ShowMe Better Courts Files Ethics Complaint Against Missouri Bar for Campaign Finance Violations

James Harris, executive director of ShowMe Better Courts, has announced his decision to file an official complaint with the Missouri Ethics Commission regarding the Missouri Bar's failure to comply with campaign finance disclosure laws.

"Today I filed a complaint with the Missouri Ethics Commission against the Missouri Bar Association for their failure to properly report their political activities with the Missouri Ethics Commission.  It is unfortunate that this action was necessary.  No group is above the law and the law is clear that organizations or individuals who engage in political activity to influence the electorate have disclosure and reporting requirements associated with that activity." said James Harris, executive director of ShowMe Better Courts. 

He continued, "This complaint demonstrates that the Missouri Bar's attempt to influence voters to oppose our ballot initiative while not disclosing those expenditures violates §130.047 and §130.048 RSMo.   The Missouri Bar has publicly launched baseless criticisms regarding disclosure against groups and individuals with whom it disagrees while at the same time failing to properly follow Missouri campaign finance law.  The Missouri Bar has issued dark and ominous warnings about money, politics, and the judiciary, but as they ought to know, sunshine is the best antiseptic.  The public and the Bar's membership deserve answers about the Bar's expenditures.  I am confident that the Missouri Ethics Commission will fully investigate this matter and I am hopeful that the Missouri Bar will not manufacture reasons to keep Missourians in the dark regarding activity which they are required to disclose." 

Mr. Harris concludes, "The Missouri Bar's rhetoric which claims that attempts to reform the Missouri Plan are 'attacks on the judiciary' is unfortunate.  Citizen initiatives to make improvements in the administration of justice in our state should be welcomed.  Dialogue about what parts of government are working and what could be done better are healthy.  Blind allegiance to the status quo never produces the best outcome."