Kinder attacks Nixon for Cape Girardeau project funding

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder is criticizing Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon for awarding $2 million in state aid for a Missouri project led by a man on probation for passing bad checks.

The tax credits and grants went to the parent company for Hometown Innovation Team, which plans to manage a health care cooperative in Cape Girardeau. Court records obtained by The Associated Press show the company president, Weaver Dickerson, is on probation after pleading guilty to felony charges of passing bad checks.

Nixon touted the project last week and traveled to Cape Girardeau. A spokesman said Friday that Nixon was unaware of Dickerson's probation then. Kinder told the AP that it demonstrates a breakdown in due diligence by Nixon's administration.