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Ex-Lawmaker--Convicted Felon

The Missouri House minority leader voices her concerns over the controversial hiring of a convicted felon. Danielle Douglas has more from Jefferson City.

Criticism continues to surround Kansas City Senator Mary Bland for her decision to hire Vernon Thompson.

House Democratic leader Catherine Hanaway of St. Louis says legislators should not employ ex-felons.

Neither the House nor the Senate have rules prohibiting the hiring of convicted felons.

Thompson, a former Democratic representative from Kansas City, resigned from the House before pleading guilty on two fraud charges.

He then served seven months in Levenworth for stealing over $300-thousand dollars from several organizations, including youth and anti-poverty programs.

Padded pensions once pushed two representatives to the breaking point.

Today, one serves as House minority leader; while the other is shrouded in controversy.

Danielle Douglas has more from Jefferson City.

Fierce debate soured Catherine Hanaway's opinion of ex-lawmaker Vernon Thompson several years ago.

It was then two Democrats butted heads over reducing the pension fund for state legislators.

Thompson's aggressive style and suggestive comments caused Hanaway to question if the legislature is the right place for him.

Thompsom, a former representative from Kansas City, served seven months in prison after pleading guilty to fraud charges.

Kansas City Senator Mary Bland hired Thompson as an aide just four months after his release from the federal prison.