Category Archives: Missouri Senate

Eric Greitens (r) resigns as Governor of Missouri

29 Tuesday May 2018

Posted by in campaign finance, Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Governor, Missouri House, Missouri Senate

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Eric Greitens (r) [2016 file photo].

Effective Friday, June 1st at 5:00 p.m.

Lieutenant Governor Mike Parson (r) will become the new governor of the state.

Mike Parson (r) [2016 file photo].

Previously:

Oh, my. (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 2 (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 3 (January 11, 2018)

אַ שאַנדע פֿאַר די גוים and *IOKIYAR (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 4 (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 5 (January 11, 2018)

Oh, my – part 6 (January 12, 2018)

Sen. Denny Hoskins (r): not exactly a ringing endorsement (January 12, 2018)

Gov. Eric Greitens (r): piping (January 16, 2018)

Oh, my – part 7 (January 16, 2018)

Waiting… (January 19, 2018)

Oh, my – part 8 (January 29, 2018)

The unanswered question (February 8, 2018)

RSMo § 565.252 (February 22, 2018)

Well, you were the one who used a blindfold and tape. (February 22, 2018)

Well, he was the one who used a blindfold and tape. (February 23, 2018)

A few words of advice (February 26, 2018)

Eric Greitens (r) and the House – pass the popcorn (March 6, 2018)

Oh, my – part 9 (March 6, 2018)

“That’s not how you spell bare.” (March 7, 2018)

It’s their world, the rest of us only get to live in it (April 8, 2018)

The popcorn is ready (April 10, 2018)

The Report (April 11, 2018)

Call it what it is (April 11, 2018)

Go away, asshole. (April 12, 2018)

Sen. Denny Hoskins (r-21): impeach Greitens (April 13, 2018)

Getting ironical about Greitens (April 13, 2018)

Standing ovation (April 14, 2018)

Quid pro quo (April 16, 2018)

It’s a fine mess he’s gotten himself into… (April 17, 2018)

Really, just go away… (April 17, 2018)

HR 6783: Impeachment (April 18, 2018)

Unhinged (April 19, 2018)

Really unhinged (April 19, 2019)

Seriously, just go away already… (April 20, 2018)

He doth protest too much, methinks… (April 20, 2018)

No, Chuck Raasch, nobody’s giving Eric Greitens’ scandals short shrift (April 22, 2018)

Does somebody want to tell them? (April 25, 2018)

Our life on the “D List” (April 30, 2018)

The Report – supplement (May 1, 2018)

HR 7432: Impeachment (May 1, 2018)

The second report (May 2, 2018)

Rep. Gina Mitten (D): shining a light in the dark money campaign finance neighborhood (May 2, 2018)

The process begins (May 4, 2018)

The Petition for a Special Session of the General Assembly to consider “disciplinary actions against Governor Eric R. Greitens” (May 4, 2018)

Campaign Finance: in the news (May 6, 2018)

Oxford coma (May 7, 2018)

A definition (May 13, 2018)

Felony invasion of privacy case against Eric Greitens (r) dropped (May 14, 2018)

“So far, so good…” (May 14, 2018)

Jean Peters Baker appointed as special prosecutor in Greitens (r) case (May 21, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – transcript of witness deposition – cross examination (May 23, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – transcript of witness deposition – on Koster and Greitens (May 22, 2018)

HR 2: Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – the process for impeachment (May 22, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – Scott Faughn (May 23, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – not going to allow “cherry picking” (May 25, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – Michael Hafner (May 29, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – Michael Hafner – afternoon

29 Tuesday May 2018

Posted by in campaign finance, Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Governor, Missouri House, Missouri Senate

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“You don’t expect someone with a degree in ethics to acquire a list by other than lawful means.”

The Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight charged with investigating Governor Eric Greitens (r) heard testimony from Michael Hafner, a political consultant who worked for the campaign early on.

Also this afternoon:

Scott Charton @ScottCharton
The @EricGreitens House of Cards is collapsing this afternoon. Cole County Circuit Court ruling to open secret records. Devastating sworn #moleg testimony on breaking campaign finance laws. #Greitens is grabbing his rappeling gear for Capitol exit. #moleg #mogov
3:15 PM – 29 May 2018 from Missouri, USA

Ruh, roh.

My running comments on the testimony, via Twitter:

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – hearing live stream
Michael Hafner – $4000 a month, work out of EG’s office 3 or so days a week.

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – hearing live stream
Michael Hafner – A lot of time 3 or 4 day a week, but not a full time employee.

Michael Hafner – “Had other discussions with campaign finance attorneys [about 501c] fundraising.” “They had a high billable rate [DC attorneys], so I was told to keep the time to a minimum.”

Michael Hafner – The compilation of multiple campaign donor lists when MH worked for EG campaign. MH did not use Tom Schweich list, was uncomfortable with using it. It was professionally compiled.

Michael Hafner – contact and donor history on campaign donor list was quite extensive.

Michael Hafner – I don’t believe Mr. Schweich cared for Eric Greitens. Believes that the Schweich campaign donor list was taken from TS without permission.

