Florissant senator leads Turner Report Hall of Shame

The Republicans may be in charge in Jefferson City, but it's the Democrats who are raking in the lobbyists' gifts in the Missouri Senate.
Missouri Ethics Commission documents show that even though only 13 of the 34 Senators are Democrats, seven Democrats are among the top 10 in gifts received during the first two months of the 2007 legislative session.
The Democrats hold the top three positions led by Timothy Green, Florissant, who has already compiled a whopping $1,166.47 worth of gifts, followed by Jeff Smith, D-St. Louis at $977.39, and Maida Coleman, D-St. Louis at $834.39.
Other Democrats making the Turner Report Hall of Shame are:
6. Wes Shoemyer, Clarence, $783.74
7. Ryan McKenna, Festus, $723.34
9. Chuck Graham, Columbia, $635.74
10. Rita Days, St. Louis $567.79.

The top Republican on the list was Luann Ridgeway, Smithville, who placed fourth with $806.93. Scott Rupp, Wentzville, fifth, $796.45, and John Griesheimer, Washington, eighth, $710.43.

The top southwest Missouri senator was Dan Clemons, R-Marshfield, who placed 12th with $513.35. Jack Goodman, R-Mount Vernon, finished 15th at $440.16, Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, 17th at $412.34, Norma Champion, R-Springfield, 25th at $181.64, and Delbert Scott, R-Lowry City, 27th at $106.84.

Two senators, Kevin Engler, R-Farmington, and Chuck Purgason, R-Caulfield, did not accept any gifts from lobbyists.

Timothy Green- The big-ticket items on Green's list included $371.90 for "food for inauguration" on Jan. 3 from James R. Moody, representing Integrity Home Care. Green also received $128.41 in entertainment, listed as "tickets" from Nicholas Frey, lobbyist for Stinson, Morrison & Hecker, and $144 for basketball tickets from MU lobbyist Martin Oetting.

Jeff Smith- Apparently, the Democrats were suckers for having that free food during the inauguration. Chris Moody, representing Missouri Care, provided Smith with $134.63 in free food for an inaugural ball, but that wasn't the only meal money to come pouring in for the freshman senator. On the same day, he received $250 for meals, food and beverage from Richard McIntosh, with the food purportedly provided for his lobbying firm, Flotron & McIntosh; and $123.29 from Matt Hill, with Hill listed as representing himself. Hill is also the lobbyist for a number of interests, including Burlington Northern Railroad.

Maida Coleman- On Jan. 26, Jorgen Schlemeier, Ameristar Casino lobbyist provided Ms. Coleman with $118 worth of travel and lodging and $28 for meals, food, and beverage. Schlemeier credited the expense to seven of his clients, including Ameristar, with six of them put down for $16.94, and the seventh for $16.97. Among other gifts- John Britton, lobbyist for Anheuser-Busch, provided her with $122.68 for meals, food, and beverage on Jan. 2.

Luann Ridgeway- Ms. Ridgeway's largest gift, $87.95, was from David Hale, Missouri Hospital Association, for a meal.

Scott Rupp- Most of Rupp's expenses came on Jan. 3 as he and many of our elected representatives had a great old time celebrating the inauguration (imagine how big it would have been if anyone had actually been inaugurated this year). On Jan. 3, Rupp received $119.43 from Jerry Burch, listed as representing Burch & Associates, for "inauguration reception at Capitol," $200 from Mark Rhoads,listed as representing The Rhoads Company, for meals, and $250 from David Hale of the Missouri Hospital Association for meals.

(Photos, from left, Timothy Green, Jeff Smith, Maida Coleman, Luann Ridgeway, Scott Rupp)