Despite rhetoric of non-partisanship in the bidding process for state fee-offices, Governor Jay Nixon has ensured that the process is politicized by throwing his weight behind political cronies bidding on lucrative offices throughout the state. According to our sources, chief fundraiser for Nixon, Margaret Ogden has been “putting in a good word” at the Department of Revenue for some of Nixon’s supporters, a blatant act of hypocrisy on Nixon’s part and a potential criminal act by influencing state bidding.
One bidding competition to watch is the competition for the lucrative St. Charles fee office which is one of the largest in Missouri, where a top Nixon supporter and former fee agent for 12 years under Carnahan and Holden, Ken Kielty, has reportedly received the backing of Nixon’s team in his attempt to retain the rights to operate the office. Kielty who hosted a fundraiser at his son’s home and contributed more than $20,000 to Nixon. Another Nixon supporter has already been awarded the Moberly fee office. Surely, there will be more controversial contracts awarded. Despite all the high-minded talk, the patronage system has not come to an end. It’s just operating under the smokescreen of a “competitive bidding process.”
Who else will Margaret Ogden push for? Depends on how much money you contribute Nixon?
Related:
Tony Messenger: Money is the music the Missouri Legislature dances to
K.C. Star: Bill to reform fee-office contracts advances to Missouri Senate
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