Michael Hafner – As far as I’m aware, foreign donor campaign contributions are illegal. [Chair states that they are illegal.]

Michael Hafner – I would never advise accepting foreign campaign donations. You don’t want foreign entities influencing your election process.

Michael Hafner – Question: proprtion/outstate contributions? “It’d be hard for me to give a percentage.” In 2016 there was an incredible amount of national money.

Michael Hafner – Greitens raised “an abnormal amount” of money from out of state.

Michael Hafner – Can’t identify donors who gave through PACs. We don’t know who gave to Seals for Truth or LG PACs.

Michael Hafner – At the time in Missouri anyone could give any amount. Setting up a PAC only served to hide the identity of the donor.

Michael Hafner – Alex Rogers – “There were commitments from Alex early in the campaign to give a lot of money and raise alot of money.”

Michael Hafner – Didn’t know who the entity in campaign was to invoice at start of campaign. [….] I wouldn’t have invoiced the committee because there wasn’t a campaign committee at the time.

Michael Hafner – First check to MH was paid by check from Greitens Group.

Michael Hafner – Other consultants told EG if John Brunner ran for governor that they would be with Brunner. MH was told by EG campaign was taking a “stategic pause” in their relationship with him

Michael Hafner – On relationship with EG – “I’m not invited to BBQs.” “I’m here because of the subpeonas and because I want the truth to come out.”.

MH – There’s some pretty wicked stuff being thrown around on social media. They’ll try to frame this as I’m a disgruntled employee. I’m here to defend my testimony, not let others define it for me.

Michael Hafner – Discussion of 501c(3) [charities can’t make campaign contributions] – may be typo. Greitens wrote the e-mail. May have been referring to 501c(4).

Or not.

Michael Hafner – December 2014 was the first time formally (in writing) that MH advised EG campaign should form a committee. Before that informally.

Michael Hafner – Knew it was “The Mission Continues” list, but had no idea it was acquired illegally. “You don’t expect someone with a degree in ethics to acquire a list by other than lawful means.”

That sums it all up right there.

Michael Hafner – EG asked MH to go over “Mission Continues” list to discuss donors with individual at charity. It was clear coordination between charity and campaign. Believed it was unethical.

Michael Hafner – Rep. Trent pressed why MH didn’t discuss his concerns with campaign or Greitens.

I’ll bet $20.00 that Rep. Trent is a “no” vote in committee on articles impeachment. Just guessing, really.

Michael Hafner – Discussion. 501c(3) donor list can’t be exclusively made available to one candidate. Theoretically they could make their list available to everybody.

Michael Hafner – “He [EG] was elected as a Republican. He’s a Republican.”

Michael Hafner – Monu [Joseph] had donors who didn’t want to disclose.

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – hearing live stream
Committee adjourns for the day.

Something is going to happen.

Previously:

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – transcript of witness deposition – cross examination (May 23, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – transcript of witness deposition – on Koster and Greitens (May 22, 2018)

HR 2: Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – the process for impeachment (May 22, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – Scott Faughn (May 23, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – not going to allow “cherry picking” (May 25, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – Michael Hafner (May 29, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – Michael Hafner

29 Tuesday May 2018

Posted by in campaign finance, Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Governor, Missouri House, Missouri Senate

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The Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight charged with investigating Governor Eric Greitens (r) heard testimony from Michael Hafner, a political consultant who worked for the campaign early on.

Marshall Griffin @MarshallGReport
I’m summarizing this – not quoting – but @HafnerMO basically told the Mo. House Cmte that @EricGreitens, formerly a Democrat, had to be taught how to speak Republican. #moleg #greitensreport #greitensindictment
11:21 AM – 29 May 2018

Tony Messenger @tonymess
If Cole County prosecuting attorney Mark Richardson were listening to #GreitensImpeachment hearings today he would be hearing a lot of testimony about potential ethics violations surrounding formation of @EricGreitens campaign.
11:42 AM – 29 May 2018

My running comments on the testimony, via Twitter:

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – hearing live stream
The hearing has not started yet. Announcement: the Chair is meeting with the Speaker.

Michael Hafner – testifying before the committee
Chair asked if he stands by his previous testimony before the committee. “Yes.”

Michael Hafner – meeting in 2014, discussing Greitens running for statewide office. “We knew that he was planning on running for office in 2016.” “It seemed that his mind was made up on running.”

Michael Hafner – set up meeting of major donors in 2014. Greitens attended that meeting – @ March13, 2014.

Michael Hafner – meeting with another group of donors in March 2014. MH attended. Introductory for Greitens to influential donors.

Michael Hafner – e-mail looking for researcher for “inoculation file” on Greitens. To check for vulnerabilities.

Michael Hafner – meeting – researcher, demographer, media buyer, national pollster, others – presentations for EG “and his wife” – discussion of groundwork for campaign. Meeting at hotel of donor.

Michael Hafner – “I don’t know if they ‘comped’ the room.”

