Hunter nears $1,000 mark in lobbyist gifts

Rep. Steve Hunter is up to his old tricks.
Documents posted today on the Missouri Ethics Commission website show the Joplin Republican received $928.62 worth of gifts from lobbyists during the first two months of 2007.
Despite this large amount, it appears Hunter is slowing down a bit since he received more than $1,000 worth of gifts in January 2006 alone.
Nevertheless, his total is far above the other five Joplin-area representatives.

Steve Hunter
During February, Hunter received $523.77 in gifts, led by $148.18 in travel and lodging on Feb. 7 from William A. Gamble, representing the Missouri Railroad Association, according to the Ethics Commission documents. Gamble is also the lobbyist for Ameristar Casinos, which longtime Turner Report readers will recall supplied Hunter with many gifts a few years back. After these gifts were reported on this blog, all of Hunter's gifts from lobbyists with Gamble's firm were reported as coming from other clients. Probably just a coincidence.
Hunter received gifts on 11 days during the month, including three meals on the same day he received the travel and lodging from Gamble. This included $11.86 from Jorgen Schlemeier, Gamble's partner, representing the Missouri Pharmacy Association, $27.25 from Samuel Licklider, Missouri Association of Realtors, and $29.22 from Richard McCullough, Missouri State Chiropractors Association.
Chris Liese, representing Isle of Capri Casinos paid for two meals for Hunter, totaling $104.55 on Feb. 13, according to the documents.

Ron Richard, R-Joplin
Richard, who has announced his candidacy for Speaker of the House, is second on the area list with $325.11 for the first two months, including $128.36 in February. The biggest expense, $39 came on Feb. 7 from James Harris, representing the J. Harris Company, LLC. Harris' other clients include Comcast.

Marilyn Ruestman, R-Joplin
Ms. Ruestman has $320.58 in 2007, with most of that, $243.37 coming on January 3 from Patricia Strader, Empire District Electric Company. She received $49.75 in February with $26 from David Martin, Empire District Electric Company, and $23.75 for a meal from Gary Burton, lobbying for Missouri Association of Insurance Agents.

Bryan Stevenson, R-Webb City
Stevenson's gift total stands at $250.66 with $121.52 coming in February. The top gift, $31.56 was a meal provided by former Rep. Gary Marble, R-Neosho, who is now president of Associated Industries of Missouri.

Ed Emery, R-Lamar
Emery has recorded $205.85 in gifts with most of that, $153.93, coming in February.
On Feb. 12, Emery received $35 for a meal and $12.50 for travel from Travis Brown, representing something called Missourians for a Better Economy, which was registered with the state in January with little other information provided. Brown is also the lobbyist for AT&T and for K12, a supporter of educational vouchers and provider of materials for virtual schools.

Kevin Wilson, R-Neosho
Wilson has received $145.53, the lowest amount among area legislators, including $119.86 in February. The biggest gift, $62.21 for meals, food and beverage, came from Robert Wilson, Missouri Motor Carriers Association.