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Gov. Jay Nixon Calls for Changes to Missouri's Ethics Laws

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Governor J. Nixon

  Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon says Missouri's ethics laws need to be revamped in light of accusations that led to the resignations of two state lawmakers this year.

Nixon on Tuesday criticized the culture in the Capitol during remarks at a school administrators' conference in Columbia.

His comments follow the announced resignation of Democratic Sen. Paul LeVota amid accusations that he made unwelcome advances toward interns. Former Republican House Speaker John Diehl left office in May after admitting to exchanging sexually suggestive text messages with an intern.

Nixon said he would like to see an end to the state's trio of unlimited campaign contributions, unlimited lobbyist gifts and lawmakers' ability to immediately become lobbyists.

He also wants the legislative session to be shortened. It currently runs from January through mid-May.

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