The upstart Missouri legislator was at his computer early Sunday morning, pushing his ideas for ethics reform via e-mail.</p><p> No doubt, a few more seasoned political foxes had already begun to gather around the chicken coop that is Jefferson City, protective as they can be of the status quo.</p><p> Political ethics &mdash; the topic filled Sunday&rsquo;s Kansas City Star. Making sure state statutes are adequate to keep politicians, campaign contributors, lobbyists and consultants in check is on the to-accomplish list of a Kansas City freshman lawmaker, Democratic Rep. Jason Kander, hence his quick e-mail to media contacts following the stories in Sunday&rsquo;s paper.</p><p> Kander is seeking more exposure for his views. But ultimately what he will need is the public&rsquo;s pressure. </p><p> Enter the foxes. State politicians hold the power to rework, or not, the rules by which they operate. Some will hesitate.</p><p> In case you missed the articles, here is a pertinent outtake: </p><p><em>It&rsquo;s becoming a recurring pattern in Missouri politics, lawmakers said. Supporters of an issue bring a bill forward. The bill is defeated. Then supporters are encouraged to hire a political consultant or step up their campaign contributions. When the next legislative session rolls around, the bill suddenly advances.</em></p><p> Cynics may reply: &ldquo;Where&rsquo;s the news?&rdquo; </p><p> Voter apathy after all, stems from the belief that little is accomplished at the ballot box. It&rsquo;s a complacent belief that political decisions will always only be the result of having connections and the finances to influence. </p><p> But as Kander points out, constant vigilance is important. </p><p> &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t just visit ethics laws once and think it will get the job done,&rdquo; Kander said. &ldquo;You have to constantly revisit them and tweak them.&rdquo;</p><p>Human nature, not political party, dictates that some will find ways to maneuver through the rules. </p><p>The Star on Sunday focused on consultant work by former Missouri House speaker Rod Jetton, a Republican. But recall former House speaker Bob Griffin, a Democrat, who landed in prison for bribery.</p><p>Kander would like state statutes to be as strong as federal ones, which might allow Missouri to stop problems before something gains enough notice to turn federal investigative heads. The FBI has been asked by at least one official in the state to look into concerns in Jefferson City.</p><p>That might also stymie this less salient path to reform: Abuse runs unchecked, a scandal breaks, changes are slapped in place.</p><p> Substantial change, reworking political culture, doesn&rsquo;t take root that way. </p><p> A bit of perspective: Colorado&rsquo;s balloon boy, as riveting as his family&rsquo;s pseudodrama appeared during the weekend, means nothing to your daily existence. Whether the Missouri legislature makes ethics changes does. And public expectations, not just reporter-driven pushes, will be necessary for sound reforms.</p><p> That&rsquo;s due to the nature of foxes.