State Representative Jeff Harris, a Democrat running for Attorney General, today issued a statement criticizing a Missouri Ethics Commission ruling, allowing ten Republican House candidates to keep a combined $312,000 in over-the-limit contributions.

“Once again, we’ve seen Missourians’ interest in public integrity take a back seat to political gamesmanship and the special interests. The Ethics Commission was set up to serve as a public watchdog, but time and time again, it has stood by and watched as politicians and deep-pocketed special interests exploit and skirt campaign finance laws to their advantage. It’s time for this to change. Voters have an absolute right to know where the money in our political system comes from – who is giving to who, and what they expect in return.

“As Missouri’s next Attorney General, I will work with the Ethics Commission to help them tighten the reins on inappropriate activity, but I will also press the commission to do more. I will assign attorneys from the Attorney General’s Office to monitor complaints, to provide input and insight, and to file charges wherever they apply. I also will not hesitate to use my bully pulpit as Attorney General to criticize inaction and wrongheaded decisions by the commission.

“I want to be clear that I am not criticizing the many fine people who work at the Ethics Commission and work hard every day. But Missourians need a strong watchdog who is not afraid to bark or even bite when politicians and special interests violate the public trust. If the Ethics Commission won’t act on its own, then, as Attorney General, I will.”

The Missouri Ethics Commission’s decision was issued on Tuesday. It can be read here.

Gov. Matt Blunt nominated two state representatives to the Missouri Ethics Commission Wednesday.

Jeff B. Davidson, 51, of the 6th Congressional District and Jim R. Wright, 54, of the 2nd Congressional District were appointed to the commission. The governor called them “great additions” to the group and said he expects “them to hold themselves and the commission to the highest standards.”

Davison is an attorney with Liles & Davison in Savannah and has a bachelor’s degree from Northwest Missouri State University with a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Wright is president and CEO of the Kirkwood/Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce and is from Ballwin. He has a bachelor’s degree from National Louis University.

Both men are replacing representatives whose terms are expiring this Saturday.

Davison is replacing Robert Simpson, a Republican and Wright is replacing Warren Neiburg, also a Republican.

Both positions are subject to Senate confirmation for a term that will last until March 15, 2012.

Because this is a position for the ethics commission, state law requires a more complex process for filling vacancies. Law requires that they produce financial disclosure statements including four years worth of background and history on their campaign donations.

The commission handles complaints regarding conflicts of interest and violation of lobby statutes. They look at possible violates of the campaign finance disclosure law. They also review and audit reports as required under the campaign finance disclosure law.