Michael Hafner – Agenda – to follow up to vendor meeting. EG was very interested in advancing the campaign.

Michael Hafner – statement that they helped EG draft as he was stepping down from the charity. Address story to Missouri Scout – maybe about EG having Democrat ties.

Michael Hafner – advice at the time to “have a very short statement” to address Missouri Scout post. Ended up being longer.

Michael Hafner – Being solicited by national Democrats to run – “I think that’s what Eric wanted people to believe.” Other way around – EG solicited national Democrats to get him to run.

Michael Hafner – January 2015 started getting paid – Greitens Group paid him – for political work.

Michael Hafner – A lot of discussion in Fall 2014 – MH and David Barklage suggested he start a committee numerous times for fundraising purposes. Asked MEC – EG was doing political.

Michael Hafner – MEC suggested EG open candidate committee. Greitens disregarded that.

Michael Hafner – Greitens wanted to use March 2015 book release as a launch for his campaign. “We advised him to open a committee [before that].” Greitens wanted to wait until after his book tour.

Michael Hafner – January 15, 2016. Two weeks before that MH started working for campaign. “Was your rate of pay more than $500 for those two weeks?” “Yes.”

Michael Hafner – Document to Laub and Bobeck – “to do” things – follow through – there were campaign contributions. “Had EG been soliciting campaign contribution before that?” “Yes.”

Michael Hafner – Exhibit 88 – E-mail. radio plan provided to EG in 2014 by other consultants. Plan to air ads on conservative radio for EG.

Michael Hafner – “It was my understanding that radio plan was to be coordinated to launch of book.”

Michael Hafner – EG certainly had the Democrat ties (citing Bob Holden). EG had to be educated as to “conservative” policies.

Michael Hafner – Question: “Didn’t the Greitens camp describe you as a disgruntled employee.” “Yes.”

Michael Hafner – “I am here because the governor and his team were untruthful to the MEC about the donor list.”

Michael Hafner – “[Even in] there was a hesitancy in 2015 to conduct inoculation research.”

Michael Hafner – December 12, 2014 e-mail – about conversation with MEC about EG having a continuing or candidate committee.

Michael Hafner – “It was our advice that EG open a committee if he was spending money on campaign activities.”

Michael Hafner – Question: “It is typical that you’re spending this amount of time on a candidate who’s not going to run.” “Not typical.”

Michael Hafner – Question: “You personally advised him to open a committee [in 2014].” “Yes, personally and in writing.”

Michael Hafner – If EG had told us at the time that he was running for governor we wouldn’t have spent the time because we didn’t think he should run for governor.

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – hearing live stream
Michael Hafner – Question: “What’s the purpose of a 501c(3)?” “To conceal the identity of donors.”

Well, he’s established his honesty.

Michael Hafner – “Foreign money was discussed and that money being contributed by foreign entities. [MH left campaign] I don’t know how far those discussions went. [after that].”

Michael Hafner – Contributor/bundler wanted to know if there avenues to contribute [non-profits or C(4)s] to the campaign without disclosing donors.

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – hearing live stream
Committee recesses until 12:45 p.m.

It does indeed look like the Missouri Ethics Commission has some work to do.

Previously:

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – transcript of witness deposition – cross examination (May 23, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – transcript of witness deposition – on Koster and Greitens (May 22, 2018)

HR 2: Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – the process for impeachment (May 22, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – Scott Faughn (May 23, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – not going to allow “cherry picking” (May 25, 2018)

Lauren Arthur (D): in the 17th Senate District special election

29 Tuesday May 2018

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Senate

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There is a special election in the 17th Senate District on June 5th to fill the vacancy due to Ryan Silvey’s (R) gubernatorial appointment to the Missouri Public Service Commission. The candidates are Representative Lauren Arthur (D) and Representative Kevin Corlew (R).

Representative Lauren Arthur (D) [2018 file photo].

An excerpt fom Representative Arthur’s Missouri House of Representatives bio:

…Rep. Arthur returned home to Kansas City to join Teach for America. She worked as a middle school teacher. She taught English Language Arts at Urban Community Leadership Academy, a charter school in the urban core. During that time, Rep. Arthur earned her Masters in Education from University of Missouri – St. Louis…

An excerpt from Representative Corlew’s Missouri House of Representatives bio:

…In addition to his legislative duties, Representative Corlew is an attorney. His practice involves business litigation at a law firm in Kansas City…

Since we live in the Kansas City media market we’ve been seeing a lot of television ads for this race in rotation. Apparently someone thinks Representative Arthur is an evil person. Since she was a teacher that does seem to fit into the standard narrative of the right wingnut republican universe.

Today the Kansas City Star endorsed Lauren Arthur (D) in the June 5th special election:

…Arthur is the clear choice. She has a detailed, almost encyclopedic grasp of policy. And her stands on an array of issues align with positions this editorial board has taken, including opposition to tax cuts that favor corporations over workers, support for the Clean Missouri ethics reforms, full rights for LGBT citizens, allowing Kansas City and other cities to boost their minimum wage and common-sense gun legislation…

While also praising Kevin Corlew (faintly, and somewhat desperately, we might add) as a “moderating influence” on the republican super majority in the House the editorial can only come up with his support for increasing the state’s gas tax as a means for addressing transportation infrastructure needs as one of his significant public policy virtues. Think about that for a second. A regressive tax.

