Following a reader inquiry regarding potential ethics compliance, the Quill reviewed the professional relationship between 154th District Rep. Lisa Durnell and Lisa Pannett, who co-presented at a Shield Maidens of Missouri event July 22 in West Plains.
In an article published July 29, Pannett was described as a “paid worker in Durnell’s office.” Because state ethics laws restrict certain financial arrangements between legislators and lobbyists, the Quill conducted a review of public records and campaign disclosures.
The review found no evidence of any ethics violation or financial exchange between Durnell and Pannett. While Pannett is a compensated lobbyist for ArmorVine, a conservative Christian organization, public records confirm she receives no compensation from Durnell or the state of Missouri.
Durnell spoke with the Quill to clarify their working relationship, reiterating her comments from the July 22 event that Pannett assists her voluntarily during the legislative session by reviewing bill text.
"She’s just really good at reading legislation, so she helps with that," Durnell said, emphasizing that Pannett provides the analysis without compensation.
