A whistleblower retaliation lawsuit filed against Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher alleges that he once referred to “stupid Republican women” as “an invasive species.” The lawsuit, filed by House Chief Clerk Dana Miller, claims that Plocher and his Chief of Staff Rod Jetton retaliated against her after she raised concerns about Plocher’s alleged mistreatment of women and misuse of state funds. Plocher has denied any wrongdoing and the House Ethics Committee dismissed a related complaint against him, although there were allegations of obstruction in the investigation. Plocher is barred from running for re-election to the House due to term limits and is currently in a crowded Republican primary for the Missouri secretary of state’s seat.
Miller’s lawsuit details that her problems with Plocher began before he became Speaker in January 2023. She met with Plocher in May 2022 after receiving complaints about his treatment of female Republican lawmakers. When she raised these concerns with Plocher, he allegedly responded by calling “stupid Republican women” an “invasive species.” Tensions between Miller and Plocher escalated in May 2023 when Plocher pushed to replace the House’s constituent management software with software from a company connected to the law firm where he worked. When Miller pushed back, she was allegedly threatened with being fired.
Plocher faced public backlash over a work trip to Hawaii in July 2023, where he sought taxpayer reimbursement for expenses including a $1,200 business-class flight, valet parking, and a $3,660 hotel stay. Plocher repaid the state about $4,000 in October after reports from the Missouri Independent highlighted his use of campaign funds to pay for the flight while seeking taxpayer reimbursement. In November 2023, Plocher hired Jetton, a former House Speaker with his own scandals. Miller’s lawsuit claims that Jetton made a choking gesture and commented on wanting to “choke” Miller’s authority in the speaker’s office. Jetton had previously pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault in 2011 for hitting and choking a woman during a sexual encounter in 2009.
Miller stated that she plans to leave her position as clerk when her term ends in January 2025. The lawsuit seeks damages for the alleged mistreatment and retaliation Miller faced from Plocher and Jetton. Plocher has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation and denied any obstruction on his part. The lawsuit sheds light on the internal conflicts within Missouri’s House leadership and raises questions about the treatment of women and the use of state funds in the state’s legislature. Plocher’s bid for the Missouri secretary of state position may face increased scrutiny as a result of these allegations. The lawsuit highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in government leadership.
