kinder
Speaker of the House Rod Jetton remained defiant today amid allegations by fellow Republicans that his behavior has been unethical. In recent days, Treasurer Sarah Steelman, who is running for governor, and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder have said that Jetton’s political consulting business creates potential for unethical conduct because the speaker’s clients are fellow lawmakers.
Kinder spoke out about the arrangement last week and said he would push for a new law making the practice illegal. Kinder said he had worked behind closed doors to convince Jetton to change his behavior.
But today, at a news conference outside the Missouri Ethics Commission, Jetton said that wasn’t true. He said Kinder didn’t speak to him once about the issue and he criticized the tone of Kinder’s proposal.
“He was kind of attacking me personally,” Jetton said. “We have done it 100 percent right. … I have discosed anyone who I am working for.”
Jetton’s consulting business, Common Sense Conservative Consulting LLC, has signed up several lawmakers as clients: Sen. Jason Crowell, Sen. Luann Ridgeway, Sen. Robert Mayer and state Rep. Bob Onder, who is running for Congress. All of Jetton’s clients are Republicans.
Jetton said today that those are his only clients and that he has no financial relationship with any corporations or special interests. He said that he has no problem with the proposal Kinder, Steelman and U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof have endorsed to make arrangements such as his illegal. Jetton has endorsed Hulshof for governor.
These disingenuous proposals of Kinder are highly supsect. What’s worse is that there is no hope for his re-election campaign given the number of Democrats that are coming to the polls. Come on now!
Michael E. Carter, the leading Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor, is the only candidate that can bring true ethics to Jefferson City because he is the only candidate that is the furthest from having been a politician. We need a real voter’s perspective in Jeff.
Chad Carter
chad@vote4carter.com
314-591-0169
http://www.vote4carter.com
Kinder did this strictly political purposes. That is even more clear now than it every was. Strange, because he seems more worried about lame-duck Jetton than he does Page and the Democrats. I guess he thinks Sam Page is ethical.
Rod, Legal does not have the same standard as ethical…yes it may be legal, but it is still slimy when YOU have to decide what legislation goes before the House when legislators that are paying you money to help them politically have legislation that could be one of the things brought to the floor…do you give preference to the legislation of those who pay you money? No, you say; but it gives the impression that this could be happening with a lesser person, and this cloud of doubt puts an ethical stain on the entire party.
Funny…I thought Kinder was running against Sam Page, not Jetton. I guess Page is so squeaky clean ethically that Kinder must attack someone else. Oh well, when life gives you a lemon, make lemonade.
Jetton’s point was a good one - Kinder et al are unable to point out any illegal behavior. Jetton stated he has complied with all rules and laws as they exist today and will do so in the future. The Ethics Commission confirmed Jetton’s statement of compliance with the law.
Kinder and Barklage and Luetekemeyer are playing politics pure and simple. It’s apparent that Luetkemeyer isnt doing so good so they need to use the Barklage/Roe negative campaign tactics. The fact Kinder has agreed to be a part of it is very disturbing.