It has been noted in earlier editions of The Turner Report that Sen. Jack Goodman, R-Mount Vernon, spent an incredible amount, well over $100,000 in the final days of his successful campaign to succeed the late Larry Gene Taylor.
An examination of Missouri Ethics Commission records shows Goodman paid more than #21,000 to Capitol Consulting LLC, a political fund raising operation headed by Donna J. English, former Missouri House communications director and the wife of Neal English, chief of staff for Senate President Pro Tem Mike Gibbons, R-Kirkwood.
The media buys recommended by the firm, which included numerous attack ads on Goodman's opponent, Nolan McNeill, D-Cassville, probably were not necessary for Goodman to win the election, but undoubtedly contributed to his padding the lead.
Capitol Consulting LLC is one of a number of political consulting firms directed by former legislators, aides and top party officials, including some which are run by registered lobbyists, who work to get politicians elected, then lobby them for favors. Ms. English is not a registered lobbyist.
While none of this is illegal, it again points out why it is so difficult to achieve any real reform in state politics. There is a vested interest in keeping the system the way it is as long as politicians are assured lucrative jobs as lobbyists or consultants when they no longer are serving at the whim of the electorate.
Capitol Consulting does fundraising. They do not do political or communications work. You suggest Donna's company put together media buys which is not what she or Capitol Consulting does. Just thought you'd like to know. FYI...if they were paid $21,000 then they raised around $200-220,000 for the campaign.
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