Senate Democrats plan to question Farber about Blunt donation

When Neosho banker Rudy Farber goes before the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee Thursday, Senate leaders will question him about the $50,000 campaign contribution he made to Governor Matt Blunt, just 15 days before Blunt appointed him to the State Highway Commission:

"Fifty thousand dollars to a governor who 15 days later appoints a man to this critical position throws up so many red flags," said Senate Minority Leader Maida Coleman, D-St. Louis. "It's certainly something that would make us seriously consider if this was a payoff for the appointment."

Blunt said Tuesday that there was no connection between Farber's donation and his appointment, and suggested those who are raising concerns were engaged in "partisan quibbling."

"I think one's not connected to the other," Blunt said.

Farber hung up the telephone when reached Tuesday by an Associated Press reporter.

"I'm sorry, I have no desire to talk to you," Farber said before even learning the topic of the conversation.