Hunter top gift recipient

The 2005 Missouri General Assembly has concluded, so lobbyists' gifts will be decreasing for a few months, hopefully.
There weren't many in May, according to reports filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission.
Of the six state representatives and one state senator that this blog has kept its eye on, the May list was topped by Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, who collected $164.92 in gifts from lobbyists during the month.
Out of that total, $150, $100 for entertainment and $50 for meals, food and beverage came from Kent Gaines, whose clients include Monsanto, Premium Standard, and the Kansas City Chiefs. The other $14.92 for meals, food and beverage came from former State Rep. Bob Jackson, R-Greenfield, the lobbyist for City Utilities of Springfield.
As usual, among the representatives, it was Steve Hunter, R-Joplin, who received the most in gifts during May, but not by much. Hunter received $32.90 in meals, food and beverage, all from Heath Clarkston, lobbyist for the Home Builders Association of Missouri.
Bryan Stevenson, R-Webb City, received $32.65 for meals, food and beverage from lobbyists, including $22 from David E. Martin, lobbyist for Empire District Electric Company, and $10.65 from Beverly Ehlen, representing Concerned Women for America in Missouri.
Marilyn Ruestman, R-Joplin, received $28 for meals, food and beverage from David Martin of Empire District Electric Company. During the 2005 legislative session, Ms. Ruestman received $655.52 in gifts from lobbyists, with $364 of that coming from Martin.
Ron Richard, R-Joplin, received only $7.44 in meals, food, and beverage from Leslie Holloway, lobbyist for Missouri Farm Bureau.
Two representatives, Ed Emery, R-Lamar, and Kevin Wilson, R-Neosho, did not record any gifts from lobbyists in May. In fact, Wilson only received $145 in gifts for the entire session, with no gifts since January.
Emery had the second lowest total among the area legislators, $460.83.
The top recipient, of course, was Hunter with $1,426.36, followed by Stevenson $1,361.51, Richard $1,126.34, Ms. Ruestman $655.52, Nodler $474.33, Emery and Wilson.