There’s a lot of money flowing into this race.

Welcome to Missouri and America in the era of Donald Trump.

We’ll see what happens next Tuesday.

Previously:

Campaign Finance: About that June 5th special election? (May 28, 2018)

Campaign Finance: About that June 5th special election?

28 Monday May 2018

Posted by in campaign finance, Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Senate

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This month at the Missouri Ethics Commission for the republican senate campaign committee:

C071094 05/14/2018 MISSOURI SENATE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE Friends of Mike Cunningham 515 Landslide Rd Rogersville MO 65742 5/14/2018 $25,000.00

C071094 05/14/2018 MISSOURI SENATE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE Citizens to Elect Mike Kehoe PO Box 105527 Jefferson City MO 65110 5/14/2018 $25,000.00

C071094 05/14/2018 MISSOURI SENATE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE Committee to Elect Ron Richard PO Box 2523 Joplin MO 64803 5/14/2018 $25,000.00

C071094 05/16/2018 MISSOURI SENATE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE Missourians for Mike Cierpiot 214 NE Landings Cir Lees Summit MO 64064 5/15/2018 $5,001.00

071094 05/17/2018 MISSOURI SENATE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE Romine for Senate 322 E Karsch Blvd Farmington MO 63640 5/17/2018 $35,000.00

071094 05/18/2018 MISSOURI SENATE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE Onder for Missouri 2090 Key Harbour Drive Lake St Louis MO 63367 5/18/2018 $25,000.00

C071094 05/24/2018 MISSOURI SENATE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE Citizens for Schatz PO Box 92 Sullivan MO 63080 5/24/2018
$50,000.00

C071094 05/24/2018 MISSOURI SENATE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE Enterprise Holdings Inc. PAC 600 Corporate Park Drive St Louis MO 63105 5/24/2018 $6,000.00

C071094 05/25/2018 MISSOURI SENATE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE Citizens for Riddle PO Box 647 Holts Summit MO 65043 5/25/2018 $12,500.00

C071094 05/25/2018 MISSOURI SENATE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE Hegeman for Senate 16444 St Rt DD Savannah MO 64485 5/25/2018 $10,000.00

[emphasis added]

That’s quite a lot of money this month. There is a special election in the 17th Senate District on June 5th.

The candidates:

C141105: Citizens For Kevin Corlew
Committee Type: Candidate
Party Affiliation: Republican
Po Box 28443
Kansas City Mo 64188
Established Date: 03/11/2014
[….]
Information Reported On: 2018 – 40 Day Before Special Election-6/5/2018
Beginning Money on Hand $68,455.51
Monetary Receipts + $14,513.00
Monetary Expenditures – $12,936.10
Contributions Made – $0.00
Other Disbursements – $0.00
Subtotal $1,576.90
Ending Money On Hand $70,032.41

Well, that was reported a while ago.

C131138: Committee To Elect Lauren Arthur
Committee Type: Candidate
Party Affiliation: Democrat
4135 Nw Willow Drive
Kansas City Mo 64116
Established Date:09/26/2013
[….]
Information Reported On: 2018 – 40 Day Before Special Election-6/5/2018
Beginning Money on Hand $170,702.94
Monetary Receipts + $124,535.00
Monetary Expenditures-$13,130.07
Contributions Made – $500.00
Other Disbursements – $0.00
Subtotal $110,904.93
Ending Money On Hand $281,607.87

Reported at the same time. Alrighty then. That explains a lot.

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – not going to allow “cherry picking”

25 Friday May 2018

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Governor, Missouri House, Missouri Senate

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Eric Greitens (r) [2016 file photo].

Governor Eric Greitens (r) will talk to some, but not under oath to the Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight.

Yesterday, via Twitter:

Scott Charton @ScottCharton
“He told me there was no picture ever taken,” state Rep. Dan Shaul, R-Imperial, told reporters Thursday morning, after meeting privately with @EricGreitens for more than an hour…” Why is #Greitens dodging stating this under oath? #moleg #mogov
[….]
3:52 PM – 24 May 2018

The Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight charged with investigating Governor Eric Greitens (r) heard testimony from a forensic expert who examined three phones in the case.

My running comments on the testimony, via Twitter:

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – hearing live stream
Chairman: 88th day of committee’s existence. 88th day that Governor Greitens has not appeared before the committee.

Forensic examiner – cell phone: three photographs (pointer) in secondary database – March 21, 2015. The device cached thumbnails “benign in nature”. Cannot determine if taken with phone or received.

Forensic examiner – Just because I don’t find a photo or information about a photo doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

Forensic examiner – There are applications that won’t leave a trail. I’m not 100% sure there was or was not an app like that on the phone. Out of scope of instructions.

