Dean Plocher

He was arguably the most powerful politician in Missouri until he faced allegations of corruption and sexual assault. Now it’s Rod Jetton’s job to help another speaker navigate accusations of misconduct.

Accused of threatening legislative staff and stealing from taxpayers, Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher has denied any wrongdoing and rebuffed calls for his resignation. His alleged "ethical misconduct" will be the subject of a House Ethics Committee hearing this week.

The Speaker of the Missouri House is taking heat — especially from some in his own Republican party — for double-dipping on travel expense reimbursements. What does the flare-up tell us about the state of the Missouri GOP and next year’s fast approaching elections?