Goodman, Nodler above $400 mark in lobbyist gifts

Jack Goodman and Gary Nodler are tops among Southwest Missouri state senators when it comes to receiving gifts from lobbyists, according to documents posted today on the Missouri Ethics Commission website.

Gary Nodler, R-Joplin
One of the most irritating things about lobbyists' disclosure forms is when the lobbyist records that the meal came when he was representing his firm and not one of his clients. That is the regular habit of lobbyists Richard McIntosh and Franc Flotron, of Flotron & McIntosh.
The biggest gift on Gary Nodler's list for February, $100, came from McIntosh, with the client listed as Flotron & McIntosh. McIntosh's other clients include three with ties to the voucher movement or with strong anti-public school sentiment, and, of course, Nodler is the head of the Senate Education Committee.
McIntosh represents Edison Schools, Imagine School, and Missouri Charter Public School Association.
Thus far, Nodler has received $412.34 in gifts during the first two months.

Jack Goodman, R-Mount Vernon
Topping the chart for area senators is Jack Goodman, who has received $440.16, including $99.82 in February, topped by a $25.38 meal from Andrew Blunt's buddy, Jay Reichard, representing AT&T.

Norma Champion, R-Springfield
Norma Champion has received $181.64 in lobbyists' gifts, with most of it, $128.70, coming in February. Out of the gifts she has received in January and February, $98.23 has been in meals, food and beverage from Greg Johnston, lobbyist for the Missouri Health Care Association.

Delbert Scott, R-Lowry City
Scott received $119.86 in gifts in February and has received $145.53 overall. The largest gift in February, $62.21 for meals, food, and beverage, came from Robert Wilson, lobbyist for Missouri Motor Carriers Association.