By Frank Morris
Kansas City, MO – A US attorney has confirmed that the FBI investigated the way the Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's administration awarded contracts to manage state motor vehicle fee offices. The probe exonerated the governor. KCUR's Frank Morris reports.
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The motor vehicle offices can generate handsome payouts, and are typically doled out to political supporters. The Blunt Administration turned more offices over to political allies than past administrations had. The governor's supporters also formed a management company to run some of the offices. US attorneys in Missouri recused themselves from the investigation, leaving it to US Attorney for Eastern Arkansas Bud Cummins. The Kansas City Star broke news of the FBI probe months ago. Cummins says he confirmed it, to clear away speculation about Governor Blunt.
Bud Cummins: "The governor was not a target, a subject, or a witness in this case. To the extent that there's been reporting or allegation made to the contrary, they're just simply erroneous."
Investigators decided not to seek indictments at the close of the nine month investigation.