Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Official Seeks Investigation into Nixon's Campaign Contributions from Ameren
JEFFERSON CITY–Ed Martin, Chief of Staff for Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt, today asked the Chairman of the Public Service Commission to investigate political campaign contributions from Ameren UE that were solicited by Attorney General Jay Nixon after he announced a criminal investigation into the utility company.
"I am concerned about Steve Sullivan, general counsel of Ameren, who has behaved in a manner that is sufficiently troubling to me that I feel compelled to notify you and your fellow commissioners," Martin wrote in a letter to Jeff Davis, Chairman of the Public Service Commission. "To be more exact, I am concerned that Mr. Sullivan has repeatedly acted with questionable integrity with his interactions with Attorney General Jay Nixon."
In the letter, Martin details a conversation he had with Sullivan on September 11, 2006, during which it was revealed that the Attorney General and/or his campaign was directed to send campaign contributions to certain legislative committees that would be funneled to Nixon's campaign accounts. Sullivan told the governor's office that Nixon's request for campaign funds occurred after he announced a criminal investigation into the company following the Taum Sauk disaster.
The Public Service Commission is considering a request by Ameren to raise utility rates for Missouri consumers. Mr. Martin said he was concerned that the contributions to Nixon during a criminal investigation, Ameren's attempt to justify their request for a rate increase by adding a $10 million charge related to the Taum Sauk disaster that was later rescinded and Ameren's unsatisfactory response to storms over the last year should be considered by the Commission as they examine the rate case.
"It is important for Missourians to know what has happened and how Ameren and its top people operate," Martin wrote. "I strongly urge you to call Mr. Sullivan before you address his actions. He may have plausible explanations; if so, Missourians deserve to hear them. Without explanations, however, I am naturally suspect of any and all Ameren statements or submissions."