New senator opts for secrecy

Newly-elected Sen. Jack Goodman, R-Mount Vernon, did not take long to propose a bill that would close information to the public.
Goodman's recently filed SB 1214 would require votes by political parties attempting to select candidates to run in special elections to be closed to the public.
The more things that are closed to the public, the more influence special interests have. But then again, special interests have been kind to Goodman.
In the November 8, 2005, Turner Report, it was noted Goodman received more than $80,000 in campaign contributions during the last week of his campaign, mostly the legal, but ethically questionable laundering practice of receiving large amounts of cash from legislative district committees.
That money was used to pay for vicious personal attack television ads against his opponent, Nolan McNeill, advertising he probably did not need to win the race.
In the Oct. 10, 2005, Turner Report, it was noted Goodman received a considerable amount of lobbying gifts from the health industry during his final term in the Missouri House.