Forensic examiner – Possible that photos were taken that now don’t exist and there are no artifacts (a trail) left to indicate their existence.

Forensic examiner – report: “I was unable to determine if a photo was taken on that date”. It’s just that artifacts are not on the phone.

Forensic examiner – all photos and thumbnails on all three phones [KS, PS, EG] were reviewed.
He hasn’t been asked if all images reviewed were “benign”.

That would be an interesting follow up question.

Forensic examiner – EG’s IPhone 6 – from 2014 – went through several operating system upgrades.

Forensic examiner – Question: What sort of sound do iPhones make when taking a picture?

They may or may not make a sound?

What kind of sound do burner phone cameras make? Just asking.

Forensic examiner – Question: showing witness a list of phone numbers associated with EG during (2015-16), witness does not have number for the device examined (it had no service at the time).

Is there a possibility that the photo in testimony her taken of KS was done so with another phone? Just asking.

That’s my question.

Three possibilities – EG did not take the picture; EG took the picture, data overwritten; EG took the picture with a different phone.

That’s the testimony.

Five different phone numbers associated with EG. Question: Is it possible for one phone has two different numbers? “Yes.”

Forensic examiner – Found evidence of 16,000 photos on the phone. Question: “Did you find any evidence of a Confide App on the phone?” “Yes.”
Bingo.

So, were all of those 16,000 photos “benign”? Is anyone going to ask?

Again, my questions.

At this point in the hearing Representative Trent referred to a defense document with which he had been provided. Representative Jay Barnes, chair of the committee, exploded:

Chair: Repeated assertions from Mr. Dowd said [yelled] no [defense] documents would be provided to the committee. Are you [defense representative] aware that this has been provided?

Chair: Asking representative of Greitens to speak to committee. Chair not allowing break. Asking her to take a witness chair. Over documents provided to a member of the committee.

Chair: Greitens representation is “cherry picking” what they want to provide. Gina Mitten: Committee made specific decision to not accept cherry picked evidence.

Chair: We have subpoenas from three months ago. Mr. Dowd lied to this committee. Rep. Phillips: Committee agreed to not accept cherry picked evidence.

Chair: to Greitens representative. “You have twenty minutes [to answer].” Rep. Lauer: We need all the evidence, not the cherry picked.

Gina Mitten: Committee unanimous in past that previous cherry picked info from Greitens representation/pr is not the truth.

The Committee (and Chair) is speaking out in turn. No one is happy, rather they’re very angry. “This [Greitens] team and their cherry picked information is not credible.”

Information was provided to Rep. Trent.

Chair: “I would appreciate if your side [Greitens] would take this seriously and not play games.”

Chair: “We are not going to talk over break.” “Is there a reason you are here today and not Mr. Dowd.” “Is Mr. Dowd in Jefferson City today.”

Chair: “I’m sorry, your team has not treated this committee with respect.” “You refuse to answer any questions” Greitens representative: “I am not here to answer questions.”

Committee votes to go into closed session.

Committee is back.

Chair: “Mr. Dowd’s conduct raises questions of professional conduct, Rule 4 in particular.”

Chair: “What happened today is really shocking.”

Chair: “We are going to subpoena all of the documents.”

Motion: “To excuse the [forensic] witness and subpoena all of the documents in his possession.”

Committee has subpoenaed Eric Greitens for Monday, June 4th. Austin Chambers will/has been – in negotiation – subpoenaed.

Chair: If Eric Greitens is capable of speaking with representatives about this then he should be willing to the committee.

Chair: Witness One [KS] has testified seven times.

Chair: Mr. Greitens has refused to testify under oath. Mr Dowd, please have your client testify.

Committee adjourns until Tueday at 10:00 a.m.

Previously:

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – transcript of witness deposition – cross examination (May 23, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – transcript of witness deposition – on Koster and Greitens (May 22, 2018)

HR 2: Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – the process for impeachment (May 22, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – Scott Faughn (May 23, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – Scott Faughn

23 Wednesday May 2018

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Governor, Missouri House, Missouri Senate, social media

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The Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight charged with investigating Governor Eric Greitens (r) heard testimony from Scott Faughn from around 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The hearing was available via live stream.

The committee was very interested in the source of the (now) $120,000.00 in cash from Scott Faughn to Al Watkins, the attorney for the spouse of the witness. Scott Faughn stated, several times, that the money was his.

My running comments on the testimony, via Twitter:

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – hearing live stream
Scott Faughn – $120,000 total – three to four deliveries. Cash, no check.

Scott Faughn – Chuck Hatfield – advises client to not answer internal financial information.

Scott Faughn – “This was my money. Not going to get into the inner workings of my business.”

Scott Faughn – Chairman, “I don’t believe it’s your money.”

Scott Faughn – Chairman, “Was it someone in the low income housing industry?” “Was it an out of state Republican donor?”

Scott Faughn – “What I got [for the money] is a set of tapes.”

Scott Faughn – “It’s perfectly lawful in America to conduct business in cash.”

