Richard: Contribution limits should not be a part of ethics reform

Speaker of the House Ron Richard, R-Joplin, believes the only ethics reforms needed are a few minor changes in current law- and that one change that is not needed a restoration of campaign contribution limits.

In an interview with the Joplin Globe, Richard seemed to indicate he will stand as an obstacle in the way of any major ethical reforms in Missouri in 2010:

Richard said he believes any legislative proposal should address “closing some loopholes.”

“But people should be able to give what they want,” he said. “It should be transparent and direct, to the campaign and not through committees.”