KC Star cites Bearden and Jetton by name in editorial on Capitol corruption

From the paper that broke the news of the FBI inquiry at the capitol:

Carl Bearden, a Republican from St. Charles, was one of the most powerful members of the House two years ago. He received money from several groups, including the Missouri Health Care Association, which lobbies on behalf of nursing homes, and Lindenwood University, a private institution in St. Charles.

Bearden helped nursing homes achieve a 9 percent increase in their daily Medicaid provider rate. And he successfully pushed legislation to funnel state money to private colleges and universities at the expense of public universities.

In July 2007 Bearden quit the legislature to become — what else? — a full-time lobbyist. [...]

Rod Jetton, a Republican from Marble Hill, who was the past speaker of the House for four years, blatantly mixed politics and public service by working as a political consultant, with members of the legislature as clients.

The dual role left lawmakers and the public to wonder if Jetton’s actions as House leader were designed for the good of the citizens or to give his clients a political edge.

Read the whole thing here.