KC Star Has Blockbuster Story On Blunt's Misuse of the Highway Patrol

Today's KC Star story on Governor Blunt's misuse of the Missouri State Highway Patrol is big, big stuff.

Blunt has previously misused the patrol--think forcing them to help coverup wrongdoing by Fred Ferrell--but this stuff with Ameren is a career-ender for several folks, mostly likely including Blunt.

This is Missouri's own version of what the Bush administration has done with the Department of Justice.  Pure and simple, they believe that law enforcement agencies are tools to be used to further political ends. 

You HAVE to read the whole story, but here's the most important part:

 12:17 p.m.: James forwards Chrismer's message to patrol staff and adds:
"Everybody cool on the final orders, right? Hit the send button and
take the phone off the hook."

Keep in mind, James comes from a federal law enforcement agency and is sending this to the highway patrol--both are paramilitary organizations.  The word "orders" has VERY significant meaning within the law enforcement culture.  It is not a suggestion.  It is not a choice.  You must comply or your forfeit your right to remain employed.

And who was issuing orders to the Missouri State Highway Patrol on a criminal investigative matter?  Rich Chrismer, the Communications Director for the Governor.

End of story--James, Chrismer and Martin are done. 

The next question--how much did the Governor know, and when did he know it?