The reign of lobbyists in Missouri was solidified Thursday when the House and Senate approved a bill eliminating campaign contribution limits.
Again, the state Republicans showed contempt for the views expressed by their constituents at the polls. Just like a few years ago when they decided the voters did not know what they were talking about when they voted down a concealed gun measure, the General Assembly, in cavalier fashion, tossed aside the 1994 vote that placed limits on the amount that can be donated to candidates.
In doing so, they did not adopt a measure which would have prohibited legislators from working for lobbyists.
As you might expect, those voting in the majority (the measure passed by an 88-67 vote) included local representatives Ed Emery, R-Lamar, Steve Hunter, R-Joplin, Ron Richard, R-Joplin, Marilyn Ruestman, R-Joplin, Bryan Stevenson, R-Webb City, and Kevin Wilson, R-Neosho.
The measure was designed to prevent funneling money into campaign accounts from legislative committees, a practice which has mushroomed in recent years. Supporters said by removing the limits and increasing the reporting requirements that our system would be reformed. Apparently, no one considered the idea of simply closing the loophole through which candidates were able to rake in big bucks from committees.
This measure will keep lobbyists squarely in control, since they not only donate to campaigns (and now have no limits), but they arrange for the special interests they represent to donate, and also often work for candidates raising funds.
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