State Representative Rex Rector, R-Harrisonville, drew the wrath of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch editorial board when he singlehandedly blocked legislation in committee that would have increased Missouri no-call laws to include cell phones and fax machines.
According to the editorial, Rector called for a voice vote on moving the bill forward, and even though it was obvious that the committee members favored the legislation (as does Governor Matt Blunt), Rector said the no votes prevailed.
The Post-Dispatch speculated Rector's action had lobbyists smiling.
An examination of the Harrisonville Republican's most recent campaign finance disclosure reports shows that special interests do get what they pay for. Among those donating to Rector's re-election campaign during this year's reports are Randy J. Scherr, lobbyist for numerous banking and insurance interests, Scherr's lobbying firm, Scherr, Winter & Steinmetz, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Karen Stark, a Bolivar insurance company owner, Melanie Music-Foley, AT&T lobbyist; MCI, and Cingular Wireless.
A quick check of his campaign finance documents for 2004 and 2005 shows a who's who of the special interests who have opposed no-call legislation, including insurance agents, bankers and telephone companies.
This is legislation favored by most legislators who regularly accept money from these interests. Our elected officials realize the popularity of no-call lists. Unfortunately, all it takes is one official to create a roadblock to progress.
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