'Clean Missouri' Initiative Gathering Signatures for 2018 Ballot
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Lobbyist Money Help  

'Clean Missouri' Initiative Gathering Signatures for 2018 Ballot

Date: November 29, 2017
By: Jack Morrisroe
State Capitol Bureau
Links: 1114

Intro: 
A ballot initiative to 'Clean Missouri' would restrict lobbyist gifts and partisan gerrymandering
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Wrap: The 'Clean Missouri' initiative would also lower campaign contribution limits and ban politicians from becoming lobbyists until two years after their terms end. 

Supporters say it is necessary to limit the influence of a few large donors such as Rex Sinquefield. They say donations and gifts are used to win votes for political issues.

It has been endorsed by unions and pro-choice organizations.

Supporters need over one-hundred and sixty thousand signatures to get on Missouri ballots next year.

Jack Morrisroe, Newsradio 1120, KMOX.

Intro: 
Republican Senator Rob Schaaf supports the 'Clean Missouri' ballot initiative to fight corruption in state politics.
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Wrap: Schaaf sees unlimited lobbyist gifts and undisclosed political donors as corrupting the state Capitol. He says that politicians are given gifts and contributions in exchange for influence and votes.

The ballot initiative would limit lobbyist gifts and campaign contributions. It would also require politicians to wait at least two years before becoming lobbyists.

A nonprofit called 'A New Missouri' does not disclose its donors and displayed Schaaf's cellphone number in online advertisements. A New Missouri is connected to Governor Greitens and called for Schaaf to allow a vote on protecting police officers earlier this year.

Jack Morrisroe, Newsradio 1120, KMOX.

Intro: 
The website for 'Clean Missouri' says it would quote 'limit the power of big money in our legislature.' But it is bankrolled by the National Education Association, Planned Parenthood and unions.
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Wrap: On top of many small donors, the NEA in Washington donated two-hundred fifty thousand dollars to the initiative. Planned Parenthood regional programs for St. Louis and Kansas City each donated fifty thousand dollars. 

It would limit campaign contributions, end lobbyist gifts over five dollars and make politicians wait two years after leaving office to become lobbyists.

'Clean Missouri' may face a legal challenge. The initiative would change four sections of the Missouri Constitution, and Missouri law requires ballot initiatives to tackle one single issue.

Jack Morrisroe, Newsradio 1120, KMOX.

Intro: 
TEASER
RunTime: 0:06
OutCue: SOC

Wrap: I'm Jack Morrisroe with details on a ballot initiative that would ban lobbyist gifts over five dollars.