Nixon focuses on ethics in final State of the State speech

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon made another push Wednesday night to tighten Missouri's ethics laws, delivering his final State of the State speech to a Republican-led Legislature under heightened scrutiny after scandals prompted the resignations of two lawmakers.

Nixon, who leaves office in January 2017 because of term limits, cited big checks to candidates from donors and lobbyist gifts as giving the perception of undue influence on public officials, and he criticized the current policy that allows lawmakers to hire each other as political consultants.

His speech Wednesday night echoed parts of his first address to lawmakers after assuming office in 2009, when he implored the Legislature to "pass a real campaign finance reform bill." He has called for some kind of ethics revamp in every State of the State since.

"Missouri's ethics laws are a disgrace, the weakest in the nation," Nixon said, according to a copy of the remarks distributed to news organizations before delivery. He went on to say Missouri needs to "clean up its act."

Missouri is unique as the only state with the trio of unlimited campaign contributions, uncapped lobbyist gifts to lawmakers and a revolving door that allows lawmakers to immediately become lobbyists after leaving office.

The last House speaker, Republican John Diehl, stepped down on the last day of the 2015 session after admitting to exchanging sexually suggestive texts with a Capitol intern. Former senator Paul LeVota, D-Independence, resigned months later amid allegations he sexually harassed interns. He denied those claims.

While proposals to ban gifts and close the revolving door are moving forward, measures on contribution limits have not received a hearing and appear unlikely to pass. Legislative leaders have not cited curbing campaign donations among their top priorities this session.

But the fast pace of legislation on a gift ban and the revolving door is significant, and could mean Nixon after years of calls for action finally signs legislation to change state ethics laws.

Support from Republican House and Senate leaders, who have similarly said ethics is a top priority this session, also is meaningful in a political atmosphere in which Nixon and lawmakers at times are at odds.

For example, Nixon and House Speaker Todd Richardson cited few priorities in common during their addresses.

Where Nixon called to expand eligibility for Medicaid health care, Richardson criticized spending on the program and promised to pass a law "requiring state agencies to fact-check applicants" for Medicaid.

But Nixon in his address thanked Richardson, who in particular has led efforts to change state ethics laws. Nixon added "we're long way from the finish line."

"Let's come together, restore the public's trust and pass real ethics reform now," Nixon said.