It was one of those events that unfortunately is not all that uncommon in the world of American politics.
According to documents posted this morning on the Missouri Ethics Commission website, a lobbyist treated a state representative to a meal and drinks worth $49.07. The lobbyist was a former state representative, Gary Marble of Neosho, who is now president of Associated Industries of Missouri, an organization that exists to lobby on behalf of Missouri's industries.
The representative who was dining on Marble's tab was Steve Hunter, R-Joplin, who not only was a state official dining with a lobbyist, which, of course, is perfectly legal...but he was also having his meal bought for him by his boss, since Hunter, an elected representative of the people of the 127th District, is also a paid membership recruiter for Associated Industries of Missouri.
If only Robert Ripley were still alive, he would have a field day with this.
Hunter topped area representatives list for lobbying gifts for May with $512.43, bringing his total to $2,783.26 for the first five months of 2006.
While he was bringing in $512.43 in gifts in May, other area representatives, Ron Richard, Marilyn Ruestman, Ed Emery, Bryan Stevenson, and Kevin Wilson combined for $143.67.
The biggest total on Hunter's list, $294.43 for meals, food and beverage, came on May 8 from Robert W. Wilson, lobbyist for Missouri Motor Carriers Association. He also received a $35 gift on May 12 from William Shoehigh, representing United Healthcare and $34.13 for meals, food, and beverage on the same day from Steve Jackson of the Jackson and Associates firm.
Ed Emery, R-Lamar- Emery brought his total to $102.51 for the year with $7.84 in May.
Ron Richard, R-Joplin- Richard is up to $720.20 in 2006 with $52 in May, led by $35.29 from Jay Reichard, representing the law firm of Governor Matt Blunt's brother, Andrew, Schreimann, Rackers, Francka and Blunt.
Marilyn Ruestman, R-Joplin- Ms. Ruestman did not have any lobbyist gifts during the month, according to the documents, and had $101.22 for 2006.
Bryan Stevenson, R-Webb City- Stevenson, who has received $837 in gifts during the first five months, received $21.79 worth of meals, food, and beverage from Missouri Southern State University lobbyist Kyna Iman in May.
Kevin Wilson, R-Neosho- Wilson's total for the year is $379.03, including $62.06 in May.
2 comments:
And Randy had a $3.98 cheeseburger while typing away at his blog.
Maybe, but I doubt if a lobbyist paid for it.
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