By Laura Spencer
Kansas City, MO – Missouri Ethics Commission Director Robert Connor says if an individual files a complaint, it will be investigated if it falls under the jurisdiction of the office: conflicts of interest or campaign finance. And if the complaint is filed against a candidate, the process is expedited.
ROBERT CONNOR: a candidate...try to do it within 15 days. If it is not a candidate...an entity...then we have up to 90 days...and can be continued if it has to have further investigation.
Connor says in the case of the recent anonymous attack ads in the Kansas City mayoral race - like political mailers and robo-calls - the investigation can be a difficult one.
ROBERT CONNOR: printed matter you might be able to find out...and you may not. The telephone calls, that's one that there's no regulation on whatsoever.
The Missouri Senate today (Tuesday, February 27) is expected to discuss a bill that would regulate robo-calls, by including them in the state's no call list. The bill is up for a third reading and if it's approved, it goes on the House. Note: On Wednesday, the Senate passed a bill, adding cell phones, restricting "robo-calls" and information sent by fax, graphic image, and text message to the state's no call list. Similar legislation has been filed in the House.