Scott Faughn – “I had one brief conversation with Witness One to ask for an interview” “She said, no.” “It was very brief, she hung up, that was it.”

Scott Faughn – “I only ever spoke to Mr. Watkins [not witness’ husband].”

Scott Faughn – “I think there are rumors about the present governor that anyone who listens would hear.”

Scott Faughn – In response to question – Heard rumors about tapes from anyone who wasn’t supporting Eric Greitens for Governor.

Scott Faughn – “The money was my money.” In response to question, the tapes were for a book.

Scott Faughn – Committee keeps asking about the physical source of the cash used to pay for the tapes.

Scott Faughn – I think everybody in Missouri politics had an inkling about what was on the tapes [in 2017].

Scott Faughn – In response to statement/question: “I’ve never counted the pages [about himelf on MO CaseNet].”

Scott Faughn – Question: “Did you sign a nondisclosure agreement with [Al Watkins]”? “No.”

Scott Faughn – “I think it’s surely hard for anyone to say they’re in the know in Missouri politics [these days].”
Amen.

Scott Faughn – Committee keeps asking about source of the money, Faughn (with advice of counsel) keeps refusing. Faughan keeps stating that he won’t discuss details of his private business.

Scott Faughn – First heard rumors [about Greitens affair] in summer of 2015. So widespread that no one specific source.

Chris Koster is probably banging his head on a desk right now.

Scott Faughn – Question: “Where have you been for the last few weeks?” Discussion of subpeonas. Hatfield, “We’re going to have to come back?”

Scott Faughn – spoke briefly with Kim Gardner in late January/February, twice – to ask for an interview – she declined, did not comment on Greitens case.

Scott Faughn – “This is a very unique situation…I didn’t break the story…I did become a distraction to what you’re tying to do…”

The chair of the committee denied a request for cross examination from someone in the public seating area. I wonder who?

In Recess. Open mic – member of the committee speculating on mechanics in source of the money with a another member of the committee.

Previously:

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – transcript of witness deposition – cross examination (May 23, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – transcript of witness deposition – on Koster and Greitens (May 22, 2018)

HR 2: Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – the process for impeachment (May 22, 2018)

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – transcript of witness deposition – cross examination

23 Wednesday May 2018

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Governor, Missouri House, Missouri Senate, social media

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The Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight charged with investigating Governor Eric Greitens (r) continued reading transcripts of depositions into the record via live stream today.

The attorney for Governor Eric Greitens (r) cross examined the witness at length.

Summing it up:

Brittany Burke @BrittanyHBurke
Not a single person should be shocked by how @EricGreitens’ legal team treated this woman. This is what we do. We bully, shame, intimidate and discredit victims. This happens all day long in all offices, all workplaces and by all persons in position of power. #MoLeg #Greitens
3:48 PM – 23 May 2018

My running commentary via Twitter:

Committee went into closed session to review images introduced into deposition from porn site – unanimously voted that images were not of the witness.
My God.

Transcript of deposition: Now more on “Fifty Shades of Grey”. Then question to witness: “Do you wear a bikini?”
Really?

Transcript of deposition: badgering of witness by Greitens’ attorney over who called her a “whore” when.
Really?

Transcript of deposition: Badgering of witness by Greitens’ attorney – “Lie of ommision.” Repeated.
Can you imagine the video of the cross examination?

Transcript of deposition: EG asked witness at salon, subequently, “Did you tell anyone?” Witness told EG “No.”

EG’s attorney is establishing by his questions in the deposition that EG’s affair was not a single incident, but a series. How does that work with EG’s “family values” cred? Just asking.

Transcript of deposition: Line of questioning by EG’s attorney – assuming a physical encounter would happen because it had happened in the past.
Uh…no.

Transcript of deposition: EG’s attorney asks witness about viewing porn sites or sending her image in states of undress or nude.
Looking forward to the transcript of EG being asked the same thing.

Transcript of deposition: EG’s attorney asks witness if she has or ever had a nipple ring. Witness, “No.”
How the hell is this relevant?

Transcript of deposition: EG’s attorney – pressing witness about not telling any lies “in 2018”.
Witness: “I’m not God, so I don’t know.”

Transcript of deposition: EG attorney to witness – you can’t say by “touch, sight, or smell” that the photo ever existed. Interestingly, he didn’t use the term “hearing” (the shutter sound).

There was a line of questioning about #MeToo. Eric Greitens’ attorney asking if anyone had reached out to the witness to become the face of the movement.

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – hearing live stream
Deposition transcript – EG attorney – Stacey Newman texted witness. Witness, “I had like eight million texts at that time.”

