Our Opinion: Task for Barnes: keep the probe on track

A legislative investigation of an executive's conduct can take a number of approaches, among them personal, political or practical.

Republican House Speaker Tim Jones of Eureka has assembled a panel to review whether actions by Democratic Attorney General Chris Koster's office were influenced improperly by lobbyists.

Formation of the new House Oversight Committee on Public Officials and Government Accountability comes in the wake of a New York Times story linking actions by a number of state attorneys general, including Koster, to cozy relationships with lobbyists for several major companies, among them AT&T and Pfizer.

Rep. Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City, was named chairman of the 10-member committee, which includes six Republicans and four Democrats.

Based on his comments in a Thursday News Tribune story, we are encouraged by Barnes' approach. He said: "We'll look at the facts, only, to figure out how we might change Missouri law for the better."

Koster declined further comment beyond his initial response that the Times' story distorted how his office deals with companies.

The investigation has the possibility of taking a wrong turn if it becomes personal or political.

Koster is an announced candidate for governor in the 2016 election. If the investigation becomes an attempt to vilify his character or party affiliation, it becomes nothing more than political piling on and pummelling.

If, however, Barnes is able to keep the panel members focused on the goal - which he described as "figuring out how we can improve Missouri law" - their work has potential to reveal deficiencies, if any, and recommend repairs.

People have concerns about the influence of power and money in politics.

Members of the executive and legislative branches have a shared interest in transparency and eliminating even the appearance of any impropriety.