Columbia Daily Tribune: Bearden Literally On Lobby Firm Payroll

The Columbia Daily Tribune reveals today that the second ranking Republican in the Missouri House, Carl Bearden, is literally on the payroll of a lobbying firm that works the State Capitol for St. Charles area interests.

This conflict is in addition to Bearden's conflict in lobbying for a measure that would provide state funds to Lindenwood University, where Bearden draws a paycheck for a no-show job as a "fundraiser."

Carl Bearden can talk until the end of time, but he will never be able to escape the simple fact that it is not possible for him to work for a company whose sole purpose is to lobby without creating at least a conflict of interest, and possibly worse.

If any member of the House GOP has any ounce of integrity, they will call on Speaker Jetton and Speaker Pro Tem Bearden to make public their outside financial arrangements. There are far too many unanswered questions, and Jetton and Bearden's reluctance to come clean should give their fellow caucus members cause for great concern.

There's no word yet on what the U.S. Attorney with jurisdiction over Bearden and Jetton's home districts thinks about their financial arrangements.