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MO DEM PARTY CHAIR, UNIONS COMPROMISE JUDICIAL SYSTEM WITH “PAY TO PLAY” POLITICS

When Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker was named Chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party, several groups voiced concern as to whether she could show impartiality in legal decisions while engaging in full-throttle partisan politics. 

Those concerns have not only been confirmed, allegations of “pay to play” politics now surround Baker. 

Baker, in her official role as head prosecutor, has been involved in pay raise negotiations with a union representing assistant prosecutors.  When those negotiations reached an impasse, area unions vowed to pull financial support from the Missouri Democratic Party until Baker came to an agreement that suits them.

When someone offers or promises anything of value to a public official with intent to influence that official in some way, it is a serious violation of both state and federal law. 

But despite laws preventing these criminal acts, Baker says she’s still at “the negotiation table,” and ready to talk when the unions are.  

“Jean Peters Baker and union groups have compromised the integrity of our judicial system, and their behavior should be immediately reviewed by authorities,” said Ray Bozarth, Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party.  

Bozarth continued, “Unions have made their position clear: they won’t give any more money to Baker’s political operation until she uses her official government role as prosecutor to benefit them – and she’s declared she’s ready to keep the negotiations going.  Not only have Baker and unions participated in a potentially criminal exchange, they’ve sent a message to Missourians that our justice system – which should be unequivocally blind – has a price tag.”