Previously:

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – transcript of witness deposition – on Koster and Greitens (May 22, 2018)

HR 2: Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – the process for impeachment (May 22, 2018)

HR 2: Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – the process for impeachment

22 Tuesday May 2018

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Governor, Missouri House, Missouri Senate

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Reported Do Pass by the House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight:

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2 [pdf]

WHEREAS, on February 27, 2018, the Speaker of the House of Representatives appointed the Special Investigative Committee on Oversight; and
WHEREAS, on March 1, 2018, the House of Representatives4 unanimously adopted House Resolution 5565, which authorized the Special Investigative Committee on Oversight to investigate allegations against Governor Eric R. Greitens and report back to the House of Representatives; and
WHEREAS, on April 11, 2018, the Special Investigative Committee on Oversight submitted a report of its findings relating to such investigation. On April 30, 2018, such committee submitted a supplement to its first report. On May 2, 2018, such committee submitted a second report of its findings relating to such investigation; and
WHEREAS, under the authority given in Section 18, Article III of the Constitution of Missouri, the House of Representatives adopted rules of procedure for the hearings and investigations of the Special Investigative Committee on Oversight in House Resolution 5565:
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, the members of the Missouri House of Representatives, Ninety-ninth General Assembly, First Special Session of the Second Regular Session, pursuant to House Rule 64(3), hereby authorize the Special Investigative Committee on Oversight to recommend disciplinary actions including, but not limited to, remonstrance or censure or introduce upon report articles of impeachment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Special Investigative Committee on Oversight shall consist of ten members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, not more than seven members being from the same political party; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Rules of the House of Representatives, Ninety-ninth General Assembly, and the following rules shall apply during the second regular session and any special session of the Ninety-ninth General Assembly, as appropriate:

RULE 1
Any hearings upon such issue shall be commenced at such time and place as determined by the chair. A recess may be requested by any member of the committee. Adjournments shall be determined by the chair. The special committee shall be allowed to meet or conduct hearings during the session of the House of Representatives without requesting leave of the House of Representatives.
RULE 2
Any hearings shall be open to the public and press, except that the committee, upon a majority vote, may close all or a portion of such hearings to hear the testimony of certain witnesses, review evidence, or for purposes of meeting with committee counsel. Counsel for the Governor shall be allowed to attend any closed hearings involving the testimony of witnesses. At the conclusion of the investigation, the committee shall prepare a transcript of the hearings, except that the committee, upon a majority vote, may order that the identity of certain witnesses, certain testimony, or certain evidence be redacted, blurred, or obfuscated in a manner to protect the identity or privacy of any witness. At the conclusion of the investigation, the committee shall make a copy of all committee records available to any member of the House of Representatives, except that the committee, upon a majority vote, may order that the identity of certain witnesses, certain testimony, or certain evidence be redacted, blurred, or obfuscated in a manner to protect the identity or privacy of any witness. All public hearings shall be recorded and live-streamed on the website of the House of Representatives. The chair shall determine the extent and the manner in which cameras or other audio or visual recording devices and ancillary lighting and electrical equipment shall be allowed at such hearings.
RULE 3
Only appointed members of the special committee may question witnesses.
RULE 4
Only persons called as witnesses by the special committee may testify as witnesses. Any person called as a witness, or his or her legal counsel, may file a sworn written statement relevant to the purpose, subject matter, and scope of the committee’s proceedings. Any other person desiring to testify as a witness may petition the committee for permission to testify by presenting a written statement of the substance of the proposed testimony to the chair at least twenty-four hours prior to the testimony. The committee, upon a majority vote, shall have discretion of whether to allow such person to testify as a witness.
RULE 5
All witnesses shall testify under the following oath, which shall be administered by the chair:
“Do you solemnly swear (or affirm) that the testimony you shall give in the hearing now pending before this committee shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”.
RULE 6
Formal rules of evidence shall not apply to the hearings. The committee may compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of any paper or document, enforce obedience of its orders, preserve11 order, and punish in a summary way contempt of and disobedience to its authority. The sergeant-at-arms of the House of Representatives, under direction of the committee, shall execute the lawful orders of the committee and may employ such aid and assistance as may be necessary to carry out and enforce such orders.
RULE 7
Subpoenas for the appearance of witnesses and subpoenas duces tecum for the production of any paper or document shall be issued by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, upon request of the committee, in the manner prescribed by law. A subpoena or subpoena duces tecum may be enforced by statutory or common law, or by applying to a judge of the circuit court of Cole County for an order to show cause why the subpoena or subpoena duces tecum should not be enforced.
RULE 8
The chair shall preside over the hearings and shall rule on all questions regarding decorum and procedure. The committee, upon a majority vote, shall rule on all questions regarding the admission or rejection of testimony. The chair may request assistance from any law enforcement agency to maintain order at the hearings and in the hallways and spaces adjoining the hearing area. The chair shall rule on any appropriate matter not covered by these rules.
RULE 9
Each witness has the right to legal counsel and the right to be accompanied by such counsel. No witness or his or her counsel shall be admitted to the room in which the hearing is being conducted until such person is called by the committee for such person’s testimony.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that notice shall be provided to the public at least twenty-four hours in advance of all hearings of the committee and shall contain the time, location, and subject matter of the hearing. Such notice shall include the identity of any witness whose testimony may be offered. Under exigent circumstances and upon a majority vote of the committee, notice of the identity of a witness may be given less than twenty-four hours in advance; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any documentary evidence is to be offered at any hearing, copies thereof shall be made available to the members of the committee at least twenty-four hours in advance of such hearing unless good cause is shown for later disclosure; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Rules of Civil Procedure and the Rules of Criminal Procedure shall not apply to hearings conducted by the Special Investigative Committee on Oversight or during the consideration of any findings and recommendations of the committee by the House of Representatives; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, after all evidence has been presented and all witnesses have been heard, in the discretion of the chairman, counsel for interested parties shall be allowed to make presentations, both orally or in writing, to the committee, subject to reasonable time limitations as determined by the chairman; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if the Special Investigative Committee on Oversight recommends that disciplinary actions or articles of impeachment be considered, such committee shall hold at least one public hearing to consider disciplinary actions or articles of impeachment prior to introducing such upon report. A draft of any disciplinary actions or articles of impeachment shall be distributed by the chairman to all members of the Special Investigative Committee on Oversight at least twenty-four hours and one legislative day prior to such public hearing; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, pursuant to House Rule 64(3), any disciplinary actions or articles of impeachment introduced upon report by the Special Investigative Committee on Oversight shall be read by title on three separate days and may be considered by the House of Representatives without referral to committee. Any such disciplinary actions or articles shall lay on the calendar for one legislative day prior to being read a third time; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall designate two members of the Special Investigative Committee on Oversight as floor handlers, one from the majority party of the House of Representatives and one from the minority party of the House of Representatives, who shall present the results of the investigation of the Special Investigative Committee on Oversight and any disciplinary actions or articles of impeachment to the House of Representatives. Such presentation shall not count against the time limitations of either party; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that there shall be a ten-hour limitation on the total time of floor debate allowed for the purpose of discussing the findings of the Special Investigative Committee on Oversight and considering any disciplinary actions or articles of impeachment. Such time shall be divided equally between, and controlled by, the majority floor leader and the minority floor leader, or their designees. The majority party floor handler shall have the right to the final ten minutes of designated time. If time has been allocated and unused by either side after all disciplinary actions or articles of impeachment have been considered and no member from that side is seeking recognition to further discuss any disciplinary action or article of impeachment, the Speaker may declare additional time waived and recognize the members from the other side to complete the use of their time. No member, other than the floor handlers, shall be allowed to speak or inquire longer than the Rules of the House of Representatives otherwise allow. For speaking purposes, each disciplinary action or article shall be treated as a separate question; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no motion to recommit any disciplinary action or article of impeachment shall be in order; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if the House of Representatives is satisfied that there is good cause to impeach or otherwise discipline Governor Eric R. Greitens, the disciplinary actions or articles of impeachment drafted by the Special Investigative Committee on Oversight shall be immediately considered, amended, and approved; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that each disciplinary action or article of impeachment shall be considered and amended individually and shall be considered approved upon a vote of those members elected, pursuant to Section 27, Article III of the Constitution of Missouri; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any articles of impeachment approved by the House of Representatives shall be delivered by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Senate, pursuant to sections 106.040 and 106.080, RSMo, for consideration by the special commission of seven eminent jurists elected by the Senate pursuant to Section 2, Article VII of the Constitution of Missouri; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if the House of Representatives adopts any articles of impeachment, the House of Representatives shall elect two managers to prosecute the impeachment pursuant to section 106.040, RSMo, one from the majority party and one from the minority party. The special counsel for the Special Investigative Committee on Oversight shall, under the direction of the managers, present and prosecute the articles of impeachment adopted by the House of Representatives before the jurists elected by the Senate to final conclusion.

