The Art of the Self-Deal: Taking the shameless, straightforward approach

On Friday, as GOP Leaders were avoiding votes on health care for the working poor and autism coverage, and before they got around to debating torture in Missouri prisons, the House debated legislation pertaining to car insurance laws. During the debate, Rep. Chris Molendorp sponsored an amendment intended to change the rules for drivers who do not have car insurance.  On the floor, Molendorp said that he sponsored his amendment "on behalf of" the state's insurance agents.

In related news, Rep. Chris Molendorp is an insurance agent, and has no problem using his public office to benefit his private business. Moledorp was pushing legislation that was -- in his own words -- written "on behalf of" his industry. He spoke about the bill "as an insurance agent" and as the owner of an insurance business -- raising all sorts of red flags. When confronted by the obvious conflict of interest Rep. Stephen Webber (D-Columbia), Molendorp was remarkably unconcerned by the situation.  Listen to their exchange, in which you can hear Webber's concern with the substance of Molendorp's amendment, and with Molendorp's shameless work on behalf of his own business:

It's astounding. 

It's also worth noting that Molendorp doesn't seem to have a problem using his official state photo for his business website either.

UPDATE: Moldendorp's amendment passed 84-74, with Rep. Jason Kander voting present. Kander recused himself from the vote because he is/has represented an uninsured motorist. At least someone understands the conflict-of-interest concept.