In today's article, Keller notes that Cooper's campaign treasurer Victor Gunn, who is contemplating a run for Cooper's former office, says Cooper's campaign money should have been returned to the contributors instead of being transferred to a 158th committee he set up earlier this year:
Last Monday, Gunn worked for several hours closing the books on Cooper's campaign account without knowing why, according to statements he made to the Southeast Missourian Thursday after Cooper pleaded guilty to two federal felonies. His last act as treasurer before terminating the committee was to move almost $66,000 to a political committee created in January, with Gunn as treasurer, called "Friends of the 158th."
In an interview last week, Gunn said he made the transfer under direction from Cooper and asked no questions. "It is a candidate committee and he can do what he wants," Gunn said at the time.
The article continues:
But in an interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Monday, Gunn said the money should be returned to donors, which is not allowed under Missouri law.
The money in the new committee's account is recorded as a donation from Cooper, the campaign committee doesn't exist anymore and, under a ruling from the Missouri Supreme Court, the continuing committee can only donate $325 to a House campaign.
When he becomes a candidate for the post, Gunn must give up his role with the Friends of the 158th, said Joe Carroll, director of compliance with the Missouri Ethics Commission.
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