Molendorp: I'm not for sale
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Molendorp: I'm not for sale

Date: May 6, 2009
By: Theo Keith
State Capitol Bureau
Links: HB 11

Intro: A House Republican accused Gov. Jay Nixon's office of a major crime: bribing in return for a vote on an important bill that would put thousands of Missourians back on Medicaid.

Theo Keith has more from Jefferson City. 

RunTime:0:42
OutCue: SOC

Belton Republican Representative Chris Molendorp says he's not for sale, but he says Gov. Nixon's office thought otherwise.

Actuality:  MOLEN2.WAV
Run Time: 00:15
Description: "I'm a health insurance agent and a former member of a local hospital board. I'm probably one of those people on the fence when I walked into this building today. I've thought about this vote and agonized over this vote for days."

Molendorp sided with the rest of the GOP to vote against the major budget bill.

Nixon spokesperson Jack Cardetti says the governor's office absolutely did not bribe Molendorp.

Cardetti says the GOP is trying to draw attention away from their decision to reject Medicaid funding.

From the State Capitol, I'm Theo Keith, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.

Intro: No way. That's how Gov. Jay Nixon's spokesperson responded to allegations that the governor's office bribed a House Republican to vote in favor of a controversial bill Wednesday.

Theo Keith has more from Jefferson City. 

RunTime:0:40
OutCue: SOC
After House Republicans shot down a $7 billion budget bill, Belton Republican Representative Chris Molendorp accused Gov. Nixon's office of bribing him to get his vote.
 
Not true, says Nixon spokesperson Jack Cardetti.

Actuality:  CARD1.WAV
Run Time: 00:13
Description: "A number of House Republicans have approached our office about jobs in the administration. And while we're committed to a bipartisan administration, we have never offered any state rep a job, nor would we ever offer them a job in exchange for a legislative favor."

The attention turned to Molendorp's accusations after an hour of finger-pointing, booing and yelling from both parties.

The House and Senate must pass the budget by 6 p.m. Friday.

From the State Capitol, I'm Theo Keith, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.