That’s the process.

Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight – transcript of witness deposition – on Koster and Greitens

22 Tuesday May 2018

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Governor, Missouri House, Missouri Senate

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The Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight charged with investigating Governor Eric Greitens (r) is reading transcripts of depositions into the record via live stream today. It’s been going on for hours.

The witnesses testimony before the grand jury was identical to the transcripts of her testimony before the committee.

The deposition transcript of the opening cross examination of the witness by Governor Greitens’ attorney(s) consists of their badgering the witness. It might make sense for a criminal trial, but makes them all look like a jerks.

And Greitens’ state funded (other) attorneys thought allowing them cross examination during the impeachment process would be a good thing?

Chris Koster (D) [2016 file photo]

The witness testified in a deposition that she cut the hair of both Chris Koster (D) and Eric Greitens (r) as her clients before the election. After the election, while she was cutting Chris Koster’s hair he told her in November of 2016 that he knew about her relationship with Greitens before the election.

Chris Koster didn’t use that information before the election. You think it would have changed the outcome?

Eric Greitens (r) [2016 file photo].

An observation from Jason Rosenbaum:

Jason Rosenbaum @jrosenbaum
FWIW: The woman told the House committee earlier this year that she cut Koster’s hair. I sensed from talking w/ Koster about Greitens that his disdain went beyond normal animosity that comes from combative nature of electoral politics.
[….]
3:32 PM – 22 May 2018

Previously:

אַ שאַנדע פֿאַר די גוים and *IOKIYAR (January 11, 2018)